Nelson College Newsletter 15th August 2025
Kia ora koutou,
The College Ball was a huge success over the weekend, and it was wonderful to see so many of our Year 12 and Year 13 students relaxing and enjoying the evening. The event was exceptionally well organised through our Combined Ball Committee and remains a highlight of the calendar. Keep your eye on our social media for photos.
It has also been fantastic to see the quality of learning taking place in our classrooms, with students pushing themselves, striving for improvement, and showing a genuine desire to be better. There are still plenty of opportunities for students to get across the line in NCEA or improve their Junior Curriculum level from the start of the year. If you feel your son could do with some extra help, our teachers are on-hand to offer guidance so please reach out. Congratulations to our Music Department on another outstanding performance at the annual Rock The Boathouse music showcase. It is inspiring to see this programme continuing to go from strength to strength. There was more music success recently with the Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls Combined Jazz Band taking home the silverware at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Competition.
Our Director of Boarding, Simon Mardon, will be touring the upper South Island next month, visiting prospective boarding families in Murchison, Westport, Greymouth, Blenheim, Kaikōura, and Hanmer. I’ll be joining him for the West Coast leg and in Blenheim, and I’m looking forward to sharing the many great things our school has to offer.
Although we are now three-quarters of the way through the year, regular attendance remains a key priority. Ensuring students are engaged and on track right through to the end of the year is essential. While we appreciate that this is not always easy, your support in ensuring students are on time, organised, and ready to learn is greatly valued. Our pastoral team and your son’s Ārahi teacher are always willing and able to provide support where needed.
As you may be aware, the PPTA has signalled its intention to hold strike action on various days next week. You will find further details in this newsletter and an email has been sent home.
Thank you for your continued support of Nelson College. We look forward to celebrating more of our students’ successes together over the remainder of the year.
Ngā mihi nui,
Richard Washington
Principal | Tumuaki