Kākāriki reflections - 2021 in a nutshell.

Kia orana, kumusta and kia ora koutou.

Greetings to our Linwood College community and kura in Term 4 as the summer holidays approach. Kākāriki has had a fabulous year; on the sports field, academic successes and in leadership roles.

I have had the privilege of supporting Kākāriki learners and their families this year as an Assistant Dean. Some Kākāriki highlights included seeing Caitlin Templeton achieve Humanities / Arts Award of the Year, hearing Head Boy student Phoenix Evans' speech and Kākāriki winning the House Competition for this year!

There have been some setbacks this year with Covid-19, particularly with distance learning and pushing back the exam timetable. I am proud of the resiliency our students showed and the motivation to get the business of learning done. Well done all.

I am personally excited to see how 2022 plays out. Will Kākāriki continue its reigning House Championship?

We will be learning in new spaces by Term 2 next year at Te Aratai and I am looking forward to being in a space that is unique for us. The Senior Prizegiving was a well-organised and wonderful event to be a part of, and I can’t wait to see our junior learners step up to the podium to accept awards and recognitions for their achievements this year. These last few weeks will be the end of my time working intensively with the Pastoral Team at LCŌ.

We are very lucky to have some amazing pillars supporting our kura. Office staff, guidance, 24/7 team, whānau, teaching staff and students - thank you for making this year possible.

Kia Kaha, and Meri Kirihimete in advance. Blessings to you and your whānau for a safe summer.

Kate Munro, Assistant Dean Kākāriki House

kmu@linwoodcollege.school.nz

Thank you for that, Kate. I just needed to add a note here to our report so I could offer a massive thank you, on behalf of our Kākāriki whānau, for all the hard mihi you put into Kākāriki house this year. 

Kate has managed the Assistant Dean role through an incredibly turbulent year. It's not only with that whole pandemic-thing we're all sick of hearing about, but also the end of Ethan Smith's tenor as Kākāriki Dean earlier this year, helping his replacement to catch up, and filling the gaps of our Junior pastoral care in the interim before those new roles are established in 2022 for Te Aratai College. Kate has gone above and beyond for Kākāriki House all year and we are indebted for her hard mihi and support. I also need to thank Assistant Principal Katie Stanton for her guidance with Kākāriki House and the pastoral team, and, of course, all our kaiārahi who help, encourage and support all our talented students. 

And if I could also offer an answer to your question above, "Will Kākāriki continue its reigning House Championship?" Well, we intend to, for sure. Next year we have some wonderful students representing us in the Student Leadership team: Sophie Watson, Maddie Wilmot and Kadence Watson-Hall, as well as a house full of exceptional spellers, singers, athletes and quizzers. Bring on 2022.

As the school year comes to a close, and the festive season begins, I really wish everyone a restful break and hope that there is a chance for relaxation and whānau fun. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing all of our learners at the beginning of Term One, 2022.

Nick Colville, Kākāriki Senior Dean col@linwoodcollege.school.nz

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini