Update for middle of Term 2

Talofa lava

As we near the midway point for Term 2, here are some important messages and reminders of key dates. It is a Teacher Only Day this Friday, and we are excited to host teachers from schools in our Kāhui Ako | Community of Learning for a day of rich professional learning. Students should study independently at home.

We are very proud of the way our students prepared for and committed to the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities last week, and we look forward to the results from NZQA next term.

Winter sport

The winter sports season is well under way, and we are thrilled with the noticeable increase in participation. This year we have entered 15 football teams (of which 6 are girls teams), 12 basketball teams, and 10 netball teams. Other codes include hockey and rugby, and it is the first time in several years that we have a girls rugby team. We thank all parents and supporters who support, coach, or manage teams. If you would like to help with a team, please contact the Sports Department. Whānau can access the weekly draw and results of the previous week on the school website: https://www.northcote.school.nz/extra-curricular/sport/sports-fixtures

School donations

We are grateful for all donations which ensure that our students have the resources and support they need to achieve academically and also have opportunities to participate and thrive in sport, cultural groups, performing arts, leadership and service. Any payment or contribution through myKindo, in full or in an adjusted amount per term to suit your budget, helps us to continue to offer current opportunities and resources for your children.

Road safety

The safety of our students is always a priority, and we have had a particular focus this term on transport safety. In assemblies and at form time, messages and resources have been shared with students to support road safety awareness. Please urge your child to cross Onewa Road responsibly at the lights, particularly if they catch the bus home up Onewa Road after school.

School attendance

The Ministry of Education has published guidance to support discussions with parents and caregivers about absence, the importance of minimising disruptions to learning, and positive re-entry to learning after sickness. Here is the link: https://parents.education.govt.nz/essential-information/attendance-every-day-matters/

Uniform expectations and staying well

The temperature has certainly dropped, so please make sure your child wears the warm uniform items. The uniform expectations are on our school website; hoodies are not to be worn by students in Years 9-12, and socks may not be worn with sandals. Our school supply of second hand uniform items is running low, and we would gratefully receive any items you have to donate; please drop them off at Harakeke | Student Reception.

There is interesting and useful information for parents about illnesses and knowing if a child is well enough to be at school at this Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora site: https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/childhood-conditions/knowing-if-a-child-is-well-enough-to-be-at-school-guidance-for-schools/

Rotary Charity Book Fair 11 - 13 July

The annual Rotary Book Fair is once again taking place in the Northcote College Hall in the July holidays. Books being donated to the Book Fair may be dropped off at the Z Stations in our area. Please see the flyer on our school website for details: https://www.northcote.school.nz/announcements/rotary-charity-book-fair-11-13-july-2024

SchoolTV

SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource that can support parents in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting. This resource “helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.” There is a link to SchoolTV on our school website and here: https://northcote.nz.schooltv.me

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school. We encourage you to stay in contact; if you have any queries, please contact your child’s Dean in the first instance.

Fa'afetai tele lava

Kate Meade
Acting Principal
28/5/24

Key Dates for the second half of Term 2

Week 5

Samoan Language Week
Friday 31 May: Teacher Only Day - no students at school

Week 6

Monday 3 June: King’s Birthday - school closed

Week 7

Monday 10 - Friday 14 June: Senior school exams
International Languages Week

Week 8

Aotearoa Schools’ Pride Week
Tuesday 18 June: Group photos
Thursday 20 June: Sports photos
Thursday 20 June 6-9pm: Northcote College Matariki Event

Week 9

Friday 28 June: Matariki Public Holiday - school closed

Week 10

Friday 5 July: last day of Term 2

11 - 13 July: Rotary Charity Book Fair: Northcote College Hall

Term 3

Monday 22 July: Term 3 begins - timetable Day 5

Saturday 27 July: Northcote College Open Day 12 - 3pm