Kia ora tatou We received some very positive feedback following Saturday night’s formal. The events manager from the Dunedin Town Hall commented to me on the excellent behaviour and fun atmosphere that prevailed during the evening.  I would like to thank all the staff, students, and parents who contributed to a very successful occasion.  The venue, quality of food and music were excellent and I was impressed by the willingness of all students to get on the dance floor.  Again my thanks to Mrs Monique Evans for her organisation of the evening.  Monique was ably assisted by our Social Prefects, Jess Coulston and Emily Hackfath. Our rock bands put their best foot forward last weekend and six of them have progressed into the 2017 Regional Rockquest finals.  They are performing this weekend and once again I wish them all the very best. Staying on a musical note, I had the pleasure of attending the 2017 Big Sing Choral Competition at the Town Hall on Wednesday. Taieri College’s “Treblemakers” put in a polished and entertaining performance which was well received by the audience.  My thanks for the time and effort Miss Toni Shanks has put into our choir. Our netballers performed admirably at the recent Otago Secondary Schools’ Championships.  After an unbeaten first day all three teams eventually ended up earning top six placings.  Our Year 9A team were 2nd, our 10A team 6th and our Senior A’s 4th.  A top effort. This week we have offered an alternative programme for our Year 10 students.  Our girls have participated in an empowering programme that focusses on being assertive and keeping safe.  Their course included a session on self-defence.  The concurrent boys’ programme focused on health and well-being.  The boys’ sessions were expertly delivered by Mr Tabb, Mr Peacock and Mr Hull from our PE Department.  My thanks to them for organising a useful and valuable experience. Noho ora mai Dave Hunter Principal