22 March 2025

Academic success was recognized on a national stage on Tuesday night, with 3 students being awarded The First Foundation Scholarship. They took to the stage alongside students from across the country at a fantastic ceremony in Mt Eden. The scholarship provides each student with a significant financial contribution to each of their planned 3 year degrees at University next year as well as work experience. However, the most valuable aspect of the scholarship is being partnered with an industry mentor for the duration of their studies. It was great for our students to see the success enjoyed by past recipients of the scholarship. The students who were awarded were:

• Pri Htoo Kay
• Melissa Toe
• Samuei Halapua

What each of these students have in common is their attitude toward their studies. Each realise that there are no shortcuts when it comes to succeeding in their courses, whilst natural talent gets them so far it is their motivation and perseverance that allows them to achieve at the highest level. They each set goals – both short and long term and regularly monitor their progress toward each of them. They also have the support of others – not least their families. We are hoping for an increased number of applicants for the scholarship this year.

A similar message was delivered to assemblies through the week – in particular to Year 10. 

Week 9 of Term 1 is a very important week in our calendar, it is the first opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet with subject teachers to discuss the progress of their child(ren) and to co-construct support that they can provide moving forward. Please refer to our detailed instructions for booking appointments if you haven’t already done so.

Youth Parliament 2025

Wednesday night saw Harveer Talwar presenting his vision at a function at the office of Cameron Brewer, MP for Upper Harbour. From a large number of applicants, Harveer had been shortlisted as one of the 6 final candidates vying for the position of Youth MP in Youth parliament 2025 representing Upper Harbour. Based on his presentation, he has a good chance of progressing further. 

An update on the visiting Canadians at the end of last week. Our First XV exhibited some good rugby in their first game of the season, scoring over 50 against their opposition. However, the real highlight of the afternoon was the performance of our Under 14 boys. Miscommunication from the Canadians meant that they fielded their Under 16 team for that game. Undeterred by they size and experience gap, our Under 14’s were just keen to have a run. Scoreboard aside, they played out of their skins – making great tackles, moving the ball well, and throwing themselves into the game. As mentioned, despite the score it was a real confidence boost for the boys, if they play as well as they did on Friday against opposition of the same size and age they will run well this season.