After another challenging year, we are certainly looking forward to our junior prizegiving this afternoon; where we celebrate and acknowledge a large number of our students not only for their academic success but also for their outstanding leadership, citizenship, and service. Today also marks the end of the school year and therefore I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents and whānau for their patience and support as we navigated ourselves through an ever-changing landscape associated with COVID-19.

I am sure that 2023 will not only bring with it new challenges but exciting opportunities also. In terms of our priorities for next year, these will focus on:

• Ensuring that our Riccarton Way and its associated values continue to take centre stage when it comes to promoting our positive school culture
• Ensuring that our Riccarton Way of teaching and learning effectively caters for our diverse range of learners
• Continuing to develop a cultural narrative which is woven through a variety of aspects of Riccarton High School including our new buildings

On the theme of our redevelopment, I look forward to bringing you a progress report early next year. At this stage, our first new classroom block is still scheduled to be completed around mid-2023.

Finally, can I wish you a happy and relaxing break over the festive season. I think we all deserve it! I look forward to catching up in 2023.

Mere Kirihimete!

Neil Haywood

Principal