2009: We had 31 students on the Gateway programme in 2009 with some excellent successes. A total of 812 credits across the 31 students were gained, with Brenden Ewart - Farming - being our top achiever at Year 12 (87 credits) and Grant Kissling - Building - Yr 13 (36 credits). For the first time we had an award for the Best All Rounder and this went to Chris Torkington (Yr 12) - Farming.
The boys who achieved apprenticeships were: Grant Kissling, Building; Josh Hayes, Building; Ryan Besseling, Plumbing; Daniel Corrin, Engineering; Anthony Roper, Automotive Parts; and Karl MacPherson, Electrical. A fantastic result, and all due to their hard work, initiative and drive displayed while on placement.
We were also very fortunate to have Harley Roberts and Ashley Brown accepted to South Seas Film and Television School in Auckland after spending the year on Gateway with Phyllis Callaghan and Shannon Leaf. A tremendous effort.
Others who were on the programme have gone on to further tertiary training or are back at school in Year 13; some on Gateway again, others choosing to concentrate their energies on achieving University Entrance.
2010: We currently have 24 students out in the community on work experience involving a diverse range of industries including Electrical, Building, Concreting, Farming, Drainlaying, Automotive, Hospitality, DOC, Roading and Catering. Students continue to work towards Unit Standards while on placement.
We held a very successful “meet n greet” evening last term where parents had the opportunity to talk in a relaxed atmosphere and find out how their son was getting on in the workplace. It is always a very positive evening as our boys absolutely thrive in employment.
Defensive Driving - 14 students attended a defensive driving course, receiving their certificates once the course and practical drive was completed.
First Aid - 13 students received their First Aid certificates after attending a 2-day course at Red Cross. A number of courses are held thoughout the year, please come and ask when the next one is available.
ATV course - 15 students participated in an ATV course run by the local polytech. Aside from having huge amounts of fun they have learnt about the safety issues surrounding the use of ATV’s, how to ride safely with a trailer and load, over hills, through mud and across bridges. Great fun!
PARENTS you are welcome to contact me with any enquiries you may have. Also, any parents out there who have businesses and would like to be involved with the Gateway programme, I would love to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting future and giving our youth a go.
