Principals across Christchurch say term four is shaping up as one of the busiest on record, with senior NCEA exams, end-of-year productions and inter-school sports competitions all converging in the same eight-week window.

The Canterbury Secondary Schools Sports Association confirmed that summer codes — cricket, touch, athletics and rowing — have all seen healthy registration numbers. Several schools have introduced additional Friday-afternoon competitions to manage demand.

On the academic side, NZQA-registered exams begin in early November. The Ministry of Education has reminded whānau that digital exam pilots will continue this year in selected subjects, with paper options remaining available.

School leaders contacted by the Bulletin highlighted student wellbeing as a continued focus, noting expanded counselling hours and peer-support programmes funded through the latest budget round.