Newsletter November 2009 - Kamo High School

Dear Parents
Kia Ora tatou.
As we approach the end of the school year it is timely to reflect on another
successful year and to look ahead to new challenges and initiatives in 2010. This
year Kamo High School experienced significant and unexpected roll growth which
was well over the Ministry of Education predictions. This meant we faced a
number of challenges in terms of staffing and timetabling. It is to the credit of
everyone concerned that these were overcome with very little disruption to the
teaching and learning programmes.
Senior students are currently sitting their NCEA external assessments. In order to try and ensure that these
are given proper focus we have moved our Senior Prizegiving from its usual date of early November to
Monday 7 December. This key event in the school calendar will now be held at Forum North starting at
6.30pm. I encourage all parents of senior students to be there and join with the staff in celebrating the
achievements of our young people.
This year we have celebrated many successes in the Arts, Sport and Culture. The range and nature of these
achievements is evidence of the rich diversity which is Kamo High School. Our commitment to educating
the whole child is also reflected in these outcomes.
Next year we will continue to work toward this goal. The introduction of the Te Kotahitanga Programme of
teacher professional development and the changes to our daily schedule are two initiatives aimed at
raising student achievement, improving academic guidance, and building stronger, more effective
staff/student relationships. The investment of additional time in Whanau class will help provide for
students a significant adult, improved advice and guidance, and more effective communication. This time
will also be used for assemblies and all administrative functions, thus ensuring teaching/curriculum time is
safeguarded.
Over the next few weeks we will hold our Arts and Sports Awards. Congratulations to all those who are
acknowledged at these events. The talent on display at all our school events is remarkable and is a
reflection of the hard work staff and students have put in during the year.
Staffing – New Appointments
I am pleased to announce the following teacher appointments for next year. We are extremely fortunate
to have secured such well qualified, trained and committed staff.
• Joanne Hutt ‐ Assistant Principal
• Louise Carse ‐ Science / Mathematics
• Devan Ganess ‐ Information Technology / Mathematics
• Tony Henderson ‐ Science with Physics
• Margaret Inder ‐ Mathematics
• Emma Leyland ‐ English / Media Studies
• Bronwyn Prosser ‐ Science / Chemistry
• Mark Turton ‐ Information Technology / Retailing
• Peter Yeoman ‐ Technology / Graphics
www.kamohigh.school.nz