This is the time of year where we often reflect on what we are grateful for, and we give thanks for our many blessings. Ngā mihi.

In 2017 we aimed to show GRACE by taking the time to be grateful, to be thankful for our place of work and learning and living, and to appreciate those around us. Ngā mihi was our theme - to acknowledge, thank, pay tribute, to greet. We remembered to greet one another with a smile, to say thank you. We noticed each other - that we seemed under pressure and could do with some help, that we had celebrated a personal milestone, that we had made some progress small or large. We used our words and actions kindly, to build others up and to see the best in others. We thought of things we appreciate about each other and we let them know. We aimed to take an appreciative inquiry approach to problem solving, avoiding deficit thinking about people and problems.

This is the time of year where we often reflect on what we are grateful for, and we give thanks for our many blessings. Ngā mihi.

To our staff, thank you for the enormous contribution you have given to the College this year, especially in the year of a Education Review Office visit. The outcome of the review is a credit to the care and attention given to every student in their education at Columba. The Boards recently acknowleged the long service of several members of staff, including Ms Leah Hanan (10 years); Mrs Lauren Piebenga and Mrs Julie Armstrong-Homan (15 years); Mrs Annette Freeman (20 years); and Mrs Beverley Bridger (30 years). We wish those who are leaving us every happiness for the future.

To our parents and whanau, we are so grateful for the partnerships we enjoy in educating your children. It was wonderful to join with so many of you at the recent Carol Service, and I thank you for your generosity in supporting the Presbyterian Support food bank and the church renovation fund – $345 was raised on the night. I hope that over the summer break you manage to have much special family time together, especially time off screens.

Our Boards, Parents Association, Old Girls Association, Sports Council and Foudation Trust are made up of people dedicated to the continued success of the College, and many have put in countless hours to support the College. We acknowledge the retirement from the Boards of Mr Steve Addison, Mr Michael Wennekes, Mrs Barbara Hamilton and Miss Lily Rodger, and thank them for their contribution.

To the students of Columba College 2017, thank you for the joy your bring us every day: your determination to be the best you can be, to take every opportunity, to be kind and fun loving, and to show GRACE. We have celebrated some outstanding achievements by our students this year, but the most important thing is that each of you can look back on your year and know you achieved your personal best. Ngā mihi.

Psalm 118 says ‘This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it’.  2017 has been our year of being thankful for all of our many blessings, to one another and to our Lord. I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas and summer break.