Next week fifteen years at St Thomas' draws to a close for me, a decade of those as Principal. Because the end of next week is very busy I am writing my final newsletter today.

Next Friday we also farewell other staff members:

- Mrs Lynda Collins retires from her role as Leader of Learning Support to spend more time with family and other adventures. Lynda has done a wonderful job supporting students with specific learning needs and there are many boys whose future has been richer for the work of Lynda and her team. We wish her all the best for her retirement.

- Mr Matthew Evans leaves us after three years as teacher of Technology to take up a position at New Life School (Rangiora). Matt will be remembered for robotics, rockets, e velocity carts and bikes, drones and computer activities. We wish him success in his future career.

- Mr Peleti Peleti leaves us after a year teaching Science and Chemistry. Peleti and his wife are both taking up positions teaching in Australia. We will miss Peleti in Science but also for the work he has done supporting our Pasifika students. Fa'afetai Peleti. We wish you and your family all the best.

- Mr Nath Intemann has resigned as the IT technician supplied to us by Cyclone, our IT provider and partner. Nath is off to travel and enjoy some adventure and free time. Thanks for all your patience and help Nath. You have averted some of us having IT issue meltdowns on more than one occasion and contributed to the huge growth in our IT capability within the school.

It has been a great journey. As I said at Prizegiving, it has been both a joy and a privilege working with our staff and with you and your sons. I know I leave the school in great hands and I will always maintain an interest in St Thomas'. I wish Steve Hart and his Senior Leadership Team, along with Andy Steel and the Board of Trustees, all the best for 2018 and onward.

It has always been my commitment to serve the legacy of the Christian Brothers and the mission of the Gospels. For Catholic schools in the Edmund Rice tradition, that means growing a school deeply embedded in liberation, inclusiveness, justice and solidarity and spirituality - all within the context of our society, our world and our planet.That requires us to have the courage at times to be counter-cultural and to challenge norms that diminish life and dignity and to seek an expression of mission which is life giving and love enriching.

Thank you to all of you for my time here. I will miss you and your lovely boys but I am excited about new beginnings as well.

Nga mihi

Christine O'Neill