Newsletter - October 2012 - Spotswood College

Principal Notes:Dear Students, Parents and CaregiversNga Mihi nui ki a koutou katoaToward the end of the school year people often ask if we are ‘winding down’ as senior studentsbegin external examinations and prizegivings are completed. The opposite is in-fact the case.Teachers are reviewing the year and writing annual reports, changing programmes and planningclasses and staffing for the timetable as well as running extra classes and tutorials for students toassist them meet their NCEA credit requirements and examinations study needs - it is a very busytime in the school year. It is however a most rewarding time of the year when we celebrateachievement, recognise success and farewell senior students who are leaving to begin work orfurther study. Listed below is a further reminder of the key celebratory events yet to be held: Senior Prizegiving - School Hall 7pm, Tuesday 6 November - school will close at 1.25pm forstudents and staff to prepare for this event. International Dinner - 6.45pm Plymouth Hotel, Thursday 15 November. Year 13 Dinner - New Plymouth Club - 6.30pm, Wednesday 5 December. Junior Prizegiving - School Hall, 11am Friday 7 DecemberStudent AchievementNZQA ExaminationsThe New Zealand Qualifications Authority Examinations (NZQA) begin on Friday 9 November. Allsenior students (Y11-13) now have their examination entry slip, and their examination timetable.Students have been briefed about the rules and procedures of these externally managed exams.Whilst Mr Parr is our NZQA Liaison Officer it is NZQA who manage and oversee the examinations.Please ensure that your child is well organized for these important exams, if you or your child haveany queries or concerns please contact us through the school office.Extra AssistanceSenior Deans Mrs Barnes, Mr Knapton and HODs have been working hard with students to assistthem complete tasks for their internal credits. Teachers have been offering extra classes andtutorials at lunchtimes and after school to assist students. Some classes will be running during theexams to further assist students, a letter was sent home about this and further contact with studentshas been made. Teachers really are going the extra mile to ensure students can achieve at theirbest and gain their NCEA qualifications. Special thanks to teachers for this extra work at such afrantic time of year.Board of Trustees Information 2013 Planning - The BOT have begun the planning processes for 2013; first draft of thebudget has been prepared, the 2012 Action Plan is being reviewed and ideas for our 2013plans are being generated by both staff and board.2013 Elections - BOT elections will be held in May of next year, if you are interested instanding for this exciting and important role please contact a Board Member or the Principal forfurther information.EOTC Review - The BOT has undertaken a major review of our Education Outside theClassroom (EOTC) Policy and Procedures. Whilst this review was planned for 2012 theParitutu tragedy added urgency and importance to the review process. You are invited to readthe revised draft policy and procedures which will be available from the school office onrequest.