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2025 Waiora Christmas Farewell

Barbara Quirk —

What a way to end the year! Our class celebration brought together awards, performances, and plenty of personality as students showcased their talents and were recognised for the amazing things they’ve achieved in 2025.

As we wrapped up another busy and rewarding school year, our class took time to celebrate the unique strengths, talents, and personalities that make our learners truly special. Each student was recognized with a personalised award that reflected their growth, character, and contributions to our classroom whānau.

From outstanding manners to incredible creativity, from social confidence to academic effort, our students shone in so many different ways. These awards highlight not only achievements but also the everyday moments that make our class such a vibrant and supportive place to learn.

We proudly celebrated.

Friday Azotea

For being a caring classmate and the class birthday organizer

Jake Keen

For having the best manners in the class and always greeting staff with a smile

Chad Cargill

For Most Improved use of a communication device

Toby Clark

For most improved social skills

Waimarie Fenton

For the most contagious laugh in the class

Julia Flanagan

For being a social butterfly this year

Xavier Hider

For Kahoot Champion of the Year

Jesse Lester

For most creative builder

Harley Johnstone

Most warm fuzzies earnt in a year

Isabella Lang

For her strides towards independence and adulthood

Scarlett Lang

For building relationships at school

Mikey Lavender

For most enthusiastic performer

Kyle Martin

For academic achievement and independence

Ben Mitchell

Most talented screenplay writer

Skyla Moyle

For being a superstar class helper and teachers assistant

Charlotte Myall

For steps towards independent learning

Natalia Norman

For being a caring classmate and friend

Poppy Olsen-King

For most improved work ethic and best quiz night MC

Lachlan Pearson

For being a barista superstar in our school cafe

James Pitman-Joyce

Most improved verbal communication

Carlos Seumanutafa

For being the class diva and dancing superstar

Jay Siitia-Tipuna

Mathletics Champion of the Year

Lockie Taylor Knapp

For constructing the most creative and interesting craft projects

Aidan Walshe

Best class housekeeper

Savannah Werahiko

For being our class stranger things expert

Phoenix Wood

Best yoga poses

Ramario Julius

For being the most sassy volunteer Learning Assistant

To add even more excitement to our celebration, students showcased their confidence and talents through a series of amazing performances. Each item reflected their individuality, interests, and creativity—making it a highlight of the day.

Our performers included:

  • Charlotte – Drums performance to Taylor Swift

  • Poppy – (singing) Golden (Huntrix)

  • Carlos – (dancing) Diva (Beyoncé)

  • Julia – (dancing) 5, 6, 7, 8 (Steps)

  • Lachlan – Do Re Mi

  • Aiden - (dancing) - (BTS)

  • Skyla – (singing) Jingle Bells

Mr Gestro-Best, the Performing Arts teacher had four of the Waiora students perform a portion of a Christmas play that he had been working on. Awesome work Team Poppy, Skyla, Julia and Lockie.

We couldn’t be prouder of our learners, and we look forward to seeing them continue to shine in the year ahead.