A Message from the Principal

It has been interesting listening to the conversations and opinions that have resulted from the Minister of Education’s announcement about new assessment regulations for learners in primary school through to year 7&8. Of course, for us at Trinity, reading, writing and maths national assessment then happens at year 10 with the NCEA co-requisite exams.  We have already begun consistent use of the standardised tools recommended by the government because they are robust and valuable for measuring progress. Opinions voiced in the media over the last couple of days includes ‘more measuring doesn’t improve outomes’. I agree that measuring for the sake of measuring is of little value. But outcomes do occur when assessments are timely and purposeful, and the data is used to make responsive decisions about next steps in teaching. We need robust data to make decisions with. Our move this year to structured literacy in the year 7-9 area gives us some of this robust data, and some of you may see that progress and achievement levels have changed for your child since the last reporting cycle because of this realignment. We are fortunate to have strong leadership in the year 7-9 area of our college, and we continue to refine our teaching programmes and assessment plans to support some really great learning.

Academics are very important. Having a strong learning foundation opens doors and choices in the pathways on offer later in life. Yesterday morning our senior students met with ex-students who spoke in the auditorium about the realities and challenges of tertiary education. When this session finished, in came about one hundred of our Pacific learners from the schools in our Kāhui Ako, to hear from speakers who talked to them about careers, leadership, and academic goals. Thank you to Jekope Maiono, Matilda Garnett, Keisha Su’a, and Head Student Isaac Tili, who shared much wisdom and advice. This event was part of the work our Catholic schools are doing with researchers from Victoria University.

Another new initiative we are beginning this year is offering scholarships for our year 8 students as they move into year 9, 2025. We want to acknowledge our learners who are making their mark and striving for excellence in learning, or sports, or performing arts. An email with more details and the application form will be sent out at a later date.

All the best for the holiday break. I hope that you get some quality time to spend with your refreshed young people, and that the downtime provides a recharging of the batteries for our keen young learners.

Take care,

Kate Nicholson

Principal