Kia ora whānau

I start by acknowledging the death of our Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday 8 September, aged 96 years. With her incredible reign of 70 years, the Queen is the only monarch that many of us have known, touching many lives around the world.

Queen Elizabeth II was the epitome of duty and devotion, living a life of unwavering dedication and service to others. She was also a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

The three weeks since her death have been a time of great sadness and loss; and a time of gratitude for her life and work. The one-off public holiday on Monday 26 September allowed us a day to pause and celebrate her phenomenal contribution. In the words of Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro at the National Memorial Service “we cherish the memory of Queen Elizabeth and her example of steadfast service and selfless love”.

History is demarcated by the reigns of monarchs, so we mark the end of the Second Elizabethan Era. We will see change as King Charles III takes his place as our new Head of State.

Ka whati te tī, ka wana te tī, ka rito te tī

When ti kōuka is tested by the elements, it builds inner strength, then begins to grow again

Once again, well done to the BHS Community!

As you will see from the activities highlighted in this newsletter, Term 3 has been busy and successful. I acknowledge students and staff for their continued hard work and commitment in what has proven to be the most difficult Covid-affected year for us. At the beginning of this term, we were delighted to be all back on site, together, at the beginning of Term 3, even though we still had restrictions in place with mask wearing and indoor gatherings limits. Thank-you students, staff, and whānau for the way you all made the very best of the situation.

To recognise the disruptions since the start of this year, NZQA announced a raft of interventions for senior students attempting NCEA Levels 1, 2 and 3, and University Entrance.

With the government’s decision on 12 September to remove the COVID-19 Protection Framework, with a now long-term focus on managing Covid, we have started to feel a return to normalcy. We have been so pleased to reinstate important activities that involve large gatherings and that bring our Burnside community together: divisional assemblies, parent evening, music concerts, Dance Showcase, Year 12 and Year 13 Formals, whānau hui.

STAFF UPDATE

Condolences:

With great sadness, we announce that Ms Jane Doig died on 20 September. Jane gave 24 years of service to BHS since 1988, working in various roles. She was an integral part of our Music Department, working as an Itinerant Music Teacher, and was the instigator of our Music Library. Our deepest condolences go to her family, especially her daughter Rachel Doig, who has been one of our Music Itinerant Teachers, and Jane’s granddaughter Zara Doig-Wilford, who is currently our Voice Music Itinerant Teacher.

Farewells:

At the end of Term 3 we farewell:

▪ Mr Donald Lewis (Assistant Groundsman), 20 ½ years’ service to BHS

▪ Ms Jean Dodgson (Learning Assistant), 22 years’ service to BHS

▪ Mr Jamie Wright (English), end of fixed term contract

▪ Mr Daniel Evans (Computer Services Support) end of fixed term contract

▪ Ms Zara Fraser, Ms Helen Pfahlert and Ms Kate Todd – Intern Counsellors

Thank you to these staff members for their contribution and service to our school community. We wish you well.

BOARD NEWS: Results of the Triennial Elections

Congratulations to the newly elected Board:

Parent representatives:

● Chris Dann (re-elected for second term and Presiding member)

● Amy Liu

● Kelly McGowan

● Sam Brock-Smith

● Chris Wallace

Staff Representative:

● Murray Paull

Student Trustee:

● Thomas Brocherie, 10NDVA

We look forward to working with the new Board for the next three years.

Thank you to the following people for their outstanding service and contribution to our previous Board and our school community:

o Charles Breurkes – since 2013, including 6 years as Presiding Member

o Brent Crammond – since May 2017 and Deputy Presiding Member

o Tracy Scott – since 2016

o Wayne Muncaster – since February 2021 and Chair of Finance Committee

o Dev Pandya 13ABJ – student trustee since September 2021

CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT – Construction Stage 1 Progress

Pukehinau - 25 learning spaces Science and Technology Block

Contractors Naylor Love will be on site from the October school holiday break. Initial activity will be confined to below ground works and excavation of the building site. A sod turning ceremony is planned for early in Term 4 to formalise the start of the project.

SWIMMING POOL UPGRADE

The contractors are completing the water supply and return pipe work; the power supply and the pool filtration and heating plant are installed; and concrete path surrounds are completed. Installation of the floor and wall membrane has commenced, as has installation of shade sails. It is anticipated that the project will be completed ready for the swimming season in Term 4.

PHIL HOLSTEIN, RESIGNATION

At the Board of Trustees’ Meeting on 28 September I tendered my resignation as Principal of Burnside High School, effective from the end of the 2022 school year.

After 17 years as a Principal, and eight of them as Principal of Burnside High School, I feel the time is right for me to depart. It has been a privilege to have served as Principal here and I hold the school dear to me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working alongside the Board, staff, students and community. My sincere wish is that I have added to the proud history and reputation that our school holds locally, nationally and internationally, and that I leave the school in a good place. It is now time for a fresh voice and new energy.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

Success is not the work of one, but the efforts of us all.

As Term 3 ends, I wish all students and staff a well-deserved break and a chance to rest, recharge, and get ready for Term 4. Students, I urge you to finish the year strongly, focussing on your learning while remembering the importance of attendance, punctuality, attitude and work ethic. Our aim is to live our BHS values every day.

Ngā mihi nui

Phil Holstein

Principal

Waimairi-iri Burnside High School