It is the end of Term 2 and we are half way through the year, for our year 12s it has been a roller coaster of a ride.

Our over all attendance rate as a year level has been affected by a range of health related issues. Forcing many to work remotely for a long period of time. From, this many have found transitioning back into school mode, a challenge - to say the least. However despite these challenges our beautiful year 12s have persevered through tough times.

Highlighting some achievements from our year group, we have Nicky Karaitiana who picked up double gold, in the Adult section of the New Zealand Grappler competition for Jiujitsu.

Some of our girls in RGHS Choir Voci Vivace, competed in the Big Sing Competition in Tauranga.

Matariki Mihinui, our present year 12 student board representative, was chosen to be the “Youth ambassador for Lakes Trust Council”. Making a decent start toward a possible career in Politics.

Matariki, along with Lahaina Keil have had their first draft of “Youth Engagement Plan” adopted by the Council, granting them a reasonable amount of funding to put their Youth Engagement Plan into action. In addition, Matariki has also been chosen to represent our Kura in the Manu Korero speech competitions.

Furthermore we have students like Kasey Taikato who has been awarded the Year 12 PE/Sport Leader Mountain Biking Trophy for 2022 for having the fastest time across 2 classes and achieving an excellence in the mountain biking performance assessment.

In addition to these achievements, our year group has been actively forming project groups and committees throughout this semester - looking at future plans for improving Positive Behaviours for Learning throughout the school. They meet sporadically, discussing strategies they can implement (next year) to promote positive mindfulness, gender & cultural equality, building positive relationships, promoting cyber safety programs and develop anti-bullying campaigns.

As the Dean this is what I love about my year 12 girls, some are fearless when it comes to developing ideas and taking initiatives to help improve the over-all wairua of our Kura. Some are future-focussed and driven to make change. Others will quietly participate, contribute and engage themselves in any school activities they are called on to run. A perfect example of this was the successful management and facilitation of our Sports Faculty Junior Volleyball tournament last week, students like Cheyanne, Tayla, Janaye, Kasey, Niniurangi and Honey Parker, demonstrated leadership potential and team management skills.

I congratulate majority of my year 12s for persevering through tough times, overcoming illnesses and coming back strong!

Nga mihi kotiro ma and kia kaha ladies!