As we celebrated our Year 13 leavers and senior students' achievements, efforts and leadership last week, there have been many wise words shared, all important. 

• If you follow the path of learning, the world will be your oyster - Dr T 
• Be yourself - Diana Hubbard, MGC Old Girl, Year 12 in 1963 
• Embrace opportunities and learn from change - Super Dean, Ms Pullin 
• It doesn't matter what challenges you face, it's how you respond that counts - Ms Lynch with apologies to Tina Turner

We know that our Year 13s have built a strong foundation for their futures based on their mutual support through five years of learning and life here at MGC. A huge thank you to the school team who have supported you all over the last five years: your marvellous Year group team of Miss Jenny Pullin (Dean), Dr Michelle Tewkesbury (Head of Level); your whānau teachers (aka your school mums and dads); your awesome teachers and support staff; your friends and most importantly your family.

We continue to nurture future leaders and ngā mihi nui kia koe to our Manukura, Veisinia Moli, and her team of Manutaki who exemplify leadership through a strong sense of self, pride in their own culture and values. They have inspired younger students and have left a lasting and positive impact on our school culture.

After a robust process and very difficult decisions, we were delighted to announce our new student Leadership team at our senior prizegiving last week. Congratulations to Zara Jopson, Maukura | Head Girl; Funaki Lousiale Manutaiko | Deputy Head Girl; Grace Straker, Manutaki Runanga Akonga | Head of Student Council. Congratulations to all those who have been offered Manutaki positions for 2024 and we look forward to working with you next year. It is incredibly heartening that we have such a strong level of interest and capability in leadership amongst our senior students - the future is indeed in great hands.

I must acknowledge the impact Stars programme and mentor training has had on our senior students over the years. This leadership programme, developed by Rachel Anderson, Hauora Leader, and Gemma Miller, Stars Co-ordinator for the Graham Dingle Foundation Marlborough, has made a huge difference to our student leadership teams. Thank you so much for your contribution to strengthening our school culture. It's fantastic to see Gemma's contribution and impact acknowledged nationally.   Congratulations also to Sophie Ridley-Scott, Year 13 and Chloe Jones, Year 12, who were also recognised with national awards from the Graham Dingle Foundation - see link for more information.

To our senior students, who preparing for the final exams and assessments, make the most of whatever comes next for you. Whether you are returning to MGC or taking flight elsewhere, we are very proud of you.

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui

Mary-Jeanne Lynch
Principal | Tumuaki