On the evening of Monday November 9th, we celebrated some of our outstanding Whānau and Pasifika students for their contributions to our school.

We also were privileged to acknowledge and farewell our Year 13 Leavers. The evening started with the awards section. Here is the list of our award winners for 2020:

Values Awards: Whānau

• Rangatiratanga - Kate Munro
• Whanaungatanga - Petra Jack
• Manaakitanga - Amy Henkeman
• Aroha - Charlie Roberts

Values Awards: Pasifika

• Rangatiratanga - Salome Naikau and Naia Toaolamai-Holden
• Whanaungatanga - Roseanne Tia
• Manaakitanga - Malia Faitaua - Nanai
• Aroha - Joy Rea

Rising Star: Junior Pasifika

• Angela Reupena

Rising Star: Junior Whānau

• Bethany Crossan

The staffroom was packed with the families of our award recipients and leavers. It was great to see so many members of our student whānau coming into our school. There were a number of staff in attendance and we appreciate them taking the time to support our students. In particular, I would like to thank those teachers who gave speeches about our wonderful leavers.

I would like to mihi to our year 12 students who were the MC’s for the event. Thank you very much to Faith Lolesio-Roebeck, Joy Rea, Amy Henkeman, Elsie McRobb, Maia Vivas, Roseanne Tia, Amiria Tikao and Kate Gutry.

At the end of the evening we were able to thank our Whānau representative on the Board of Trustees, Yohanna Gulliver and also our Polyfest tutor, Lynn Leafa. Both of whom have given selflessly of their time this year to support our Māori and Pasifika students.

Ma tini ma mano ka rapa te whai.
Many hands make light work, unity is strength.