MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
As signalled in our latest newsletter on MONDAY 23rd AUGUST the school will be holding a mid-term break. This means students will not need to attend school on that day. The break is designed to minimise the stress of the long Winter term.

TUESDAY 24th AUGUST 8.30am – 10.30am
On TUESDAY 24th AUGUST, Papanui High School teachers will be attending a paid union meeting to discuss their Collective Employment Contract negotiations. The right to hold a meeting of this nature is contained in the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Employment Agreement. Meetings will be held in all Christchurch state and integrated secondary schools at this time. Accordingly school will begin at the start of period 3 (11.00am) on Tuesday 24th August.

Papanui High School Principal, Denis Pyatt, will be finishing at the school at the end of this year.

Mr Pyatt has been a Principal for 16 years, 11 of those at Papanui High School. For the last 4 years he has been Chairperson of the Canterbury, West Coast, Secondary Principals’ Association.

Mr Pyatt feels that the “time is right” to move on.

“I’ve loved my time at the school”, said Mr Pyatt. “It’s been gratifying to be part of a school which has developed so much in the last decade”. Mr Pyatt’s greatest satisfaction has been gained from seeing students, staff and parents become increasingly proud of their school.

However Mr Pyatt has always personally believed that a Principal shouldn’t stay too long and he feels it’s an appropriate time for someone new to take over. “The school is going really well”, said Mr Pyatt, “Our last ERO review was superb, the roll has increased by 50% in the last 8 years, exam pass rates have risen significantly, there are exciting building developments happening, and our local community seem happy and proud about their school. So it’s a good time for a new leader to come in and take the school into the next stage of its development.”

“There’s a great deal of “distributed leadership” in the school so I don’t think my departure will cause too much disruption”, said Mr Pyatt.

Mr Pyatt stresses that he is not retiring. “I feel ready for a new challenge and I intend to thoroughly explore my future options in the education sector”.

Board Chair Jerome Williamson said that the Board had accepted Mr Pyatt’s resignation ‘reluctantly’.

“Denis Pyatt is highly regarded and much admired by the whole school community”, said Mr Williamson. “Papanui High School has flourished under his leadership and it will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead”.

Mr Williamson believes that it is inevitable that there will be much sadness as Mr Pyatt departs but also a good deal of respect for his decision to move on and seek out new opportunities.

The hit musical Grease has arrived at Papanui High School.

It has been over 10 years since a large scale musical was staged and it is fantastic that all facets of the performing arts community are pitching together to create a truly stunning show.

There are over 80 performers and 30 backstage crew involved. From an actual ‘Greased Lightning’ car, to original Pink Ladies jackets, to stunning singing voices; this will be a show that is popular with both young and old. All the hit numbers are there for you to rock along to!

The show runs from Wed 23^rd – Sat 26^th June, starting each night at 7pm in the school auditorium. Tickets can be purchased through the student office. Adults $12 and Students $7. Phone 3526119 for details.