Kia ora koutou,

It’s hard to believe we’re already at this point in the school year, and with it comes the opportunity to reflect on some of the incredible achievements of our students. I’m proud to share with you some highlights from our recent Senior Prizegiving and other remarkable accomplishments that reflect the dedication and hard work of our senior students.

Our Senior Prizegiving on the 29th of October was a wonderful occasion to celebrate the academic and extracurricular talents of our students. We were fortunate to hear some beautiful musical performances, which added a special touch to the evening. It was truly a night to remember, as we recognized the outstanding achievements of our students across a range of disciplines.

We were pleased to announce the Dux for 2024, Lucille Johnson, whose exceptional academic record earned her this prestigious title. Our Proxime Accessit, or runner-up to the Dux, was Olivia Napp, who also demonstrated remarkable academic excellence. Congratulations to both of these outstanding students for their hard work and dedication.

While many achievements were celebrated at the Prizegiving, we also want to acknowledge a number of students whose successes we did not have notice of at the time, but are equally deserving of recognition.

We are thrilled to announce that several of our students have been awarded prestigious university scholarships for next year:

• Sahana Bharadwaj - Auckland University

• Mariana Boless - University of Otago 150th Entrance Scholarship

• Lara Comesky - University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Georgia Dey - University of Otago Māori Entrance Scholarship

• Emilia Dmochowski - University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Ashleigh Henderson - University of Otago New Frontiers Excellence Entrance Scholarship

• Milla Rose Klausen - University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship

• Aeryn Elizabeth Lao - Auckland University

• Jael Laroza - University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship

• Sienna Leilua - University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship

• Rebekah Lin - University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship

• Olivia Napp - University of Otago Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

• Hannah Remolin - University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Entrance Scholarship

• Condoleezza Wright-Leleimalefaga - University of Otago Pacific Peoples’ Entrance Scholarship

These scholarships are a testament to the hard work and academic excellence of these students, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.

A special congratulations to Year 13 students Gabi Clements and Bailey Nightingale, who have both earned scholarships to complete a 21-day Outward Bound course. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to develop leadership, teamwork, and personal growth skills.

It’s also been a remarkable year for our athletes. Congratulations to the following students who were recognised for their outstanding achievements in sports at the recent College Sport Wellington Awards:

• Teisa Vaka – Golfer of the Year

• Phoenix Schwalger – Netball Player of the Year

• Indiana Russell-Lia – Rugby League Player of the Year

• Pelesa Semu – (Senior A Netball) - Coach of the Year

Additionally, we received an email complimenting the exemplary behaviour and sportsmanship of our Senior A Volleyball Team. This type of recognition speaks volumes about the character of our students and their demonstration of our college values.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome a small number of international students to St Mary’s next year, both for short and long-term stays. Hosting an international student can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to share your culture while learning about theirs. It’s a fantastic way to build global understanding and bring diverse perspectives into our school community.

If you or someone you know might be interested in supporting our International Student Programme by hosting a student, please reach out to our Homestay Coordinator, Philly Smyth, at philippa.smyth@stmw.school.nz. Your support plays an important role in enriching the educational experience for all of our students.

It has been a wonderful term full of achievements, and I want to thank you all for your continued support of our students and our school.