Hillary students really rallied at the end of 2021, showing high levels of grit and that 'never say die' attitude Sir Edmund was famous for.

A fabulous second in Public Speaking and a commendable third in the House Quiz has pushed us into a respectable second place for the House Cup for 2021.

Congratulations to Rutherford for winning and providing outstanding competition throughout the year. 2022 is now our focus, with a new executive team of house. These include, James Patterson and Stella Webster as House Captains, Ilaisaana Fungavaka, George Riley, Maddie Roberts, and Julia Leatham.

I hope senior students are now reaping the benefits of hard work and frequent revision during this important exam time. After a disrupted year with Covid and the uncertainty that has been pervasive through this year, our students have demonstrated the three values of Te Kura Tuarua O Rangiora: Whakautea, Tohania and Wawatahia. They are to be commended for staying the path and remembering, “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves".

It was a sad and emotional time fare welling out Year 13’s as always, but also wonderful watching them grow up and leave us ready to take on new challenges. It was a different and much more personal farewell this year, with only the Year 13 Akonga and their Wānanga Kaiako. An old playlist of songs from Year 9 and letters they had written after their first year at RHS showed them just how far they had come. We wish them all the best as they move into the next stage of their lives.

To my senior executive team from 2021, 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. It has been a difficult year for so many of you and I acknowledge your resilience, perseverance and teamwork.

So that was 2021. 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 2022 ready for the year Hillary takes back the House Cup.