Dear Parents and Whanau,
Welcome to our first NX Beacon/Ramaroa of 2024
As we embark on a new year at Northcross Intermediate, we’re delighted to share the positive and energetic start experienced by both our Year 7 and Year 8 students.
Congratulations to our Year 7 students who have smoothly transitioned into the Northcross Intermediate environment. They have certainly embraced our School Mission Statement, ‘Individual Growth Through Challenge and Learning’, by being involved in the many academic, sporting and cultural programmes offered outside the traditional classroom setting. Thank you to Year 7 students Lachlan Vowless and James Wallath, who every morning and afternoon for the last 5 weeks have raised and lowered the New Zealand, a responsibility they asked if they could undertake on their first day of school; certainly, upholding our Learning Dispositions.
A huge thank you to our returning Year 8’s who have stepped up as leaders, fostering a supportive environment for their younger peers. They’ve also seamlessly begun their own learning journeys, demonstrating continued academic and personal growth. A thanks to Kaius Aitchison and Nixon Robinson-Lea’aetoa for their outstanding efforts in leading the Karakia for the last year and a half. Their pronunciation and leadership have been much appreciated, with classes following their lead.
Both year groups are actively engaged in their classrooms learning. The term one curriculum focus is promoted through the Project Based Learning (PBL), Follow the Leader; Mā mua ka kite a muri ma muri ka ora a mua; those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead. This learning concept will promote thought-provoking discussions and cater to the different learning styles and interests of our students.
A warm welcome to new teachers joining our 2024 teaching team. They are; Byron Ayres, Hannah Dinley, Jack Waldock, Lerina Jacobs, Tracey Pickford, Nathan Bitting, Daniel Wyatt, Leane Barry and Emma Roycroft. We certainly look forward to your positive contributions throughout the year
Thank you to all parents and whanau who attended last week’s Year 8 camp evening, we trust you found the information informative and helpful. A special acknowledgment to parents/whanau who will assist the camping programme at Finlay Park.
Finlay Park situated on the shores of Lake Karapiro. This Outside the Classroom programme ultimately helps students develop important life skills like team work, communication, problem solving, leadership and responsibility while often out of their comfort zone. These skills are valuable not only in the camp setting but in all aspect of life.
Building self-confidence and overcoming personal challenges in a safe and supportive outdoor environment will help students build resilience and self-assurance.
The programme also allows for students to connect with nature, enjoying the many resources Finlay Park has to offer such as lake activities and camping in the outdoor camp areas provided. This can ultimately help foster a love of the outdoors and encouraging them to be respectful and responsible of our environment.
When talking to previous year 8 students, at the end of the year, regarding their most memorable moments of school, invariably they answer, ‘camp’! The programme creates lasting memories, providing them with unique and memorable experiences they will cherish for years to come. A huge Thank-you to Deputy Principal, Christina England for her organisation.
Our Year 7 students will experience outdoor challenges through the Challenger Series. This programme provides them with opportunities to develop essential life skills, foster an appreciation of the outdoors, teamwork, build self-confidence and create lasting memories, all in a safe and supportive environment. These benefits are crucial for our student’s overall wellbeing and development. Visiting Tiri Tiri Matangi (home of our lighthouse represented on our uniforms and the focal point of our school motto, ‘Lighting the Path to Success’), visiting our local Marae, and experiencing outdoor survival with Barefoot Harry, are some of the programmes offered. An acknowledgment of Juliet Hamblyn, Associate Principal, for taking on the organisation of the Challenger Series.
We look forward to providing school community updates of upcoming events, learning journeys, and student achievements through our school website https://www.northcross.school.nz/, the This Day Notices available on our website and via our NX Beacon (online newsletter).
Nga mihi nui
Jonathon Tredray
Principal
Additional Information:
- Kahui Ako Community Teacher Only Day 28th of March at Long Bay College. School closed for the day.
- Weather-tightness building programme starts 6th March with work being carried out on the Drama and Music rooms.
