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

It has been a strong start to Term 3 at Papanui High School, with pleasing attendance rates across all year levels last week. Thank you to our students, whānau, and staff for supporting the importance of being at school every day, ensuring our young people are ready to learn, connect, and succeed.

This week, I have had the privilege of presenting the new whakairo (carvings) to year level assemblies. These carvings reflect the stories of our place and our values, and it has been wonderful to see the interest and respect shown by our students as we welcomed these taonga into our kura.

We also extend a warm welcome to the 30 new international students who have joined us this term. We look forward to getting to know you and supporting you as you settle into school life at Papanui.

Additionally, we welcome new staff to our team:

Teaching Staff: Justine Pahau (Head of Māori), Caitlin Campbell (Assistant Head of English).

Support Staff: Yukoiyo Moto (Science Technician), Emily Stewart (Learning Assistant), Julie Rimmer (Learning Assistant).

Finally, we have seen some extraordinary success in the arts. Congratulations to the Papanui High School students who have had their poetry published in the Spoken Heard Youth Poetry Zine. We also celebrate Ruby-May Maddock, who won first prize in Sculpture at the New Zealand Youth Art Awards, and congratulate Andrew James and Michael James on their selection for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Brass Band.

These achievements are a reflection of the talent and dedication of our students and the support of our staff and families.

He ōranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora.

Positive feelings in your heart will enhance your sense of self-worth.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Robert Gilbert
Tumuaki | Principal