It is with a deep feeling of sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Mark Callaghan. Mark passed away on Friday 14 July after a short battle with cancer. He was 51 years old. Our sincere sympathies go to the Callaghan family and those who loved Mark the most. Mark was a dear friend of Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo, having been a member of the school community as a parent to former students Molly and Lucy and a member of the Board of Trustees for just over six years. Mark retired from the board in 2022, having served as Treasurer for much of his time. Mark also served as Chair of Christchurch South Karamata Board of Trustees, a position he held until he passed away. We remember Mark as an intelligent, dedicated, and easy-going person, with a fantastic sense of humour. We will miss him greatly. Mark was born and raised in Christchurch and, after attending school in Australia and a brief OE in England, was proud to call Somerfield home. He was extremely generous with his time and expertise. He wanted to give back to the community where he and his life partner Debbie chose to raise their girls – describing this mahi as “rewarding and worthwhile.” While Mark had an uncanny ability to light up a room with a funny anecdote, underneath was a person deeply committed to equity and inclusivity. He had a strong desire to see “no child left behind” in their education. With this vision in mind, he often gently provided a thoughtful perspective or solution and, when help was needed, he was often the first to put his hand up to offer support. Mark was a person who looked for the good around him. He appreciated the work of the Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo teaching and senior leadership team, describing our school community as “incredibly lucky” to have such a high-quality teaching and support staff. Mark was an extremely proud dad – finding great joy in parenting his children. He joked that one of his most important roles was as “an Uber driver for my two girls.” But his pride in their achievements, great feeling of appreciation of Molly and Lucy as people and love for his family shone through in every conversation with him. On behalf of the school, we would like to acknowledge and thank Mark for all that he so generously gave us. E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i rangiātea. I will never be lost for I am a seed sown from Rangiātea. As this whakatauki reminds us, Mark’s contribution, careful stewardship, friendship, and laughter will stay with us all – providing a link to the past and the future. Arohanui, Somerfield Te Kura Wairepo Board of Trustees