2019 has been another busy and exciting year for Hornby High School staff, in which we welcomed new staff, farewelled others, and celebrated some significant milestones.

At the beginning of the year, three new teaching staff joined the team. Jayne Abernethy in Science, Christine Hamilton in Technology, and Russell Cairns in English. Jack Goodfellow also started as Deputy Principal, taking over from Jon Rogers who retired at the end of 2018, but has stayed involved in the school community as rebuild manager. Additionally, Peter Down joined us later in Term 1 in Technology. Throughout the year we also welcomed Connor Matthews in Māori, Warren Cain in the workshop, and Oscar Richardson in Technology.

We were fortunate to have several very capable and dedicated support staff join our team in 2019, either on a temporary or permanent basis. Rachel Davis and Emma Grennell joined the teacher aide team, and Melissa Olliver was appointed to assist in our Learning Commons/Library space. In sport, we welcomed Kana Shedlock-Whiu as sports coordinator, supported by Nigel Marino in Terms 2 and 3.

We also celebrated some significant milestones during the year: Congratulations to Luke Taylor and his wife Amy, who tied the knot in February; Honor Petrie, who welcomed baby Max in December 2018; and Ben Carter, whose family also grew when little Toby was welcomed in September.

We farewelled a number of staff in 2019, some after several years of service to Hornby High School, and others after a shorter stint. No matter how long they were with us, we recognise the work of these staff who gave their time, effort and love to the Hornby High School community.

In Term 2, Corey Kamariera resigned from his role as Head of Māori, to further pursue his passion and talent in Te Reo Māori, taking up a role at Te Whānau Tahi. Christine Hamilton left in Term 2 to take up a role in technology at Linwood College, and we also farewelled Warren Cain from Technology at the end of Term 3. During the school year we farewelled our hardworking and passionate sports co-ordinator Kat Keenan; guidance counselor Gina Cuttance; and dedicated teacher aides Sarah Northcott, Joanne Jones, and Emma Grennell.

Maths and science teacher Alan Trenberth left early in Term 4, and the end of 2019 also saw us farewell Marina Shehata, wholeaves us after several years of service in the Year 7&8 area, most recently serving as a dean and team leader. Marina has earned a very well deserved promotion, taking up the role of Assistant Principal at West Spreydon School. We farewell Annabelle Simpson, who served as Year 10 dean in 2019, and who has made a massive contribution to Health, Physical Education and sport in her time here; and Sam Stokes, who has very capably fitted into a range of teaching subjects and roles, and will be missed as he leaves to take up a commerce teaching position at Rolleston College. We also say farewell to Russell Cairns who leaves after a year of generous service to the English department, and our wider school community. The multi-talented Connor Matthews leaves us to take up a role at Te Whānau Tahi, where he will combine his passions of Te Reo and Music. Liz Prebble finishes her teaching role in Social Studies at the end of 2019, but we are pleased she will still be part of our school, continuing to look after the homework club.

We warmly thank all these staff for their contribution to our kura, and support of our young people.