Te Karaka Manu - Term 4 Week 4

Kia ora parents and whānau,

There has been a lot happening over the last few weeks. St Hilda's Day, where we were able to celebrate St Hilda and all her good work in St Paul's Cathedral was a lovely time to gather together as a full school. The Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, Lesley Rumball (ONZM) and Vanessa van Uden (ONZM), were honoured at the service for their achievements. It was lovely to have them and their families join us for this special occasion.

After St Hilda’s day we had a special evening as we celebrated with the Year 13 Boarding leavers, five years at Tolcarne, and all the wonderful memories and adventures they have shared.

The week was busy with the acknowledgement of our Manu Pounamu recipients, Phoebe Hunter and Mia Wall at the College of Education Auditorium, and the St Hilda’s Blues Awards in the Chapel. It is amazing to be able to acknowledge the range of talent and involvement of our students.

There was a real mix of emotions last Tuesday as we farewelled our Year 13 students. Their final day prank based around Halloween summed them up – fun, thoughtful, clever, inclusive, doing no harm and respectful. We wish them and the Year 12s all the best for their external examinations and look forward to celebrating the year with them at the Leavers' Service and Prize Giving on the 6th December.

We are also pleased to have shared some staffing updates. Mrs Prentice, who stepped down from her Deputy Principal – Pastoral role to undertake some study in 2021, has decided to resign from this role to utilise the study she has been doing while continuing to teach part time. We would also like to acknowledge Mrs McMillan who has taken on responsibilities in the Senior Leadership Team over the last two years and is now stepping back into her Arts teaching and Deaning role with the appointment of Ange Rathbone to the Deputy Principal - Pastoral role. 

NZQA examinations started today and we wish all the students involved good luck as they put their learning to the test in the external examinations.

I am excited for the Year 10s as they head away to Tautuku tomorrow. I am sure they will make the most of this outdoor education opportunity in the beautiful Catlins.

It is a busy term and there is more information on upcoming events in other sections of this newsletter.

Ngā mihi nui

Judy Maw
Acting Principal