After five years together the bond between our Whānau and Pasifika girls was clear to see in the tears that flowed freely at our final celebration. They have become a very close group and enjoyed the opportunity to spend one last moment altogether.

The students were still deeply feeling the loss of one of their own, so the farewell was both an opportunity to celebrate their successes but more importantly to remember and honour their dear friend Kate. Nō reira e tō tātou raukura a Kate, kei te heke tonu a Roimata. E moe e te taonga i tō okinga roa.

We started the afternoon with the awards section where Sophie Yarham and Sophia Smith were awarded the ‘Junior Rising Star’ awards for their contribution to our school whānau. Our other Whānau values awards recipients were as follows:

‘Kate Gutry’ Rangatiratanga Award: Elsie McRobb

Manaakitanga: Bethany Crossan

Whanaungatanga: Bille Roberts

Aroha: Hope Anderson-Gardner and Scarlett Griffin

Kelera Qalivutu was the recipient of the ‘Junior Rising Star’ award for her contribution to Pasifika in the school. The other Pasifika award recipients were:

‘Kate Gutry’ Rangatiratanga Award: Roseanne Tia

Manaakitanga: Sarah Smith

Whanaungatanga: Teanu Reupena and Fesuiai Taiulu

Aroha: Faith Lolesio-Roebeck

Congratulations to all of our award recipients.

Thank you again to all of our Year 13 leavers for their continued commitment to our two kaupapa and for their successes in multiple areas across our school. They have been outstanding role models and should be commended for their enthusiasm, positivity and support of our younger students. Lastly thank you to the staff and students who came to support our farewell moment in place of the whānau who could not be present due to covid regulations. It was a lovely and fitting occasion.

He ao kei tua e ō tātou raukura. Kia kaha i ō koutou hīkoitanga. Kia whakamua te haere.