Kia ora e te whānau,

As we move further into term three, there is a lot happening across Horoeka Haemata Rolleston College. Two important processes are now coming into focus: course selection for 2027 and enrolments for next year.

Although these might seem like quite different things, they are connected by one of the simplest and most important parts of our E Tū Tāngata mindset: Others Matter.

Others Matter

“Others Matter” asks us to notice the people around us, to listen, to encourage, and to recognise that the way we treat others has an impact.

In a school of nearly 2,000 learners, across two campuses, this matters enormously. A strong school is not simply a collection of individuals. It is a community where we look out for one another, where everyone has value, and where we understand that we succeed together.

For our learners, this can be as simple as including someone, offering encouragement, showing patience, thanking a teacher or support person, or noticing when someone might need a hand. Small actions matter.

Course selection: Choosing your next step

For many of our learners, the next few weeks will involve making decisions about their 2027 courses.

These choices deserve some thought.

I encourage learners to talk with their teachers, whānau, Ako or Advisory coaches, and our careers team. Think about what you enjoy and where your strengths lie, but also consider what you might need for the pathways you are interested in beyond school.

Sometimes the right course is the one that challenges you rather than the one that feels easiest. Keep doors open where you can, ask questions, seek advice and take ownership of the decision.

And this is another place where Others Matter. Friends can support us, but their choices do not need to be our choices. Good friends encourage each other to choose the pathway that is right for them.

2027 enrolments: A reminder to our whānau

Our 2027 enrolment interviews are coming up, and we are looking forward to welcoming the next group of learners and whānau into Horoeka Haemata.

A particular reminder to our existing families: if you have a younger child or sibling who will be joining us next year, please make sure their enrolment has been completed.

Having siblings already at the college does not mean we automatically know that another member of your whānau is intending to join us. Enrolling early helps us enormously with planning – from staffing and class organisation through to supporting a positive transition into secondary school.

We love welcoming younger brothers and sisters into our kura and seeing whānau continue their journey with Horoeka Haemata. So, if there is a future Rolleston College learner in your household, please get their enrolment underway.

Selwyn Combined Girls' First XV: Character beyond the scoreboard

Last week our girls in the Selwyn Combined Girls' First XV rugby team took to the field in their grand final against a strong Christchurch Girls’ High School side.

While the result did not go our way, our girls fought hard right to the final whistle and represented Horoeka Haemata with enormous determination and pride.

There is an important lesson in that.

Sport – like life – doesn't always give us the result we want. Character is often revealed in what we do when things are difficult: whether we keep working, whether we support the people beside us, and whether we can walk away knowing that we gave everything we had.

Our girls did exactly that.

Reaching a grand final is a significant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of the players, coaches, managers, whānau and supporters who contributed to their season.

They demonstrated what We Succeed Together and Others Matter look like when the going gets tough. Ka mau te wehi, girls.

A challenge for the week ahead

As we head through another busy part of the term, my challenge to everyone is simple:

Notice someone. Encourage someone. Help someone.

Whether you are making choices about your future, helping a younger sibling prepare to join our kura, picking up a teammate after a tough result, or simply looking out for the person beside you, remember:

You Have Value. We Succeed Together. Others Matter.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

My strength is not mine alone, but comes from the strength of many.

Ngā mihi nui,

Rachel Skelton
Tumuaki | Principal