Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata, ko te pai tata, whakamaua kia tīnā; Seek out the distant horizons, cherish the ones you have attained.

Kia ora e te whānau, 

It’s hard to believe an entire year has passed and school has now finished for the year. It has been a fabulous journey, full of positivity, teamwork, and a fantastic range of opportunities and learning experiences. 

Over the past few days, we have had a number of graduation and transition events for our Year 6 graduates, and it has naturally caused me to reflect back on their journey, and also on our journey as a school. Our Year 6 leavers are an amazing group of young people. Over the past few weeks we have watched them support each other, celebrate their own success and that of others, work together, thank others and show respect and gratitude. As I said to them during the graduation evening, they are fabulous, and they can do amazing things. We wish them all the very best on the next exciting step in their journey. 

I’d also like to thank and acknowledge our amazing community. We love and appreciate the support you continually show us, and we feel very blessed to be part of such a team of people. I’d like to especially acknowledge the families who are ending their time at Amesbury: the Broughton whānau, both Wang whānau, the Han whānau (Anna), the Chauhan whānau (Adi), the Zawilski whānau, the Young whānau, the Floratos whānau , the Rasamny whānau, the Idle whānau, the Reginaldo whānau, the Li whānau (Johnson), the Zhang whānau (Junyi), the Maenu’u whānau, the Dimitrijoska whānau, the Morris whānau, the Gilmour whānau, the Penemetsa whānau, the Natali whānau, the Kleinveld whānau, the Perera whānau, the You whānau, the Liang whānau, the Liu whānau, and the Stalberg whānau. We have loved having your family as part of our school community, and please know that you will always be Amesbury whānau. Come back and say hello and let us know how you and your tamariki are going. 

And finally, a huge, huge thanks to our fabulous Amesbury kaimahi (staff). You all work together so amazing well, each bringing your own gifts, strengths and passions to your role, stepping in to do whatever is needed to ensure ngā tamariki (our children) have what they need in order to flourish. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year, and I am really looking forward to continuing the journey next year with you. To Maura, Caylie, Brooke and Akane, we wish you all the very best with your new adventures. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are going. 

Thank you again for a fabulous year. Meri Kirihimete, have a fabulous summer break and take time to enjoy yourselves with whānau and friends. I am off to the wintry climes of Liverpool in the UK to connect and spend time with whānau and friends. I will miss the sun, although the chance of a snowy Christmas is exciting!

Hei tērā tau, see you next year,

Urs Cunningham