Kia ora Parents and Whanau
Thank you to everyone who attended our recent teacher/parent/student interviews. It was certainly very positive having our community back in school to attend face to face interviews. I trust you found the meetings informative, providing you with a clear understanding of how your child is achieving at Northcross in 2022.
Huge congratulations to all students who spent time writing and preparing their school speeches at the end of last term and into term 3. While visiting classrooms it was interesting to see all spare spaces such as corridors and covered outdoors areas were fully occupied with students writing or delivering their speeches to friends or recording on their phones. I even had students volunteering to come and present their speeches to me, wanting feedback (I haven’t had this happen before).
The culmination of speeches allows students to compete in the Northcross Speech Competition.
Just as importantly, speeches encourage and provide the experience for our students to confidently and positively communicate their views and articulate their thoughts on subject areas they are passionate about. The composition of speeches also allows for students to be actively engaged in their own learning, being able to articulate their thoughts in a range of future life experiences. There were many examples of well composed speeches throughout our classrooms, congratulations again for taking up the “Speech Challenge”!
Well done to all the Speech Finalists (see article in this Beacon for results) and thank you to Mrs Tui Bennett for her organisation of this event.
We are currently in the middle of our 2022 building programme with four classrooms currently under total refurbishment. This project is due to be completed on the 26th of September; unfortunately we have had to use the library and performing arts areas to accommodate students and teachers displaced by the refurbishment upgrade. The new classrooms and deck area will certainly be a stunning addition to our Northcross learning environment; we certainly look forward to inviting parents in to view the classrooms on their completion.
Another major project starting on the 5th of September (no displaced students for this one luckily) is the covering of our netball courts next to the technology block. The structure will be 30×40 metres allowing for more covered space during winter and shade in the summer.
2020 was the 50 year Jubilee of Northcross. Unfortunately the celebrations organised had to be canceled due to covid; it was very difficult to reschedule events during that time. One area we were able to work on with students, teachers and Board Members was the rebranding of our Northcross symbol, the Lighthouse; being 50 years old we felt it also needed a renovation (or modernisation).
Tiritiri Lighthouse – Built in 1864, the lighthouse is also one of New Zealand’s oldest – and Auckland’s first – lighthouse station. The lighthouse tower location is placed where an area is dangerous or important to navigation. The Lighthouse throws a very bright light that is beamed from its top by which ships are guided or warned. The lighthouse is a symbol of overcoming challenges, adversity or guidance. It is most commonly used to symbolise a way forward and help in navigating the world. Thank you to all those involved in the decision, a special acknowledgment of our Student Leaders who were insightful in their decision making.
At the end of Term 2, 20 Northcross students competed in the Toi Wearable Arts Competition. Northcross entered 15 garments across the various categories:Northcross also won 4 other awards: As part of the Toi Wearable Arts competition, students had the option of entering the additional creative photo challenge. Year 8 student Zara Latimer’s image of her garment Hine-kōrako was chosen from many entries from across the country. A stunning photo and great achievement for Zara and photography at NX.
What a stunning and busy term already as our athletes continue their preparation for the NZAIMS Games. This Intermediate and Middles schools sporting competition starts Saturday 3rd Setember until Friday 9th September. We have 10 teams and over 35 individuals representing Northcross at this National Competition. We certainly wish all students, staff, coaches and managers all the best.
Nga mihi nui
Jonathon Tredray
