Here, Principal Nicola Jacobsen shares her thoughts.

Kia Ora,

It is Bully-Free New Zealand week and the theme this year is focusing on the positive things that are happening to give awareness to, and talk about, the issue of bullying. At the College we have a great programme run by Sticks'n'Stones. What I appreciate about this programme is that it is driven by students for students. Sticks'n'Stones have planned a range of activities to celebrate Pink Shirt Day and get important messages out to our community around being an upstander, not a bystander.

We have been fortunate this week to have several guests at the College who have spoken to students about the school values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. 'I Am Hope' gave a great talk to all students about how doing simple things, such as smiling and saying hi, can really make a difference because we don’t know what is really going on for people. Hamish Bond spoke at our senior assembly about how finding motivation is critical. Having a sense of purpose, which might change over time, can give you focus and direction. 

I think these messages are important as we continue to work through the challenges of COVID and Omicron. Students, their families and teachers, are working hard to keep the continuity of learning going for those who have been ill, or have had to isolate. Please remember that there is a lot of support at school through the Guidance Counsellors, Youth Workers, Deans, Whānau Teachers - all the staff are here to help.

Toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata

The land is strong, the people are fulfilled.

Ngā mihi,

Nicola Jacobsen