Ad Augusta Term 2 June 2013
Dear Parents and Guardians
We have enjoyed meeting with more than 180 parents at our recently held morning tea sessions, at Takapuna Grammar School, the Bruce Mason Centre, The Esplanade and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
At these sessions we were discussing assessment options as parents and their students consider options for next year and/or beyond. As a formula it appears to work well and those presenting appreciated it as much as those attending. If parents are keen to explore any other themes in a similar format, we would be happy to oblige. Unlike our more formal presentations in the Hall and elsewhere, the morning teas open up the opportunity for more informal and productive discussions.
I would also like to thank the students and parents who have engaged in the process of the discussion groups as the Board of Trustees seek to develop our new Strategic Plan. This process is going well and the remaining dates and opportunities are:
4th June 5:00pm-7:00pm Board of Trustees/Parents discussion groups
5th June 5:00pm -7:00pm Staff Discussion Groups
At this point in the year, senior students are getting close to the midway point for curriculum delivery. Junior and senior students will be starting to think about courses for next year, whether at Takapuna Grammar School, doing NCEA or International Baccalaureate, or beyond, in tertiary. It is a good time for families to have discussions around the dinner table and for students to investigate what is required to fulfil personal dreams and ambitions. We have a number of staff at Takapuna Grammar School who are able to assist with the information required, including the deans and Mrs Ginny Stainton, in our Careers team. We encourage you to engage in this discussion and I offer the school’s assistance.
I also encourage you all to take the opportunity to determine the Board of Trustees membership for the next three years. We have the very powerful situation of 12 people standing for 6 parents’ positions on the Board of Trustees and two staff standing for the staff representative. The elections closed at noon on the 30 May.
If you would like to respond to the suggestions above or have any questions or concerns please contact me at Principal@takapuna.school.nz. I have recently updated “From the Principal’s Desk” too, so feel free to visit this on the school’s website. This week I am discussing the nature of Takapuna Grammar School’s involvement in international connections that enhance our delivery of curriculum to all students.
Regards
Simon Lamb
Principal
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School Dux 2012
The Dux is the most prestigious award in any school as it goes to the top scholar. This award is highly sought after and highly competitive. To be Dux at Takapuna Grammar School is to join a very select and elite group, the highest achievers in New Zealand.
Congratulations to Mattea Mrkusic, the Dux for 2012.
Mattea has had exceptional academic success throughout her years at Takapuna Grammar School. This year she was ranked First, in Art History, Biology and English, 3rd in French and 6th in Mathematics with Statistics.
Mattea’s teachers and classmates comment on her willingness to support others and her positive contribution to classroom activities. She is described as “very intelligent, mature and hardworking”, a student who shows “flair and maturity beyond her years” and that she has “a natural ability to question and analyse concepts and to solve problems logically and systematically.” Mattea sets for herself, and continues to achieve, the highest academic standards. Mattea has exceptional academic talent and a very bright tertiary future. Mattea has also had considerable involvement in the all aspects of the school – sport, culture and service. She has been either winner or runner-up in the school’s speech contest each year from Year 9. She debates with enthusiasm and great persuasion. She was the winner of the Most Provoking Speaker at the Auckland MUNA, in 2012, and was subsequently selected to represent New Zealand at the Hague International Model United Nations as the head delegate. She is a very capable writer, gaining a Certificate of Exceptional Merit in the Rodney Walshe Ireland Essay competition in 2012, and she also is a regular contributor to the “Devonport Flagstaff” as a member of the school’s Journalism Club.
Mattea plays football, has been in school shows and plays, and represented the school at cross-country amongst other things. It is an indication of the way that she can manage herself that she can do so much and still maintain a top academic performance. She has also been a highly visible, enthusiastic and successful school leader.