Dear parents and caregivers,

On Matariki weekend (June 24 and 25) the school reunion was held celebrating 50 years since the school opened in February 1972. Celebrations began on Friday with a number of events and concluded on Saturday evening, when 350 current and past staff and students attended the gala dinner at the Claudelands Arena. The organising committee were delighted with the weekend, as many former staff and students enjoyed catching up with each other and reminiscing about the past.

Covid and sickness continues to affect our staff and students. We have been fortunate to have only rostered Year 12 and 13 home for one day this term. Unfortunately student absence has fluctuated throughout the term, and until winter illnesses subsides, and as we continue to battle Covid, there is no immediate end in sight. Attendance has a huge effect on student academic progress. Staff are working hard to track and monitor attendance. We urge parents to send their children to school if they are well, and to make contact with the school if their children are absent. Our extra curricular programme (sports and other activities) are also affected. Again, please ensure that you are supporting the school as we continue to strive for normality in what are abnormal times. Some students do take the easy way out, when a bit of grit and determination is sometimes needed to overcome obstacles. Staff are more than willing to go the extra mile to support our students.

Congratulations to Mr Nick Bryant, who has been appointed to a Deputy Principal position at Matamata College. Mr Bryant is currently Head of the Science Faculty, and has had a number of significant roles in the school including, Dean for a number of years as well as Acting Assistant Principal for two terms. Mr Bryant begins his new role on 22 August and adds to the number of staff who have, over the last few years, gained senior leadership roles in schools. This is a reflection of the quality of our teaching staff and the ability of the school to foster and develop leaders.

Our Open Day is planned for Wednesday 3rd August (week 2 of next term). We are currently finalising our prospectus, and these will be available from the school office from Monday 25 July (Day 1 of Term 3). The prospectus will be delivered to Berkley Middle School on that date, and senior staff and Head Students will be speaking to Berkley students at an assembly on Tuesday 2 August. We will also be speaking to Peachgrove Year 8 students on Thursday 28th July. I encourage all of next year’s prospective Year 8 and above students to attend our Open Day, along with their parents and whaanau. It is a great time to see the facilities and what Hillcrest High School can offer your children as they enter the last phase of their compulsory schooling.

A reminder that Board of Trustee elections are just around the corner.  Dates are as follows:

  • 15 July – deadline for the call for nominations for prospective board members
  • 3 August – nominations close
  • 10 August – voting papers issued
  • 7 September – election day (voting papers due)

Madeline Warner is our returning officer. Madeline is our receptionist in the administration office. If you have any queries please contact her by email mwarner@hillcrest-high.school.nz. I encourage you to seriously consider being part of the board of trustees. It is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the governance and strategic direction of the school. If you have any queries about the role, please email me kwhiting@hillcrest-high.school.nz 

Thank you once again for supporting our school, as we continue to work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for your children.

Ngaa mihi

Kelvin Whiting

Principal