Principal's Newsletter - Kelston Girls
Principal's Newsletter - Kelston Girls
Principal's Newsletter - Kelston Girls
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K E L S T O N G I R L S ' C O L L E G E<br />
August 2010<br />
Principal’s <strong>Newsletter</strong><br />
Dear Parents<br />
This week, our school, along with all other Secondary Schools, sent their students home,<br />
on Wednesday afternoon. Teachers who are members of the PPTA are entitled to meet<br />
in a Paid Union Meeting, to discuss what directive to give their Executive for future<br />
steps in bargaining in their pay round. The negotiations for their Collective, with the<br />
Ministry representatives, have broken down. In fact a lot rests on not only successful outcomes for<br />
the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement but also the Principals’ Collective Agreement. This<br />
is because both Principals and Teachers are very aware that if we are to address the challenges of<br />
successfully meeting the learning needs of 21 st Century learners in New Zealand, as this Government<br />
asks us to do, then not only resourcing, but also ongoing professional upskilling for educators will be<br />
necessary.<br />
Our schools must be able to attract experienced and skilled teachers; schools should be able to offer<br />
smaller classes; health and safety issues in the school grounds need addressing; the ability to offer<br />
courses that meet the needs of students – these are all issues that you, as parents, are interested in<br />
too. We all want the best learning opportunities for your daughters.<br />
Whilst it was inconvenient to have your daughters home from school early, hopefully that inconvenience<br />
was for the greater good in the future.<br />
Senior Examinations:<br />
Year 12 and 13 students will have study leave during exam week, from Monday 13 th September to<br />
Friday 17 th September. Please ensure they use their time well, and that they have a study timetable.<br />
Year 11 students will remain at school to study when they don’t have exams.<br />
Maori Parents (Year 10 and 11) Hui:<br />
This was a well attended event, designed to advise parents on NCEA requirements AsTTle<br />
information and progress of their daughters.<br />
Linda Fox<br />
PRINCIPAL<br />
Important Dates<br />
Thursday 26 th August<br />
Board of Trustees Meeting 5:30 p.m.<br />
Thursday 26 th August<br />
Staff P.D. Afternoon – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Friday 27 th August<br />
<strong>Kelston</strong> <strong>Girls</strong>' College and <strong>Kelston</strong> Boys' High<br />
School, Prefects’ Sports Competition<br />
Monday 30 th August – Friday 3 rd September Sports Week<br />
Friday 3 rd September<br />
High Motivation applications close<br />
Monday 13 th September – Friday 17 th September Senior Exam Weeks<br />
Friday 17 th September<br />
Board of Trustees student rep. voting closes<br />
Tuesday 21 st September<br />
<strong>Kelston</strong> Pride Concert<br />
Thursday 23 rd September<br />
Board of Trustees Meeting 5:30 p.m.<br />
Thursday 23 rd September<br />
Board of Trustees student rep. result declared<br />
Friday 24 th September Last day of Term 3
Congratulations<br />
Soccer Team – Runner up in the Secondary School girls’ competition.<br />
“Bring It On” we weren’t placed but we were first in the semi finals. Congratulations to the girls<br />
for their effort and commitment and to Parehuia Nepe; Luisa Magasiva and Elena Bernardo for their<br />
Leadership. <strong>Kelston</strong> Boys came second in the finals. Way to go!<br />
Tenisia AngelKea has won the 2010 Trust Waitakere City Fine Art Award Scholarship in conjunction<br />
with Lopdell House worth $5,000. She has also won the Pat Hanley student membership award<br />
from the Auckland Art Gallery.<br />
From the <strong>Kelston</strong> <strong>Girls</strong>’ College Board of Trustees<br />
Dear Parents<br />
.The Principal has commented on the professional resourcing and specialist work of teachers in the<br />
21 st Century. I endorse her words and wish to add, that as the Chair of the Board, in the current environment,<br />
it is becoming very difficult to manage a thriving school when funding and resourcing is<br />
getting tighter and tighter.<br />
We know that many of our parents are struggling in the current economic downturn. Some of you<br />
have lost jobs, many of you have had your hours reduced. Some of you have had to move in with<br />
extended family. Here at school we have tried to help by offering the payment of fees in instalments,<br />
the Second Hand Uniform shop, and the Hardship fund. We want to continue to provide these services<br />
but it is becoming very difficult.<br />
If the present levels of funding continue, then 2011 could be a difficult year for everyone.<br />
This weekend the Board is meeting to review its Strategic Plan from 2005 to 2010. We will be constructing<br />
a new plan. To help us get an accurate picture of our school community, we will shortly be<br />
posting a survey to you to complete and return to us as soon as possible.<br />
Maori Community Hui<br />
Two meetings have been held. Kuia Anne Basham and Mihi AngellKea are our representatives.<br />
The next meeting date is 8 th September 2010 – 6:00 p.m. at <strong>Kelston</strong> Primary School. Maori parents<br />
are invited to attend.<br />
James Prescott<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
BOARD OF TRUSTEES<br />
NCEA candidate entry fees are due before September 10th<br />
After this date fees must be paid directly to NZQA with a $50 late payment fee.<br />
There are TWO weeks before the deadline and we are happy to accept part<br />
payments.<br />
40 HOUR FAMINE RESULTS<br />
Our Grand Total is $1450. Top classes are 12JS with $324, 9HM with $274 and 9BY with $165.<br />
Top students are Zahra Jiba (12MD) with $142, Many thanks to all participants and sponsors.
The Homework Centre<br />
Who is it for?<br />
Why Go?<br />
ALL <strong>Kelston</strong> <strong>Girls</strong>’ College students are welcome Juniors and Seniors<br />
Term 3 is a critical term for all students. You can:<br />
Start revision for external Achievement Standards.<br />
Organise notes and folders.<br />
Complete internal assessments/homework/class work.<br />
Prepare for senior practice examinations and Junior<br />
examinations<br />
Get extra help from teacher and students.<br />
Read to improve literacy.<br />
NEWSFLASH!!!<br />
Student Demand Leads to Extra Homework Sessions<br />
In Term 2, the Student Academic Committee surveyed students to see what extra help they<br />
needed. As a result, in addition to the normal services provided by the Homework Centre, senior<br />
students will be available to help tutor in specific subjects three nights a week.<br />
In Term 3 the HOMEWORK CENTRE will be open at the following times:<br />
Tuesday and Thursday 3.30 – 4.30 AND Wednesday 2.30 – 3.30pm.<br />
Well done and thank you to the Student Academic Committee, our Librarian Mrs Bearman,<br />
and to the teachers who have offered to help.<br />
Maths and English tuition Boost your Child’s confidence and education with<br />
NumberWorks'nWords specialist after school tuition. We provide individualised<br />
instruction in maths and English for students who are struggling to keep up and<br />
those bursting to race ahead. Phone now for an assessment and introductory<br />
lesson.<br />
Phone 828 8090 or visit www.numberworksnwords.com for more information.
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