Last week I was fortunate to attend cricket in Christchurch with the first XI at the Willows Cricket Club which is a privately run ground on farmland out of Rangiora. Willows Cricket Club exists due to the vision of Mike and Winsome Dormer who established the ground to promote the game of cricket to young people and was initially "dedicated to boy cricketers who keep alive the traditions of the game through generations". After three decades, girls were invited to play there last year. Also last week Beth O’Connor was awarded Gillette Venus Young Cricketer of the Year and was photographed with ex-girl, Suzie Bates, who attended Otago Girls’ High School and plays cricket (and formerly basketball) for New Zealand.

Today I am at Maadi Cup Rowing at Lake Karapiro where we have had the largest number of rowers ever qualify for A and B finals. As well as a large number of dedicated parents and coaches, ex-girl Juliette Lequeux is with the team, inspiring the next generation of Otago Girls’ rowers. I mention Suzie, Juliette and the Dormers because they are people who give back. They use their good fortune, skill, passion and experience to teach, coach, motivate and provide for others.

These are just some examples. All through our school activities, the Arts and other groups, are people - including many of our students - who coach, instruct, accompany and inspire others. Many companies, legacies and financial institutions provide Scholarships, grants and other support for school equipment and activities. We are blessed with supportive parents and community. Our school vision of Inspire ~ Empower ~ Challenge ~ Dream sums up the passion, opportunity, energy, commitment, perseverance and smashing of glass ceilings that happens every week at our school through the efforts of these people.

This week we have had many opportunities to serve. Students may have bought or sold hot cross buns for the PTSA, students contributed a gold coin or materials for the Hawkes Bay relief effort, the prefects dedicated a whole night - including 2 am Jump Jam - to Relay for Life. Next week we can contribute to Easter Baskets to bring joy to the elderly.

At assembly this week I asked: ‘When we move on from school, how will we give back? What will we do to afford others the opportunities we have enjoyed here? We should ask ourselves - what do I have to offer? How could I help?’ I urged students to stay connected through our Alumni Association when they leave school and to come back and share their skills and experience with others.

In the words of Martin Luther King: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” 

Ngā mihi nui