Kia ora e te whanau,

This week I want to congratulate our student leaders for their ability to step into leadership across a range of contexts, and serve the school so ably. On Monday Prefects worked alongside staff of Trident to welcome and look after our guests for the Teacher Only Day. Four hundred and fifty teachers from Whakatane visited the school and our student leaders were wonderful support in serving food and helping groups to find their locations. On Wednesday they reconvened to cook for our guests at the Year Nine and Ten Whanau hui in the evening and then to support whanau in finding the venues for the whanau ako hui. On Thursday, what incredible leadership from our House Captains at the Chants Battle to start off Athletics. These young adults created a fabulous atmosphere and inspired the younger students to participate and engage with a really fun day on the field. And finally today, they were again serving the school when they supported teachers in providing our Apanui community with some exciting learning opportunities. Our school philosophy is to support leadership as service and seeing our young adults step into this role and growing through these experiences is a testament to their commitment to the school.

Thank you to all the whanau who visited school this week for the hui and the Athletics Day. We love having you join us and getting to know you and put faces to the names. It makes our written and phone communication so much easier when we have already met kanohi ki te kanohi and shared stories and builds the partnership which is so vital for the success of our young people.

We look forward to the next school event when we can meet but in the meantime please contact us if there is anything you want to share which will help us to support your student's health, well-being or learning.

Nga mihi,

Adrienne Scott-Jones

B.A. (Hons), P.G.C.E

Principal

Kia Orana katou katoatoa,

My name is Amy Wildash and I have recently returned to Trident from 3 years as careers adviser at Tereora College in Rarotonga. My family and I are enjoying being back in Whakatane although we are finding it a bit chilly!

My role at Trident is to help students develop their pathway beyond school and to help them be well prepared for their next steps. I am whanau ako teacher for 9AW, I teach the level 2 License to Work program and manage the students involved in the Futures Academy.

Students and whanau who would like to make an appointment can do so by texting Ms Wildash on 0274995300, email wildasha@trident.school.nz or popping in to the careers hub next to the library.

As part of the Mataatua rotation, students are learning more about Ngati Awa Iwi and the historically significant landmarks and cultural customs that are important to Maori. Each Friday this term some of our year 9 students will have an opportunity to get out of school and visit these sites, hear the purakau (stories) of our area and also partner with Mataatua Sports Trust organisation to learn about the sport of Waka Ama.

We congratulate Maxwell Wharewera who is soon off to a NRL Roosters Development camp. Maxwell has a manager who selects appropriate camps and opportunities for Maxwell to develop his speed, strength and skill as he seeks a career in Rugby League. From this camp he is about to go on he hopes to be awarded a contract to play for the Roosters u16 team. We wish Maxwell luck with the camp!