Category Archives: School News

Queen’s birthday weekend 2022

Even more significant this year is the acknowledgment  of Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne. Images sent from the UK as the country celebrates this historic achievement bring many thoughts to mind.

 

No matter where we sit in the monarchy debate, we must appreciate the incredible dedication and loyal service the Queen has shown. It is amazing to think of the momentous events she has seen as head of state during this time.

 

It is fantastic to see the celebrations but sad that she could not participate in so many of the special events owing to her health which seems to be deteriorating.

 

New Zealand’s connection to the empire and commonwealth has helped define who we are as a nation. I hope that some of the values and achievements of Great Britain remain in some way or adapted to our context. When Aotearoa New Zealand histories becomes part of our new curriculum, the challenge for teachers will be to ensure the right balance is found between an appreciation of the positive impact being a member of the commonwealth had on New Zealand as well developing a deeper understanding of the contribution of Māori and other nationalities who have made Aotearoa their home. 

 

This will be a challenging time for many but one that if discussed respectfully will be healthy and strengthen us on our journey towards becoming one nation.

Ormiston Senior College – International Evening

On Thursday 23rd June, Ormiston Senior College is holding an International Evening that celebrates and showcases cultural diversity. The evening consists of international food stalls and riveting cultural performances. The MHJC community is invited to attend this free event.
Please see the promotional poster below for more details.

Samoan Language Week – Update

Talofa lava!
Samoan Language Week has been running all week at MHJC. Students and staff have participated in a number of quizzes and activities. The week kicked off on Monday with our Māori and Pasifika Student Council and some of our amazing parents. Students and families sang the Samoan National Anthem, shared a prayer, and decorated our MHJC Reception.
Fa’afetai lava!

TOD – Tuesday 7th June

As advised on the school’s website and via email, there will be a Teacher Only Day next Tuesday 7th June, 2022, after the Queens Birthday public holiday on Monday 6th June.
 
Normal classes will not run on this day, and parents are asked to keep their students at home. We thank you for your support.

Hwa Chong Student Conference

This week, a select group of senior MHJC students are attending the virtual Hwa Chong Student Conference.
MHJC is part of an international group of schools, known as SWIFT (Schools with an Interest in Future Technologies). These schools traditionally come together annually at the Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore. Since lockdown, the Hwa Chong Student Conference has been hosted virtually. It continues to be an incredible opportunity for our students and a great way to maintain our connections despite travel restrictions.

Forest Year 10s – Weta Unleashed

MHJC students have been busy!
On Friday 27th May, both Forest Year 10 classes had the opportunity to go to Weta Unleashed as part of their context “No.8 Wire: Kiwi Ingenuity”.
Both classes have been looking at kiwi innovators and Weta Unleashed gave students the perfect opportunity to see kiwi ingenuity in action. The students came back excited by the prospects that there are in the Media Industry. Weta have worked on many well-known and much-loved films and TV series, such as The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, King Kong and District 9.

Samoan Language Week

TALOFA LAVA!
 
Happy Samoan Language Week! This year’s theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoa Language Week is Fa’aāuāu le folauga i le va’a o tautai – Continue the Voyage with Competent Wayfinders of the Ocean.
 
Our Māori and Pasifika Council have made a range of fun activities for students to partake in this week. And on Friday, students are encouraged to dress up in their traditional Samoan wear or wear anything blue to show support for our Samoan Aiga (family) and friends in school.

Production Sponsor

Kamal Sivia is the proud sponsor of MHJC’s 2022 School Production. He is part of our MHJC parent community and a local real estate agent with Barfoot and Thompson. You can contact him on 021350784 or email k.sivia@barfoot.co.nz.
 

Graduates of 2021 – Celebration

Last night, MHJC welcomed back the Graduating Class of 2021. It was an honour to have these students return for a final farewell after Covid-19 changed their graduation plans at the end of last year. Staff and graduates enjoyed the evening reminiscing, sharing new endeavours, and re-establishing connections that will hopefully last for years to come. Graduates of 2021, MHJC staff are so proud of the young adults you are becoming! Continue to grow your greatness!

Rostering of classes – Memo 24/5/22

Dear parents/caregivers

We were very fortunate in the first wave of Covid-19 cases earlier in the year that our school could continue as per normal.  However, a combination of winter colds and flu with Covid-19 cases and associated household contacts starting to increase within our community, we are beginning to see the impact of this at MHJC. 

While our preference is to have all students onsite for face to face learning, it has become increasingly difficult to provide staff to cover classes owing to the shortage of relief teachers.  Therefore, to relieve some pressure on our staff we have decided to roster home the following year levels:

Thursday 26th May –  Y9 distance learning

Friday 27 May – normal school for all students

Monday 30 May – Y7 distance learning

Tuesday 31 May – Y8 distance learning

Wednesday 1 June – Y9 distance learning

Thursday 2 June – Y10 distance learning

Friday 3 June – normal school for all students

A decision will be made on Thursday 2 June as to whether we will continue to roster year levels the following week.  Parents and students will be notified of the decision on Thursday evening.  This system will continue until we feel that we can operate safely.

As before, during lockdown last year, students will be supported during this, hopefully short disruption.  We already have well established routines including the use of digital platforms and work will be set by subject teachers and/or Whānau leaders.

Our apologies for this urgent notification however it is a decision which balances the learning needs of our students and the need to maintain a safe learning and working environment for everyone.  Different days will be allocated to Year Levels to maximise their learning opportunities.

We appreciate all your support getting through these challenging times.

If your child cannot be supervised at home on the days specified above please complete the form herein. This will be updated every week if required.

Sincerely

Ian Morrison

Principal/Tumuaki