Another term has ended, and Christmas is quickly approaching. Around us, there continues to be uncertainty. We hear daily about conflict overseas, political division, financial pressures, climate change and severe weather events.
Although many of these things are beyond our control, they can still affect how we feel about the world and about our future.
At times like these, having a sense of belonging to a whānau, a community and a kura becomes even more important. People need to feel that they are known, valued and part of something bigger than themselves. For young people in particular, strong and positive connections provide security, purpose and support.
This term, we have continued to work hard to give students many reasons to come to school. What happens in the classroom is critically important, but school is also about much more than lessons and qualifications. It is about friendships, shared experiences, discovering new interests and learning how to contribute to a community.
Hillcrest High School offers a wide range of sporting codes, clubs, cultural activities, performing arts opportunities and House events. These activities allow students to meet people with similar interests, develop their confidence and discover strengths they may not have realised they possessed. Participation is not only about winning, performing or being the best. It is about having a go, contributing and knowing that you belong.
I encourage every student to find at least one way to become involved in our kura. Summer sports registrations are currently open, and Year 9 and 10 students can join an existing club at any time. Students do not need to wait until they already know someone or feel confident enough. Sometimes confidence and friendship are the results of participating, rather than the reasons for beginning.
We also want our caregivers to feel connected to Hillcrest High School. Caregiver involvement makes a genuine difference. Attending an event, supporting a sports team or cultural activity, responding to school communications, celebrating participation and achievement, or contacting a teacher, dean or coach are all ways to strengthen the partnership between home and school.
Please talk with your young person about the opportunities available to them and encourage them to become involved. Ask what they have enjoyed this term, what they might like to try and whether there is something preventing them from participating. Sometimes a little encouragement from home is all that is needed for a young person to take that first step.
Simply travelling to and from school and attending classes each day can sometimes feel lonely. Joining a club, team, cultural group or House activity can create friendships, provide purpose and offer support when life feels difficult. These connections can also strengthen attendance, engagement and achievement because students are more likely to attend and participate when they feel that they belong.
My challenge is for every student to find one way to participate and for every caregiver to find one way to connect with our school. People need connection. Young people need community. Together, we can ensure that every student feels seen, valued and proud to belong to Hillcrest High School.
