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Senior Leavers Dinner

Rachel Smith —

Message from Rachel Smith, Yr 13 Dean

It is with sadness and pride that I have reached the time to say farewell to my wonderful year group. It never ceases to amaze me how 5 years can rush past. It has been said often that time flies, but it really does seem like just yesterday when I was welcoming you all into the Tauhara family. Over the years you have blossomed from nervous year nines to the confident young adults that you have become. We have enjoyed some amazing times, the Wellington trip, waterskills, bushcraft, chats in the office and much more. There have been heartbreaks and triumphs, friendships breaking up and reforming. Sometimes I’ve had to growl, more often, I hope, we’ve been able to laugh.

To your parents, thank you for your support. I don’t think that over the years there has been a single phone call where in the end we have not been able to come to some sort of conclusion or compromise. Without your help my job would be impossible.

Staff of Tauhara College, you are always supportive. Not just of the students, but of each other. I have not always been able to accommodate you and your needs, but you have always accepted that and done the best that you can with the constraints that we had.

Keith, Andrea and Iain, thank you for your support when I've come to see you with whatever issue I’ve had and not been able to solve on my own. It is always appreciated.

Year 13 is a big year. It brings on new challenges. Those who had the opportunity to step into leadership roles, well done. You all took to it like ducks to water … naturally. This time last year the exec team and I were on Great Barrier Island, and that was just the start of a great journey. You, the canoe leaders and others who have taken on leadership roles this year have moved the school in a positive direction, well done! We all appreciate it.

And so, with this dinner, you move on from your school years, into whatever comes next for you, be it tertiary education, the workforce or travel.

I don’t have any great quotes and pithy stories up my sleeve, but I would like you to know that I truly enjoyed taking the journey with you and wish you all the best on the next stages. Please keep in touch, I would love to know what you are getting up to, and where you end up.

Thank you again.