Principal’s Notes – April 2019

It has been a real pleasure to host approximately 350 parents and their children through the school during our Open Week.  This is their first step towards enrolment for 2020.  Of course, there was lots of interest in the wonderful new school growing up so fast now, but apart from a peep at this from the concerted courtyard, the tours took place in the fully functioning old school – and what a pleasure it is to demonstrate to parents and students the vibrancy and authenticity of a modern secondary school like Springs.  Parents noted the true empathy between teachers and students in the classes and visiting children mentioned the amazing things that our students were being taught and the range of subjects they could take.
I was also able to share with our visitors some outcomes from the latest NCEA statistics for Western Springs College/NGA Puna O Waiorea.  The one I am most proud of, and which resonates with all visitors, is that 74% of the grades we achieved in NCEA Level 1 last year were at Merit or Excellence level.  Grade quality has been a focus here, and this statistic is a real endorsement of that kaupapa.

This coming term, term 2, is the last we will spend in the old school with our shift into the new school planned for the term 2 holiday break, which remember has been extended to 3 weeks for Springs/NPOW students – July 6th to July 28th.
Today is the last day of an 11 week term.  We farewell Rusty Anderson from the PE department and Paraone Tai Tin from Nga Puna O Waiorea – Rusty to travel overseas, and Paraone to head to Gisborne for a teaching job there.  To all of our students, have a great holiday break and return to school refreshed for a busy term 2!
Ivan Davis
Principal