Kia orana

This week we celebrate Cook Islands Language Week. This year's theme for 'Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is 'Ātuitui'ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea, which means, "connect me to the traditions & culture of my homeland".

On Tuesday evening we held our Year 9 Board Scholarship and Prefect reception. This occasion is not about elitism or superiority, but rather about inspiring excellence and celebrating the extraordinary achievements and attributes of students in our school. A further 16 Year 9 Scholarships will be awarded in 2024 and applications for the eight Excellence Entrance Scholarships for 2024 close this Thursday 10th August. The remaining eight Scholarships are awarded on merit mid-year.

On Tuesday we officially welcomed twenty students and their teacher, Matt Canada, from Yasuda High School in Hiroshima. This exchange goes back 30 years and is resuming after a four year break due to the pandemic. It is very special to have Yasuda students back in our school and we are grateful to the host families for welcoming students into their homes.

Yesterday I attended a special assembly to celebrate the 160th birthday of Otago Boys High School. Our relationship with our brother school is very important to us and our links strengthen every year. Our original two-room school was part of the block built for Otago Boys’ High School on our current site and a tall fence was constructed to keep the girls and boys hidden from each other, until the boys moved up the hill after 14 years together in 1885.

This week at assembly I spoke about risk-taking, having broken my arm skiing last Sunday! In order to flourish, we need to have a sense of accomplishment and opportunities for growth. That means stepping out of our comfort zone. With each new challenge and risk, we become convinced of our own ability to handle evolving circumstances. This makes us more confident and flexible - and better leaders. Improved confidence can also have a positive effect on our decision-making skills.

Taking risks can also help us to handle adverse outcomes and setbacks, making us more resilient in the face of adversity. We know that we can thrive no matter what happens, and become more adept at finding multiple routes to success. This aligns with our school value for this term: Kia Hihiri - Positivity.

‘You will always feel fear, but over time you will realise the only way to truly manage your fear is to broaden your comfort zone.’

Alex Honnold - Free Solo Climber

Ngā mihi nui