Senior Prizegiving 2023 - Principal's Speech
Ka tangi te Titi,
Ka tangi te Kaka,
Ka tangi hoki ahau,
Tihei Mauri Ora.
I te tuatahi kei te mihi ki te papa e takato nei, tena koe
Ki te whare e tu nei, tena koe
Ki nga mate nga aitua i haere ki o tea arae. Haere haere haere atu ra.
Ki nga mātua, nga hoa o Te kura nei. Tēnā koutou katoa.
Honorable Nicola Grigg MP for Selwyn, Counsellor Elizabeth Mundt, Board of Trustees Presiding Member, Vanessa-Amy Greenwood Robertson, invited guests, Year 12/13 students, whānau and staff, a very warm welcome to the Te Kāreti o Waihora- Ellesmere College Year 12/13 Prizegiving for 2023.
This evening, we gather here to celebrate not just the end of a chapter for some of our students but the beginning of a new, exciting journey. The culmination of countless hours of hard work, determination, and resilience has brought us to this pivotal moment –Senior Prizegiving.
Tonight we celebrate the academic accomplishments and achievements of our Year 12 & 13 students. Senior prizegiving is always such a special occasion - the culmination of years of hard work, the actualisation of goals attained and the prospects of new horizons on the next part of our student’s personal journey.
As we look around at our Year 12 & 13 students, we see a sea of faces filled with hope, potential, and ambition. Each one of you holds a unique story, a distinct path, and a world of possibilities. Your presence here today is a testament to your unwavering commitment and dedication to your education, and I couldn't be prouder of what you've accomplished.
Throughout your high school years, you have faced numerous challenges, both inside and outside the classroom. Particularly this year’s Year 13 having spent their entire senior years being impacted by Covid. You've learned the value of resilience, perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to overcome obstacles. In these uncertain times, you've demonstrated an incredible strength of character and an ability to thrive in the face of adversity.
Student Leaders
This year, our kura has been ably led by senior student leaders whose passion for Ellesmere College-Te Kāreti o Waihora and contribution to making it even better has been outstanding. Our head Student Leaders Caitlin Stewart, Eve Bloor, Jodie Simmons, Caitlin Barnett have led a strong student leadership team who have:
· Raised a significant amount of money which has been donated to a variety of charitable organisations
· Organised multiple working bees on Teacher-Only Days to get students involved
· Purchased two concrete table tennis tables for students to use over the coming years as their legacy project
· Organised multiple student-led social events including Year 7 & 8 Discoes, Junior Semi-Formal, Formal and Graduation Dinner
· Nearly every day there have been activities at lunchtime for students to get involved which have been organised by our bronze, silver and gold student leaders and their committees.
Our students involvement in the Children’s University and Student Volunteer Army has seen our students involve themselves in countless hours of community engagement and volunteer work and we are continuing to see the building of student leadership capacity, particularly in the junior school. My thanks for all of the work which our student leaders accomplished this year and the positive legacy which they leave behind. I would like to acknowledge the work of Mrs. Ley, Head of Student Leadership who supported them.
Staff
I also want to acknowledge the work that our staff do in supporting our young people. Our teachers are the heart and soul of this high school. They are the guiding lights, mentors, confidants and role models who shape the future of the next generation. The responsibility they carry is enormous, and their commitment to our students is truly commendable.
As a principal leading a school through a period of significant change, both at a local and national level, I have witnessed the countless hours our teachers spend planning and implementing engaging lessons, nurturing the potential of every student all while dealing with the mindshifts needed to navigate current changes in education. Our teachers go above and beyond to ensure that each student not only gains knowledge but also develops essential life skills. Over the past 2 years we have been developing a graduate profile focused on the dispositions students should be developing during their time at the College. But our teachers do more than just teach; they inspire, encourage, and empower. They ignite a passion for learning, instil a sense of curiosity and wonder and foster an environment where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to excel. There is more to teaching than reading, writing and arithmetic, despite what some people in positions of decision-making may think. The guidance teachers provide extends beyond textbooks, by reaching into the hearts and minds of our students, helping them to discover their unique strengths and talents. It has been a hard year to be a teacher, with the constant knocking down of the job we do within the media and by people of influence and positions of power who often do not even remotely understand what teachers do on a daily basis. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find people to do the job, so a huge thank you to our staff for everything you do each and every day to support our young people.
Tonight I also want to acknowledge the work of the Senior Leadership Team and the support which I receive from them in my position as Principal. Tonight marks the final Senior Prizegiving for Mr. Knops as he steps down from his role of Deputy Principal at the end of this year. Thank you for all that you have done for our kura and everything that you have contributed to education in Canterbury throughout your career thus far. Can you please join me in a round of applause to acknowledge Mr. Knops.
