Dear parents and caregivers
At our previous Board meeting, our Charter for 2017 was adopted. The Charter sets out our mission, vision and values and strategic intents.
- Botany Downs Secondary College will have great teachers who are passionate, caring and innovative educators who will make a positive difference for our students.
BDSC teachers will show characteristics in line with the BDSC pedagogical model. A programme of professional learning and development will be implemented to ensure ongoing learning for all staff. Digital technologies will allow students to be active learners, and teaching will be transformed to facilitate this.
- Within the Whanau, students will be supported to cultivate their personal identity while achieving their potential according to the ideals of the Botany Downs Secondary College Graduate
- Enhance our physical environment to optimize teaching and learning
- Develop and sustain strong relationships and partnerships with our community
The Charter also contains the annual plans and achievement targets for the coming year.
Thank you to all the parents and whanau who have supported the College over the last few weeks by attending our Family and Friends meeting, Fia Fia night, student performances at Polyfest and the many summer sporting events. Congratulations to Quinnlan Tupou (Rugby League, Touch) and Matt Shearer (Tennis) who were Junior Sportsman of the Year finalists at the recent annual Counties Manukau Sports Awards. Congratulations also to our Mixed Touch Team who were placed second at regionals last weekend and are now through to Nationals being held later this year. Many thanks to the staff and parents who have made these opportunities possible.
Following the recent student interim reports, student–parent-teacher interviews are underway. Near the end of next term our senior students will be leading student led conferences with you and their mentor. This is an opportunity for senior students to have increased ownership of their academic progress, to share with their parents knowledge of their current subject courses (achievements to date and assessments ahead) and what they are aiming for (career pathway). Student led conferences also support the development of students’ organisational and oral communication skills and increase their self-confidence. In addition to the feedback you receive at the student–parent-teacher conferences, don’t forget to please log onto our web portal for your child’s formative subject comments. If your child has not done so already, ensure they have created a personal assessment calendar of due dates for assessments and assignments for the year which they can share with you so you can support them in meeting their deadlines.
I would like to thank students, parents, members of the community and staff who have supported the many opportunities available in the wider life of the college. Without this support much of what is offered to our students would not be possible.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday and we look forward to welcoming you back in Term 2.
Warm regards