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

It was heartening to have so many parents and caregivers of our junior students connecting with their teachers last night. We know that educational success happens when the teacher, student, and caregiver are all fully committed. There we some wonderful affirmations and some challenges, too. However, when we all work together, I am confident that each child can reach their full potential.

Recently, I attended a memorial rugby match in honour of past pupil, Dean Williams. Dean passed away on 6 February 2021, aged 56. Dean's former teammates (many past Papanui High School students) formed the Dean Williams XV and played with pride and passion against Otautahi at Burwood Park. There was a very moving haka, performed by the Dean Williams XV, where his former rugby jerseys, including his Papanui High School 1st XV jersey, were laid before the haka. It was a hearty game, played with lots of passion, with Otauhahi sneaking out a narrow 40-37 win.

This week, our new Science and Mathematics building, 'Tuke' was blessed by representatives from Ngāi Tūāhuriri. This was a wonderful event and an important milestone on our way to taking possession of the new facility. We are looking forward to our official opening next term and finally being able to fill the space with students and teachers. It is an exciting time for the school.

Sadly, we will soon be saying farewell to the following staff: Courteney Olsen, Lydia-Mae Wilson, Georgie Todd, and we wish Brogan Turner all the best for her maternity leave. The greatest asset we have here is our people, and I thank each one for their contribution to our school.

Finally, as the end of Term One rapidly approaches, I would like to acknowledge that this is the first uninterrupted school term we have had since 2019. The impact of those interrupted years will be felt for quite some time. Our challenge is to embrace the post-Covid era and ensure that we can enjoy all the good things that make the Papanui High School experience one to be cherished.

He waka eke noa.
We are all in this together.

Ngā mihi matakuikui

Robert Gilbert
Tumuaki | Principal