OPIHI COLLEGE NEWSLETTER - 25th October 2024

Principal’s Message: Embracing New Beginnings Together  

Kia ora koutou,

I want to begin by acknowledging the mihi whakatau and the warm welcome extended by our wonderful staff and students. The event was truly a special and memorable occasion that I will carry with me for a long time. I am deeply grateful to all those who took part and contributed to making it so meaningful. Your warmth and support have made me feel at home, and I am genuinely excited about the journey ahead.

Thanks goes to Vicki Henderson, our Deputy Principal, for her remarkable kaitiaki over Term 3. Vicki’s leadership ensured a smooth transition and helped make my start here as seamless as possible. I am incredibly grateful for her support, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as we move forward together.

As I begin this new role, my immediate goal is to build strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider community. I believe that meaningful connections are at the heart of a successful school environment, and I am eager to engage with everyone in our community as we shape the future of our school together.

On that note, one of the first items on our agenda is to invite whānau to participate in a review of our school's Uniform Policy. This is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that the policy meets legislation requirements, supports inclusivity and reflects the values of our diverse community. We especially want to hear your thoughts on how the uniform allows for personal expression, as we understand how important it is for students to feel a sense of individuality and pride in what they wear.

Your feedback on this matter is invaluable. We want to understand how the uniform policy impacts student identity, cultural representation, and practicality. The feedback we gather will help us shape potential recommendations for the Board of Trustees, with any changes to be considered for implementation in 2025. You will receive a survey via email, which should only take a few minutes to complete. Please note that all responses will remain anonymous. If you cannot access the survey online, please contact the School Office for a physical copy.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important discussion. Your input is crucial in helping us create a school environment that honors both personal expression and our collective values.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kirsten Stevens