WELCOME to the new year as Year 13s.

The first three weeks of term went by ‘fast and furious’ to say the least, with our new Head Girl Mufaro Mapengo and her Deputy Tiana Hunter getting straight into their respective roles with confidence. From the opening of our new Te Whare Whawhao hostel to welcoming new entrants into our kura on Pohiri day. Both ladies have been in and amongst it all ready for every task given to them.

PEER SUPPORT Program with the year 9s in Maketu this year has kept our cohort busy. Assigned in their house groups and buddied up with their respective year 9 whanau group, our group of girls did not hesitate to take lead and deliver fun & engaging activities. Tasked with delivering meaningful lessons to help our year 9s transition into the high school way of life, our girls did a wonderful job in ensuring our juniors received rich learning experiences to instil positive growth mindsets. 

From teaching school values, and establishing positive relationships to developing self-awareness & self-esteem, the year 13s managed each workshop with ease. The peer support program is an age-old tradition that has been deeply rooted in our kura for the last 60 years. This year we place a strong emphasis on establishing a strong ‘mentoring’ program, that will aim to develop leadership skills and establish a strong sense of sisterhood between our senior and junior schools.

Recently we have also selected our newly appointed Prefects team, and they will be formally inducted into their respective roles at our Prefects Investiture Assembly in the weeks ahead. This team will be managing a team of student council groups, consisting of student reps from each year level. These young women will be tasked with a range of projects throughout the year to help ensure that all students gain the opportunity to experience success in various areas of high school life. 

They have worked so hard in the last 4 years in preparation for this year, their final year! Making the most of it, and ensuring they leave behind lasting positive impressions is their ultimate goal in the year ahead. Of course above and beyond that is the aspiration of becoming successful Rautawhiri High School Graduates, walking across that stage and attaining their High School Diploma - celebrating the final stage in 13 years of schooling!

So to my beautiful year 13 cohort, heads up - shoulders back, and get ready! The months ahead will go by fast, and the memories you create now will be ones you will carry with you for the rest of your adult life, so make it a good one. ENJOY the journey ladies, cyclone 2023 is going to take us for one heck of a ride, and as your Dean - I’ll be there beside you, cheering you on and/or helping you rise up every step of the way! 

Trish Pike
Year 13 Dean