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Principal's Panui - 1 August 2025

Principal's Panui - 1 August 2025

Read the latest news from Rutherford College

Kia ora te whānau o te Kotuku

The power of why.

The more organisations and people learn to start with WHY, the more people there will be who will wake up feeling fulfilled by the work they do. 

So many organisations function in a world of tangible goals and a hammer to bash them in to place to achieve them. The ones that achieve more, the ones that get more out of fewer people and fewer resources, the ones with an oversized amount of influence, build products and companies and even recruit people that all fit based on the original intention. The why provides a sense of daily purpose that underpins how we choose to use our time and the people we share those experiences with.

Whatever your personal why may be, we must all learn to work hard and smart, be kind and surround ourselves with positive like-minded people who understand every day we start from where our feet are now. They are sincere, they have integrity, they say please thank you, excuse me and sorry, they contribute to the wider life of the school and this great community. They start with what can I do to help. Not what can I get out of this for myself. 

People who are kind and wise also understand the value of the triple filter test. They ask themselves three questions when information is received before they pass it on or react. Better to think, check and respond than to react emotionally in the moment. 

  1. Do you know for sure that what you are about to say or pass on is true, or are you just passing on someone else's interpretation or view?
  2. Is what you are about to pass on about the person good? If not, then don’t, and
  3. Is what you are about to pass on potentially useful? If not, don’t.

If the information doesn’t pass at least one of these three questions of the triple filter test, it is unlikely to fit the criteria for little acts of human kindness or the, 'if we have nothing truthful, good or useful to say we say nothing' mantra. 

People who are respectful, have integrity and take responsibility to be kind and caring, learn to always take this approach. 

Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences - 7 August 2pm - 8pm- Early close at 1.20

Bookings are open for Parent/Teacher Conferences. We encourage all parents and caregivers to book a conference time with subject teachers to discuss your child’s progress this year and explore the best subject choices for 2026. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to plan ahead and ensure students are on the right path for their future goals. While you're here, don't miss our Careers Expo, open from 2:00pm to 7:00pm in the School Hall, where tertiary providers and industry representatives will be available to offer advice and answer questions about future study and career opportunities. As students begin choosing their subjects for next year, it’s important they consider keeping their options broad and flexible. While some may already have a clear career goal in mind, many are still exploring their interests—and that’s completely normal. By selecting a wide range of subjects, students can keep multiple pathways open, ensuring they’re well-prepared for whatever opportunities or passions may emerge in the future. This approach allows for both growth and adaptability as they move through school and beyond.

Make a Time to Meet

To make a booking, please log in to the School Portal and click on T3 PSST Conferences. You should be able to book a time with any of the subject teachers for your son or daughter. Please note that there is no opportunity to book with the tutor teacher at this time. If you would like to contact the tutor teacher, you can contact them by email. Email addresses for teachers are found on our Staff Directory Page.

From 1.30 pm to 4.30pm a coffee cart will be on site for your convenience. Please note that school closes at the earlier time of 1.20pm to allow staff time to prepare for meetings with parents at 2pm. 

Put Your Hand Up – School Board Nominations Closing Soon!

Are you passionate about education and making a difference in our school community? We’re calling on enthusiastic and committed parents to nominate themselves for the upcoming School Board elections! This is your chance to have a real impact on the direction of Rutherford College and help shape the future for our students.

Nominations close on 6 August, so don’t miss this opportunity to bring your voice to the table. Whether you’re new to governance or have experience to share, what matters most is your dedication to our learners. More information is available here, including a Nomination Form, if you missed it in your inbox.

What's Coming Up?

07 Aug Parent / Student / Teacher Conferences - School closes 1.20pm ready for a 2pm start for conferences.
07 Aug Careers Expo-School Hall - 2pm - 7pm
18 Aug - Prefect Applications Open
19 Aug Student Trustee Nominations Open - Nominations via SchoolBridge
22 Aug - Rutherford Day - School closes early at 12.30pm
25-29 Aug - Winter Tournament Week
29 Aug - Mid Term Break - School Closed

Have a good weekend

Gary Moore



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