We promise these will be our last words, but it's us, so probably not.

Mr Barr:

What a year! Term 1 seems like ages ago. We went to camp. I remember the coasteering fondly. It was all good until the instructor showed us the rock we had to jump off. ‘That’s really high,’ I thought as I looked at the jump, ‘How will the kids do that? I don’t envy them.’ Then the instructor said, “Teacher’s first.”

I almost died.

The rest of the camp is a blur. Except for the teachers being robbed in the talent quest. I clearly recall that part.

Term 2 marked the beginning of the plot to conquer the Cultural Festival and Cantamath. This required much practising. Fortunately, this paid off bigly in Term 3. Clarification: Bigly. A word that isn’t a real word, but sounds like it could be.

Term 3 featured the ski trip. On the bus, my teaching of plurals paid off handsomely. “Look Mr Barr, I see sheepies.” Clarification: Sheepies. See Bigly.

Term 4 was when we really rocked the house at the Aurora Centre. There was other stuff that happened too, but we were so tired from doing it no-one remembers what it was.

Seriously, thanks to all of you for making 2017 a great year. You made me smile, laugh and only added a few more grey hairs - for that, I salute you! It’s a tradition to finish with some words of wisdom, so here are this year's:

Step out of your comfort zone - it’s more fun out there! 

Mrs Stewart:

To our Year 8s of 2017,

Thank you for the privilege of teaching you this year. As I always have said, you as a group have something special. The way you look out for one another and have built such great friendships has been a pleasure to watch. I also have loved the way you know how to have a laugh and find joy in your learning.

So as my parting words of wisdom to you…

Be Brave – Nothing ever comes from sitting back and not taking opportunities that are given to you. If you aim for something and come up short you are still further than you would have been if you had stayed in the same place. Sometimes being brave means going against what others around you say or do but I know you all have the strength to do that. Be the person who stands up for what is right or takes the risk and does the extraordinary.

Be Honest – Honesty will take you far. Own up when you have done something not quite right, take responsibility for yourself. Be honest with yourself about where you are at and where you should be going. Learn from it.

Be Kind – Above all be kind. Giving to others and showing kindness will not only bless them but also you. Kindness can be simple like a smile or it might be something you need to sacrifice for like time or money. You will never regret being kind and at the end of your life, you will leave a legacy to be proud of and be remembered for.

Thank you for your kindness to me this year. I will miss you but I can’t wait to hear of the wonderful successes you achieve in the days, months and years to come.

Love from, Mrs S

You're off to great places,

Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting,

So... get on your way..!

-Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You'll Go

Miss Barr:

Wow, what a year it has been: 12 months of challenges, new experiences, laughter, creating memories and somewhere in between all of that… learning and achieving success!

I’d like to personally thank each and every one of the year 8s for being an invaluable team member of Tuakana Whetu. I feel honoured to have taught you this year and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to you know you all and watch you develop your strengths and abilities, as you prepare for your high school journey.

You have all blown me away with your kindness, ability to find humour, your continuous growth mindset and the ability to form strong rapport with each other. Never lose those qualities.

You have got all the potential to do something great; now you have to find the right platform for you to express your talent and continue to be a shining star.

Regardless of what your endeavours may be, the future is yours to take advantage of, to make a difference and to understand what great opportunities there are for the taking.

I will miss you all. Please don’t be a stranger!

Arohanui
Miss Barr