Kia ora whanau. Last night we farewelled our Year 6 students who are moving on to their Intermediate years. The graduation was a great evening where students put on a display of their groups' dance steps and parents were able to be part of the celebration and award ceremony. It's always a special time when our school leaders leave after successfully moving through the school.

Congratulations to our Year 6 students who were awarded the Special Khandallah Star award at last night’s graduation. Ollie, Harry B, Rosa, Imogen, Grace, Georgia, Casie W, Cade, Zena, Luke H.

The selection process is carefully worked on by students and teachers who all give their vote towards the students who consistently have displayed the Khandallah Star Values.

We also farewell staff.

• Kirsty Gardner - is to join Queen Margaret College staff as a Year 1 teacher next year. Kirsty has fulfilled many roles in the school over her 7 years, this year working with Reading Recovery, teacher release and as an ORS teacher. I am amazed at how well she can juggle everything. No job is too big or too small.

• Amy Pierce is on leave next year and we are all looking forward to the new arrival of a baby boy in late December.

• Malcolm Howard - Malcolm will be joining the Hampton Hill Team

They will be sadly missed but we wish them all the best for their new adventures in education.

We are also farewelling many families who have had a long association with the school,a few of whom have been connected to the school for 11 and 12 consecutive years. Thank you for all your support of the school over so many years. This is a big milestone for you too as your youngest child moves onto their next stage in their learning journey.

A big thank you to our Home and School committee for this year and their continued support , this term’s sausage sizzle and Xmas Disco were great successes. Our students who attended the disco had a fabulous evening and could not stop talking about it all this week. Make sure you all Save the Date for our KauKau challenge next April.

Lastly I would also like to acknowledge all the incredibly hard working staff at Khandallah School who have continued to strive for excellence for all our students this year. It’s been a tough year but they have continued to work hard and meet the needs of all our tamariki. Khandallah School is lucky to have such a dedicated team.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fabulous summer holiday and to especially acknowledge this year and the support I have had from all our Khandallah Whanau.

Keep safe and we will look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Thursday February 4th.