Kia ora, and warm greetings from Kākāriki house.

It is at this point in the year where we can look back with pride. There have been a number of exciting events that our students have been part of, and numerous achievements, both in school and out. Firstly, I would like to highlight how we went in the house competition. Every student in Kākāriki, over the course of 2019, has taken part in at least one of the wide range of house events that were on offer. Starting with our amazing first place in the Tabloids sports day through to our second place in the school spelling bee, Kākāriki students represented the house with pride and passion. This all led to us finishing second place to a strong Kōwhai house, but by the slimmest of margins. Hopefully, next year we can take out the top spot of the house competition! 

Secondly, I would like to highlight some of the individual successes by those in Kākāriki during 2019. We had Meghan Kerr and her young enterprise group take out the Canterbury Young Enterprise Product Launch Award and the Tūranga Canterbury Young Enterprise People Choice Award with her business “Pop Coin.” We had Paigan-Lilly Watson-Hall voted onto the Board of Trustees as the student representative. We saw a number of Kākāriki students involved in the Duke of Edinburgh expedition, including; Lani Keen, Manisha Baines, Paris Columbus, Annaka Kirk, Sophie Watson and Kadence Watson-Hall. The last individual success I will mention is David Siumu, who represented the school and Kākāriki at the SPACPAC Pasifika Leadership breakfast, where he was also an award recipient. There are many more successes I could mention here, but this snapshot really highlights some of the amazing things going on in Kākāriki house.

As well as reflecting on how the year has gone, this time of year is also busy with planning for the following school year. 2020 will be the first full year we will be on the new LCŌ site, this will bring a sense of stability and we will not need to worry about shifting school site part way through the year. Students have been busy selecting their options and subjects for 2020, and should have completed this by now. It is nice to see the buzz and excitement from the students about their pathways and subject choices for next year. Personally, I am looking forward to being able to continue working with Kākāriki students in 2020, and helping them achieve their academic and personal goals.

As the school year comes to a close, and the festive season begins, I really wish everyone a restful break and hope that there is a chance for relaxation. I hope everyone stays safe and I look forward to seeing all of our learners at the beginning of Term One 2020.

Kind Regards

Ethan Smith

Kākāriki House Dean

smi@linwoodcollege.school.nz