2018 promises to be another exciting year for MHJC. Several initiatives will build on and strengthen our vision three of which I will highlight:

1. Innovative, personalised learning will be promoted with the use of digital platforms – Reading Plus and Maths Buddy have been used successfully for many years and we will be adding Education Perfect to this suite in English and Science. This is an important step as these learning areas will be able to lead the way in maintaining our reputation as a school which uses cutting edge pedagogy;
2. Students in Year 10 will be able to utilise the “Enrichment” aspect of the DEEP programme to investigate an “Inquiry” project. This has been successfully completed by accelerate classes in the past (and the year 9 and 10 accelerate classes will continue to be involved) but has been extended to include any student who has the talent and passion in a particular field of study to extend themselves in external competitions like IPENZ;
3. Students in year 7 and 8 will benefit by the inclusion of “Option” subjects into the planning of contexts. Every Whanau will include one of STEM (including coding, robotics and gaming for learning); Technology; Visual Arts and Performing Arts (dance, drama and music) every term as a “chunked” learning opportunity, three sessions a week. E.g. Year 7 and 8 students in Forest will have Performing Arts in Term 1 then Visual Arts in Term 2 and so on. This will strengthen our provision of specialist teaching and the benefits of an integrated curriculum where students can see the connections between learning areas within a broad context.

More will be revealed as the year unfolds but may I wish every member of our community all the best for a richly rewarding year in which our students are guided and supported to collectively “grow their greatness”

Kia mana ake!

Last Saturday two of our cricketers, Benson Ireland and Tannin (Ross) Khurana scored centuries against Kings’ College which is an amazing achievement saying much for their batting ability and powers of concentration. What is particularly pleasing is that when I congratulated them they both felt proud of their achievement but would have felt even better had the team won (the boys fell short by 8 runs in a high scoring game).

Cricket, like many sports helps young people to develop character and I am so proud of these boys as their attitude reflects what we promote at MHJC – individuals are encouraged to strive for excellence but also contribute their time and talent for the benefit of others.

Growing greatness – Kia mana ake!

Yesterday I was told a story of a  young girl who told her grandmother that she enjoyed watering the garden because it meant she had a chance to look at the beautiful flowers.

I reflected on this comment and how it pertains to how we can and should be nurturing our children. I translate this metaphor to giving young people not just our time but quality time which provides them with a feeling that someone genuinely cares for their progress and wellbeing. With this important need satisfied our young can grow and thrive.

As parents and teachers it is a useful reminder of our obligations.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake!