Term 1 - Week 5
27 February 2026
From the Principal
Kia ora koutou,
What a fantastic start we’ve had to 2026. It has been wonderful to see our students return with such energy, and equally special to welcome all our new learners and their wh膩nau into our school community. Our mihi whakatau and first assemblies have set a positive tone for the term, and the Amazing Race last week was a real highlight – great to see our schools values of courage, curiosity and care | m膩ia, manawa reka and manaakitanga in action.
I would also like to take a moment to say thank you to our students and wh膩nau community for the great start to the year in terms of attendance. We’ve started the year strong with attendance sitting above 90%, which is very encouraging. To maintain this momentum, we are asking for support particularly around Fridays, where we often see a noticeable dip. Every day really does count. As a reminder, in order for students to be counted in the ‘Good Attendance’ category they must be away for no more than five days per term for any reason. Regular attendance ensures continuity of learning and helps students feel settled, connected, and successful. We also know it is one of the biggest predictors of academic success so your ongoing support with this is very much appreciated.
Last week we also hosted the Education Review Office (ERO), and I’m pleased to share that the visit was extremely positive. Their feedback affirmed the strength of our staff, our learning culture, and the commitment of our school community to achieving academic excellence. I look forward to sharing more details once the formal report is complete.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we’re shaping up for an excellent year of learning, growth, and opportunity for all our students.
Ng膩 manaakitanga,
Louise Addison | Tumuaki
Student Leaders
As we begin a new year at 91约妹达人 College, our first assemblies provide an important opportunity to come together as a community and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
This year, we were proud to introduce our student leaders for 2026 - young people who embody our school values and are committed to making 91约妹达人 a place where every student feels supported, inspired, and empowered. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and dedication will help guide our school culture, strengthen student voice, and ensure that we continue to grow as a connected and vibrant learning community.
From the Teaching and Learning Team
This year, our Teaching and Learning team is focused on ensuring students are well prepared for the ongoing changes within NCEA, the new curriculum in English and Mathematics, and the Literacy and Numeracy corequisites. Our teachers are working collaboratively to provide engaging, clear, and coherent learning programmes that strengthen core skills and set students up for success. We remain committed to supporting every learner to build strong foundations and feel confident in the expectations of their courses throughout the year.
Supporting your child’s learning at home continues to make a meaningful difference. We encourage wh膩nau to connect regularly with their young person about what they are learning, upcoming assessments, and any areas where they may need help. Simple routines, such as checking their diary or digital calendar, can reinforce organisation and self-management. Our team is here to work in partnership with families to help each student achieve their personal best.
To further support students, StudyPoint afterschool sessions will begin next week and will run in E Block every Tuesday to Thursday from 3.30 to 4.30 pm. These sessions, supported by our Academic Committee provide a quiet, structured environment for students to complete homework, revise for assessments, or receive additional support from staff. Computers will also be available for students who wish to access Education Perfect, particularly those seeking extra help with mathematics. Regular use of these tools and opportunities builds strong study habits and helps students stay on top of their learning throughout the year.
From the Pastoral Team
Mentor connection
By now your child’s Mentor teacher should have contacted you to introduce themselves, explain their role in supporting your child at school, and ensure you are connected with the school.
The Mentor role was introduced at 91约妹达人 College to ensure we are strengthening student wellbeing, engagement and academic achievement through wh膩nau partnership. If we work together, we can ensure your child is supported with all of their social and academic needs. The Mentor role is our key connection point between school and wh膩nau. The Mentor can also ensure early identification and response to emerging concerns, and be a consistent point of contact for you, in support of your child.
Research and experience consistently show that, strong home–school partnerships improve attendance, make students feel safer, and more supported, improve engagement and raise academic achievement. Please ensure in the first instant, that you keep in touch with your child’s Mentor teacher.
