9 April 2021 Camp Omaui 1 Principal’s Comment labour the point, but the academic success families with their educational aspirations of many of our students, who managed for their children. to achieve Excellence endorsements with We understand that High School years are significant time out of the classroom is often a time of pushing the boundaries and a testament to both their innate drive, attempting to assert some independence. whanau support and adaptability. Students Sometimes that can result in poor decision can be very proud of their achievements. making. We are aware of a spike in vaping Because of the uncertainty last year, we around our school. This is very concerning did not hold our traditional Sporting and and we are being vigilant in checking areas Cultural Blues Awards. We therefore which the students report, are popular decided to combine these with our for vaping. We need your support to fight academic excellence awards and the back against this vaping epidemic. Studies ceremony was richer for the experience. are increasingly observing chronic harm to Students at James Hargest College are hearts and lungs caused by vaping. The fear achieving at the highest level on the is of course that we do not yet know exactly national stage. Quinn Hartley who broke how much damage vaping can do over time. Mike Newell We have become aware that students under Principal a New Zealand record for long jump and Brianna Loan making the National 18 years of age are easily able to purchase Kia ora koutou Youth Brass Band are two examples vaping products online. Please talk to your children about this growing issue and try As my first Term One as Tumuaki of James of talented students working hard to achieve their goals. These students are to empower them to fight back against the Hargest College draws to a close, it is a good omnipresent peer pressure. time to think about some of the memorable both driven, motivated and humble. moments which have helped to shape our They are exemplary role models for our Lastly, with Anzac Day occurring during the place. James Hargest students continue to school values in action. Congratulations term holidays, it is important we remember excel across a myriad of endeavours. Our to all students who were celebrated at and pay our respects to all of the men and Celebrating Excellence ceremony, held on this ceremony. It was wonderful to have women who served overseas. At this week the 9th of March was a wonderful occasion over 100 parents in attendance to join us and next week’s assemblies our students will where the outstanding achievements of in congratulating students on their fine be reminded of this with particular focus on our students were showcased to both achievements. Brigadier James Hargest who served in both World Wars. their peers and our wider community. We have also welcomed parents to meet The accolades presented to our students the teachers at two parents evenings this were vast and signified truly magnificent term. It is always a great opportunity to Noho ora mai achievements. Much has been said about chat about how the students are settling Mike Newell the challenges of 2020 and I do not wish to into the year and how we can support our Principal From the Boardroom Tena Koutou at both campuses are delighted to hear At the March Board meeting we heard from that we are on track for our new boilers to Judy Buckley, Director of Murihiku Young be operational by the start of term two - Parents’ Learning Centre (MYPLC). James providing the pump makes it off the water! Hargest College governs this school and it is a The school is a busy and dynamic place wonderful asset for our community. Sincere and I encourage everyone to make the credit should be given to Judy and her team most of the wonderful opportunities to get for the work they are doing with young involved in activities outside the classroom women in their care. I truly believe in the at JHC. It is always fascinating to hear power of education to be a transformative the range of trips and activities Hargest experience and the numerous success stories students are heading off on. There really is from MYPLC accurately demonstrate what something for everyone here. you can achieve with a positive attitude and a Chris O’Connor quality education. BOT Chairperson In property news, I am sure staff and students Chris O’Connor BOT Chairperson 2 PTA AGM Report roles as both a committee member Kia ora! and Treasurer. You are a highly valued I’m Ainslie Bruce, the newly elected member of the team and a big part of Chairperson of the PTA. I’m married to why we function so effortlessly. Andy and have two daughters at James My thanks must also be directed to Hargest; Mackenzie (Year 12) and Riley Lynsey Stratford (Secretary), as we all (Year 11). know there is plenty of work in the I am employed by Barnardoes as the background to make sure everything Administrator for the Foster Care Team runs smoothly, so thank you. in Otago and Southland. In my spare A high level of support is required for the time, I’m on the Board for Southland December and January Uniform Sales. In Water Polo, go to the gym and love my particular the January sell out this year early morning walks with my miniature was extremely busy, which speaks to the schnauzer, Barney! high standard of uniform items we have I’m so excited to be involved with available for sale. the PTA once again for another year Monique Shirley Alongside the uniforms, over the past alongside the fabulous group of parents Chairperson year the committee have continued to and staff who make up the committee. support the various school activities – I invite you to join us at our next Chairperson Report, 16 March meeting, it’s a great way to get to know 2021 including: • Mending, laundering, dry cleaning other parents and staff! I would like to take this opportunity to organisation, and stock takes of thank all the members of the Committee uniforms for your dedication during the 2020 year, • PTA meetings and what a year it has been. We have • Running the Yearly Open Day BBQ at all had to deal with covid, and all the the Junior Campus changes and challenges this pandemic brought into our households, work places • Tea/coffee and supper for the Senior and of course the school environment. Parent Teacher Interviews • Prize Giving supper for the Year 13 The PTA appreciate all those that take students and families the time to help support us. Every hour • Xmas morning tea for the support of your time that has been volunteered, staff at Senior and Junior Campus helps to create an environment that runs • Pastoral care to school and staff smoothly. Again, in 2020 we saw a lot families – if and when required of new faces join us, and we are all very grateful that you have chosen to support • Study Centre afternoon tea funding us by joining the Committee. As always • Funding the floral arrangements for both Senior and Junior Campus with any committee the old saying many Anislie Bruce hands make light work is true. I would like This year we saw the introduction of the PTA Chairperson to see the numbers grow again in 2021, Garden Club set up at Junior Campus – so feel free to invite another JHC parent/ which is another exciting PTA venture, a caregiver to join us. big thanks to Erika for leading the charge I would like to here. take the time Over the last year we have seen the JHC for a special Archives Space set up by Barbara Jones. thanks to Sue What a huge amount of work that she Mattingly has put into this project. Thank you to (Treasurer - Barbara for providing the school such inset) who has a wonderful look at our history, and been a great to now have a dedicated place for the support to displays. Lynsey Stratford Sarah Warren Secretary Treasurer me personally We are continuing to collate a list of PTA – we have helpers in a database we can call on in set up a for support, as there are several activities new system for the uniform sales, with that do need the support of the PTA. We PTA Meeting Dates Cash and Eftpos available. We stationed now also have a list of instructions and The next PTA meeting will be held ourselves in the front office, on the nights printed guidelines for each of the events, in Brigadier’s Room at the Senior of the sales. This makes the tracking and making volunteering easier than ever. Campus, scheduled to start at 7.30pm. tracing along with the balancing a more Once again, I thank you all. efficient process. So a huge thanks for 18th May this and balancing the books for the PTA. Monique Shirley 27th July I know I speak for you all when I say we PTA Chairperson 14th September will miss you Sue, as we all appreciated 16th November your hard work and dedication in your 3 Whanau Report to his classroom. As I look around his office of pride in seeing the students showing and wonder if I will get it tidied in time, I such passion as they put in the hard mahi, look at the resources and the learning they but many people weave their skills together contain – the richness of the language, the to help this all happen.