Another great year for Aoraki with a four-peat House trophy. Well done everyone.

It was special to see the old pentagon-shaped shield retired and replaced with a lovely Rimu traditional shield made from recycled LPHS wood. At the senior prizegiving Mr. Hills announced that the newly designed shield would be named in memory of our much-loved co-principal Kristan Mouat.

House Day went ahead this year at Waikoaiti and was another great day held in mostly fine conditions. Athletics Day was a tight run affair, with Aoraki being third placed at lunchtime and then to come storming through, winning four relays and capturing the Challenge Shield yet again.

Throughout the rest of the year there was enthusiasm for the netball, dodgeball, omathlon, rowing and various other house challenges with varying degrees of success.

Next year, the school is planning to revitalize Group to modernize the concept and bring back more of its original emphasis on bringing everyone together regardless of age.

Thanks to the year 13 leaders, Kieran Black, Sophie Chettleburgh, and the rest of the leadership team, who organized all the activities and continually went around the groups to drum up support. Special congratulations to Alex Brown who has been named as one of the two head prefects for the school for 2024.