I have just come in from a quick break outside in the sun by the river with a cup of coffee.

As it is Teacher Only Day students are away and the only company out here is the ducks and the birds. The sun is glinting on the river, I can hear the water tumbling along and it is extremely peaceful. It reminds me again how fortunate we all are to have a school located in such an utterly beautiful setting. It might be a small site but it is very special. Our rebuild is on the way, with a site plan confirmed. A new three storey block is planned near the front entrance of the school, a two storey block to the far end near the courts and another two storey block alongside the river when we demolish the two large buildings. Included in the riverside area will be a whare and very large courtyard for powhiri, open events and gatherings moving down to terraced steps along the river, extending the current landscaping. The river, from which our Ngāi Tuahuriri gifted Māori name is sourced, and our cultural narrative will inform landscaping, planting, design, imagery and naming of buildings. It is very exciting for the community and for our students to know they will be accommodated in modern, light and bright learning environments and can relax in green and beautiful grounds.

As well as being grateful for the land, we know it takes a village to raise a child. Sitting outside looking at the beautifully manicured lawns and gardens we can thank our caretaker and gardener for the work they do, our PTA and Board for their contribution to the school, our teachers for their work with our students, our support and administration staff for ensuring the place runs smoothly behind the scenes, and you our parent and caregiver community for jointly supporting our endeavours in educating your daughters. As covid becomes more normalised, it is good to talk about the lovely things we can appreciate and be thankful for.

Ka tū tahi tātou ki te kohikohi I te mātauranga hei oranga tinana, hei oranga wairua kia tū tangata ai tātou.

We gather to learn, to nourish, to flourish

Here we stand together.

Ngā mihi nui

Christine O'Neill, Tumuaki