Star Board Term One Week Two

Yesterday it was my pleasure to celebrate with TSTB finance staff Diana Trubshoe’s 30 years with the Trinity. It was fascinating to hear some of her tales of the changes she has seen in her time thus far.

Our alumni or old girls and former staff can provide a powerful form of testimonial on behalf of us.

Special Leave Requests

I can hear those of you who have been in the system for some time saying before you read this “oh here she goes!” But here it is:

The core business of every school is teaching and learning, and both are exemplary in our school. But (don’t you detest that coordinating conjunction, because what follows this word is often a sobering note), for both these things to be successful we need the girls in class.

Interruptions are the bane of any school’s existence. I am mindful of those we create, and we consider the impact of such interruptions when planning. By the same token we need you as parents to help us by not taking your children out of class. Every year I have have to disappoint some folk because I have labelled a request as EXPLAINED for Special Leave to attend events. I do not decline these requests because I want our young ones to miss out on things they have chosen to do; I do this because they are meant to be in class. The Ministry has Attendance criteria with which we must comply:

• Explained absence: An absence for which the explanation is accepted by the school as the reason for the absence. The decision on whether an explained absence is ‘justified’ or ‘unjustified’ will be largely determined by the school’s attendance policy. (See note below)
• Justified absence: An explained absence within the school’s policy as an acceptable reason for the student to be away from school.
• Unjustified absence: An absence that is either unexplained or, explained but the explanation is not within the school’s policy as an acceptable reason for the student to be away from school.

These are the stipulations we provide for our school processes, and you will read on the second page of the pink Special Leave form:

M - Not in class; Student absent due to short-term illness/medical reasons Student is at home, or in hospital, because of illness or other medical reason. Depending on school policy a medical certificate may be requested for prolonged illness. eg three days, or as policy requires. (Justified)

J - Not in class; Justified absence – reason for absence within the school policy

• Unplanned absences such as a bus breakdown, accident, road closure, extreme weather conditions etc
• Planned non- attendance such as national/local representation in a sporting or cultural event in New Zealand or overseas.
• Approved absence (including overseas) can also include bereavement, visiting an ill relative, exceptional family circumstances or a Section 27 (Justified)

E - Not in class; Student is absent with an Explained, but Unjustified reason. The explanation for the absence is accepted by the school as the reason for the absence. But the reason does not fit within the school's policy as a justifiable reason to take the student off school. (Even though the parents may consider the absence was justified and may have provided a written explanation). E.g. “Molly had to stay home to look after her younger brother”. For New Zealand and overseas holidays use code "G" (Unjustified)

G - Not in class Holiday during term time When a student is on a New Zealand, or, Overseas holiday during the school term, the absence is Unjustified. A parent's note does not provide justification. (Unjustified)

The impact of absence on achievement and assessments is fairly evident. Success increases exponentially by being present. But like all schools, we have systems and policies in place to protect those for whom absence from class is unavoidable. By the same token we expect everyone to adhere to those processes.

If I approve a Leave request, especially that of a senior, I am also accepting of her reasons based on the prescribed criteria. This is vital in the Assessment process and such approvals are considered for NZQA data.

If I do not approve the request as an Explained absence as an example, one cannot expect leeway with assessments. The conditions for assessment must be fair to all.

Liturgical Events Ahead

I close by reminding us of the two events next week that are very important to us as Special Character schools- Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday, also known as Pancake Day. Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting Lenten season leading up to Easter. This religious holiday is observed in many Christian countries by participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms, finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice, and eating pancakes and other sweets.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with the distribution of ashes and with fasting.

I close by letting you know what a great start to the year we have had and how blessed we are to have your young ones as part of our flock. I will also say there will be times we will need to pull out our shepherd’s crook in the hope that we do not have to shear any of them out of shearing season. But like any sheep the wool grows back - cleaner.

Have a great and safe weekend.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Boarding Note

Week 2 has been extremely hot, and it has been great to see so many boarders heading for the pool. With House Swimming available throughout the week, girls have had the opportunity to cool off and clock up some very important house points in preparation for our school swimming sports. It is great to see our girls utilising our fabulous facilities at St Matthew’s.

This term we have entered a SMS Boarders team in the Carterton Twilight Netball competition which runs on Wednesday nights. The main purpose of entering the competition is to provide our boarders with the opportunity to mix across year groups and get to know each other better while doing something fun outside of school. This week Risha and Maggie organised a team of Year 12 and 13 players; next week it will be boarders from different year groups. While it is helpful to have some experienced players in the teams, all boarders are welcome to play.

With a late start scheduled for Athletics Sports next Friday, boarders will get a sleep in and the option of a swim before mid-morning brunch. If you are able to attend Athletics Sports, we would love to see you there.

Please remember if you are wanting to speak to the House Managers (Matrons) directly, the follow numbers can be used-

• Hampton House (Year 12 and 13 boarders): 027 426 7866 (between 2.45pm and 8.30am the following morning)
• Main House (Year 7-11 boarders): 027 598 4404 anytime

If you would like to contact the Director of Boarding, my number is 027 766 1360.

Have a great weekend!

Jo

Tuakana Teina

Year 11 fashion students have been hand weaving friendship bracelets and teaching each other and the class teacher how to create different patterns.

Preparation work for Taniko that they will be creating to use in the designs of the kakahu they will be designing.

Castlepoint Trip

Year 11 had a great day out at Castlepoint yesterday surfing, walking and enjoying the stunning scenery. Great to see the girls having a go and enjoying themselves!