Attendance
As mentioned by our principal, the government’s Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is the support programme the Ministry of Education is rolling out to help clarify why attendance is so important and what we can do to maximise educational opportunities by having more children with ‘regular attendance’ at school. The Education Review Office (ERO) reports a direct relationship between attendance and school achievement, stating that regular attendance leads to higher academic achievement, and that even minor absences can impact learning and long-term outcomes.
The Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is to help the educational community in New Zealand to set clear expectations and have a regulated, formalised and graduated approach when attendance starts to slip. When students reach certain “absence thresholds” that would take them below the 90% for “regular attendance”, the government has set up a guide to the responses that schools will take. These responses are designed to bring students and their families back into school. We will send formal emails to inform you if absences grow, and we will use resources and systems inside the school to remove barriers to attendance for your child. We may also need to use outside agencies to help you get your child back to regular school attendance.
For more information, please see the Attendance tab on our school website: www.edgewater.school.nz/attendance
Extended Mentor
This year we are excited to launch our Extended Mentor Programme, a redesigned approach that strengthens the role of Mentor class as the heart of student growth and connection at 91约妹达人 College. The programme brings together our school capabilities: Rangatiratanga, Kaitiakitanga, Auahatanga, M膩ramatanga, K艒rerorero, and Whakawhanaungatanga, with three key focus areas: AI and Digital Safety, Careers and Future Pathways, and Hauora/Wellbeing. Each year level follows a clear progression, from Discovery in Year 9 through to Legacy in Year 13, ensuring students build confidence, capability, and purpose over time.
Throughout the year, students will take part in pathway planning, reflective learning activities, wellbeing check-ins, and digital citizenship lessons, all designed to help them thrive both in school and beyond. Mentors are supported with a structured framework that links directly to our Graduate Profile and enables them to report on capability development twice a year. We are confident that this strengthened programme will not only deepen students’ sense of belonging, but also equip them with the skills, character, and resilience needed for a rapidly changing world.
| Year | AI / Digital Safety | Careers / Future Pathways | Hauora / Wellbeing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9: Discovery I am learning about myself, others, and the world around me with curiosity, courage and care. | AI awareness; recognising common AI tools; practising simple safety and privacy habits. | Exploring interests and strengths; awareness of broad career possibilities. | Building self-awareness; developing simple habits that support balanced wellbeing. |
| 10: Responsibility I understand how my choices and actions shape my learning, relationships and wellbeing. | Using AI critically; noticing limitations and bias; making safe and ethical choices online. | Identifying personal strengths and goals; understanding pathways and subject choices. | Managing emotions, routines, and relationships; making choices that support wellbeing. |
| 11: Ownership I take ownership of my learning by thinking critically, acting with integrity, and making informed decisions. | Evaluating AI outputs; checking accuracy; using AI responsibly while maintaining academic integrity. | Investigating industries and training requirements; connecting learning to future options. | Taking responsibility for personal wellbeing; using strategies to stay balanced and resilient. |
| 12: Leadership I show leadership through my actions and decisions, contributing positively to our community and preparing for life beyond school. | Choosing appropriate tools; modelling safe, ethical use; understanding data collection and digital consequences. | Building CVs, profiles, and portfolios; engaging with mentors, workplaces, and tertiary options. | Demonstrating positive leadership; supporting the wellbeing of others; maintaining balance under pressure. |
| 13: Legacy I leave a legacy of courage, compassion, and curiosity, ready to contribute meaningfully to the world beyond school. | Demonstrating ethical digital leadership; considering wider impacts of AI; making informed decisions for study and work. | Making informed pathway decisions; preparing for transition to tertiary study, further training, or employment. | Leading with integrity; sustaining personal wellbeing; preparing for future life with confidence and purpose. |
Wh膩nau shield
This year, we are proud to introduce our Wh膩nau shield competition. This termly competition will see our Wh膩nau houses competing for the prestigious Wh膩nau Shield across a wide range of activities. These will include sporting events, academic challenges, cultural activities, and opportunities that celebrate student’s passions and interests.