Thank You - Board of Trustees & Community
Within this work environment, the staff and in particular the Senior Leadership Team, is strongly supported by our Board of Trustees. Thank you to Board of Trustees Presiding Member, Vanessa-Amy Greenwood and other members of the Board for the work you do in leading our school at a governance level. Our Board of Trustees is a strong, dedicated team who volunteer their time in the best interests of the College. This year has been a particularly trying year for the Board of Trustees as they have battled hard at local, Ministerial and national level in the ongoing entanglement of red tape around our school redevelopment!
My thanks also goes to other members of our parent community who volunteer their time in support of the College, in particular I want to thank:
· Parents, caregivers and whanau who have actively supported our extra-curricular programmes which we have seen grow from strength-to-strength
· I also want to thank members of the Parent-Teacher Association whose fundraising efforts have helped support well-being programmes across the school
New School
Despite all of the positive things which have occurred this year in regards to our students, it has been a highly frustrating year in terms of the school redevelopment. At the end of Term 2, we were several weeks away from handing over the building site only to be told that this would now need to be put on hold due to a significant increase in the costs of the redevelopment. This was largely in part due to the feedback from the Ministry’s own Design Review Panel and changes which the Panel wanted to see happen. The light at the end of the tunnel fast went from being a bright glowing light to a dim fading one and as a staff we felt a sense of loss. The designs for our brand new school are complete and have been signed off. However, the Ministry of Education proposed a four stage build which would take over 5 years which was totally unacceptable to us. The Board of Trustees has fought hard at a national level in the best interests of our students and staff to force the Ministry to rethink this, which they have done. A new business case for the redevelopment has been written which is being presented the Investment Board at Treasury and one of the first things which our new Government will need to do, what ever assortment of colours it may be, is rubberstamp the funding of our new school. Even if we did have the funding to build our new school, we wouldn’t currently be able to start work as nearly a year since submission of all of our resource and building consents, we are still waiting for Selwyn District Council to approval some of the final consents. This has been a major source of frustration and has stalled the process of getting the site ready for major building works to occur.
But this evening is about celebrating the success of our senior students. It is not just about acknowledging the past, though. It's about celebrating the bright future that lies ahead. For those of you whose high school education has come to an end, tonight marks the threshold of your next adventure, where you will continue to learn, grow, and contribute to the world in your own unique ways. As you step into this new chapter of your lives, I'd like to share a few thoughts to carry with you.
First, believe in yourself. You have already proven your abilities by reaching this milestone. Have faith in your potential, and know that you are capable of achieving great things. For those of you who are leaving us at the end of this year, your journey ahead may be filled with uncertainties, but remember, you have the power to shape your own destiny. Show integrity and respect in everything that you do, be honest and true to yourself and in your relationships with those around you.
Second, continue to learn. Education does not end with graduation. In fact, it's just the beginning. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills. Stay curious, be inquisitive, and remain open to new ideas. Lifelong learning is the key to personal and professional growth. Continue to strive for your own personal success.
Third, be kind and compassionate. In a world that often feels divided, your kindness and empathy can make a tremendous difference. Treat others with respect, and don't hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need. Your actions can create ripples of positive change. Each one of you possesses the potential to make a profound impact on the world, whether it's through your career, your passions, your kindness, or your creativity. As you step into the future, remember that greatness is not determined solely by the number of awards on your shelf, but by the lives you touch, the difference you make, and the character you build.
Finally, dream big. Your aspirations should know no bounds. As you embark on this new chapter, set ambitious goals for yourselves. Pursue your passions with determination, and never be afraid to reach for the stars. The sky is not the limit; your potential is boundless.
For some of you your high school journey may be coming to a close, but your life's journey is just beginning. The world is in need of your talents, your ideas, and your unique perspectives. I have no doubt that each of you will make your mark on this world and leave it better than you found it.
You've spent countless hours, days, and years working tirelessly to reach this point. You’ve celebrated successes, and learned important life lessons along the way. On Friday at the leavers assembly, I read the poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. I encouraged you to take risks, to forge your own path, and not just follow in the footsteps of others because in the future you may look back and regret that decision, "I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference." Your unique journeys have led you to this very stage, and it's time to embrace the unknown with open hearts and unyielding determination.
But this evening is about celebrating the success of our senior students. Congratulations to all of you who cross the stage this evening for your success and achievements throughout the year.
Best wishes to all of you sitting exams and to everyone tonight for a safe, healthy and restful holiday season which is fast approaching.
Nga reire, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.