Week 1 Term 1 has been an exciting week back for our staff and students. This has been the first time we have been able to have a full mihi whakatau welcome in a few years.
In assemblies this week I have been reminding students of our Waimairi-iri Burnside High School Vision and values.
Our Vision is:
Personal excellence and care for others
Our values are:
Manaakitanga : Be Respectful
Mana: Have Pride
Rangatiratanga: Strive to excel
I have spoken to all students this week about our expectations of them in reference to each of these values. We have high expectations of our students, this should be reflected in their behaviour, attendance and the way they treat other people.
For our staff team here I have spoken about the importance of reconnection and connection. We are hopefully back in a time where we are moving away from COVID restrictions and can build stronger face to face learning relationships.
In the first few weeks we would like to connect with parents and caregivers on the following evenings:
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Year 13 Parents evening – Thursday 9th February – 7pm
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Year 9 Parents evening – West Division – 13th February – 7pm
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Year 9 Parents evening – North Division – 14th February – 7pm
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Year 9 Parents evening – South Division – 15th February – 7pm
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Year 11 NCEA information evening – Tuesday 21st Feb 7pm
It will be a busy year for us. In addition to our programmes of teaching and learning;
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Our Year 10 students will be sitting their Literacy and Numeracy standards. These are corequisites for their NCEA qualification. The standards are externally assessed and students will need to pass them in order to be awarded any level of NCEA.
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There is a change to NCEA Level 1 that is being implemented in 2024, which means our staff are working hard to develop new standards this year, ready for next year. There are substantial changes to level 1 material and two Teacher only days have been allocated to assist with this large piece of work.
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Building works -Pukehinau – Our very large 25 classroom Science and Technology specialist building is underway this year – this is due for completion in 18 months.
Burnside High School gives students many opportunities, excellent teaching and pastoral care. If you, as a parent/caregiver have any questions or concerns or need support – be it pastoral support, subject specific support or financial support then please contact the school. We are here to support the learning of the students and we will do so in any way that we are able to. Your student’s Form teacher or Dean will be able to direct you to the people that can help.
There have been a very large number of positive comments about our new uniform which the Year 9 are wearing. It is important for our school identity that we have a smart, inclusive uniform that reflects the pride that we have in our school. The development of the uniform went through an 18 month consultation process and is a result of community, parent, staff and student feedback. There is no requirement for a separate Winter and Summer uniform. Introducing the uniform at Year 9 means that the students will get substantial wear from the items.
We acknowledge that in a time of a rising cost of living any uniform purchase puts pressure on families. We have always had financial help and support at the school if there are difficult circumstances, including hardship funds and payment plans. Please just ask. Despite having ordered in time for purchase we do still await some items of uniform due to shipping delays.
Burnside High School is a partnership between our staff, Whanau, students and the community. If you have questions, please contact us. We welcome feedback, including positive comments about how your child is being supported to succeed.
I look forward to working with all our staff, students and whanau over the coming term to ensure the success of your child at school.
Have a restful long weekend as we recognise Waitangi Day.
Ngā mihi nui
Andrea Griffin
Acting Principal Tumuaki
