Star Board Term Four Week Two

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

My visit to Melbourne was two pronged: personal and professional. I saw my son who has made Melbourne/ Australia home. However, NZ allegiances to the Hurricanes, Lions, Chiefs ( my kids were grown initially in the Waikato), and the Black Caps are in his DNA.

I visited well resourced faith based schools and what I will say just as a summary is we can hold up hands to be counted as doing great things here. But what I end with here is that the government values education in Melbourne and that it is called the Education state is no surprise.

Transitions

Last week a colleague sent me this powerful video which I strongly invite you to view before reading my message https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugPJi8kMK8Q. I spoke to years 7-11 about this video, because its powerful message speaks to so many things for me and hopefully you. It speaks to displacement, change, but also hope and strength through managing transitions

On one level it is climate change and habitat loss. The polar bears are a metaphor/ a visual image for displacement and suffering caused by environmental degradation/destruction. We have witnessed this here but more we see it in the media daily.

The bears transition from their natural ice habitat to an unfamiliar forest setting highlights the challenges animals face when their ecosystems are disrupted. The bears' struggle for acceptance in this new environment underscores the theme of alienation, while the eventual rescue of the lone bear may symbolize hope and the potential for coexistence and rehabilitation.

Overall, it appears to advocate for awareness and action regarding the impacts of climate change on wildlife and their habitats.

If we reinterpret the polar bears as migrant people, the video takes on a deeper social commentary. The bears’ displacement mirrors the experiences of refugees and migrants forced to leave their homes due to climate change, conflict, or other crises.

Their struggle to find acceptance in a new environment reflects the challenges migrants face in integrating into unfamiliar cultures, often encountering hostility or rejection. If you recall we dedicated some weeks to donating to the ‘Fill a House’ for a displaced refugee family.

The eventual rescue of the lone bear can symbolize solidarity and the possibility of finding a new home, highlighting themes of empathy, community, and the need for support systems for displaced individuals. This interpretation emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental and humanitarian issues, calling for compassion and understanding towards those affected by displacement.

The transition as students in an Anglican girls' school can be similar to the experiences of the beasr and human migrants in several ways, moreover it can talk to the struggles but also the strengths of the many transitions our girls make.

From our 7and 8 Hub to the Secondary system we are mindful of the struggles. We know the adjustment to a larger environment may feel intimidating because of the size and complexity of the secondary hub. The social challenges of forming new friendships and navigating social dynamics can be difficult. Certainly, the increased academic demands mean students face higher expectations and more rigorous coursework, which can lead to stress.

But the strengths of this transition are enhanced learning opportunities with exposure to a wider range of subjects and extracurricular activities. There is a development of Independence with students learning to manage their time and responsibilities more effectively. The support systems of mentoring and transition programmess help ease the shift.

Ultimately our students also experience the daily transition of moving backwards and forwards from one site to another for teaching and learning. Of course this brings struggles. The sheer logistical Issues of daily travel can be disruptive and time-consuming, impacting students’ routines. The movement in itself creates a new routine but initially requires a mindshift. Initially there are wonderings around learning continuity with adjustment to differences in teaching styles and curriculum pacing may lead to inconsistencies in learning. The community connection with homebase can be caused by splitting time between sites which can hinder the formation of a tight-knit school community.

However, the strengths are the diverse educational experiences created because of access to varied teaching approaches and facilities which enriches the learning experience. Skill Development increases with students becoming more adept at managing logistics and adapting to different environments. There are broadened perspectives because of exposure to a range of educators and peers which enhances social and academic networks.

If one considers also the transition from years 7-11 boarding to years 12-13 boarding, the struggles with the greater independence, although much coveted, can for some students mean a struggle with increased responsibilities and self-management in a boarding environment. There can be an emotional transition with leaving behind familiar routines and friends which can for some create feelings of isolation. The realisation of this move is also leading to the pressure of future planning with the need to prepare for exams and future pathways which in itself can create stress.

However, the strengths of this transition can be leadership development where opportunities for older students to take on leadership roles within the boarding community can arise. A new focused academic environment can be a part of the equation. But more the strong community bonds of the boarding experience foster lasting friendships and support networks.

Very soon our year 13s will disembark St Matthew’s onto the shores of life post school and there will be uncertainty about the future. Many students face anxiety about transitioning to higher education, careers, or other paths and they are not alone in this. The adjustment to independence means adapting to life outside the structured school environment which can be challenging. The financial and practical challenges may mean a struggle with managing finances, time, and responsibilities in a new context.

However, the strengths of this final transition from our context is preparation for real-world challenges. School has made provision for life skills training, career guidance, and resources to help students transition smoothly. Our system has created strong alumni networks which has established connections with former students who can be reached out to for mentorship and support. Our people need to back themselves with their increased self-confidence. They can successfully navigate life because this transition fosters resilience and self-efficacy, preparing our students for future challenges.

Dates

Just a reminder again that Oct 29 that there is no school for students on the St Matthew's Site as ALL Staff are being trained for the final learnings for STAND. On Nov 8 ALL secondary schools in the region including ours have a teacher only day for NCEA

Fete Donations wanted

The Friends of St Matthew's are requesting donations of Raffle items. We are running 3 themed raffles. To help here are tips on what to donate.

Themes are Garden, Christmas and Home, ie kitchen /living. Can we ask that items be dropped off to the school office by the 31st October so that we can collect 1st November ready for presentation. Viv Malneek is our contact person for the school and parents. Her number is 027 535 8805.

This time of year, is always emotional as we prepare for seniors to leave for exams and some who will leave for good. Let’s make our journey to exams and holidays super positive.

Have a great and safe long weekend and we will see St Matthew’s onsiters back on Wednesday and seniors back on Tuesday.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note

Due to Labour weekend the boarding houses close at 5pm today.

Although it is a Teacher Only Day on the St Matthew’s site on Tuesday, it is school as normal at Senior College, which means the houses will reopen on different days. Please note -

• Hampton House will reopen on Monday at 7pm.
• Main House will reopen on Tuesday at 2.30pm.

While you have your daughter/s at home for the long weekend, a reminder that all families have been asked to supply an item for the Friends of St Matthew’s raffle. These can be dropped off at the school office up until Thursday next week. Items donated will be divided into home, garden and Christmas baskets.

Finally, here is a lovely photo of a small group of our Year 12 boarders who decided it would be a good idea to do some baking (and eating) after returning from exams last week.

Enjoy the long weekend and thank you for supporting the Friends of St Matthew’s.

Jo

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Tramp

Last weekend, 31 year 10 students took part in a 2-day tramp in the Tararua Ranges. Having navigated the swing bridge at Waiohine Gorge they continued onwards and upwards to Totara Flats, where they camped overnight. All girls successfully completed the journey, returning muddy, exhausted sore and proud of their achievement.