As you will all be aware we have lost two vibrant beautiful students to a tragedy at Cascade Falls. Sosi Turagaiviu and Mitch Woolley died last Saturday after a flash flood hit the Falls. This was a freak event that no one could have predicted. 

We are heartbroken and our love and prayers goes to Mitch and Sosi's friends and family. I was blessed to visit with the families this week and they are truly remarkable people. The warmth and empathy for others that poured out of the Woolley and Turagaiviu homes was inspirational and humbling. Their strength and family unity was immense. Despite loses that I still can't comprehend.

I love the fact that two boys from vastly different backgrounds were great friends. Its what I love about Massey High School. 

For the parents of students in Year 13, your children were amazing. Full of understanding for what happened and love for the brothers that they lost. 

We as a staff are united in our love and commitment to all of our students at Massey. It is times like this that brings us closer together and we gather strength and perseverance from each other. I have been inundated with messages of support from Invercargill to Kaitaia. Many New Zealanders feel our sorrow and are cheering us on from afar.

We will endure, we will survive, but we will never forget Mitch and Sosi. Rest easy.