Star Board Term One Week One

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

The devastation caused by these extraordinary weather patterns has affected us all. However, I call to mind those in Auckland and northern areas and ask that we keep them in our prayers.

Closer to home, what an amazing start to the year it has been. Yes, it has been muggy, yes it has been wet, but Oh Yes it has been joyful and positive beginning for us here at St Matthew’s.

Waitangi weekend is perfectly placed to be fair. It allows for schools to get back to business as required but with the opportunity for those new to us to cogitate over their recent learnings; and perhaps return those incorrect shoes or remove that gel nail polish.

NCEA Results

As we went into examinations last year there were concerns around the nation about how students might fare.

However, students were eligible for up to eight learning recognition credits at level two and three, and up to 10 at level one awarded at a rate of one for every five that students had achieved through assessment. With those taken into account, students began the end-of-year exam period with a similar number of credits as in previous years.

As reported by NZQA it was a demonstration of “the efforts of teachers and students to catch up on lost teaching, learning and assessment opportunities, following the disruption from Covid-19 earlier in the year.” The credits helped to reduce the impact of the disruptions caused by the earlier part of the academic year.

So how did our students do? The provisional results for those who participated in a NCEA year: Level 1 100%, 100% Literacy, 100% Numeracy; Level 2 100%; Level 3 98%. I am incredibly proud of them, and I have thanked both St Matthew’s and Rathkeale staff for all they did to assist our students. I thank you as whanau also for the support you give to your young ones.

We are currently closely analysing the results and what we can do to our programmes to further meet the needs of our students as a consequence of our learnings from 2022.

Special Leave requests

I write this every year so that there is no confusion I am writing it again.

The core business of every school is teaching and learning, and both are exemplary in our school. But for both these things to be successful we need the girls in class. Interruptions are both the bane and opportunity creating moments of any school’s existence. I am mindful of those interruptions we create, and we look carefully at these and the impact on the learning process. By the same token we need you as parents to help us by not taking your children out of 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:

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. 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 accept 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 accept the request, one cannot expect leeway with assessments. The conditions for assessment must be fair to all.

Here is the URL regarding attendance codes : https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/Documents/School/Running-a-school/School-finances/Resourcing/Attendance-Codes-2022-October-Word-A4.pdf

School Leaders

This Wednesday we commissioned our Prefects. A commissioning is the act of granting certain powers or authority to carry out a particular task or duty. Their duty is to be student leaders of our years 7-13 flock.

We are very excited about what our 13 Prefects and the year 13 student body will contribute to their school.

Emma McLeod

Our Head girl is back on deck and assuming her role after a successful tour with the NZ U19 Cricket team. Like the U19 team there were signs that she would move up our batting order to be our leader.

We are very proud of all she has achieved and already I hear whisperings in the grounds of young ones looking to emulate Emma.

Have a safe and enjoyable Waitangi weekend

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note

We have had an excellent start to 2023 in boarding at St Matthew’s. With both houses almost at capacity, there is a fabulous vibe which is lovely to see, hear and feel.

This year there is a strong focus on student leadership in boarding, which has seen the introduction of a Year 13 Leaders Apartment in Main House. Below are our current Year 13 Boarding Leaders who have spent the first week connecting with our younger girls afterschool, during prep when help is needed, and in the evenings when rostered on. Left to Right: Kate Speedy, Zoe Kreyenhop, Hester Radford, Hope Eales (Boarding Prefect), and Sam Plimmer. Next week the Year 11 Boarding Leaders will be introduced.

In addition to the focus on student leadership, we are also keen to see all boarders making the most of the opportunities available to them and getting them involved in a variety of activities. This photo was taken after our first round of twilight netball in Carterton. The plan is that over the next 6 weeks, we will take a different set of boarders down to play every Wednesday. Thanks to Maya, Maddy, Maggie, Jorja, Maia, Jorja, Risha, and Jelaina (a mix of Year 11 and 12’s) for getting stuck in despite the downpour!

While on duty earlier in the week, Miss McCoy found these Year 7&8 boarders enjoying an early morning chat before starting their day. The lovely thing is that all of the Year 7&8 boarders who were in the house that morning were together. Great inclusiveness girls… love it! Left to right: Ella, Heidi, Charlotte, Ella, Vienna, Annabelle with Abi in front.

Year 7&8 photo to go here

Enjoy the long weekend and a reminder that both boarding houses will reopen at 7pm on Monday night.

Staff Spotlight

We are very fortunate to have three new staff members join us here at St Matthew's. This week's spotlight is on Andrew Atkins, our marvelous TIC of Music & Drama, Katherine Cronin, our fabulous TIC of Food Technology and Rachel McKay, our sensational SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator).

2023 Term Dates

• Term One - Monday 30th January to Thursday 6th April
• Term Two - Monday 24th April to Friday 30th June
• Term Three - Monday 17th July - Friday 22nd September
• Term Four - Monday 9th October to Saturday 2nd December

Community News and Events

It is with pleasure that St Matthews Collegiate is hosting an event for parents of toddlers to teens about Raising Body Confident Children on Thursday, 16 March at 7.30 pm.

Emma Wright is an internationally recognised expert on how to raise children to have a healthy relationship with food and their body. Having worked with hundreds of parents in her coaching practice and online programs, Emma has proven that conventional methods to prevent body image issues are flawed and offers a powerful new approach to those who are worried and frustrated.

In a world where many of our young people are bombarded with distorted images of perfection, Emma’s toolkit of proactive strategies is particularly relevant. This event is open to all, so please share with friends and families inside our Wairarapa Community.

At this event you'll learn how to:

• - nurture a positive relationship with food,
• - deal with sugar so they don't sneak it, or eat without being able to stop,
• - promote body diversity,
• - body-positive social media use & screen contracts,
• - what to say if your child says they hate their fat body,
• - support a child who has been 'body' bullied,
• - prevent eating disorders

When: Thursday 16 March, 7.30 pm–9 pm

Where: St Matthews School Auditorium, 33 Pownall Street

Tickets: Gold Coin donation. Tickets are limited and will be in strong demand. Please register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-raising-body-confident-kids-tickets-485629540027