At 6.45am Tuesday 18th February...

...150 young people and over 200 parents and caregivers descended on Middleton to mark a moment to signal a journey of rites towards adulthood.

Everyone was greeted with a welcome in Te Reo, challenges, superb speeches from Year 11's and Mrs Arndt and a challenging Haka from present students.

Mr Liebert introduced the importance of a Rite journey and why we were there so early, standing on the shoulders of our explorers, whom our school houses are named after and past pupils who have lead the way.

Students at the end read letters of gratitude to their parents/caregivers to mark the start of change from child to adult and then were treated to the ultimate NZ 'Barby' (BBQ); bacon, hashbrowns, sausages and something healthy - an apple!

For the rest of the day students connected with each other through sport, making paua taonga to wear around their neck, sport, sculpting, team challenges and Te Rakau. A fantastic day!

Special mention to Matthew Boag and Lily Ball (both Year 11) for their challenging speeches. Our thanks to the PE staff who put in a tremendous effort to make it happen.