New entrants to Year 13...

... filled the gymnasium on February 4th for the Founders’ Day Assembly to welcome new staff and pupils, and also reflect on our beginning on February 4th, 1964.

The Kapa Haka group gave the newcomers a rousing welcome, which Mr Vanderpyl reinforced by encouraging everyone to share their gifts and talents which, combined with those we already have, will strengthen the family as we live together under the banner of God’s love.

The school began with four staff and sixty-four pupils who valued their sense of belonging, and this continues today with the theme of Turangawaewae ---Belonging --- A Place to Stand. This is testament to God’s faithfulness to the school family during all its years. Mr Vanderpyl, in his last Founders’ Day Assembly as Principal, said his prayer is for this to continue as we all belong to God’s family; He has set His seal of ownership on us as a guarantee of what is to come.

Mr Vanderpyl announced the opening of the Centre for Leadership Development and Influence which will equip us to stand firm in today’s society. A song from the Primary School, some welcome hongi, a Bible reading by Jessica Swan, prayer led by Zinan Bennett, and the singing of the school song completed the assembly.