An Otago Daily Times article in 2025 revealed there were instances of students bullying members of staff at Mount Aspiring College.
Following the publication of the article, Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen told the ODT the school always followed what was in the legislation following incidents.
‘‘We collect data on wellbeing and students’ experiences of the school twice a year and we will continue to do that.
‘‘As always, we respond in a proactive and timely matter to anything that may happen,’’ she said.
Last week, while reflecting on the issue, Ms Jacobsen told Wānaka Sun the reported bullying incidents had been resolved at the time last year.
‘‘A process had been put in place, with follow up, prior to the article,’’ she said.
Now focusing on the school year ahead, Ms Jacobsen said she was ‘‘incredibly proud’’ of how local students performed in their NCEA results.
‘‘Students have performed really strongly across NCEA levels 1, 2 and 3 and in literacy and numeracy.
‘‘Students have worked incredibly hard to achieve those results,’’ she said.
Ms Jacobsen said a big focus for her at the moment was the changes to the New Zealand curriculum and nearly every area had a new curriculum.
‘‘It’s about making sure that our plans meet those requirements and that we fulfil everything that is asked of us, but that we still make it special to Mount Aspiring College.’’
Ms Jacobsen said significant upgrades of the school’s learning facilities had taken place, and work on the buildings would continue.
‘‘The technology workshops are being refurbished at the moment. That is a really important upgrade.’’
Ms Jacobsen said she will feel successful in her role when she received conformation for the school’s proposed new gymnasium.
‘‘I think it will be a major asset for the school and the students.
‘‘I’ll be doing everything I can with the Ministry of Education to make that happen,’’ she said.
There is no official date for when construction of the gymnasium will begin.
Looking ahead Ms Jacobsen said she was most excited to witness students finding their passions.
‘‘Like every year, students find their passion, find their place and take on challenges big or small and go on that journey through adolescence. . .
‘‘Every year it is an absolutely wonderful and humbling experience to be a part of,’’ she said.
