Cromwell College principal Mason Stretch says it will be “a full and dynamic calendar in term one” for students returning to school this week.   

The college has a bumper role in 2024 with 650 students, an increase of 40 from last year.

Mason said Year 7 and 13 would start today and the full school tomorrow.

“There is anticipation for the new year and the opportunities that lay ahead of us all.

“We have skilled and dedicated staff; involved, caring and determined students; and we are looking forward to an exciting year of learning."

Mason Stretch. PHOTO: file 

Ten new teachers and support staff have been inducted and will be introduced in the first newsletter to parents.

Term one kicks off with a mihi whakatau (welcome) for new students and whanau tomorrow, highlighting the core value of the school ‘manaaki’ (care and kindness).  

Mason said term one is about settling students in. 

The theme for the term is 'Kia Rite', getting ready, establishing routines and habits that will see students have an enjoyable and productive year.

“Establishing, reinforcing relationships and ensuring students feel welcomed and supported with their learning is the foundation for a successful year. 

“As well as classroom based learning we have our inter house competitions of swimming and athletics, a meet the teacher afternoon, Year 13 leadership, Year 7 and Year 10 camps, a full sporting calendar including quad tournament and preparations for a school production.” 

On the topic of cell phones, Cromwell College banned them last year for students Year 7 to 12  last year.

Mason said there was strong support from the school community for this.

“We will extend this to year 13 in light of government policy to ban cellphones in schools.”

Mason said subject mahi (work) for staff was progressing the changes with the curriculum refresh with more connection to local area and Māori knowledge and stories. 

This year is also the first year of the new National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 1 standards in Year 11.

Cromwell College is investigating processes to provide more timely feedback on progress and learning to students and families through live reporting.

“We are looking to strengthen our whānau group pastoral structure and working with student focus groups to support inclusion, belonging and wellbeing in our kura (school).” 

The full commencement of CC’s new technology and art block build begins this term, which is due to be completed in February 2025.

Pictured early in January, the cleared site for the new technology and art block. PHOTO: Supplied 

The Central App will take a look over the coming weeks at how other schools are also shaping up this year.