Tēnā koutou,
The biggest news this week is the government’s recent proposal to move away from NCEA as New Zealand’s national curriculum framework. While some schools have already opted out of offering NCEA Level 1, John McGlashan College remains committed to providing NCEA Level 1 for our Year 11 students in 2026. Looking ahead to next year, we are not planning any major changes for our senior students (Years 11–13), focusing instead on refining and improving our current programme offerings.
Further details about the proposed curriculum changes and what they may mean for JMC are included later in this edition of Pilkington Press. We are continuing to have conversations with all of our boys about subject selections for 2026. We are very proud that we have so many different academic pathways (IBDP, NCEA, Agri-business, and Gateway) for our boys and so many subjects to choose from. If you have not done so already, please have a look at the school website under the academic tab to start conversations with your sons about what their academic pathway could look like at their remaining time at the college.
It was awesome to see that ‘Deaf Raccoon’ has made the National Rockquest finals in Auckland on September 12. There were only eight teams selected in the whole country, so regardless of where they end up placing at the Nationals, this group has done incredibly well.
A quick reminder: we’ve seen an increase in illness this week and have had to send several unwell boys home. If your son is showing any signs of illness, please keep him at home to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Lastly, please note a change of date for our upcoming Swimming Sports. This event will now be held at Moana Pool on Tuesday, 16 September. We look forward to a great day of competition between the four Houses.
Kā mihi,
John Veitch
Acting Principal
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