On Thursday 3rd December we held the Year 13 Leavers' Dinner at the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club. We had a fantastic turnout, with 224 students, parents, caregivers, and staff in attendance.

The evening started off with a buffet meal, then speeches by Cydnee Bowen who has a head student last year, and two of this year's head students, Waiora Brooks and Jack Kelly. After the speeches, we were entertained by Leila Derveaux and Harrison Gavin to a musical item 'Valerie'. Next, we had the Mr Men awards as voted for 'by the students and for the students'. 20 students received awards, such as Miss Curious - Grace Evans. Katelyn Howe then showed her hard work with a slideshow of all students' many baby/child photos followed by their school photos. This was fun to see how the students have grown and matured over the years. Then it was time for dessert, followed by a presentation by Mr Kearney to every Year 13 student of the Dr Seuss book "Oh, The Places You'll Go!". The evening was then brought to a close with our school teacher band, Viking Thunders, performing three songs.

I would like to thank the many people who helped to make the event a great success:

• The Head Student Leavers' Dinner team of Katelyn Howe, Waiora Brooks, Mana Joyce-Grace, DJ MacDonald, and Jack Kelly
• The office ladies and librarian at Kaiapoi High School for all their help and support with the administration and book supplies
• The amazing Viking Thunders and the two MCs, Sharon Russell and Mr Kwon.

Finally, good luck to all the Year 13 students, and please keep in touch with me.

Kind regards

Mrs Williamson, Careers Advisor