Principal’s Message

Kia ora Parents and Whanau

It was exciting today, while attending the year 8 assembly, to view our rock band ‘Haze’ (picture above) performing their original song, ‘Vaccine’. This song would not be out of place on any commercial radio station! Band members, Hannah, Ashley, Zoe and Emma, certainly epitomize Northcross Intermediate learners. Students that are; confident/positive in their own identity; connected with themselves, with their peer group and wider global community; actively involved in their own learning and participants in a range of life experiences; critical and creative thinkers, problem creators and solvers who are engaged in inquiry and real life scenarios; and informed decision makers who able to actively participate in the wider society.

We are proud of our students and the way many have achieved so much so early on in the term. Well done.

An acknowledgment of our Board of Trustees who had their first meeting earlier this month, thank you Jared Cuff (chairperson), David Oakley, Tania Wansink, Steve Murray, James de Villiers, Kelly Young and Marc Rowlinson (staff rep) for their on-going commitment to our school. Over the last months we have had some major school projects completed. The completion of upgraded classes 46 to 49 has brought this redesigned block of teaching spaces into the 21^st Century (see pictures at bottom of the page.)

The massive sporting and cultural dome covering our netball/basketball courts is very near completion, adding an amazingly versatile space for the myriad of activities on offer at Northcross, especially in adverse weather conditions.
We have also just signed off on our adventure playground, completion date mid-June. This playground was designed by students in conjunction with the Playground Centre. Again it will create another area where our students will be challenged physically…..and where they can also have fun. All these project have been supported by our Board ultimately enhancing the Northcross learning experience.

One of the main highlights for many of our students over their 2 years at Northcross is the Education Outside the Classroom Experiences (EOTC). Many thanks to Deputy Principal Wendy Naidu who is overseeing the Year 7 Challenger Series of Water Safety, Awataha Marae visits, rock climbing, mountain bike riding, kite making, outdoor cooking and adventure and even a trip to our Museum. The Year 8’s head down to Finlay Park starting this week for their four day camping experience on Lake Karapiro – always something they look back on as one of their favourite Northcross adventures. Thanks to Deputy Principal Christina England who plans and oversees this programme. I wish all the students, staff and parents who will be attending one of the two camps over the next 2 weeks the very best and look forward to hearing about the activities, challenges, memorable moments and learnings that will be part of this incredible experience.