This week we officially opened Atawhai, our outstanding new sport and multi-purpose centre. It was a fabulous occasion and we are absolutely thrilled with the opportunity to use this building for learning, training, sports games and events. It was lovely to have past principals Mrs Gillian Heald and Ms Julie Moor in attendance as well as our architect, Craig Brown, from McIldowie Partners in Melbourne. For those yet to view Atawhai, next time you’re on campus please pop in and check out the wonderful new building.

Atawhai wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the support of our Rangi Ruru whānau. The school community has been so supportive of the project, most recently helping to raise $113,086 at the incredible House Party. Thanks to all those who supported the event by attending or donating and bidding on the brilliant auction items—what a night!

We also welcomed families for two other events at school this week; the Term 3 Awards Assembly on Wednesday and Grandparents’ and Generations’ Day today. The Awards Assembly was extra special as we not only celebrated the many successes of 135 of our students, but we were able to sing and see our award recipients’ smiling faces without compulsory mask wearing for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began. If you were unable to attend, you can watch a recording of the assembly or check out photos of each recipient.

It was also the first time in two years we have been able to welcome families for Grandparents’ and Generations’ Day—and we were delighted to welcome more than 350 visitors.

I also wanted to highlight the outstanding success of our cycling squad, who have dominated the Christchurch schools’ competition for the first time in its 22-year history. As well as many individual title wins, the Rangi Ruru squad won both the top girls’ school and top overall school trophies. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to Simon van Rossen and the coaching team for your support; bring on next season!

Lastly, a reminder that the Government’s rules around household contact isolation have changed. Positive cases remain legally required to isolate for seven days, but household contacts are no longer required to do so. Instead, they are asked to test for five days. Anyone who is symptomatic should stay at home and test. Please continue to let the school know if your daughter is a positive case via covid@rangiruru.school.nz. If she is away from school for any other reason, please use attendance@rangiruru.school.nz.

As Term 3 ends next week, I wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy term break—I hope you take time to relax and recharge and spend time with your loved ones.

Ngā mihi nui,
Dr Sandra Hastie