Wow – what a huge first term back at Avonside Girls’ in 2023.

The best part of this term has been having all our usual start of year whole school activities and seeing our student leadership team in full action. I want to thank all our staff, community and students for the way they have thrown themselves into bringing Avonside together after the three disruptive years of covid.

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. 

It is the people at Avonside who are so special and make this school the great place it is. Our student leadership team started the year with a bang – from the minute they climbed those high ropes at camp through to the cross-country today, they have led assemblies, developed new events and supported each other in representing the school. Our Year 13 peer support team have worked hard to support younger students in a tuakana spirit and are looking to extend this programme for the whole year. Our staff started the year together on a local curriculum day and bonds between new and established staff were created quickly. This wairua of togetherness has permeated the term with staff getting into the spirit of whole school days and many staff picking up sports, arts or service groups to support students. A quick browse through facebook or this Tatler will show you the wide range of activities students have been participating in and the successes they have had. Finally – it is you our community whom we have been so happy to welcome back fully into our school. I have enjoyed reconnecting at whanau hui, fono evenings, board coffee morning and out on the side line of sports and cultural events. We are all in this together for our young people at Avonside.

Talking of all being in this together, next term our AGHS/SBHS musical production hits the stage with High School Musical. I want to acknowledge the hard work of all the students and staff involved and encourage you to come along and enjoy.

Have a safe and relaxing Easter break.