Star Board Term Three Week Seven

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

Today we started our day with an Assembly to acknowledge the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Three prayers were read: first by me,

In recognition of the Death of our Queen- Queen Elizabeth II has died at the age of 96. Her family were by her side in Balmoral Scotland.

Our Head girl Ava Rickey and Deputy Head Girl Jiya Patel then delivered a modern-language prayer drawing inspiration from the book of Philippians.

We closed with our Blessing and Dismissal from Pastor Wendy. Your daughters were wonderfully respectful of the solemnity of this moment.

Special Leave requests

I have seen it as appropriate to put this back into the Newsletter given the closeness of DGEs (Derived Grade Exams) and Common Assessment tasks being undertaken by seniors.

The core business of every school is teaching and learning, and both are exemplary in our school. But (don’t you detest that coordinating conjunction, because what follows this word is often a sobering note), for both these things to be successful we need the girls in class.

Interruptions are the bane of any school’s existence. I am mindful of those we create, and we consider the impact of such interruptions when planning. By the same token we need you as parents to help us by not taking your children out of class. I have had to disappoint some folk in recent days because I have not approved Special Leave to attend events. I appreciate the honesty but events like concerts as an example, will not be called a Justified absence.

I do not decline these requests because I want them to miss out on things they have chosen to do; I do this because they are meant to be in class. The Ministry has Attendance criteria with which we must comply:

• Explained absence: An absence for which the explanation is accepted by the school as the reason for the absence. The decision on whether an explained absence is ‘justified’ or ‘unjustified’ will be largely determined by the school’s attendance policy. (See note below)
• Justified absence: An explained absence within the school’s policy as an acceptable reason for the student to be away from school.
• Unjustified absence: An absence that is either unexplained or, explained but the explanation is not within the school’s policy as an acceptable reason for the student to be away from school.

These are the stipulations we provide for our school processes, and you will read on the second page of the pink Special Leave form:

M- Not in class; Student absent due to short-term illness/medical reasons Student is at home, or in hospital, because of illness or other medical reason. Depending on school policy a medical certificate may be requested for prolonged illness. eg three days, or as policy requires. (Justified)

J- Not in class; Justified absence – reason for absence within the school policy

• Unplanned absences such as a bus breakdown, accident, road closure, extreme weather conditions etc.
• Planned non- attendance such as national/local representation in a sporting or cultural event in New Zealand or overseas.
• Approved absence (including overseas) can also include bereavement, visiting an ill relative, exceptional family circumstances or a Section 27 (Justified).

E- Not in class; Student is absent with an Explained, but Unjustified reason. The explanation for the absence is accepted by the school as the reason for the absence. But the reason does not fit within the school's policy as a justifiable reason to take the student off school. (Even though the parents may consider the absence was justified and may have provided a written explanation). E.g. “Molly had to stay home to look after her younger brother”. For New Zealand and overseas holidays use code "G" (Unjustified).

G- Not in class; Holiday during term time When a student is on a New Zealand, or, Overseas holiday during the school term, the absence is Unjustified. A parent's note does not provide justification. (Unjustified).

The impact of absence on achievement and assessments is fairly evident. The impact caused by COVID 19 absences have also interrupted academic programmes. Success increases exponentially by being present. But like all schools, we have systems and policies in place to protect those for whom absence from class is unavoidable. By the same token we expect everyone to adhere to those processes.

If I approve a Leave request, especially that of a Senior, I am also accepting of her reasons based on the prescribed criteria. This is vital in the Assessment process and such approvals are considered for NZQA data.

If I do not approve the request, one cannot expect leeway with assessments. The conditions for assessment must be fair to all.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori

This week saw those of Tongan descent celebrating their culture.

12-18 September sees us celebrating Te Reo Māori. I have commented previously that every wiki is Te Wiki o Māori for me so with gusto I write that I am proud to be Māori.

Kindness costs nothing

Two of our Values- Compassion and Inclusiveness are all about Kindness. In fact, all the Values have Kindness at their core. This week our focus was Inclusiveness- at its core KINDNESS.

A Harvard University expert has said that ‘Kids who grow up kind have parents who are kind and do these things below’.

My own children are the kindest people I know and when I read this research, and thought you know what? this is what my parenting role modelled. We will also do our bit as staff to model:

1. Live kindness as a core value
2. Tell your children kindness is a priority, The most important thing is that you are kind." Basically, if it is not kind then do not do it".
3. Expand your child's circle of concern. Every child starts out with a small universe of people they care about. It's our job to help them extend that circle out to others
4. Help children manage destructive emotions and avoid mean-spirited behaviour
5. Practice, practice, practice. It is especially powerful when your child practices to always express gratitude.

You like me want many things for our kids: for them to be happy and successful, to do well in school and to ultimately be better prepared for the real world. We also want them to become many things, none more important or impactful than if they turn out to be honest-to-goodness kind. Kindness is the antidote to so much of what is wrong in the world today but is like having your cake and eating it too.

Have a great and safe weekend

Ngā Mihi Nui

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note from Jo Booth

Last weekend our Junior A Netball team played in the College 1 Grade finals and won 31-17 vs Wairarapa College Senior C team. This was a great way to finish as they did not lose a game in the local competition all season.

The nice thing about this team is that there is a 50/50 split of daygirls and boarders. Playing any sport, is a great way to connect with others and develop a strong sense of belonging at school.

I strongly encourage all girls, whether day or boarding, to make the most of all the opportunities available at St Matthew’s.

Jo

Y7/8 Netball

Well done to our Year 7 / 8 team who came 1st in their Grade for this season. Coached by our school Librarian Mrs Bate and Tutor Bronte Robinson. They had a very successful season and won the finals 18 – 14 against Eketahuna.

House Music Week 8 Schedule

Tournament Week

Photography Workshop

The Year 7 / 8 Department attended a Photographic workshop at Aratoi during the week. We studied photographs that were on display in the Gallery and then attended a workshop. These photos show some of the students setting up their displays and playing with angles and light to capture their best photo. We were asked to supply 10 photos to go on display at Aratoi. The students now have some great ideas for the photos they will put in their newspapers for the Times Age newspaper competition.