Hillary House News

Hillary students really rallied at the end of 2019, showing high levels of grit and that never say die attitude Sir Edmund was famous for. Winning senior public speaking and senior quiz and having our juniors come second in both those events as well, has pushed us into a respectable second place for the House cup for 2019.

Congratulations to Rutherford for winning and providing outstanding competition throughout the year. 2020 is now our focus, with a new executive team of house leaders to name at the conclusion of the Peer support training in early December.

I hope senior students are now reaping the benefits of hard work and frequent revision during this important exam time. It was a sad and emotional time farewelling our Year 13 students as always, but also wonderful watching them grow up and leave us ready to take on new challenges. We wish them all the best as they move into the next stage of their lives.

To my senior executive team from 2019, you will all be sorely missed. An organised and hard working group of young people, you took on so many tasks and challenges this year and you leave having served your house with passion and pride.

We also farewell long term staff member, Adrienne McGowan, who has been a part of Hillary House since the very first days in 2005. Her support of students, staff and her house will be not forgotten! All the best for the future, Adrienne.

We also say haere ra to David Van Voorst, who leaves us for a year’s sabbatical and sadly also to our fabulous Dean, Kelby Hackler, who is moving to Timaru with her husband. Her hard work and dedication to her students and her house has been outstanding. Her attention to detail and ability to spot non-regulation socks at a distance are skills that will be very much missed.

So that was 2019. I’d like to take this chance to wish you all a happy and safe holiday period, spending time with loved ones and enjoying some good weather (hopefully). We will see you back in 2020 ready for the year Hillary finally wins the House Cup.