Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou ki a koutou katoa, Happy New Year to all.

Welcome to 2019 and a year of challenges and new learning experiences. I hope that everyone has enjoyed some quality time over the break, and like me, you are excited to return to, or if you are new to our school, begin at Rototuna Senior High.

Over the coming weeks I look forward to seeing our families and students in here for the whānau (family) conferences which is a fabulous way for us to connect our school and community together. We know it is important for students to set goals and select courses with support and that is why we are taking the time to set our school up for a positive experience for all families.

Meeting with the Kaiārahi (Advisor), who will be the first point of call for a families needs, is integral to building a relationship of care around a student, whilst listening deeply to goals that each student (supported by their family) has for themselves. In our school these Conferences take the place of parent interview meetings and it is important that all families prioritise attendance at the Conferences.

Please see below for a reminder about how to book the conferences.

Nga mihi (kind regards),

Natasha

WHĀNAU CONFERENCE BOOKINGS

As a reminder, bookings are now open for Whānau Conferences. All students and whānau will need to book a time to meet with Kaiārahi (Advisor) to go over course selections, set goals and establish a plan for learning in 2019.  

You are able to book a time for a Whānau Conference by going to the following site and entering the event code. You will need to know the name of your child’s Kaiārahi (Advisor). If you are unsure, please contact communication@rhs.school.nz.

BOOK AT: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code?z=2q6SVr

EVENT CODE: yvtfy

STARTING DATES

For NEW students to RHS (8:30am - 10am)

We are looking forward to welcoming all NEW students to RHS on Tuesday, 29th January.  Our pōwhiri will begin at 8:45am and we ask that you be here no later than 8:30am. Parent, caregivers and whānau are all welcome and encouraged to attend our pōwhiri.

All Kapa Haka and Manu Kura students are required to attend the Pōwhiri and should be at school, on the courts, at 8:30am for waiata practice beforehand.

For RETURNING students (including Year 11 from RJHS)

Our returning students include RSHS and those transitioning from RJHS. All existing RHS students are welcome to support the pōwhiri by attending as tangata whenua. The pōwhiri will finish no later than 10am.

All students attending the pōwhiri should be in school uniform.

Whānau Conferences

Following the pōwhiri all students will be released from school and will only need to attend school for their Whānau Conference. Students should be in uniform for Whānau Conferences.

Official Start

All students (full school) will need to be at school Friday 1 Feb. Students should be at school no later than 8:45am. School will finish at 3:00pm.

From Monday 4 Feb, school will run as normal.

COURSE & PROJECT SELECTION

COURSE Selection

By now you should have received details about how to complete Course Selections for Modules, Specialists & Pathways. As a reminder:

Year 11

Year 11 students should have selected 3 Modules. For each Module, students should select 3 possible options (1st, 2nd & 3rd choices). English & Maths are compulsory and students must have at least 5 different learning areas.

Year 12

Year 12 students should have selected either 3 Modules OR 2 Modules and 2 Specialist options.

Year 13

Year 13 students should have selected either 4 Pathway options OR a mixture of options based on learning needs. Year 13 students are able to create a personalised timetable, selecting options for each Block of the week. This may involve splitting a Pathway (3 Blocks) across two different subjects.

PROJECT Selection

In line with Course Selection, students are now able to select an Impact Project they would like to participate in. Impact Projects for Year 11 & 12 students there are two different types of Impact Projects available (Teacher Led & Student Led - Teacher Guided). Impact Projects will run on Wednesday B1 and B2.

For Year 13, Projects is optional and will need to fit your personal learning programme.

The Impact Project Selection Booklet is now available at www.rhs.school.nz OR www.tehinaki.rhs.school.nz.  

ALL selections (Course & Projects) should be completed prior to attendance at Whānau Conference.

Course Selection Booklet

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Q0P-Klt1ZFAjTHQB8tNXgiPCkSCbhIoU

Project Selection Booklet

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vxGMXz8Ux3PYOzoDZpD0ixiAUYUjkoUI

SCHOOL CAFE

We are transitioning to having a small cafe available through Fast Lane Fitness in Te Awanui (Senior High Atrium). Senior High students WILL NOT be able to order food at lunchtime and interval via the Junior High cafe.

Senior High students will order online and pick up at interval and lunchtime. We will still have a microwave available for students to heat up food if they need to.

LOCKERS

Over the last four months we have been working closely with a team of architects to come up with solutions to maximise the use of space inside our buildings.

This is partly a response to the rapid and ongoing increase in our roll and the need for us to be able to use every space available effectively as a learning space.

As a temporary measure, over the term break, we have removed a large number of lockers from the SHS. We simply need the space and their removal will allow us additional learning space and to simplify traffic flow before and after breaks.

We do still have small number of lockers and lockable charging lockers for devices that will stay but students will otherwise be expected to carry their bags during breaks and between classes. Protective cases for devices have always been important and will be even more so with this change.

If a student wishes to use a locker, they need to provide their own lock.

UNIFORM

NZ Uniforms Shop is open and fully stocked with items for the Senior High The shop is located at 244 Tristram street in Hamilton City.

Ph: 839 4550

Shop hours are: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-1pm

STATIONERY

We recommend holding off purchases of stationery until courses have been confirmed after whanau conferences. We have very few additional stationery requirements for students other than a device for learning. Any stationery would be specialist in nature and related to the course selected.

All students MUST have a device for learning when school starts. Once confirmed into a course you will be advised of any additional stationery requirements, if any.

There are some great Back to School deals on digital devices at various retailers. You can find our recommendations for devices on the school website under eLearning.

If you are finding it difficult to provide your child with a device, please contact their Kaiārahi (Advisor) once the school year starts, as we have some options to support you.

https://www.rhs.school.nz/e-learning