As we draw this academic school year to a close, it seems more accurate to say that this has been a challenging year for all, rather than most. As one family, we have been through so many school activities as swimming sports, athletics, specials character week and even COVID lockdown.

There are six new STC man joined our MAWA family and started their journey here at St Thomas. We warmly welcome Joseph (Year 9), Liam (Year 7), Flynn (Year 11), Saul (Year 9), Donte (Year 9) and Tumama (Year 9). It is been a pleasure to be part of their school journey and we look forward to working with these young men.

It is great to see many senior students (Noah, Flynn, Peter) have achievement their academic for NCEA level 1 and sports goal towards the end of the school year. it is also worth mentioned that Ben, Jacob, Rewa and Wilbur has made to their way to senior school next year.

This year we also farewell leavers who will be graduated at the end of the school year and continue their future study. Finley-J and Nicholas are going to study at Ara to be a builder. Isaac is currently working as a diesel mechanic and potentially works for mining in West Australia. Tyler is going to start his apprenticeship in a plumbing business and as he says don’t sleep with a drip, call your Loper plumber. Finally, John has applied his university study at USA and continues playing soccer over there. We wish them well in the future.

Overall, this academic year has made a huge impact on MAWA of all ages. It has not only caused challenges but has helped us to learn more about ourselves. Even with many changes and adjustments, all students have made it through these difficult months and are finally at the end.