Kia ora whanau,

I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho 
(A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions)

This whakatauki refers to the need for creative thinking, adaptability and perseverance. In order to solve a problem you need to have all of these and this is something I believe resonates with everyone at Tauhara College after the year we have had.

As we close in on what can only be described as one of the most difficult and challenging years for Tauhara and our community, we need to take the time to reflect upon the various developments and success stories that have taken place, we also peer into the future to see what this will bring to our Kura, our students and our Community.

The events of 2021 will go down as one of the defining moments in our short history, we have had to rebuild a new school, we have made significant changes to our timetable and curriculum all while continuing to teach our amazing students. Our staff have done an outstanding job to ensure that all of these changes had as minimal impact on our students as possible.

The experiences of 2021 have changed many things that we had known as normal here at Tauhara, it has also forced us all to look at the ways we do things and we had to adapt. These new experiences have brought about our new normal, but more importantly, they have developed a new range of skills and learnings.

We have had to make some tough decisions this year, but throughout it all we kept our students at the centre of all of our decisions.

Now we are through the other side of this challenging time, we can see what is on the horizon. We are starting to begin the planning for the new school. What this looks like and what courses will be on offer are still to be developed, this is a journey we will walk with our students and community.

Our old buildings will be removed over the Christmas break and we will be returning to a clear site that will look very different from what it was 12 short months ago. While it is sad to see the old buildings go- they hold a lot of memories and connection for many- this also signals the new beginnings for our school

What the new Tauhara campus will look like is still a year or so away, we will be working on the plan for the new Tauhara over the course of the next 12 months. Realistically the new Tauhara campus is 2-4 years away from being realised. Until this time we have a great new ‘temporary’ school that will serve us well and ensure that our students have warm, dry modern learning spaces.

What does the future hold for our Kura and community? This is the great unknown. We are excited by the possibilities and opportunities that these discussions are bringing to our community and we look forward to the journey that we collectively walk together.

To our students - you are to be commended for the resilience and attitude you have shown throughout this year. Our students have had numerous challenges and changes thrown their way and through it all they have displayed the care, courage and commitment that we could only ever dream of our students having. Well done to you all.

I would like to thank all of the college staff for their efforts this year. It takes a lot of people to make Tauhara College the place that it is. Everyone on staff has an important role to play in the running of our school and we value all the contributions our staff contribute to the collective successes. This year our staff have had to do a lot of things differently and in a challenging environment. Our staff have kept our students at the heart of their decisions and gone the extra mile to ensure they were not disadvantaged through our chaotic year. Thank you. 

  Ma te whiritahi, ka whakatutuki ai nga pumana a tangata. 
       Together weaving the realisation of potential

We have a strong foundation in place to help launch us into the future. Our staff and students are excited about the possibilities and aspirations for our school.

We have high aspirations for our school and the outcomes that we can deliver for our Rangatahi. We want to be the school of choice for our community and we want to continue to help develop outstanding young rangatahi who are well rounded and have a kete of tools that will serve them well beyond their time with us.

Until we return next year, please take the time to rest, reconnect and recharge. 2022 will be upon us in no time and the endless journey of improvement never ends. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and festive season, look after one another and we look forward to seeing you all in 2022.

Nga mihi nui.