Titiro whakamuri, Kōkiri whakamua. Look back and reflect so that you can move forward.

As the year draws to a close, it is time to retrace our footsteps to see just how far we have come.  Like the chapters of a good book, the ending is only as worthy as the pages that precede it.  Hopefully, this is something that our junior students have come to realise during our intentional reading time every Thursday, as we endeavour to broaden their imaginations and improve the literacy skills of our students.  These are two things that the beloved Fortnite and augmented reality will never do, but it has been very encouraging to see our juniors engaging in this activity.

Last week we introduced our Year 9 cohort for 2019 to KHS, and what a extraordinary bunch of teens our contributing schools and whānau have produced.  It seemed to be a highly enjoyable day, as our new students were acquainted to their soon to be classmates, teachers, our new buildings and learning spaces, and the overall vibe and culture of the school, to which everyone was receptive.  It would seem that the future of our growing community is in good hands.

But as we welcome in the new, we must also bid farewell to the old(ish) and faithful.  Exams have all finished and I’m sure our senior students are relieved to have completed another year of NCEA and can now breathe again and enjoy a well-earned holiday.  For our Year 13 students, the Senior Prizegiving is their final opportunity for glory at Kaiapoi High School.  But whether or not a medal is placed around your neck, a certificate in your hand, or a trophy raised above your head, you should all consider yourselves successful and stand proud in the knowledge that you have all “fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith.”

Among the many accolades that are celebrated, the Senior House Shield is again presented and our new House Leaders announced.  This year, the battle was closer than it has ever been, but only one colour will emerge victorious.

Our House Tutors, Leaders and Captains have done a stellar job this year, especially with the upkeep of our two new buildings, Karetū and Tāwera, and we would like to thank all of them for their amazing contribution to our school community and culture.

They have laid the foundation on which the upcoming students and teachers can continue to build to uphold the mana of each of the four Houses which make up our school.

“Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, e ora ai te iwi.”

Once the seniors depart, it is the time for the juniors to take up the mantle as the sole guardians of our school.  After heeding the call to arms, our juniors have taken the front line, competing in some fierce Tutor Group challenges every Monday and Tuesday.  But the final showdown will converge on House Fun Day - the last chance for our students to don their battle colours, wave their flag, and go head-to-head to contest the Junior House Cup.

From the battlefield to the classroom, some 40 students from across all 15 core classes were nominated by their teachers to participate in our annual Junior Rewards Day, in acknowledgement and celebration of the Respect, Integrity, Community and Excellence that each one of them has consistently displayed throughout the year.

We are sure that out junior students' character and talent will be recognised once more when students take centre stage to receive the various awards and commendations at our Junior Prizegiving, which will serve to confirm that Kaiapoi High School is indeed a place where values, culture and success are nurtured to its fullest and finest.

Every year is the same, but different.

The same people, but a different mix.

The same place, but a different vibe.

The same content, but delivered in a different way.

The one constant is the passion that every teacher at Kaiapoi High School has for their work, their students and our community.

“Mā te aroha, ka tutuki”

Through caring and concern, all things are possible.”

Mā te Atua kōutou e manaaki, e tiaki.

Meri Kirihimete me te Hari Tau Hou!