Kia Ora Koutou, and warm greetings from Kākāriki house.

The main message I would like to communicate within this end of term communication is one of congratulations. This is the same message that I spoke of in our final house assembly for Term Two. Congratulations to our students for making it through what could be one of the toughest terms they will have in their schooling experience. Term Two has been unlike any other. Firstly, it has been a 12 week term, secondly, a portion of the term took place online during a national lockdown and thirdly, when back at school there has been a renewed sense of urgency around assessment and learning. All of this makes for an extremely challenging term, and I would like to take a moment to congratulate our students for rising to the challenge. I would also like to take a moment to congratulate our Whānau support, as without you supporting our learners, then they would not have been as successful. You are critically important to their success.

On house matters, there are a couple of things to report. First, we had the house netball competition. Although we played well at times, we unfortunately finished in fourth place. There were some highlights however, seeing Zach Derham (Year 7) going up against Dallas Keating (Year 13) in a battle of the centers was heartening to see. Even with the size difference, Zach played his heart out and went after every ball. It was also great to see newer students to our kura giving it a go, with Amokura-Mariana Hamiora (new to LCŌ this term) stepping in as a key player in the close game against Karaka. In terms of staffing, we have had two roles confirmed for Kākāriki house. Pania Watson has been appointed the house coordinator, and will be in charge or student leadership, our house assemblies and help lead the house competition. Kate Munro has also been appointed as the assistant dean for Kākāriki house and will assist with pastoral matters for our students. Both Kate and Pania bring a wealth of skills and experience to these roles, and we are better off for the appointments. Lastly, we have appointed our student house leaders for 2020 (delayed due to Covid-19). This year there are 4 junior and 4 senior house leaders for Kākāriki, and the application process was highly competitive for Kākāriki. In the end, the following students were appointed: Seema Verma, Zach Derham, Devon Cootes, Connor Armstrong, Sophie Watson, Alex Ibasitas, Brie-Arne Moke and Jessa Arcayera. I believe this is a very talented group of students, and will only help grow a positive and successful house culture within Kākāriki.

Finally, I would like to wish you all well as we move into a well-deserved school holiday. I hope you all keep safe and find time to relax and spend with Whānau.

If you have any questions about your child’s progress, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards,

Ethan Smith

Kākāriki House Dean

smi@linwoodcollege.school.nz