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

As we reach the end of Term 3, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the past fortnight, which has been filled with activities that highlight the incredible efforts and achievements of our students, staff, and wider school community.

Last week, the school was buzzing with excitement as we held our highly anticipated lip-sync competition. The event was a huge success, with both students and staff delivering stellar performances that left audiences thoroughly entertained. It was a fantastic display of talent and school spirit, showcasing the fun and energy that makes our Papanui community so special. A big thank you to everyone who participated and supported this memorable event!

Over the weekend, two of our Hip Hop crews travelled to Queenstown, having qualified to compete in the New Zealand Championships. I’m thrilled to congratulate our small crew, who brought home a bronze medal! This is a fantastic achievement, and all of the dancers represented Papanui High School with pride and passion. A huge thank you goes to our dedicated dance teacher, Hayley Pera-Maurangi, and Arts Coordinator, Leigh Wilson, for their tireless support of our students throughout the competition.

This week, I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with many parents and caregivers, starting with the Kimi Ora Whānau Evening. It was a real privilege to see so many of our Kimi Ora students recognised for their achievements, including those who received the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. It was clear how proud the students were, and equally clear how much the parents appreciated the ongoing support and dedication of the Kimi Ora staff. Their commitment to creating opportunities and providing genuine care for their students is inspiring.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we hosted a series of meetings about potential timetable changes for next year. I was grateful for the chance to listen to feedback and appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. It’s so important that we work together to ensure our students’ needs are met. If you haven’t had a chance to offer feedback yet, you can find more information and a feedback form in this newsletter.

As we head into the holidays, I’d like to wish all of our staff and students a restful and enjoyable break. It’s been a busy term, and I hope everyone takes the time to recharge and return refreshed for the final term of the year.

Ngā mihi matakuikui

Robert Gilbert
Tumuaki | Principal