It was an honour and privilege to take over and become the Marlow house Dean for 2020. There were some extremely big shoes to fill with Jacob Allen leaving the helm and chasing the glory in South Korea. On behalf of myself, the Marlow teachers, and the Marlow Students – a huge thank you and mihi to Jacob Allen for the work and tireless effort that you put into your Dean Role with Marlow. Jacob's leadership and pastoral care responsibilities have had a massive impact on each and every student and staff member within Marlow and through the entire pastoral staffing team. This is a legacy that has been created by him and the boys will carry that on.

2020 has been a tough, challenging, and busy year. One thing that has helped with the resilience and overcoming adversity has been through celebrating our school culture and this has been done through our inter house competition. For the Marlow house it has been another successful year with the House Obtaining the championship at the Swimming Sports, finishing second at Athletics and unluckily coming second in the signing and Haka competitions on St Thomas Day. Above all of this the interactions that I have had with the Marlow men have been great and truly makes me feel privileged to be a part of this great House.

A poignant aspect I believe is evident in the Marlow house is the positive vibe and feeling that the House embraces itself in. Our Wednesday house meetings are of a positive nature and is a meeting that tries to uplift positivity on the students in the house. Above all this, Restorative Care is paramount to our school and I truly believe Marlow is full of men that show daily the restorative culture to another student. Our Kaitiaki leader Harry Coleman has been fantastic in leading our students. This young man has brought energy, determination and excellent organisational skills as a leader but more importantly he has strong connection and relationships with the students and staff in the house. A huge shout out must go to the Marlow house teachers this year – Thanks for the mentoring the restoratives, and the duty days out and about around the school, it is work that is so important and doesn’t go unnoticed.

Bring on 2021 – the year that Marlow will once again be above and demonstrate the true STC qualities.

Nga Mihi

Chris Leader – Marlow House Dean