Kia ora koutou. Talofa. Kia Orana. Malo e lelei. Bula. Fakaalofa atu. Namaste and Kumusta. Warm greetings to our Papanui High School community.

I am delighted to share some remarkable news about our school's progress this year. In 2024, we achieved an incredible improvement in attendance, with a significant increase of 10.2% compared to 2023. Additionally, our NCEA Level 1 attainment improved by 10.5%. The Ministry of Education has recognised Papanui High School for having the largest improvements, locally, in both attendance and NCEA Level 1 attainment. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and whānau. We are looking forward to continuing this road to improvement so that we can provide better outcomes for our young people.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of attending the official reopening of the Buzz Jones All Weather Track, named in honour of Lawrence "Buzz" Jones, a stalwart of Canterbury athletics and a devoted Toc H coach. It was a wonderful celebration of his legacy and the impact he has had on our sporting community. Papanui High School has a long-standing relationship with Papanui Toc H Athletics Club and is very fortunate to have this wonderful facility on our school field.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Mr Tony Perring as our new Director of International Students next term. Mr Perring brings a wealth of experience, having previously served in the same role at Villa Maria College for many years. He will be taking over from Mrs Yoland Busson, who sadly passed away on New Year's Day.

I will be travelling to Europe from 12 March to 9 April, where I will be attending international student fairs, meeting with agents and parents, and visiting schools. During my absence, Associate Principal Ms Stacey Fry will step in as Acting Principal, and Deputy Principal Ms Louisa Clissold will serve as Acting Associate Principal.

Mā te kimi ka kite, Mā te kite ka mōhio, Mā te mōhio ka mārama

Seek and discover. Discover and know. Know and become enlightened.

Ngā mihi matakuikui

Robert Gilbert
Tumuaki | Principal