Tena koutou katoa

Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katou, nau mai haere mai

Nga mihi ki te hau kainga o Ngati Toa

Talofa Lava, Melo le lei, Bula Vinaka, Noa’ia, Kia Orana and warm Pacific greetings to you all.

What a year. I know you will agree with me that the last year has been incredibly difficult for many families and young people, and at school, at times, very frustrating with the cancellation of school events, sports tournaments, international travel and other school events.

However, our prizegiving yesterday showed our prize winners achieved highly despite these trying circumstances. 

I’d like to thank the students for all your contribution to our school. This year in particular, students have made this school a great place to belong to.

There are many achievements on the Mana College highlights reel for 2021 in the area of academic achievement, sport, culture and the arts:

• Our grease production

• Beard cup

• Establishing of a puna at the school

I’d like to focus on our Year 10s, led by Mr Chapman, this group have developed and grown as a year group.

They have developed as a group to organise a huge amount of school events which build whanuatanga and positive culture.

• Organised a year 10 dance

• Big day out

• Music bands

• Cast and crew on Grease

• Art exhibition

• Kapa haka

• Manu kōrero

• Sports events

• Many sitting NCEA

• And Madix Bailey being voted as student BOT rep.

I’m challenging this Year 10 group to be the best in the country for academic results in 2022. I know you can do it.

The year 10s have set a template or model for the Year 9s to follow. Year 10 is a year of student leadership, of bringing on the 100 Year 9s and welcoming, settling them into the school. That is your job.

I would like to thank the teaching staff for their fantastic work in the Mana context. We have the best staff in the country. They work hard, give blood, sweat and tears to Mana College. I know you’ll join me in thanking them all and wishing them a restful break.

We remain optimistic, positive and future focused on the potential and promise of this school

Meri Kirihimete

Tēnā koutou, Tēnā koutou,Tēnā koutou