With all year levels back at school last Thursday, principal Tony Membery is excited after Te Awamutu College’s successful start to 2025.
Te Awamutu College principal Tony Membery visits a Year 9 class on week one of term one. Photo: Jesse Wood
A whopping 213 Year 13 students are staying for their final year of secondary education, a vast number to help the 318 Year 9s and 11 new teachers settle in.
“The roll is sitting at 1451, which is about the same as last year. This again validates we are a popular high school. We are the high school of the district, and it is a big thriving district,” Membery said.
“We’ve had four Year 13s in every Year 9 form class showing them where all their classes and the toilets are. They are people that the kids can continue to ask questions of. It’s not just a one-day wonder. We want them to be happy.
“This is a time also to be supportive to the new staff while they’re settling in. I always call this the honeymoon phase.
“The decision to not have any out of zone enrolments was the right one. We got three new classrooms about two years ago and we certainly are at capacity.”
Te Awamutu College principal Tony Membery in 2021, centre, with proxime accessit Matthew Yarndley and dux Megan Walker.
Membery is in his 42nd year at the college and is enjoying it more than ever.
“I’m pretty firm, this is my 18th year starting as principal and I’m still loving it. It’s important to me,” Membery said.
“I still drive in thinking; I am privileged to have the job I’ve got. It’s a big responsibility and it’s rewarding.
“I’m excited when I see all those new students and that’s a good sign.
“You see students at the ball or graduation dinner, and you know how some of them started out and that we have played a part in their success.”
One of the new implications is a $50 uniform store credit thanks to the Rogers Charitable Trust.
Kathy Miller, who retired in 2022, in the Te Awamutu College staffroom with principal Tony Membery. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Membery said they have had great feedback regarding the discount.
“The $50 per student at the uniform shop, that’s quite a saving. There’s been some very appreciative parents. I had an email saying ‘Thank you so much. At a time when you’re buying stationery [it’s much appreciated]. Please thank the board and thank the trust’,” he said.
“It was a good thing for the board to recognise there is a cost-of-living crisis. If that’s something we can afford to do, that’s a nice thing to do.
“It shows we’re a school that serves the community and that’s why I’ve been here a long time.”
New trips have been introduced this year with the NCEA Level 3 social issues class due to visit Parliament, while most drama classes will venture to the Auckland Arts Festival.
“The menu of classes and opportunities we offer makes people want to come back – hospitality, carpentry, furniture making, engineering, electronics. It’s like a mini tech.
“If you do well here, we’ve really given you the start for whatever your pathway is. But you’ve got to work with us, that’s what we’re here for.”
There is a big emphasis on their expectations of Responsibility, Relationships, Respect on top of achievement, development, student wellbeing and attendance.
“We have about an 86-87% attendance rate on an average day. We understand that life happens, but parents must explain their absence. We need a reason,” Membery said.
“We’re big on sending the students’ attendance and their lates out every Friday. Parents can also go live. They can check during the day, whether their kid is in class.
“We want kids to be here, be happy and have fun, but learn as well.”
Te Awamutu College principal Tony Membery has urged people to fact check social media posts with the school. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
With an extensive range of opportunities, including Māori cultural and community connections, Te Awamutu College looks to have a bright year ahead.
February brings a full calendar of annual events including Year 13 camp at Tui Ridge, Rotorua (February 3-25), inter house swimming (February 19), inter house athletics (February 21) and school photos (February 24-25).
April will see a 40th birthday celebration of the on-site Ōtāwhao Marae.
“We’re very well resourced and we want to be the best high school we can be, because we exist to serve this district,” Membery said.
“I want people to be proud of Te Awamutu College. I’m still really proud to be here.
“We care about kids getting qualifications, but also about the sort of people they are and where they are heading.
“The school is in good heart and we’re always aiming to do our best.”
