Star Board Term Three Week Ten

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou Whanau

Royal Commission

Please find included the Anglican Church’s response to the Royal Commission’s findings of fault against the Church. This is being published by the Church further to the Commission’s recommendation 130. We have been invited to share this with our communities. It is sobering but also reassuring reading of the actions and recommendations being taken to redress harm. https://trinityschools-

Close of term message

I have become accustomed to sharing my closing of term Assembly address so here it is with a few tweaks:

‘As we gather with the close of Term 3 lapping at our last few hours, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey together. This term has been filled with challenges, growth, and remarkable achievements, and I am - we are- proud of all our flock.

First and foremost

On behalf of us all, congratulations to Tess McKenzie who will represent the students on the Board of Trustees for the next year. We also wish those vying for Prefecture for 2025 the very best of luck. To be fair their time in the school has exposed their leadership potential so the process ahead is more about them talking to us about what they want to do for their school and why. Just like an election not everyone will get the chance to secure a role- but that should not ever mean that you do not try. There are 13 positions to be filled and the voting public will determine who gets to the final hurdle. The St Matthew’s Prizegiving will be when next year’s leaders will be announced.

Let us discuss being present.

With exams looming, being present is more critical than ever. Every day a student attends school is an opportunity to learn, to connect, and to prepare for their future. Think of each class as a building block; miss a few, and the structure may wobble. Their future selves will thank them for every moment spent in the classroom, and actually in school…with peers… with friends, soaking in knowledge, advice, conversations, relationships and skills that will serve them well.

As a separate statement about attendance- I, like you, have read the government commentary that states ‘Monitoring of teacher-only days will come into force in 2026 along with a mandatory requirement for all schools to introduce an attendance management plan.’ Please know that we never lose sight of what is needed for your young one. We never lose sight of the required days a school must be open. As a school if we are having a teacher only day, whether it be ministry required or school requested ( the one ahead is the first in my 11 years thus far), we do so for the betterment of the teaching and learning of our students. I thank our community for your faith in the decisions we make and can I also reassure you that like all schools we have an attendance management system- that works. The main objective if students are absent for unexplained or non-condoned reasons is for us to work with our whanau to alter that pattern of non-attendance. We will continue to work this way.

Next, I want to talk about role modelling.

Senior students (for the sake of description this refers to years 11-13), are in a unique position to influence those who look up to them- actually staff in a school serve a similar purpose. Seniors actions set the standard for our school community. Good role models inspire younger students to strive for their best, while poor role modelling can lead to confusion and misdirection- and sometimes the removal of privileges much coveted and longed for.

Remember, being a leader does not mean being perfect; it means being authentic, responsible, and supportive. Being a leader (as a member of our flock recently commented to me) is about approachability. Leading – does- mean taking those moments where one does need to be in the front …but it is also about turning around and knowing and acknowledging those who are behind and beside you.

Let us commit to lifting each other up and being examples of the values, we should cherish.

Speaking of achievements,

Let us celebrate our teams- our sports teams, our cultural teams, our academic teams, all of our groups. This term, our dedication and teamwork have been nothing short of inspiring. Whether in victory or defeat, our students have shown that sportspersonship and teamship is about supporting one another and working together toward common goals. Their resilience and positivity embody the spirit of our school.

Our people have reminded us that success is not just measured in trophies but in the camaraderie and friendships forged along the way.

I am also proud of our commitment to celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.

This celebration speaks to my heart and it speaks to yet another important cementing moment for inclusivity within our community. By embracing different cultures and languages, we enrich our own experiences and learn to appreciate the diverse world we live in. We must continue this journey of understanding, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.

Our introduction of the anti-bullying programme STAND reflects our dedication to creating a caring environment.

The acceptance of this initiative speaks volumes about our values as a school. Together, we can foster a culture of kindness and support, where everyone feels safe and respected. Remember, each of us has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life, and it starts with compassion- accompanied by commitment, respect, inclusiveness, and integrity

As we approach exams,

I urge you all to prepare diligently. I know it can be overwhelming but remember that this is your moment to shine. Your hard work now will shape your future, opening doors to opportunities and dreams. Believe in yourselves and the potential you hold. The effort you invest today will pay dividends tomorrow.

Recent Past,

The much-anticipated house music competition happened last night. I thank all for the positive messages I have received on behalf of the school. This event is not just about showcasing talent; it is a celebration of our community spirit. Our students supported each other, cheered for their friends, cheered for each other, and created an atmosphere of camaraderie. Music has a way of bringing us together, and we all were delighted with how it came alive last night.

Finally, as we prepare for a well-deserved break,

I wish you all a safe and restful holiday. Take this time to recharge, reflect, and perhaps pursue a hobby or even a conversation you have neglected. Remember, balance is key; it’s essential to take care of your mind and body as much as your studies.

Thank you all for your hard work, your resilience, and your commitment to making this school a wonderful place. Carry the positive spirit of this term into the next, lifting each other up and striving to be our best selves - together. Enjoy your break, and I look forward to seeing all the great things we will achieve in Term 4’

Just so you know

As we end our focused acknowledgment of Mental Health Awareness week, for both my human need and professional growth, I will be visiting a few schools in Australia as we return to term four. I will touch base as per when I am back in Godzone.

