As an area school, Hurunui College offers many advantages. We are proud of its family atmosphere where students from Year 0 to Year 13 interact and care for each other.
Our vision is an aspirational learning community where all are empowered to reach their full potential. Students enter Hurunui College to learn and to develop their unique talents and abilities, so that they may leave school prepared to serve and enrich both themselves and their community.
Our College is strengthened by our core traditional values: Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence. These qualities support high academic achievement and promote personal skills required by our local, national and international communities giving our students the foundation for future success in this rapidly changing world.
Please ensure you stay connected with the multiple forms of school communication.
School website - access to the longterm school calendar and general information about the school.
Skool Loop App - pushes out school notices and newsletter, school calendar and can be used for notifying absences - critical mode of communication - download Skool Loop from the app store/google play and select Hurunui College
Edge Student Management System - the parent portal provides access to school accounts, student information, contact information and reporting. Contact the school office if you are unable to access this facility and we can talk you through the process. This is also available via the Edge Mobile App.
Facebook - used only for celebration and pushing out general information and last-minute reminders
Ngā mihi nui,
Principal - Tumuaki Hurunui College
Panui -Term 1 2025
Newsletter - Panui February 17, 2025
Kia ora koutou parents and whānau
Welcome back to the new year. I hope you have all managed to have a restful and relaxing break over the summer holidays. I would especially like to extend a warm welcome to our new students, their families and whānau, and 3 new staff members who have joined our school community this year, and all of whom we formally welcomed at our mihi whakatau at the end of week one.
As we enter our fourth week of the term, it has been great to see how well all students have settled back into school life and engaged in their learning. Thank you to all parents and whānau for your continued support in getting your children to school on time, in the correct uniform and equipped ready for classes.
Staff Update We are very happy to welcome our 3 new staff members who have joined our team this year: Mrs Sarah Hendrikx who is share teaching with Mrs Kate Frame - Year 2/3 Waipuna-ā-rangi Class Mrs Julia Steel - TiC English, Teacher of English and Drama Mr Peter Light - Teacher of Mathematics, Commerce, Tech Design and Technology
Welcome back also to our two teachers who have returned from maternity leave: Mrs Lauren Hughes - Year 6/7 Hiwa-i-te-rangi Class Miss Jenny Jackson - Part time Classroom Release Teacher for Waipuna-ā-rangi Year 2/3 and Waitī Year 3/4 classes
Due to Mr Beck taking on a secondment position with the Ministry of Education for a second year as advisor to Area School Principals, Miss Georgia Marsh continues as leader of the Whare Torohē Exploring Learning Community (Year 5-8), Mrs Janet Tilson has again taken on my role as Deputy Principal Year 1-8 and SENCO, and I am continuing as Acting Principal for the 2025 year.
I am thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to lead our school for a second year, along with the ongoing support of our staff and school community.
School Uniform On January 29th I sent a letter to all parents about our school uniform expectations which are set by the Board. Our uniform is available to purchase through NZ Uniforms and the link is on our website. We have introduced a new navy jersey for all students which is now available for pre-order and will be delivered at the beginning of Term two. This means that the Backroad jerseys and any other labelled jersey are not permitted to be worn. Thank you to all parents for your support in assisting your child to arrive at school wearing the correct school uniform.
Communication A reminder that the main means of communication from school to all parents is through skool loop, which is an app that you need to have downloaded onto your phone. Teachers will also communicate to individual parents via email or phone so it is important that we have your up to date email and contact phone number. In the event of an emergency or school closure, a message will be pushed out to you via text. In addition, all students’ accounts as well as reports for Year 9-13 come through EDGE which is another app that you also need to install to your phone. Our Hurunui College Facebook page is used from time to time for general important one off notices to all parents.
Absences If your child is absent from school please inform the school using the Absentee Submission tab on the skool loop app. Alternatively, parents/caregivers can leave a message on the school phone (03 3144430) before 8.30am.
Focus for 2025 In our first Year 1-13 assembly, I emphasised the importance of working together to create a positive school culture. By fostering respect, collaboration, and support among students, staff, and families, and valuing each individual's contributions, we can build an environment of kindness, inclusion, and open communication where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. I also outlined some key factors and actions we will be working on that would contribute to our school culture. These included: 1. We will set and see everyone following clear and consistent expectations 2. We will see students engaging positively in their lessons 3. Our teachers will continue to work hard in providing engaging and interesting lessons that all are able to access 4. We will see every student setting goals and tracking actions to achieve these goals, to help keep motivated, engaged, achieve highly, and take ownership and control of their learning 5. We will gather and act on student feedback and student voice 6. We will see all teachers and students upholding our school values
Additionally, following the recent ERO report, we have identified key focuses that align with our efforts to build a positive school culture. These targets have been incorporated into our 2025 strategic and annual implementation plan. These include: 1. Implementing a revised assessment and reporting system 2. Continuing the work on implementing the refreshed curriculum with a focus on literacy and mathematics 3. Building teachers’ cultural capability, responsiveness and confidence in mātauranga and te āo Māori for culturally responsive teaching and improved outcomes 4. Strengthening teaching practice and improve inclusive teaching strategies to meet diverse learners’ needs
We have outlined several actions to achieve these targets, which will guide our school’s efforts throughout the year.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school.
Nāku noa, nā
Jane Marsh Acting Principal - Tumuaki Hurunui College
