Nau mai haere mai!

What an incredible season of Footloose our school has put on from Thursday to Saturday night. I was lucky enough to be at all three performances and can confirm that each performance was better than the last. Congratulations to all the cast members and staff that were involved in this huge piece of mahi but particularly Mr Cummings, Ms Goodman and Mr Strang.

To all those students that took on the opportunity to be a part of the School Production I bet you are all glad you seized this wonderful opportunity. The lessons learnt and skills attained will serve you well in the future.

Life is a journey filled with countless possibilities, and it is up to us to seize those opportunities that come our way. Opportunities are like open doors, waiting for us to walk through and explore what lies on the other side. They have the potential to shape our lives, transform our futures, and help us realise our dreams.

Opportunities may come in various forms, like Footloose. It could be a chance to pursue your passion, learn a new skill, or form meaningful connections with others.

Sometimes, opportunities may appear disguised as challenges or obstacles. They may require us to step out of our comfort zones, take risks, and push ourselves beyond our perceived limits. But it is precisely in those moments of uncertainty and discomfort that we often find the greatest rewards.

Regrettably, many people let opportunities slip through their fingers. They hesitate, fear failure, or become trapped in the familiar and routine. But let me tell you a life lived in fear of the unknown is a life half-lived. We must overcome our doubts and insecurities and embrace the possibilities that come our way. It is better to try and fail than to live with regret and wonder what might have been.

Think about the great individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world. They didn't achieve greatness by playing it safe or waiting for opportunities to knock on their doors. No, they actively sought out opportunities, even when the odds seemed insurmountable. They dared to dream big, worked tirelessly, and persevered through setbacks and failures. They knew that success and fulfilment were not handed to them but had to be earned through hard work and a willingness to seize opportunities.

So I implore you to open your eyes to the possibilities that surround you. Be curious, be adventurous, and be willing to take calculated risks. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Seek out mentors, pursue education and personal growth, and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.

Remember that opportunities may not always come at convenient times. They often require us to make sacrifices, rearrange our priorities, and invest our time and energy. But I assure you, the rewards far outweigh the temporary inconveniences. Each opportunity seized brings us closer to realising our full potential and living a life that is rich in experiences and achievements.

If you don't believe me ask any one of the cast of Footloose who seized that opportunity and are richer for it.

Thursday we are having our Matariki celebration with a Hangi to be completed with Palmerston Primary school. A huge thank you to Carl George and Pania Harris for their mahi on this day. Also a big thank you to all the whanau that donated kai, wood and time as well as the Year 9/10 students that prepared the food as part of the Rite Journey programme. 

We are coming to the close of Term Two. This has been a difficult term with the rostering home and strike days. Thank you all for your patience and understanding. I look forward to a more settled Term Three. 

Have a great break and we will see you all back at the start of Term 3.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper

Principal/Tumuaki

East Otago High School