Rotorua Lakes High School “Mauria te pono - Keep steadfastly to the truth”
NEWSLETTER ISSUE No. 27 – 20 September 2019
CHALKBOARD From the Principal – P. 1 - 2 News – P. 3 - 7 Careers / Gateway P. 7 - 8 Notice Board – P. 8 - 9 Contact Us – P. 10 Our Sponsors – P. 10
Kia ora Koutou, Another busy week is ending at Lakes but I have some positive messages to share about student success and activities. In assembly this week it was my great pleasure to recognize a number of students for their recent strong performance in various sporting and academic arenas. Whilst we have previously mentioned these on Facebook it was very enjoyable to personally congratulate them to receive their accolades. We also enjoyed a fantastic performance of “You are the Reason” by Genesis Smith-Hurawai. Our Performing Arts students are continuing to excel. Another message that was discussed at assembly was ensuring students understood that they are what makes this school such a success. A school is more than just buildings and learning spaces. It is defined by the human interactions that happen between our staff, students and community. I have put out some challenges to our students: What can I do to enable positive change? If I don’t like something, what can I do to change my attitude? There is an old motivational saying ‘Be the Change’. I challenged the students not to sit around and moan, instead to take every opportunity that came their way; Care for others if they are hurting or need support and always do their best, no one can ask for more. Rotorua Lakes High School is a launch pad for each and every student to academic, sporting and life success. We focused on one of our core values ‘Care’ and discussed what it meant to be part of a caring environment. I have seen some fantastic qualities over the last term which have demonstrated what a positive environment RLHS is for our students. Next week is Climate Change Awareness Week. This fits very neatly with the theme of care. How do we care for our environment now and for the future? Students are taking an active role, wanted to be heard with their thoughts about how we should address this issue of our time. Several activities occurring next week will culminate on Friday with a protest march at 2 pm in the city centre. Although this is not a school event, the school supports student involvement and will release those participating at 1.30 pm (in my last newsletter I said 1.15 – this was a mistake). Parents must send notification, preferably in writing, prior to Friday stating that they are happy for their student to 1