E waka eke noa – this year has truly been about pulling our oars together in the waka and it is hugely exciting to stand in our theatres at Senior and Junior Prizegiving full of whanau and students. To be able to celebrate our students together kanohi te kanohi, face to face, and to feel that we are looking forward to new horizons next year.

It has been a challenging year for AGHS staff and students, and I want to start by thanking all the staff, and the Senior Leadership Team for their support, resilience, and good humour. As I look back over the year, I can see that it has been by the strength of the collective belief, values and courage that we have sailed through the choppy waters of 2022 forward and purposeful with our course. The school started the year with a new Principal, then red setting and hybrid learning and then a term in which every day significant numbers of teachers and students were sick. Staff stepped into spaces to cover colleagues, help the leadership team, support students, and later in the year to add extra catch-up courses for students to gain the credits students needed. They have given our students rich learning experiences through work with external agencies such as Puhoro STEM, Shark Tank, Creatives in Schools just to name a few. Our young people deserve the best from us and He tanagata, He tanagata, he tangata has come to life this year at AGHS in a very meaningful way to continue to give them that. Nga mihi nui a koutou. To those staff who are leaving us we wish you well in your next chapter.

Standing by our staff has been our student leadership teams. They have worked hard this year to bring back events and traditions that pull us together as Avonsiders, mentor younger students and be a strong voice in the leadership of the school. Nga mihi nui a koutou for your strength and service in leadership. You have set a legacy for the new leaders who have been announced for 2023.

I want to acknowledge our community who have stood next to us through the year, learning how to navigate online parent/teacher and open night events. Thank you as it is with your partnership that we can serve you and your young person best. Nga mihi nui a koutou.

I would also like to thank the new Board of Trustees for all your commitment, energy, and work for AGHS. Your courage and vision give the school a strong wind in the sails and a clear direction.

Finally to all our students. You are amazing young people. You have lifted your head to a lofty mountain and set your compass with determination. The summer break is a moment to pause on the banks and enjoy your success before looking around the next corner of the river and setting new directions. You have brought your strong voices to our school, your laughter and spirit, and your determination to weather all the storms. To our Year 13 students. You have demonstrated strength and passion and are truly empowered leaders of the future – rangatahi toa. Be kind, be brave and bold and be the independent thinkers you are. To reach your destination you sometimes have to deal with rough weather, and sometimes have to go against the tide, but don’t ever let that stop you from reaching where you need to go.

Catherine Law

Tumuaki / Principal