Kia ora koutou
Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day
You will be aware that the Government has announced 26 September 2022 as the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day. This will mean that, in common with schools across the country, PHS will be closed for instruction that day.
Removal of the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights)
As you will also be aware, the government removed the remaining Covid 19 restrictions last week, which is a positive step forward for our country. This term it has been a huge relief not to have to roster home year levels. Students and staff have enjoyed the relative normality and return to routines, including school exams and winter tournament week. The link below contains information about household contacts if a member of your household does test positive for Covid 19.
COVID-19: Information for household and close contacts – Ministry of Health
Elections to the Board of Trustees
Thank you to all those parents and caregivers who exercised their right to vote in the recent triennial elections for our Board of Trustees. I am delighted to confirm that Ben Stallworthy, Rani Amaranathan and Simon Williams were duly re-elected as parent trustees for a further three year term. Thank you to each of our trustees for the role they play in school governance and their willingness to give generously of their time and expertise. Thanks also to those parents who stood for election but were unsuccessful on this occasion – your support for our rangatahi means a great deal.
Student leadership opportunities
Very shortly, our current year 12 students will be sent information about how to apply for school leadership positions for 2023. There are various leadership opportunities available including the prestigious Amokura/Head student positions, and for current year 11 and 12 students there are also opportunities to be House leaders and peer support leaders.
Student leadership helps build school pride and spirit amongst students, and provides great learning opportunities for our students which they will carry with them beyond school. Following the previous Covid related restrictions, rebuilding our school House spirit and participation in House events is a key focus. With the upcoming change of House names, student leaders will be an integral part of driving exciting school events for students.
I would encourage students to put their names forward and to take part in leading our school community.
NCEA
In August NZQA released information to support NCEA students because of the disruption to learning they experienced in the first two terms of 2022. We have shared this information before, but we want to make sure that all students and whānau are aware of the additional support available.
Students will be entitled to 1 Learning Recognition Credit (LRC) for every 5 credits earned through assessment, up to a maximum of:
| NCEA Level | Maximum LRCs |
| 1 | 10 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 3 | 8 |
To receive a Certificate Endorsement, students will need 46 credits at Merit or Excellence level, instead of the usual 50.
To be awarded University Entrance, students will need 14 credits in each of two UE Approved Subjects, and 12 credits in a third UE Approved Subject (they will also need to attain NCEA Level 3 and meet the regular literacy and numeracy requirements).
If you have questions about NCEA please contact Martin Bennett, Principal’s Nominee, or email [email protected]
NCEA exams begin on Monday 7 November this year and senior students will be on exam leave from Friday 28 October, which means there are only 4 weeks of regular lessons remaining. Teachers will be available for students who wish to come into school for additional support during the week beginning Monday 31 October (Study Hub).
Ngā mihi,
Richard Barnett
