F O R E W A R D
FROM THE BOARD CHAIRS
We don’t know what Term 4 will
as we open our doors more and
bring, but we are quite sure the
more to students of other cultures
staff will be equal to it. Meantime
and traditions. A keynote address
we hope that the school holidays
by Rev. Dr Jordan Redding on
have been refreshing for everyone
what it means to be Presbyterian
as we gear up for the last part of
in the 21st century was genuinely
the school year, which is always a
insightful. Jordan emphasised the
very busy term for students and
importance of understanding and
teachers alike.
being connected with our roots,
The year was rolling along nicely, with only a few disruptions as we popped in and out of Alert Level 2 a couple of times. So Term 2 was fairly ‘normal’ and it was good to make it halfway through Term 3. Deputy Principal Marianne Duston, Chaplain Deborah Wilson and Board Co-Chair Lynne Dovey
whatever tradition we are from. The conference was hosted by St Andrew’s College in Christchurch and attended by staff, Board members and chaplains from the 12 Presbyterian Schools around the country. It was a great opportunity to meet with colleagues, exchange ideas and learn new things.
wrong. And perhaps Ms Young had a sixth sense prior to New Zealand going into Alert Level 4 on 17 August. (A sixth sense is something which school principals learn to develop, we suspect). QMC began its remote learning programme on 19 August. Thinking and planning ahead has really paid off. Staff were able to mobilise very quickly and were in their virtual classrooms with only one day of preparation. Students had been advised to take their devices home on 17 August. Some didn’t quite manage it due to the speed of the move to Alert Level 4, but staff undertook ‘special deliveries’ so that every student had what they needed to continue their studies. In many respects, the speed and efficiency with which QMC switched to remote learning is a metaphor for how fleet of foot and adept the college is in its approach to learning. The Board is proud of the college’s track record with remote learning, 100% attendance being a great measure of its success. This doesn’t mean that remote learning is easy for students or teachers. We are aware some students find virtual learning a real challenge. The important point is that students are still very much engaged with their teachers and peers and well-integrated into the college community. The Board is constantly impressed with the dedication of teachers and staff generally to individual learning and wellbeing of the students. Thanks to all for your professional approach.
attended the Presbyterian Schools
In early August, the Principal,
Conference held in Christchurch on
Jayne-Ann Young, informed Board
5 and 6 August, and it was a great
members that the Executive Team
event. Wellbeing was a focus of the
had completed a review of remote
conference, as was understanding
learning procedures to be ready for
and integrating Te Ao Māori into
whatever might happen next, as the
a work context. Diversity of the
Delta variant situation worsened in
student body was also a topic of
New South Wales. Good idea we
conversation, encouraging us to
thought, hoping this would not be
Lynne Dovey and Tim Power
think about interfaith connections
needed any time soon. We were
QMC Board Chairs
6
QM Calling
ISS UE 68
