Kia ora whanau,

One of the many privileges of my role as Principal is the opportunity to watch our students at their many endeavours. Sharing in the joys and successes, the challenges and heartaches, experiencing the excitement and tension, allows me to see our rangitahi grow as people, and develop the teamwork, resilience, persistence and sheer grit that is required to succeed at any challenge.

This week, as part of Tournament week, I have been working from a mobile office (my car) as I have travelled around the lower South Island watching some fantastic sport. It has been a pleasure to watch the Senior A netball team grow in confidence and skill as they worked their way to 4th at the South Island Secondary Schools tournament, and qualify for nationals in October. I enjoyed a fabulous Spring afternoon here in Otepoti watching our Football team's win over Queens HS to come 3rd in their tournament.The 2nd XI hockey team enjoyed considerable success at their hockey tournament playing off for 3rd/4th in Ashburton, and I was impressed by their tenacity at some very early morning starts. It was great fun watching the 1st XI hockey team in Õtautahi - and their commitment and teamwork was evident in every game I saw. Knowing that they have gone on to win the tournament and the Audrey Tumblin Cup and thus qualify for Federation Cup in 2023, is hugely satisfying and a real credit to their mahi, talent and calm demeanor under pressure.Watching all of our teams have such wonderful success reminded me of the huge contribution, passion and commitment of our coaches, managers, officials, parents and supporters. We are a small school, punching well above our weight - seeing off teams who come from schools 3x, 5x our size, and we do so well because we have such wonderful expertise, knowledge and dedication to call on.Thank you to all the parents and whanau who have contributed to our success this week. I know there will be some tired students heading home this weekend, and I hope they are also able to to feel proud of their efforts, proud of their team, and proud of their school. I hope the supporters, coaches, managers, cooks, scorers and van drivers also get the chance for a quiet weekend, to reflect on a job well done.

Ngā mihi nui

Jackie Barron