By providing regular and varied opportunities for participation, the competition is designed to generate excitement and sustained motivation throughout the year. Ultimately, this initiative aims to foster healthy competitiveness, strengthen engagement, and enhance our overall wh膩nau and school spirit.
From Sommerville School
We have started the year strong with 20 fabulous students. Our key focus areas this year are building independent life skills, along with Health and Physical Education.
We have been thoroughly enjoying our PE sessions this term. Some of our students have been heading into the city for sessions at FAM CrossFit Gym, taking part in hockey sessions with Auckland Hockey, and enjoying Friday soccer sessions with our friends from Mt Richmond School.
It has been wonderful to stay active, make the most of the sunny weather, and build confidence as students develop new skills and independence.
School Events
Excellence and Leadership Evening
Our Excellence and Leadership Evening, held in Week 2, was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students.
We were proud to acknowledge those who attained Excellence in the NCEA last year, reflecting their exceptional commitment, perseverance, and dedication to high-level academic success. It was a special moment for students to be honoured alongside their wh膩nau, teachers, and peers - those who have supported and encouraged them throughout their learning journey.
During the evening, leadership badges were presented to the Student Leaders for 2026 that form our three student committees this year. We also acknowledged senior students that gained Graduate Profile Gold Awards last year. These students embody the qualities we value most: our six 91约妹达人 Capabilities, Effort, Respect and Work Completion in class, Attendance and Punctuality, Service and Leadership. This event allowed us to honour not only their achievements but also the kind of leaders and learners they are becoming.
Amazing Race
Our annual Amazing Race and Wh膩nau Information Evening was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 9 and new to EC students and their wh膩nau to explore the wide range of learning areas and support available at 91约妹达人 College. Particpants moved through a series of interactive stations, beginning with Futures, Hauora hub, the Deans area, and Learning and Language Support, before visiting StudyPoint, our Te Reo M膩ori department, Sports and Music, and the Library. Each space offered a glimpse into the programmes, people, and opportunities that will support students throughout their school journey here at 91约妹达人. Cultural performances from our Kapa Haka, Filipino, and Samoan groups added a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere to the evening. Hot drinks courtesy of our Hospitality students and the Senior Leadership Sausage Sizzle were also highlights of the afternoon.
Overall, the Amazing Race was a successful and engaging way to connect students, staff, and families, helping our newest learners feel confident and well supported as they begin their time at 91约妹达人 College. Congratulations to our prize winners from the Amazing Race: Carlos Jose Joson in Year 10, Samuelu Ah Shing and Mable Masunda from Year 9.
Book of the Week
We start the year off with another Book of the Week from the 91约妹达人 Library. This time my pick is A New Way of Seeing- The History of Art in 57 Works by Kelly Grovier.
This history is told in a very unique way which makes for an entertaining read. The author has chosen these pieces which include, what he calls, an 'eye-hook'. Something that draws your eye and makes you think as you view each piece. He argues that these details contain symbolic or emotional power which take these pieces to the next level. This means even the most knowledgeable art lover might see something new!
I always love a non-fiction that is easy to read but filled with great information. If you would like to experience Art with a new perspective, come and check this out on our New Book display.
Tara Holland | School Librarian
Sport
Sport is already well underway this term.
With our senior volleyball teams selected last year, we were able to move straight into training at the beginning of the term, and the season is now officially underway.
The girls’ team faced extremely tough competition in their opening round and, despite a determined effort, went down in both matches. The boys’ team took on Elim Christian College and came away with a very convincing win — a fantastic start to their season.
A huge thank you to Coach Hannah Cook and managers Liziana Fa’asolo and Helen McNaughton for their time, dedication, and ongoing support of our teams.
Next week, we will be holding our Whole School Athletics Day at Lloyd Elsmore Park Athletics Track. We are really looking forward to an amazing day of participation, energy, and school spirit!
