A Message from our Principal

It can be hard to do the right thing, especially for a young person at a time when they are wanting to be socially accepted, they prefer not to stand out, and they are working out their own values system and identity as they become increasingly more independent.  At this time of life, we are asking a lot of them! Our Special Character Prefects spoke at assembly yesterday about Hope in God and our faith belief that God has a plan for each of us, trusting that he will walk the road with us and help carry much of the burden, stress, and worry, as we find our way in the world. Our Gospel Values at Trinity provide a great roadmap for ‘getting it right’. Respect – Aroha, Service – Manaaki, Justice – Tika, and Truth – Pono, are more than just words on our buildings and website. They are to be unpacked, understood, and used. I spoke at assembly of taking our ‘light on the hill’ out into our community by living our values. The small things we can do to show respect – by giving our seat up on a crowded bus, by opening a door for someone to show we value them, through smiles and greetings, serving our community through social justice projects, and so on. Small things that mean a lot to others and that don’t cost us anything.

Another way that schools help to alleviate the burden of trying to fit in, is through our routines, behaviour expectations, and school uniform. Uniforms create pride in our ‘brand’ but they also ensure that there is equity and a fairness in appearance between students. It is for both these reasons we challenge students who do not follow our uniform regulations. As part of enrolment, both the parent/caregiver and the student agree to follow the rules and expectations of the college – uniform and the way it is worn, is one of these. You will find an email sent to you at the end of this week that again explains some of the issues we are finding with uniform at present. Senior staff will be in all classes next week checking uniform and confiscating any non-uniform items. Makeup, lash extensions, and nail polish are expected to be removed. Uniform is exactly that – uniform for all. There is plenty of opportunity outside of school time to dress as they please. Thank you for supporting us in this and thank you to the majority of our students who wear our correct uniform well and with pride.

You will know that there is a nationwide push to raise attendance. Missing half days or longer affects learning. It would be scary for some to hear that over the course of their secondary years they have lost whole terms of learning. Please read the attendance articles that will be in coming newsletters. We want everyone to grow in their learning and potential – they need to be at school to do this. Catching up when they return is hard.

We have a busy few weeks ahead. I look forward to seeing you at the Athletics Sports and at our other scheduled parent evenings. Remember to keep a close eye on the live calendar on the website.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Kate Nicholson

Principal