We farewell our Leavers

Year 8 Leavers celebration

Hi, my name is Eli, and I am one of the year 8 leavers this year. I have been here since I was a little 5-year-old, or as Mr McC would say - a weenie beenie. It may be hard for you all to believe, looking at us now, but we were the cute small fish in the big pond. Back then, as our parents nervously dropped us off, hoped we’d find the toilets, make friends and learn. 8 Years later as we prepare to leave, we have definitely made friends, learned to read and mastered the Basic Facts, and most of us know where the toilets are. We are taller, smellier, spottier and perhaps moodier, but we are ready to start the process of becoming adults over the next five years. We are the big fish in the small pond and it’s time for us to move on to more challenges.

Obviously we didn’t get here by ourselves. From Mrs Wardle in new entrants room back in 2012, right through to our teachers in the senior hub, every staff member at this school has shaped us. The hub teachers have not only helped us academically, but they’ve also had to guide us as tweens (including telling us to wear deodorant and reminding the boys that accuracy is important). I’d like to give a special mention to the support staff who make the school run behind the scenes. Many teacher aides have helped us with our learning, from Maryanne running an elective when I was small, to Simon helping me with trigonometry just last year.  Other support staff have made our days easier with cleaning, admin and maintenance. Last but most definitely not least: our parents. You dropped us off at school, fundraised, looked through lost property, signed permission slips, cheered us on at events, helped with homework, paid the bills, and encouraged us to try. The next few years will definitely present you with interesting challenges as we enter into the teen years and hurtle towards NCEA.

For the year 7s, I recommend stepping up and doing things that make you nervous. It’s worth just having a ‘give it a go’ attitude, because there are no serious consequences if you don’t succeed. Push your boundaries and set your sights high. If you fail, you’ll learn and Maungaraki is a safe place to do this.

One thing about Maungaraki school is the friendliness. Everyone is always welcoming, and I remember instantly having a few friends on the first day of school back in 2012. I feel like new students settle in quickly. There have been lots of exciting developments here over the years, new classrooms, gardens, the new courts, shade sails, though I think we’ll all miss the lure of the Room 4 tree.

I think after 8 years of working, playing, getting into trouble and learning from mistakes, I am ready for high school. For you year 7s, you shouldn’t come into year 8 ready for high school, you should come in ready to learn, because you will still learn a lot.

Finally, my time at this school has come to an end. I am sad to leave it, but also excited for the new opportunities that await me at high school. Thanks you and I hope you enjoy the night. 

Eli Church - year 8 leaver

AWARDS

We congratulate the following students who were awarded one of our year 8 awards at last nights dinner:

Western Cup Boy: Jacob McHugh

Western Cup Girl: Samantha Brill

Academic Excellence Boy: Eli Church

Academic Excellence Girl: Sofia MacDonald

Sports Sheild: Jake Sarginson & Samantha Brill

Enviro Leadership: Tara Joynes

Excellence in the Arts: Magenta Ward 

We farewell our year 8 leavers:

Aidan M, Ashlee, Holly, Jacob G, Jade, Katelyn, Magenta, Michael, Ryan, Samantha B, Sheldyne, Sofia, Tara, Viraj, Alaina, Alison, Connor, Denzel, Jacob M, Jacob AW, Jake S, Mātai, Rose, Sophie, Tegwen, Aidan F, Alisha, Amy, Ava, Ben, Eli, Imogen, Jake F, Leigh, Leighton and Omar.

Leavers from years 1-7

We also say farewell to all of the other leavers throughout the school who are moving on at the end of 2019.  All the very best in the future and thank you for being part of Maungaraki School.