It's hard to believe we are halfway through the term! Over the past two weeks in assembly I have talked about one of our values whanaungatanga | being one big family here at MGC.

I have been immensely proud of our students, seeing these values come alive through supporting and lifting each other up, sharing cultures, interests and strengths with one another.

The recent Regional Ngā Manu Kōrero competition really showcased whanaungatanga in action. Our kura was proudly represented by Fenella Cooney, Xylia McKenzie and Sophie Mason. Each of our students were supported on stage while speaking by their fellow peers and after each speech, support and manaaki was shown through waiata or haka. Our school and each school there, presented as one big whanau, showing strength as a group. This is something we can all emulate, whether in our whanau class, friendship groups, sports teams, cultural groups, or personal families.

This week is Samoan Language Week, and I joined Gina Vili and her Pasifika committee in the quad, where they were dancing to Samoan music and the Vengaboys (I didn't realise they had Samoan roots!). Gina encouraged students and myself to join in, and it was another great example of whanaungatanga in our school - sharing Samoan culture for everyone to enjoy. What made me most proud was seeing so many of our students participating, having fun, and showing whanaungatanga - proving that we are one big family/whanau here at MGC, celebrating our diverse cultures together.

Heading into the long weekend I hope everyone has an enjoyable, relaxing time with friends and whanau.

Emily Stenhouse, Acting Principal