Tēnā koutou

As we come to the end of our first full week back at school, I am very pleased with the way staff and students have settled into good school routines and responded positively to the current health challenges facing us all.

While there is an increasing amount of uncertainty in the current climate that we all must accept, our aim is to provide structure, routine, support and a ‘business as usual’ environment. As I say to students, “tough times never last, but tough people do”. We focus on what we can control rather than worry about what we cannot.

I would like to thank Haami Rahui, Raumiria Henare and Richie and Naresha Waa for supporting the College with our Mihi Whakatau on Monday morning where we welcomed all our new students and staff. I would like to thank our staff member, Mrs Adams, for her karanga and a new year 9 student, Karakia Waa, for her response on behalf of the manuhiri.

This year we welcome four new teaching staff. Paula Ellis is teaching resistant materials technology, Debbie Hauptfleisch is teaching maths and enterprise studies, Jordan Hooke is teaching commerce and PE, and Gillian Towle is teaching English. I feel fortunate that we have been able to appoint such high-quality staff. 

We also welcome Emma Goddard, Acting Sports Co-ordinator and Zoe Cowie and Dave Adams who are joining our support staff team.