Principal’s Address

Term 1, Week 2

Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau,

It has been an incredible start to the year. Between the energy of our pōwhri, Mauri ora Clubs day and the return of our Year 9 campers, the wairua across the school is awesome. As we settle into the term, I want to share some important updates rooted in our themes for the year: demonstrating kaitiakitanga and holding high expectations for ourselves and each other with aroha. 

Celebrations: Pōwhiri, Camp & Clubs

• New ākonga Pōwhiri:   This was a beautiful start to the year at our school marae Te Mana Whenua o Ngāti Toa.  It was fantastic to see so many whānau there.  A huge welcome to our new Year 9 cohort and students from other year levels.  You are all part of the Mana whānau now.

• Year 9 Camp: A massive mihi to the kaimahi, kaiako, and tuakana who made the Year 9 camp such a success. The connections and positivity from this event will be everlasting. There are more photos and stories to come!

• Mauri Ora Clubs Day: It was fantastic to see ākonga signing up for everything from Chess to Yearbook, Writing and Choir to Cook Island Group, Kaupapa Māori (mau rākau, kapa haka, waka ama, manu korero), and Hauora or Ngāti Toa Rangatira support.

  

• School Spirit: Our Thursday assembly was a “cracker,” ending with a powerful rendition of our school chant. Check out the video on our Facebook page.

Uniform & Pride: High Expectations

To foster a sense of unity and pride, we are streamlining our uniform expectations. We expect all ākonga to wear the Mana uniform with pride from head to toe.

• The Standard: All accessories must be plain black. This includes shoes, socks, Roman sandals, Birkenstock sandals, caps, beanies, and jackets.

• The Change: We acknowledge that white socks have been worn in the past and this change may be an inconvenience, but consistency is key to our collective identity.

• Not Permitted: Please note that any Hoodies, Crocs, and/or Slides are not part of the school uniform.

Kaitiakitanga: Caring for our Space

A major focus this year is kaitiakitanga. Looking after our environment, each other and our learning. We want to see every ākonga taking pride in our campus by keeping our kura clean, tidy, and rubbish-free. Please ensure all litter is placed in the bins provided.  Be a tidy kiwi!

• Student Parking Changes: The Marae carpark is now strictly for staff. Unfortunately, this area had become a hangout spot with significant rubbish left behind. This starts officially on Monday 9th February.

• New Student Parking: We are establishing a dedicated student parking area alongside D Block (the former Build School site).  While this is finalised, all senior students please park on the street.

  

• Student Leadership: I am calling for student assistance to help design a safe, respected, and cared for parking area as above, including the development of a robust system to register student licenses and vehicles.  Please email or come and see me if you’re interested.

The Week Ahead: Timetables & Routines

As we formally start the timetable on Monday 9th February next week, we ask for your patience.

• Senior School: There may be some shifts in the senior school, particularly in Year 11, where large class sizes necessitate some changes.

• Daily Essentials: A reminder to be on time every day, keep phones at home, and bring your own device (BYOD).

• Bell Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays: Finish at 3:00 pm.
  Wednesdays: Earlier start than the last few years at 9:30 am.

  

We are so excited to have everyone back. You belong here, you are welcome here, and we expect the very best of you.

Akona te mahi pai – Learn to do the good/right thing.

Mauri ora and enjoy the long Waitangi weekend.

Jeff Chapman
Tumuaki | Principal
Kāreti o Mana | Mana College