Kia ora whānau

It is almost the end of another challenging year for us all. I have been very impressed with the way our students and staff have coped with various disappointments, especially cancellations of much anticipated inter school events. They have demonstrated considerable resilience. These skills and attitudes will serve our students well for the future.

Congratulations to students and staff involved in last week's production of pantomimes and the week before, the delightful musical evening. We have made talented students indeed. Special thanks to Janiene Hill for all her hard work with both of these events.

As with most years some of our wonderful team are leaving. Jonathan Pryor has been teaching the clarinet for quite some time at Heaton. I know our students appreciate his encouraging and positive way of teaching. Lily Tolchard has been a teacher aide with us for about half of 2021. She has done a fine job in this role. Our best wishes. Gillian van Voorthuizen is also leaving us this year. She has been a valued staff member and her infectious laughter has been much appreciated. Our best wishes for the future.

Anne-Marie Grigg, our Executive Officer is retiring at the end of the year. She has been part of our team for 6 years and ensures the school runs smoothly in lots of different areas and ways. She has introduced many efficient systems into the school which have supported us all. We will greatly miss her friendship. Anne-Marie slipped effortlessly into our team 6 years ago. I know that Anne-Marie and Ross are looking forward to having more time to do the things they enjoy, especially spending time with their grandchildren. Our love and best wishes go with her (and we expect regular visits!)

We have three new teachers starting in 2022 as one of our current teachers is on study leave, one is on parental leave and the other teacher has changed her role within the school. This teacher is Chrissy Calder to be called Whaea Chrissy, who is taking up the role of Kaiarahi, 3 days a week. This is a te reo Māori title that means guide, coach and mentor. This role has been created to support our students, staff and community in our understanding and application of Te Ao Māori to our learning programmes and schoolwide procedures.

Through the last 2 years, we have been working with Diane Robinson from Mātauraka Mahaanui on the Cultural Narrative or story of Heaton. I'm very pleased to let you know that a Māori name, to go alongside Heaton Normal Intermediate School, has been gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri. This is He Tīwai Mātauranga which means “the trunk of knowledge.” You will hear more about this next year.

Along with having a dual name for our school, the names of our 6 houses will also be changed to te reo Māori names that reflect the local flora, fauna and heritage of the Heaton/ Elmwood and Papanui areas.

Next year, Year 8 houses will be known by both their European and Māori names and in 2023 by their te reo names only. The te reo Māori names continue to reflect the colours of the current houses for continuity and a link to the past.

Otahuna (Kōwhai) Yellow

Rhodes (Hīnau) Black

Elmwood (Raukawa) Green

The Year 7 houses will be know by their te reo names next year

Amoka (Lansdowne) Red

Tūrutu ( Tikao) Blue

Kōtukutuku ( Purau) Purple

There will be more information for you about the Cultural Narrative for our kura next year.

To our Year 8 students, our very best wishes as you move on to the next stage of your educational journey. We will miss you all. If this is your last child at our school, thank you very much for your support and trust throughout the last two years or longer. We know our students have not had an easy time the last 2 years but we are confident they are well-prepared for high school and beyond.

To our Year 7 students, you will be the leaders of the school next year. We know that you will embrace this important role and do it well.

Meri kirihimete me te tau hou

Finally my very best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a very relaxing holiday with family and friends. We all deserve it!

Ngā mihi

Andrea Knight, Principal