Derived grade examinations
Our senior learners conclude their derived grade examinations this week. These provide an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning under exam conditions and ensure that, if needed, we have reliable evidence to support NCEA results at the end of the year. Thank you to parents and caregivers for the encouragement and support you are giving at home during this time.
NCEA change announcements
The government has recently released further announcements regarding the changes to the secondary qualification and the subject list. We are excited by some of the new subjects being mooted for learners to study in the future. While there are some exciting opportunities ahead, there are also areas where more detail is needed before schools can fully prepare. Please be assured that Rolleston College is actively engaging in these conversations, and our staff are well-placed to adapt to whatever direction these changes take. This week I had the opportunity to speak to the Minister of Education around some of the questions, concerns and positives of what is being suggested.
Year 11 and 12 parents’ meeting – new campus
On Monday evening next week, we invite all year 11 and 12 parents and caregivers to a meeting focused on our transition to the new senior campus. This will be a valuable chance to share updates, answer questions, and ensure that whānau are well-informed as we move forward with “one school, two campuses.”
Potential industrial action
As per previous communication, there is the possibility of further industrial action next week. At this stage, Monday's action will go ahead and year 12 and 13 classes will not run, and we will keep our community updated as soon as more information is available. We appreciate your understanding and support as the teaching profession continues to work through these national issues.
Sports awards – tonight!
inally, tonight we celebrate our learners at our annual sports awards. This is always a highlight of the year, as we recognise not only achievement but also commitment, teamwork, and the Rolleston Spirit shown by our athletes, coaches, managers, and supporters. We look forward to an evening of celebration.
Ngā mihi nui,
Rachel Skelton
Upcoming events
Saturday 13 September to Friday 19 September
Saturday 13 September
Tūhono kapa haka festival – Rolleston College performs in the 2:30pm group (buy tickets)
Sunday 14 September to Saturday 20 September
Te Wiki o te reo Māori (Māori Language Week)
Monday 15 September to Thursday 18 August
Proposed PPTA industrial action
Monday 15 September
Confirmed: Year 12 and 13 learners affected by industrial action
Sports, cultural and group photos – please read more information below
6pm: Year 11 senior campus hui (RSVP here)
7:15pm: Year 12 senior campus hui (RSVP here)
Tuesday 16 September
Year 11 learners potentially affected by industrial action
Sports, cultural and group photos – please read more information below
Wednesday 17 September
Year 10 learners potentially affected by industrial action
6:45pm: X-Factor final (buy tickets) and 2026 student leadership announcement
Thursday 18 September
Year 9 learners potentially affected by industrial action
Friday 19 September
School haka competition (five-block day timetable)
Last day of term three
News
Photos: 15 and 16 September
Our team, group and cultural photos will be affected by the PPTA rolling strike action. We are doing our best to schedule photos according to year levels in respective groups, but unfortunately some teams will have photos taken while year 11, 12 or 13 team members are absent. We understand that this will be disappointing for some people and we are sorry for the inconvenience. Please read this article about photos if your learner is involved.
Online canteen orders
Did you know you can order food from the cafe from the SchoolPoint website or app? Look for the apple icon labelled 'Cafe Orders'. You also use this link to order.
Weedons bus service interruptions
We have been notified by the bus company that there are road works scheduled from 15 to 19 September on Halkett Road. This will affect the Weedons bus as it won’t be able to travel down Halkett Road between Wylies Road and SH73 Main West Coast Road. Learners who catch the bus on the corner of Halkett Road and Adams Road will need to catch it on the corner of Wylies Road and Halkett Road instead.
Uniform donations
Thank you to all whānau who have donated uniforms to the school. We are currently at capacity and we are not accepting further donations, but we recommend checking out the uniform buy & sell group on Facebook if you have preloved items to share.
Lost property
If you can see your learner's missing item here, please tell them to collect it from student services as soon as possible. All leftover items will be donated to Hope Church at the end of next week.
