ENCOMPASS Year 9
Ahakoa he iti , he pounamu - Although it is small , it is greenstone
The Year 9 Encompass team welcomed one new face this year , Mr Craig Thompson , and his enthusiasm and adaptability were much appreciated in this second topsy-turvy year of Covid adjustments . Our thanks goes to Mrs Jade Hanham for her three years of service to the Year 9 team – her legacy will be seen in the ongoing Time Capsule project , for which she provided the original templates . Thanks also to Mr Andy Daley for filling in as hub leader during Term 2 while Mr Matt Brebner was absent on sabbatical .
It seems incredible that we will be opening the first Time Capsules next year . This should provide an entertaining trip down memory lane for our senior cohort , who were the first to seal their capsules in 2018 as bright-eyed Year 9s .
Our focus this year remained on the theme of personal identity , with an emphasis on collaboration and creative thinking . A range of collaborative challenges was thrown at our students , from trust walks and Jacob ’ s Ladder , to fashion parades and Kapa Haka training with our Year 13 leaders . Despite lockdown in Term 3 , it was decided to continue the Escape Room in Term 4 so that all classes could experience this unique challenge .
Year 10
Ina kei te mohio koe ko wai koe , I anga mai koe i hea , kei te mohio koe . Kei te anga atu ki hea
If you know who you are and where you are from , then you will know where you are going
We are grateful for the addition of Mrs Loach to the Year 10 Encompass team at the beginning of the year and appreciate Mrs Taylor stepping in during Mr Drabble ’ s sabbatical leave during Term 2 . Miss McDonald was also welcomed back to our team following Mrs Loach ’ s departure . It has been a pleasure working with such quality staff in what has been a second disjointed year of teaching and learning .
The Year 10 Encompass classes started the year with goal setting in MyMahi and a lesson of introductions to a small group of our special needs students . This was a valuable time of sharing and learning about each other and especially welcoming students who have different needs to the mainstream . The main aim was to gain a different perspective , highlighting inclusivity for all . The term continued with an exploration of Whakapapa and the personal significance of symbols . In the new unit , Digital Citizens , the students had fun running around the school , competing in a treasure hunt that centred on the usage of QR codes . They also learnt practical skills through a digital scavenger hunt that was designed to help with the different platforms and tasks needed in the school environment .
Highlights of the year include hosting Mr Conrad Waitoa as a guest speaker and the workshop called SMART , performed by the Life Education Trust during the Finance unit . Popular sessions for students were in the Understanding NCEA unit and writing letters and cards of gratitude for a significant adult during the unit , Using Your Voice . Students created a CV using MyMahi and role-played job interviews . We also covered the importance of revision with a session dedicated to learning study skills in preparation for the Year 10 examinations .
It has been a challenging year for our students with lockdown disruptions and we appreciate the effort they have made throughout the Encompass program .
Year 11
Hurihia tō aroaro ki te rā tukuna tō atarangi kia taka ki muri i a koe Turn your face to the sun and the shadows will fall behind you
The Year 11 Encompass programme gives students time to focus on their own wellbeing . Students are encouraged to explore their relationship with themselves and others in an increasingly digital world , and are introduced to a range of tools designed to enhance and improve their wellbeing . This included an introduction to mindfulness , covering breathing techniques and meditation exercises , understanding our stress response and the basics of brain science , and how to recognise unhelpful patterns in our thinking . We also covered how to develop healthy relationships with technology , the importance of taking time away from devices , and about the benefits of nature to improve wellbeing . At the end of Term 2 , our ‘ device free ’ trip to Ocean Beach was a chance to put some of this understanding into practice , and we were treated to a perfect Hawke ’ s Bay winter day , with perfect blue skies and warm temperatures . The restorative power of nature was allowed to work its magic as students played volleyball , built sandcastles and relaxed with friends . Terms 3 and 4 were disrupted but we continued to focus on understanding our relationship with our phones and social media , to better understand how to foster mindful use of technology .
Year 12
Waiho i te toipoto , kaua i te toiroa Let us keep close together , not far apart
The overall theme for Year 12 is ‘ making SMART choices ’. We aren ’ t born with SMARTS . We develop SMARTS . Being SMART is not about being intelligent . SMART people have a range of strategies to help them tackle challenges and move ahead in study , work and life . Year 12 Encompass classes moved between subject experts who each delivered a five week workshop that targeted the soft and hard skills that universities and businesses recognise as important in this rapidly changing 21st century society . Students were encouraged to consider their
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