Have an amazing time with your whanau and be safe.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme of the week is “community is what we create together”. Being part of a community can help us feel a sense of belonging, purpose and connection, and this is exactly what we strive to create in boarding at St Matthew’s.

One such way of creating a sense of community in boarding is by hosting a special End of Term dinner where we acknowledge our boarding leaders, and the winners of the Main House Tidy Dorm competition. This year we have also introduced the “Good Sorts” draw. Boarders who demonstrate the Boarding Values are nominated and then go in the draw for a chemist voucher.

A reminder to all boarding families that all boarders, full and part time must return on Sunday 13th October between 3-5pm. There will be afternoon tea for parents/ families at 4.30pm and a short meeting at 4.45pm to discuss study leave routines.

Finally, I would just like to say congratulations to all students for a very entertaining evening last night at our annual House Music competition. It was fabulous!

Take care.

Jo

Kapa Haka Festival

Yesterday the Ngātahi combined cultural group from St Matthew’s and Rathkeale performed at the Kapa Haka Festival at Wairarapa College. This group, student led by Year 13 Jorja Southon, performed with confidence and style. From complex poi through to rousing haka, their whole performance was a joy to behold. Well done Ngātahi.

Our Kapa Ngā Manu Tīoriori o Hato Matiu performed in the second day of the Wairarapa Schools Kapa Haka Festival. They performed beautifully and we are so immensely proud of them.

House Music

House Music was a huge success last night. A massive congratulations to all involved!

• Best Hymn - Cooper
• Best Song - Wake
• Conductor Award - Olivia Guscott - Wake
• Student Arrangement - Ruby Matthews - Batten
• Creative Spirit Award - Frankie Shaw and Stella Carrington - Cooper

Emergency Contacts

To follow up on the email sent to all families, if you need to update your emergency contacts on our student management system, please do this by the end of this term. This can be done by sending an email to office@stmatts.school.nz. There is room for two emergency contacts on the system.

Uniform

SUMMER UNIFORM: please check that you have all your summer uniform for the beginning of term 4.

The uniform shop sells new Zoggs Togs: women’s @$49.00 and girls’ @$40.00

The St Matthew’s second-hand Uniform Shop hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 3pm-4pm during term time. The shop will be open as usual on the last day of the school holidays, Sunday 13th October 2pm-5pm.

Card payments only please; no cash, no disbursements, no Internet banking – thank you.

Sport Strategy Update

Trinity Schools whanau

You will be aware that we have been working to review our sport programmes and develop a new Trinity Schools Sport Strategy (TSSS) and Framework that will serve to deliver quality, positive, sporting experiences for all students, their whanau, coaches, and staff. The BOT Chairs, as project sponsors, and the project Steering Group would like to thank the many students, staff, parents, and BOT members that attended interviews, focus groups, and workshops, or provided email feedback, for their passionate and genuine input into the review.

The findings and recommendations in the report and the new Trinity Sport Strategy & Framework have now been considered and fully endorsed by the BOTs of Hadlow, St Matthew’s and Rathkeale and the Trinity Schools Trust Board.

We are excited to announce that as a first step in implementing the TSSS all BOTs have approved the initial recommendations that will enable better governance and management of sports across the Trinity Schools and bring the strategy and framework to life. This will see BOTs appoint a Sport Portfolio board member and the establishment of a cross-schools Trinity Sports Management Group who will be responsible for prioritising initiatives and planning the implementation of the report recommendations, strategy, and framework in an achievable and timely manner.

The Trinity Schools Sports Strategy and Framework provides clear vision, values, and principles to guide the delivery of sport across Hadlow, St Matthews and Rathkeale. It aims to build on the great things already happening and to develop a collaborative and aligned approach to sport across Trinity Schools that promotes clarity, transparency and consistency and delivers positive sport experiences for students, staff, and whanau, ensuring all involved have the opportunities and pathways to achieve their individual potential, aspiration, and ambition.

The final details are currently being incorporated into the Sport Strategy & Framework and the Trinity Sport Management Group look forward to releasing this to you all along with making the full review report available in the very near future.

We look forward to working with our students, staff, and community in bringing the new sport strategy and framework to life, ensuring that quality sport experiences contribute in developing the attitudes, behaviours, and character of our young people, positively impacting their physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and placing them on the path to becoming great people.

Trinity Schools Sports Strategy Working Group

Feedback on the catering survey

We would like to thank all parents/caregivers, staff, and students for participating in the catering survey. As you are aware, we are renewing the catering contract, and therefore, your feedback and perspective are valuable and essential as we focus on improving the quality of service and delivering better outcomes moving forward.

Some key takeaways from the survey included the importance of nutrition, food quantity, and menu variety. These key components will be prioritised during contract negotiations to award a new catering company in the next few weeks. We will be sure to update you once the new catering contract has been finalised.

Once again, many thanks for sharing your thoughts, views and opinions with us.

Venue Hire

Think of us when you are looking for a venue to hire for various activities. To see what Trinity Schools has to offer in regards to venue hire click here or scan the QR code below.

Senior College

Y12 PE Mountain Biking

On Monday the Y12 PE class went to the Remutaka Incline for a bit of mountain biking.