Ad Augusta May 2012 - Takapuna Grammar School

Principals Report
2
Dear Parents and Guardians
We are enjoying the peaceful yet vibrant environment of
engaged, learning students at present, as we work with
them through important content and internal assessment
activities. It is a gratifying experience for us all.
Many of you may have noticed the recent changes to
the website, particularly in terms
of its function and navigation.
We look forward to adding more
images to the website in the next
fortnight, updating the current
stock with more recent images
and photography. I would also
like to promote the section “From
the Principal’s Desk” which
is updated fortnightly, a more
conversational piece on the most
recent developments and issues of
the school.
Those who follow this update will
be aware of the restoration of the
main block. This signifi cant and
important work will start next year. If you are interested in
a general description of this work I encourage you to have
a look at the latest update of “From the Principal’s Desk”.
I will continue to update the community as time progresses
and the details become clearer.
Winter sport is well underway. I have been impressed with
the commitment of students, parents, community groups
and individuals who support our codes. Most recently, I
watched the First XI Boys’ Football team playing Mount
Albert Grammar in one of their fi rst games in the premier
grade. I was very proud of our students and the commitment
they made playing in a more diffi cult and challenging grade.
I wish them and all codes all the very best for this season.
We are progressing very well with the implementation
of International Baccalaureate. Staff are trained and we
are well prepared for some visits from the International
Baccalaureate Asia/Pacifi c Branch later this year. Mr.
Holding is surveying the Year 11 students, the fi rst cohort
to be given this choice, this week.
The purpose of this survey is to
give the school some concept of
the numbers of students intending
to take up the International
Baccalaureate option. It does not
commit students to fi rm option
choices for next year at all, it simply
will assist us with planning for
2013. All students will be making
their fi nal option choices later in
the year, as usual. Mr. Holding and
I will be talking to Year 11 students
directly next week, outlining the
two very valid assessment options
for students next year, NCEA and
the International Baccalaureate.
Thank you for your continued support of the school. We
appreciate the depth of this support and encourage you
always to make contact you have any questions or if things
are less than satisfactory at principal@takapuna.school.nz.
Regards
Simon Lamb
Principal