Principal's Address

As this is the last newsletter for the year I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support in 2019, on a number of different levels. We look forward to some exciting changes in 2020, particularly around our vertical Whanau groups within a new Whare (House) structure. In addition, after almost two years of preparation we will begin using our new outdoor education facility in North Canterbury. As I’ve said previously, I am confident that Birch Hill will prove to be an amazing asset for the Riccarton High School community for many generations to come.

It has been wonderful to finish the year with the Junior School on such a high note. At our last assembly I congratulated the students for the impressive way in which they exhibited some of the Riccarton Way values through our recent Workday. This day provides the opportunity to raise funds for something purposeful which can benefit a large number of students. In 2019 it was decided that half of the funds raised would go towards purchasing mountain bikes for our Birch Hill facility, with the other half being used to extend our challenge course, which was started with the proceeds from the 2018 Workday. What a fantastic response with $10000 raised and although we set a challenge of $25 per student, there were a significant number of students who went beyond this, including Hannah White in Year 10 who raised $200!

Enjoy reading our final newsletter and best wishes for a safe and enjoyable Christmas break. To those ending their association with the school this year I thank you for your contribution and wish your child well for the next chapter of their lives. To the rest, bring on 2020! We look forward to having you either back or as an addition to the Riccarton family .