Kia ora, e te whānau

So ends the 2023 school year…

Since the seniors left, we’ve been focused on managing the NCEA exams at VUW, which went well thanks to the heroic efforts of Karen Brightwell, our Principal’s Nominee and Jane Willingale, HOD Learning Services; looking at the options once we knew about the need to move out of Pipitea next year and of course, dealing with the students and staff most affected by the death of Tara Swamy in Yr 13, while trying to maintain a sense of normality for the Yr 9 & 10 students who still had work to do and prepare for 2024.

It’s times like this we again realise how fortunate we are as a school. While we have lost a number of staff this year (mostly out of Wellington and some out of teaching) we have been delighted with the appointments we have made.

We are also so grateful to our Pastoral team who have looked after the needs of staff and students so well.

Maria Moran organised the Yr 8 orientation day in late November and then coordinated the Junior houses day yesterday. It was good to see so many students and teachers having fun at the end of the year. There were so many activities we all wanted to do - the students were spoiled for choice!

The Board has met for the last time this year and signed off on the Sports review, the 2024 Budget and the Annual Plan. We are still waiting to see if the incoming government will change any of our plans - so far we haven’t heard anything, but we never know.

Last week I met with the Yr 9s to review their year. It was both surprising and reassuring to get the first ‘What’s gone well’ comment - the new cell phone rules. After two terms, we can honestly say that this has been an unqualified success. I’ve had 20 phones handed in to me - given each student had to put their phone in the pockets 35 times a week, that’s a wonderful outcome. Teachers are reporting students are less distracted; we haven’t lost a phone and no-one seems to be stressed about the process any more, so that’s a big win. We’ll definitely be sticking with it next year.

On Tuesday night we had our annual Yr 13 Leavers’ Function at Sky Stadium. What a fabulous night. They have been a lovely year group and have really embraced the opportunity to lead so many school activities this year. It was also a chance to farewell their parents, many of whom have been highly engaged with us over the last 5 or more years. I always enjoy this event because it reminds me of the first day of Yr 9 - everyone is excited but slightly nervous about what lies ahead. What we can say confidently is that the Class of 2023 is absolutely ready to spread their wings and fly off to new and exciting ventures. But we shall miss them…they have been very special.

Best wishes to you all for a holiday season that gives you everything you are looking for. We’ll see most of you back in 2024.

Ngā manaakitanga

Julia Davidson

Staff movements

Farewell to our departing staff and thank you for your work with our students.

Louise Baker - to Avonside Girls’ High School in Christchurch

Kate Broadley - to Avalon Intermediate

Ben Curtis - back to De La Salle College in Auckland

Sandra Glanville - contract finishing

Penny Greenwood - going fishing

Kailagh Harford - to Rongotai College as HOD English

Laura Hutchinson - to Nayland College in Nelson

Deb King - to Newlands College as Principal

Joseph Koshy - to Brisbane

Katie McCarthy - will be back next year as a relief teacher

Rachel McConnel - to Hamilton

Vhairi Miles - to part time work

Ro Moody - to Christchurch

Josh Parker-Bevin - to Karamu High School in Hastings

Maiea Ruawai-Hamilton - to the Kura in Alicetown

Max Symes - to Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland

Liwei Wang - travelling

Dave Wiggins - to St Oran’s College

Jane Willingale - to the RTLB service