Kia orana

Happy Cook Islands Māori Language Week. Three and a half thousand years ago, around the same time the Egyptians were building the pyramids, Polynesian ancestors set out on double-hulled waka across the Pacific Ocean - the largest expanse of open water on the planet - on what was to become one of the greatest voyages of discovery in human history. 

This week it is fitting that we celebrate two ex-girl Olympic athletes who reflect this amazing human spirit in their feats on the water. On Tuesday night Lucy Matehaere competed in the 500m canoe kayak sprint and at assembly we met former Olympian Jenny Armstrong. Jenny shared about realising her Olympic dreams in sailing. Jenny attended three Olympics and made some tough decisions, including changing countries to create the ideal team. Among her many pearls of wisdom, she encouraged students to look ahead to their future selves when faced with big decisions and ask, "Would I be proud of that decision?". We have a long Olympic tradition at the school, starting with Kathleen Miller in swimming in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. We have had OGHS athletes compete in all of the last four Olympic Games!

Like the voyagers before them, they show us the determination and sheer hard work, driven by their passion and their dreams. With determination and effort, the impossible becomes possible. Each of us, in our own way, can embody the Olympic spirit by pursuing our goals with passion, embracing our challenges, and uplifting those around us.

Today we farewell our friends from Yasuda Girls’ High School in Hiroshima, Japan. Thanks to Mrs Nami Uejo, Vice-Principal of Yasuda, and Mr Katsuya Morishita, who have toured here with the girls and looked after them so well. Thanks also to our host families for their generosity in opening their home and providing a true Kiwi experience for the students. 

Ngā mihi nui