Kia orana tatou katoatoa

Greeting to you all with best wishes in the spirit of Cook Island language week 2022. It was an honor to participate in the flag raising ceremony on Monday morning led by our student leaders, Huia Shepherd-Taputoro and Ariyah Bryce in acknowledging the beginning of Cook Island language week. As the students shared the theme for the week, 'Te epitoma o te reo Maori kuki Airani' translated as 'Connect me to the soil of my ancestors' I was heartened at the many who attended in respect to this beautiful culture.

Through the week, it was fantastic to hear the unmistakable sound of the Cook Island drums ring out around the school and to watch our Cook Island group preparing for Polyfest in two weeks.

It was certainly a pleasure to return to Mana on Monday, and I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, Mr. Greg Sharland who acted in my role last term, the leadership team, and staff for supporting my leave and leading the school forward in Term 2.

Returning back to school, I am reminded of the outstanding school community we have here at Mana College. My time away has supported me to recharge, reflect and consider the next steps for the school. My reflection reminds me that we have made so much progress but need to push ahead to reach greater heights.

How do we continue to aspire to fulfill the deep potential that lies within all our young people? How should our education system, and locally at Mana College honour and foster the very treasure that enters our doors each day?

There are many, many changes in these ‘interesting times’, but we must focus on changes that put young people at the centre and draw on their cultural and community advantage.

We look forward to a productive Term 3.

John Murdoch

Principal

Mana College