Whaea McLauglin has asked me to share this final message with you all.

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

I'd like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you for the support I received leading up to and following my mandatory departure from St Joseph's School.

It was disheartening that I had to leave Rūma Kea before the school year ended. However, spending time with Anna Greenlaw and seeing how passionate and caring she is, reassured me that the tamariki in Kea will continue to thrive.

I am grateful for the time I spent working here and will cherish the happy memories and relationships that I have made along the way. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the St Joe's community.

I would like to thank Ben for his compassionate support through this difficult time. I appreciate the aroha and respect Ben and the BOT have shown me as I stand strong in my beliefs, to protect my mana and preserve my integrity.

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu. Even though my time at St Joe's was shorter than I hoped, I will cherish it.

Ngā mihi maioha,

Krystal McLaughlin