Kia ora koutou

And just like that - the year is a wrap for the students. What a wonderful year it has been and I attribute this in large part to the layers of strong leadership in the school. The student leaders and staff in particular have a great impact on the positive culture of our school and not one of us should under-estimate the power of our words, actions or even just the way in which we hold ourselves every day. In Junior Assembly today we saw all of you step up and join in a wonderful celebration of music, reading, giving and even dancing! Every day we decide whether to choose joy - and the generosity, friendship and patience we give is what really makes us happy. Likewise, Prizegiving, the Year 13 Graduation Ball and Leaver’s Assembly were wonderful occasions. 

I encourage students to please pay attention to rest, exercise, reading, safety and recreation over the break. Self-monitoring the wasted time spent scrolling or bed-rotting is valuable and it is a good time to reflect on the past year and look forward to and make plans for the next. 

We farewell Mr Dowling and wish him well in his new position in his home-town of Alexandra next year as well as Mrs Patterson and Mr Shields who will be back with us in 2027. Good Luck for the job, the baby and the break respectively! Thank you to you, the parents and wider community, for all that you do for the school. Even making your child go to school every day - on time -  is a valuable contribution and ensures their success. I wish you every happiness in the holiday season. In the words of Dr Seuss’ Grinch:

“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

Ngā mihi nui