Kia ora koutou,
This last week in particular, it struck me just how much stronger we are together, and how a shared purpose can help us help those who you entrust to us each day.
Since taking on this role, I have had the privilege of speaking to a significant number of parents on the phone, through email, or just by chatting next to a field. The common theme is that we all just want the best for our children. Sometimes that presents in different ways, and views don't always align, but as the Education Review Office says (it's their motto); "Ko te Tamaiti te Pūtake o te Kaupapa. The child – the heart of the matter". We live by that every day.
So how can we help each other? At school this week we are celebrating our Support Staff. Often unsung or not in the public view, these fine individuals help make this place tick. Teachers couldn't do their job without them, and we are incredibly grateful for their efforts...but a word of thanks and appreciation from a student would probably mean more to them than any morning tea we put on! Also, thank you for spreading the good news about CHS. No school is perfect, but it was heartening to see the community out in such force at our recent Open Day, with so many already fully committed to supporting our enduring legacy by enrolling early for next year.
Winter is Coming is famously from Game of Thrones but is also a Stark (ha-ha) reminder that it's time to wrap up in the mornings. Not everybody has been able to source uniform yet, however we remain in near-daily contact with our uniform suppliers, and we visit the shop at least once a week to see the real situation on the shelves. Stock landed on 5 May and 10 May, and more is on the way. Some sizes sell out quicker than others, and the supplier will adjust their orders to account for this ongoing. We can of course help each other by insisting that CHS uniform is worn during these colder terms. Our Deans have jackets for those who need them, and I remind you of the option to request support through the uniform page on the CHS website. I know it can be easy to overlook a teenager rushing out the door in a hoodie in the morning, but they will have it temporarily confiscated at school! Let's work together to build pride in the uniform so they make the right choices first time around, and not just on school grounds. Given the uniform supply challenges, we will permit tight fitting thermals (white, dark blue or black) under school shirts until these pressures ease.
Finally, some quick mythbusting about toilet facilities during the school day. There are always toilets open for students. For the most part this will be our Superloo toilet block, but S-block is also available, in particular when this is being cleaned, serviced, or is not yet open in the morning. The accessible toilet next to the Superloo is another option. Respectful use of facilities is important for all, of course meeting our value of Caring for People and Places.
I look forward to sharing more information about mid-year reporting and other matters regularly in the coming weeks, but in the meantime feel free to say hello alongside the field! So many students are involved in extra-curricular activities this term and I'm sure you can see the benefits of that, despite the early starts. It brings balance and teaches teamwork and resilience - key real-world skills.
For now, I'm off to recover from my Cross-Country run and wish you an excellent rest of the week.
Ngaa Mihi,
PL MCAVOY
Acting Principal / Tumuaki
