As we head towards the 50th Reunion of Katikati College at Labour Weekend, there has been a great deal to celebrate over the last few weeks. 

Last Thursday evening we enjoyed performances from Katikati Primary School and Katikati College Pasifika groups. This is the 6th year that this evening has run and it is great to see the inclusion of our Primary School students as well. This is a chance for our Pasifika community to celebrate the many achievements that our students have accomplished throughout the year and it is also a way of showcasing their culture. As always the event was full of colour, smiles and some outstanding performances highlighting the unique choreography of each item. Many thanks to Ms Filipo and Mrs Willacy for pulling this wonderful evening together.

Last Wednesday night we celebrated the achievements of the highest performing athletes in our senior school. While primarily aimed at our Senior Students, we also took the opportunity to recognise those students who have been involved at representative level – either individually or part of our 1st teams. This was another wonderful night and once again it was quiet staggering to see the sporting accomplishments that our students have achieved throughout the year. Mark Grayling, a former student of Katikati College and long serving National Wrestling Coach, was our guest speaker. Having recently returned from the Rio Olympics, Mark really provided an excellent message for our students and gave an inspirational address about how a student made it all the way from Katikati College to representing New Zealand in over 30 countries around the world.  He was quite amazed at the number of National Title Holders and National Representatives that we have. I would like to thank Juliet Dunlop-Fraser, our Sports Co-ordinator, for her organisation of this evening as well as the parents and staff members who are involved in sport.  Full results of the night will be in our next newsletter.

On Thursday we also held our Senior School Haka and Waiata Competition. I said to these students that they were making history as it was the first time that we have undertaken such an event. Some were involved in the very first Year7 & 8 Haka Competition that we held four years ago. Certainly the mass Haka at the end was captivating and gave an indication of the unity and collective power that is evident in our students. I would like to thank guest judges Roy Nathan, Susan Tukaki and Aidan Kuka for their contribution and for undertaking the very difficult task of judging this competition. My thanks also to Ms O’Sullivan for her co-ordination and organisation of this event.

We are rapidly heading towards the highlight of the year, our Senior Prizegivivng, which will be held on Wednesday 2nd November at 7pm in the Action Centre. As always we look forward to this evening as we celebrate the many achievements that a wide range of our students have achieved this year. At this time of year it is most important that our students are ensuring that their time management and their focus is a priority. We have recently looked at the endorsement levels across Levels One, Two and Three of NCEA and are already quite impressed by the accomplishment by a number of students.

We are also looking forward to our Year 7 & 8 Production which is a celebration of the Arts including dance, drama, singing and visual art. We know that they are rehearsing hard for this and we look forward to seeing you at their "Celebration of the Arts" on Wednesday 26th October at 6:30pm in the hall.

Finally, tomorrow night (Thursday 20th October at 7pm in College Hall), as part of the Reunion Celebrations, we have a Concert celebrating the numerous musical scores that have been played by College Bands over the last 50 years. I am really looking forward to this event as it will not only showcase the talent of our current musicians but also provide a chance to reminisce about many of the musical presentations that the school has put on over the years. Many thanks to Mrs Fleming, once again, for her efforts in providing an avenue to showcase the talents of our students.

As you can see there is a lot happening and a lot to be really proud of. It is great to see so many of our staff involved in supporting our students in so many different ways.

Nāku noa

Mr N Harray | Principal