Kia Ora Parents and Friends of the College,

I would like to welcome you back to the start of the 2012 academic year at Katikati College. I trust that you and your family had an enjoyable time during the summer and have had a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. It is great to have all the students back at school and I am pleased to say they all look very happy at this stage of the year. I know the hot weather may make them a little bit uncomfortable at times but it is great to see such fine weather and the students enjoying being able to use the time during interval and lunch to get outside and get some fresh air.
Our results for 2011 have been very encouraging. While the students received their results early January, it took a long time for NZQA to release the results to schools. We have some interim results that I am happy to share with you at this stage. At Level One we recorded a 71.4% pass rate, at Level Two 90.2% and at Level Three 78.8%. These are very good results and on a National level it looks like our students have done reasonably well. Level Two students, our current Year 13 students, have done exceptionally well and a 90% pass rate is fantastic. I am greatly encouraged by the Year 13 result which reflects a 16% increase on the 2010 results of that Year 13 cohort. When we receive more information and confirmation of the results I will be able to pass out more detailed analysis as part of our 2011 Annual Report.
Our Year 13 students have been on a leadership camp during the first week of school. This has been an excellent camp and a chance for our senior students to identify their goals for the year as well as getting to know each other better. The camp has been extremely successful and during this time, leadership positions were confirmed and our Arts and Sports Captains were announced.
Coming up in the next few weeks, we have a number of very important school events. We have the Athletic and Swimming Sports which are fantastic events for the school and a way for our students to participate and enjoy the House competition. I encourage all parents and caregivers to come along, support their child and look at the fantastic way that our students support each other. There is intense rivalry between the Houses and it is great to see this competition.
Extra curricular activity: there are a large number of extra curricular activities that the school provides the opportunity for. For example, there are many sports on offer at Katikati College ranging from one off competitions to ‘have a go’ days to regular weekly sports. Students are offered opportunities to participate and find out more about these sports in the daily notices and regular meetings with the teacher in charge of that sport. However, over the years, there have been some students that have signed up to participate in various sports but have not paid the required fee for their chosen sport. There is no way that the school can carry the costs of these students. This year if a student does not pay their sports fee, they will not be allowed to play in that sport. We have a number of ways that parents can pay, for example automatic payments, and I encourage parents to explore all options. There are wonderful opportunities at this school and I would hate to see some students missing out because some arrangement cannot be made. I know things are financially tough for a number of people but the opportunities and benefits of extra curricular activities are very strong.
As I indicated in a newsletter last year, students in Year 10 will also have an amazing opportunity to participate at the Outdoor Pursuit Centre during this year. We have secured some Pub Charity Funding; Trust Foundation funding that has reduced the cost of this. However, students’ parents should still plan for the cost of this which will be around $300 to $400, if not a little more. We will look at fundraising and ways of reducing this cost, however this is an initial indication. Again, I know this places financial pressure on families and I have not taken this decision lightly. The Outdoor Pursuit Centre is a fantastic environment and has a significant impact on students. I see Year 10 as being a critical year for student development and having the opportunity for our students to participate in such an activity will, I think, make them stronger and more resilient individuals. I know that not everyone enjoys the outdoor setting but this is a chance for our students to participate in a unique experience.

Nāku noa

Mr N Harray
Principal

Please see below full newsletter version (including photos)