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Message from the Headmaster – July 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the second term of the academic year concludes, I take this opportunity to commend your sons for responding positively to our expectations of them, amidst ongoing uncertainty. Their approach to classwork, study and then the end of term examinations, as well as their ongoing commitment to extracurricular activities throughout the term, has been a pleasure to observe. 

The responses from the student body sets the tone on a daily basis, and as a result of being part of a positive environment your sons have had the opportunity to focus on the tasks before them – whether that be in class, a sports practice, a performance, homework, an assessment or study.  

It has been a privilege to share a considerable number of successes in assembly, that do not happen by accident. They are achieved by individuals and groups who work and practice together with a shared common goal, and by doing so, they represent our school in exemplary fashion.

Those crowned Auckland Champions over the last month include Hockey, Squash and Skiing, while our cyclists and footballers lead their respective premier competitions. Our Basketball and Hockey teams are one place behind the leaders in their Supercity competitions.

Alongside these sporting accolades, musically, Grammarphonics’ performance at the Regional Big Sing qualified them for the National Big Sing in August. The Big Band and Jazz Combo both won Gold awards at the National Youth Jazz Competition while the Big Band won the New Orleans Trophy for the Most Outstanding Big Band.

In academia, one of two teams representing the School at the New Zealand Young Physicists Tournament recently won the competition and the associated national title, while the team competing in the North Island Brain Bee competition also had individuals place first and third.

The breadth and depth of extracurricular competition and the associated success is respected by us all.  We look forward to more young men experiencing success at a range of levels in Term 3.

We know that the School community is ready for the pending holiday break. Taking the time to refresh – particularly as winter strikes – is important. We need our young men fit and ready to return on Monday 25 July, prepared to contribute and apply themselves to their potential, and making sacrifices to do so. 

As the new term starts, our primary focus will continue to be on teaching, particularly as many of the senior programmes will finish the last third of their year’s work over the first eight weeks of the term. This should emphasise how important attendance is, and that this is maximised with focus in class, a preparedness to meet deadlines and a willingness to ask for help early.

Through their words and deeds, we also want to see examples of our School values in action on a consistent basis throughout the new term – respect, integrity, courage, humility, excellence, commitment and pride. While these are already well-supported by Grammar families, I remind you how the consistent application of such values aides your son’s personal development and in turn, his performance in curricular and extracurricular activities.

It has never been more important for our young men to have a solid foundation that is supported by their families and school; a foundation that has clear expectations, reduces distractions and reminds them of their personal responsibilities. With such a foundation in place they can aspire to excellence, in who they are and consequently, what they can achieve.

Enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday with family and friends.

Per Angusta Ad Augusta