Dear Parents and Caregivers

Term 4 has started well, and it was wonderful to welcome back all the girls who looked refreshed and rejuvenated after their two week break. Term 4 obviously has a strong academic focus with external examinations for our senior students, and it is also a term when we have many special events and exhibitions that celebrate our community. I am looking forward to sharing the special assemblies, camps, exhibitions and displays, Christmas carols and dinners and final chapel services with the students.

Having St Hilda's day on a week day, with only the school present, will be different and a little unsettling, but necessary to ensure the special commemoration of the school and our special character goes ahead. Thank you for your understanding, as we work through the logistics for the event.

Term 4 is also a time of looking ahead and planning for 2021, whatever it may bring. We are currently working through the staffing and timetabling for next year, and as part of that process I wanted to update you on progress so far.

We have appointed Ms Rachel Crawford to the Head of English role vacated when Mrs Almey was appointed to Deputy Principal. Ms Crawford is currently Acting HOD English at Pompallier College in Whangarei, having previously taught in Wellington and London. We look forward to welcoming her at the beginning of the 2021 term.

Mrs Mangai has resigned as Arts Coordinator to pursue her own studies in fashion design and we will be advertising her role shortly. She has been with us for 2 and a half years and will finish up in late February 2021.

At the time of writing we are interviewing for the Head of Physical Education and Health and hope to make an appointment soon.

I hope everyone enjoys their long weekend, and I look forward to supporting the girls to make the most of the opportunities available this term, hoping that we stay COVID free and are able to host all our usual events.

Nga mihi

Jackie Barron