Please forgive a slightly long update from me this week – we have had a lot of exciting things taking place since our last Intouch!

Over the past two weeks, our Rangi community has come together and achieved extraordinary things. I could not be more proud to lead such a talented, dedicated and supportive group of students, staff, families, and wider community. From our sports success, to Theatre Arts, and musical performances such as the Sinfonia at the Orchestral Extravaganza last night - there were many displays of our students performing at their very best.

Last week I spent time with the rowing squad and supporters at Lake Karapiro and the buzz amongst our camp was something like I have never experienced. It was a great example of the spirit of our community, and the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to get results such as these. Tournament Week was a success for Rangi across a number of sports (see Director of Sport update here), and I want to congratulate all of the students who took part, and those who enable our teams to compete and succeed at the very top of New Zealand School Sport. To our students, coaches and support staff, families, sponsors and supporters – congratulations.

Yesterday our community came together for our first ever 24 Hour Giving Day, and raised over $276,000 to continue the development of our Project Blue Sky. This is the most our school has ever raised in a single campaign, and is a great sign that the heart of the school is in fine spirit. To those who generously supported Rangi, I thank you – your donations have enabled our school to continue to be at the very forefront of girls education in New Zealand.

This week we farewell our Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning, Melanie L’Eef, after 33 years of service in a variety of teaching and management roles. Melanie has made a difference to the lives of thousands of Rangi girls and staff over her tenure. We wish Melanie all the best as she heads to the Hawkes Bay to begin the next chapter of her life. You will be greatly missed Melanie!

Director of Equestrian

Our Director of Equestrian, Pippa Young has made the difficult decision to resign from her role at the end of July. She has kindly agreed to remain in an advisory role until the end of the year and is very keen to see ongoing development of our Equestrian Programme with so many girls currently involved and the programme growing. We will be advertising for a replacement in Term 2. We wish Pippa all the best.

After the incredible success of EVITA in 2020, I am very excited to attend our next Senior Production in Term 2 (10 – 15 May). The two shows - Shakespeare’s comedy ‘As You Like It’ and Sophocles tragedy ‘Oedipus Rex’ are co-productions with Christ’s College. You can find more info and book tickets here  – I highly recommend getting in early to avoid missing out!

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Easter and Term break.

Ngā mihi maioha

Dr Sandra Hastie