Kia ora Parents and Whānau
As Term 2 draws to a close, we can celebrate the incredible achievements of our students supported by our dedicated staff. Their successes and achievements, both individually and as groups, are certainly a celebration of the challenges and opportunities helping to foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
Last Ramaroa, we spoke of our Future Problem Solvers (FPS) leaving to take on the world. A huge congratulations to Glenis Martin, Christina England, Izzy Carmichael, Jonathon Xu, Jason Hao and Yigu Ye, who have made our entire school community incredibly proud by winning the 2024, World Future Problem Solving Championships in Indiana! This is a phenomenal achievement. Northcross were competing against 70 other teams from around the world in the Junior Global Issues Problem Solving Championship section. Their dedication and hard work both during the school week and on Sundays prior to departure certainly paid off. Alongside our Junior Team, our middle team of Alan, Vincent, Alex and Andy placed seventh in the world in their division – now in Year 9, we are so proud of their achievements representing Northcross. Congratulations to our winning teams.
A special mention to Glenis Martin, a phenomenal champion and likely the world’s top FPS coach after winning two World Championships concurrently!
Our students once again showcased their creativity and talent at the TOI Wearable Arts Competition. Their innovative designs and impressive craftsmanship were truly awe-inspiring. With a number of awards for outstanding stage presence, creative storytelling and workmanship, a special congratulations goes to Vivienne O’Connell for winning the nights’ Supreme Award! Thank you to teachers Nicola Grey, Rose Golds and Sara Cornthwaite for their enthusiasm and motivation in inspiring our students.
Congratulations to our students who were placed first at the Auckland Chess Championships recently! We know how extremely competitive this championship is with our students also defeating secondary students. Their strategic thinking and competitive spirit certainly were demonstrated throughout the tournament. Congratulations to team members William Liu, Justin Wang, Rex Chen and Maximilian Fang. Thank you to Toni Godfrey
Our Kapa Haka group has again been outstanding cultural ambassadors for our school performing with pride and vibrancy throughout the term. They performed not only for the Matariki festival embracing this special time of remembrance renewal and hope for the future but also enhanced the opening ceremonies of other events. A huge thank you to Mark Jensen for motivating and inspiring our performers.
Three Northcross dance troupes proudly represented the school at the National Dance Competition last Friday, showcasing their talent and dedication across jazz, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Their self-choreographed routines, guided by Miss Grace Malone, were a testament to their hard work and professionalism.
As we celebrate the close of Term 2, I would like to reflect on our mission statement, “Individual growth through challenge and learning.” As mentioned at today’s assembly, our students have certainly embraced these challenges and I believe, emerged as stronger learners. A huge thank you and acknowledgment of our staff and wider whanau for your continued support throughout the term.
Please remember Friday the 28th of June marks the beginning of Matariki, the Māori New Year and a public holiday! We’ll be celebrating the rise of the Matariki star cluster, a time to reflect on the past year, remember our heritage, and look forward to the year ahead. Please enjoy celebrating this important occasion.
Hei te Paraire nei te timatanga o Matariki, te Tau Hou Māori!
Ka whakanui tatou i te aranga ake o te kahui whetu o Matariki, he wa ki te whakaaro mo te tau kua hipa, kia mahara ki o tatou taonga tuku iho, me te titiro whakamua ki te tau kei mua.
Tena koa koa ki te whakanui i tenei kaupapa nui.
Happy Matariki!
The end of term is Friday the 5th of July with term 3 starting on the 22nd of July.
Nga Mihi nui,
Jonathon Tredray
