NL June 2012 - Hutt International Boys' School

Key Dates for
your Diary:
• 29 June - Reports
posted to Years 7-9
• 16 July - Start of
Term 3
• 11 Aug - PSA
Function ‘Diamonds
on Ice’
• 20 Aug - Mid Term
Break
• 25 Aug - HIBS Senior
Ball
Inside this issue:
From the
Principal
1-3
Congratulations 3-4
From the Office 4
1st XV Rugby
Naming Rights
4-5
Library News 6
PSA News 7
Science Fair
Results 2012
8
Name the
Canteen
8
Co-curricular
Sport
9
IS Keep Cups 10
HIBS Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
As we approach the end of another busy term, I
reflect on two issues; social networking and
ERO.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
Social Networking online is a part of most of
our teenagers daily lives and presents issues for
Schools and parents. Young people have
become high users of modern technology.
Students are sharing photos, music videos and
sometimes all sorts of intimate information with
friends and possibly strangers.
Like any other aspects of the internet, social
networking sites suffer from the pervasiveness
of misuse. Many invitations from friends to sign
up are disguised to deceive. Credit card
fraudsters and sexual predators prey on the
young and innocent. Even if users are not
looking for these sites the sites often find them.
Policing these sites is difficult and social
networking is here to stay. Talking to people,
getting together in person and visiting people
seems more and more to be less meaningful.
I urge you to talk with your sons/daughters
about the possible dangers with online social
networking.
ERO
Recently ERO visited HIBS for two weeks to
look at how well your sons are being educated.
While ERO reported back verbally each day to
me and other senior managers, as well as the
BOT at the conclusion of the visit, the formal
report will not be available for at least four
weeks. I still would like to share with you some
findings they have reported.
ERO observed 22 teaching lessons at HIBS,
reporting that teachers are well prepared, have
good paced lessons, good use of ICT and the
students are focused and confident. Very
evident is the trust and respect for students and
teachers within the classroom.
June 2012
Students are questioning well and are well
directed by the teachers. There is high
expectations, purposeful engagement and
individual needs are being met.
The ERO team also observed that clear values
are evident at HIBS and the context of the
HIBS environment is excellent. Pastoral care
through the House system is excellent and fully
supported the special character of HIBS.
A good junior curriculum programme is in
place and good guidelines in the Senior
programme. The special character is reflected
in the school curriculum and is tied well to the
New Zealand curriculum. There is a strong
balance between students academic and
pastoral needs.
One statement I was pleased to hear was:
“HIBS is a place where a boy can be himself”.
More comments were - a strong partnership
exists between students and staff. Staff subject
knowledge is strong. Staff respond to the needs
of students and this creates a highly engaged
learning environment.
Comment was also made on the year 10
development programme and its success in
preparing our year 10 students for the future.
In the administration of the school they have
commented on the good leadership by the
SMT, the clear governance and management
between the Boards and the Principal and the
great involvement of parents in the community
of HIBS.
Overall the verbal feedback has been extremely
positive and we look forward to the written
documentation.
I extend my thanks to all of the community for
the preparation and portraying of HIBS as a
great and vibrant educational institution. We
can all be proud of this school.