Kia ora koutou Parents and Whānau
“Individual Growth through Challenge and Learning.” Our school motto has certainly been evident across all aspects of Northcross life recently.
On behalf of our school, I would like to extend a massive thank you to all parents and caregivers who supported our EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) programme this term. Whether you joined us for the action-packed week at Finlay Park or assisted throughout our Challenge Series, your contribution has been invaluable. These experiences simply cannot happen without your willingness to step in and help encourage our students as they take on new challenges. Your ongoing support ensures our students can learn and grow in environments outside the traditional classroom. We are so fortunate as a community that we can still offer these programmes. An acknowledgement to Deputy Principals, Christina England, Jill Haslam and Cara Bergin- Stuart, for organising and co-ordinating these programmes.
At Northcross, we believe the true strength of the Intermediate years lies in providing our students the opportunity to succeed across the breadth and depth of the curriculum. This week, we have seen this philosophy come to fruition through exceptional achievements in the arts—a field, I believe, that remains more vital than ever as we navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.
We were incredibly proud to see the Stuff and Nonsense team bring their unique, professional interpretation of Shakespeare’s Othello to the stage at Carmel College. For thirty-five twelve-year-olds to tackle such complex themes with maturity and energy is an outstanding feat that earned high praise from judges and audiences alike.
This creative momentum continued on the National stage with the results of the 2025 Stills National Photography Competition. From over 1,800 entries across Aotearoa, our students’ contributions stood out for their maturity and technical skill. Olivia Xu (Year 8 in 2025) achieved a remarkable double win, placing 1st in the Junior Category and 3rd Overall nationally. Huge congratulations also go to our Special Award winners: Yumo Cai (Nature’s Marvel Award) and Ashton Yat Long Leung (Best Landscape Photograph), alongside National Finalist Jake Packer.
Whether through the lens of Shakespeare or the (literal) lens of a camera, these students are developing, critical thinking, empathy, and creativity that will define their future success. Congratulations to all involved.
Finally, an acknowledgment and huge thank you to Mr Mark Jensen and Ms Louisa Grant for their incredible ability to mentor and motivate our students to achieve these fantastic results.
Thank you to all students who have taken up the challenge.
We close on the 2nd of April, reopening 20th April.
Important Upcoming dates:
- Public Holiday (ANZAC day observed): Monday 27 April
- Teacher Only Day: Tuesday 28 April – teachers will be focusing on the major changes to Maths Curriculum introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2025.
- Parent/Teacher interviews: Wednesday 29 April from 1:30 – 6pm. School will close at 1pm on Wednesday.
- Parent/Teacher interviews: Thursday 30 April from 3:30-6pm.
Please have a safe and enjoyable break, we certainly look forward to another great term ahead.
Nga mihi nui,
Jonathon Tredray
Principal
