Kia ora, and welcome to our final newsletter for 2024.
Congratulations to our Junior Dux Lucy Greene and Harrison Banks for earning second place in Year 10. Well done Belle Ririnui and Sam Cameron for taking out first and second place, respectively in Year 9, and Sol Fritchley and Shamar Broughton, our Junior Sports Boy and Girl for 2024.
Mount Maunganui College students have been immense this year, and we are proud of all the students who have done their very best. For every student who receives public recognition, many other students are working hard on their personal goals. Teachers, deans, and senior leaders see their efforts and know they are setting them up well to meet their educational milestones.
Seeing our students out and about for Year 9 activities and Year 10 camps has been a privilege. We aim to offer something for everyone and enjoy seeing students outside of their comfort zone and gaining new experiences. Thanks to the fantastic staff who make these experiences possible and all our families who support and encourage their children to make the most of them.
The 2024 school album was released last week. Our talented students were recorded live at Studio 11b and the album was produced by past student and current parent Nathan Sowter. It was filmed and directed by Year 13 student Luke Williams, and the entire team mentored by L.A.B. frontman and Mount Maunganui College alumnus Joel Shadbolt. Check out the live album on YouTube here, the Spotify version here, and our entire discography here. Big thanks to Tia Beaufort and the rest of the Music Department for making this happen.
We have created a short ‘check-in’ survey for you to complete regarding our progress on some strategic actions. It will only take a few minutes, and we would appreciate your feedback.
Starting this summer, three new two-storey blocks are being built on the existing carpark at the eastern end of the school. These new blocks will house science, mathematics, and computing in 32 new teaching spaces, constituting the single largest capital investment in Mount Maunganui College's history. While this is exciting news, we are heading into a construction period that will temporarily alter the school's functions.
Families will notice restricted access to the main carpark, affecting those who drop their children there in the mornings. The new car park at the northern end of the school will be staff parking only throughout the day and will not have pick-up and collection opportunities. We encourage families who pick up and drop off to consider other options or use side streets and encourage their children to walk the last few hundred metres.
We will do all we can to minimise any disruption caused by construction and continue to keep our community informed when necessary.
Finally, the team at Mount Maunganui College wishes all families a safe and relaxing holiday. Hopefully, the weather will be warm and settled, and we look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready for a fantastic 2025.
Alastair Sinton
Principal