Message from the Chairperson: Alanna Young
“Reach for the Stars” sung by the students at the official opening of Mission Heights Junior College twelve months ago, sums up the ethos of this wonderful and challenging learning environment.
What an honour and privilege it is to be part of one of the most exciting and technologically advanced secondary schools in New Zealand.
Our children are blessed to have the opportunity to be guided by highly trained professionals in an environment specifically managed to bring out the best in each individual student.
For most of us who can recall our days at college, we are surely envious of the freedom afforded to our students to develop their personal strengths and interests, with all the encouragement and expertise provided by such a dedicated and enthusiastic team of learning advisors and teachers.
All of this provision has changed the meaning of schooling for many, from a place of being lectured and told; to being an interactive environment, allowing the students to explore and develop their learning in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Teachers have become facilitators of learning, directing and guiding our children and enabling them to dream big dreams and “Reach for the Stars.”
We must not forget that this state of the art school combined with the excellent leadership of Mrs Joan Middlemiss (Principal) and her team is forging new territory in education with tremendous measurable success.
This success is evidenced by the enthusiasm of the students being actively involved in their school, often arriving early and leaving late. This phenomenon is unique in a state school environment and surely is establishing in our children the belief and realisation that learning is enjoyable and interactive.
As Chairperson I am humbled at the confidence placed in myself to guide the governance of this great new institution. My position is made that much easier with the dedication and support of the elected board members, Principal and teaching staff.
Mission Heights Junior College is providing its students with tremendous opportunities, setting them up to become leaders in a new technological world that we could only dream about. What we dreamt as science fiction, our students are growing and learning to turn into reality.
The year ahead will provide us with new challenges with an Education Review in Term 3 through to the graduation of our first Year 10 students in December combined with a school roll that continues to grow almost faster than estimated.
The foundations established over the past 18 months have created a culture of learning that embraces technology, providing our children with the best opportunities to grow as individuals whilst participating in an exciting, diverse and multicultural community.
Mission Heights Junior College provides the platform for students to “Reach for the Stars”.
