Kia ora koutou katoa

What a blessing it is to finally see the sun! This week I’ve been in the Lewis Pass at the Boyle River for Year 10 camp as chief camp cook.

 The supposedly “coldest week of the year” has been no match for our hardy Year 10s who have embraced the opportunity and the snow! One of the best things about being on a school camp is seeing students step into their leadership and thrive outside the classroom. I would like to thank our staff who attended camp; Jasmine Dodemaide, Lisa Steenhauer, and Kevin Mulcahy, and parent helpers Tracey Hutt and Brent Lyford. Their help and expertise allow great events like this to run. 

Thanks also the staff who were at school holding the fort and covering classes in our absence. We will have a full report from camp next week including some stunning photos from the winter wonderland in the Pass. 

This week we have welcomed two new staff members with Tina Singer starting as our Kaiako Māori and Performing Arts, and Bev Shearer as a Teacher Aide. We appreciate the way they have slotted in and our students have been so welcoming. We will formally welcome them with a Mihi Whakatau this term. 

Wishing you all a happy weekend in the sun. 

Ngā mihi 

Renée Hutchinson Principal