23 August 2024

I’d like to start this weeks Panui reflecting on the tragic loss of a colleague and inspirational leader in education. The Kelston community was shocked at the loss of their Tumuaki Sarah Stenson, who sadly passed away last Friday, and those shockwaves spread through the wider community. The thoughts of the Massey community go out to Kelston at this difficult time.

As some may be aware, we had a short notice visit by the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon this afternoon. This is the third visit to Massey High School by a sitting Prime Minister (Helen Clarke and John Key being two previous).

Whilst there will never be complete agreement with policy decisions, the opportunity to highlight our school, our staff and students, and the innovative programmes that we offer, to the highest office in the country is one we do not take lightly. We appreciate that the Prime Minister gave time to visit Massey High School and listened to our perspective on certain policy decisions and the impact they have on our young people and community.

The Prime Minister was welcomed in Te Mahanahana, emphasizing the importance of the whare and all associated with it, and the central role it plays in the fabric of our school. We then embarked on a brief tour of the school, taking in some of our facilities – particularly those that received considerable community or industry support. We also visited our newly refurbished music block, The Garelja Family Whare Te Puoro, as an example of the importance of the Arts in school. Other topics of discussion were healthy lunches in schools, literacy and numeracy co-requisites, the value of in-school teacher training, and the need for a more pro-active response from the Ministry of Education to property requirements to ensure that our students have the facilities that they deserve. It was also an opportunity to emphasise the value of our teaching staff

The main focus of the visit was our Academies - in particular building and construction - and the Prime Minister had the opportunity to meet some of the young people in the programme, learning the importance of the pathways offered to them and how those pathways kept them engaged in education.

Arts Week

I’d like to thank all involved in Arts Week this week, from our student leaders to teachers in charge (and our Arts Co-Ordinator), through to those students who displayed their talent – whether that be through drama, visual arts, film, music, dance, or a combination thereof. Every Arts Week is a reminder of the immense talent our young people possess, and a reminder of the drive and passion of our teachers in the Faculty of Arts. It is also a reminder of the importance that the Arts (alongside other aspects of wider school life) has in the educational journey of our students.

This week also saw students from Te Whare Āhuru perform at Autaia alongside 10 other schools at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre on Wednesday night. Whilst I couldn’t make it (I was at the Soiree) our staff that did comment on the emotional impact of the performance and how our students really belonged on the stage. The training that took place over the past few weeks for the event paid off. Thank you to Whaea Danielle, and Whaea Lisa, and to whānau for their support.

Sports

Our Year 9 football team have had a great season, their final at Lynfield College (apart from a 10-minute period before half time) was a reflection of that – with our boys playing some great football in the rain. They’ve really grown as a team throughout the season. Despite the loss, they can all be proud of their achievements this season. I was also at the First XI game on Friday, and whilst it’s been a difficult season, they came away with an admirable 1-1 draw.

Congratulations as well to our Girls First XI who won their final on the Wednesday, capping another brilliant season.

I’m looking forward to our Year 9 and 10 Netball tomorrow at Te Pai Courts as they play-off for 1st place in their competitions.

Looking Ahead

Next week is Futures Week, so it is imperative that students are at their respective year level assemblies to receive important information about their subject choices for next year. We will also be acknowledging student achievement as part of Academic Week, including the bestowing of blue ties to students who have excelled this year.

The following week is Tournament Week and then we are into the Massey High School Exam window – preparations for which should be well underway by our students. The exam window will also provide opportunities for students to complete submission of various assessments.