We are looking forward to another exciting term of connecting with, engaging, and supporting our ākonga as they work towards achieving their individual goals.
A very warm welcome to all of our new students and whānau joining Te Kura Whaiora ki te Tonga | Southern Health School this term. We know that starting at a new school can feel like a significant step, and we are committed to making your transition as smooth and supportive as possible. We look forward to getting to know you and working alongside you, your referring health teams, and your enrolling schools.
As our school continues to grow, we are also delighted to welcome several new staff members to our team this term. Their skills, experience, and passion for supporting young people will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality education and wellbeing support across the South Island. We know they will be wonderful additions to our school community.
Please note that Monday 27 July and Tuesday 28 July (Week 2) are Teacher Only Days. During these two days, our staff will be engaging in professional learning, collaborative planning, and preparing for the continued implementation of our programmes. There will be no teaching for students on these days. Regular teaching programmes will resume on Wednesday, 29 July.
Our Teacher Only Days provide valuable opportunities for professional learning and collaboration as we continue to strengthen our practice. Staff will participate in a range of workshops, including understanding and supporting learners with dyscalculia, the refreshed Year 9–10 Mathematics curriculum, de-escalation strategies, and the effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. We will also be welcoming our new staff through a Cultural Starter Pack session, helping them develop a deep understanding of our school’s values, cultural narrative, and commitment to culturally responsive practice from the very beginning.
Homai te pakipaki to Matt Bateman, our Kaiwhakatere Māori, on receiving the Palmes Académiques, one of the French Republic’s oldest and most prestigious state honours. Matt was presented with the award by the French Ambassador to New Zealand in recognition of his outstanding contribution to establishing and supporting the French bilingual unit at Burnside Primary School.
The Senior Leadership Team was honoured to attend the ceremony in Christchurch and witness Matt receive this well-deserved recognition. We are incredibly proud to have Matt as part of our school community and congratulate him on this remarkable achievement.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We value the strong relationships we share with our ākonga, whānau, health providers, and enrolling schools, and we look forward to another successful term together.
Nāku noa, nā
Linda Miller (Tumuaki) and the SHS Team
