Kākāriki reflections - 2022 in a nutshell, with a lovely bow on it.

Kia orana, kumusta and kia ora koutou.

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

First and foremost, what a great result for Kākāriki in the Te Aratai House Competition. We managed to take home the Gramham Dingle Foundation Trophy for the second year in a row. It was great to see our kids competing in the events, especially the Dodgeball Tournament and the Talent Quest. A massive well done to all of our students who competed and supported us, and our fabulous House Leaders for their encouragement and leadership. I'm super proud of their efforts and result. Here's looking to 2023 and a possible 3-peat for Kākāriki!

The Kākāriki accolades must continue after the formidable results of our senior students at this year's prizegiving. There are too many to mention here but of particular note are: Ruta Fuaolefau Pesefea - 2nd in Samona Language, First in Science for Life, and Most Valuable Contribution by an English Language Learner; Ambarose Goldsworthy-Cron - First Place in Accelerated Learning Pathway; Shrila Mudaliar - First Place in Hospitality; Adrian Singh - First Place in Business Enterprise; Skye Templeton - First Place in Science Biochemistry; David Templeton - Second Equal in English, Second Place in Geography, First Place in Performing Arts Music, First Place in Calculus, and the Level 3 Derek Friend Trophy for Excellence in Mathematics; Klairette Batao - First Equal in Practical Computing, First Place in Design and Visual Communication and recipient of the Literary cup; Imogen Donelly - Third Equal in English Literature, Second Equal in Statistics, Second Place in Chemistry, Second Place in Physics, First Place in Business Enterprise and First Place in Biology; Richard Dave Martin - First Place in Computer Science; Annaka Kirk, Third Place in Hospitality and First Place in Tourism and Travel; Maddie Willmot - Second Place in Māori Performing Arts and First Place in Te Reo Māori; Sarah Nisha - Third Place in Biology, First Place in Hospitality and First Place in English Literature; Connor Armstrong - First Equal in Performing Arts Drama, First Place in Business Enterprise, First Place in English Literature and the recipient of the JFK Cup for Excellence in Creative Writing, and the John Kim Memorial Prize for Acting; Ethan Cooke - Contribution to Pacifica Culture Award; Trent Schwass - recipient of the Teresa Elms Memorial Cup; and Justin Wilson who received the The Norman Kirk Award for Manaakitanga and the Te Aratai College Supreme Arts Award.

There were also some high flyers from Kākāriki that need special mention: 

Stella Derham, who earned First Place in Physical Education and First Place in Performing Arts Music was also awarded The Rob Burrough Cup for Demonstration of School Values and the AA Scott Music Award for the Widest and Most Valuable Contribution to Music. Stella was also selected as our Te Aratai Head Student for 2023 alongside another great Kākāriki student, Tom Rhodes. 

Alex Ibasitas received Third Equal in Statistics, Third Place in Business Enterprise and First Place in Physics, as well as the premier academic Proxime Accessit award. And Rowan Templeton, who was awarded First Place in Geography, First Place in Biology, First Place in Chemistry, First Place in Statistics, was our recipient of the Hickling Science Prize for Outstanding Achievement in the Sciences and also received the Dux, awarded to our top academic student. 

Obviously, I'm extremely proud of the achievements of our Kākāriki students who have represented our house in such impressive numbers with all their academic, sporting, and cultural achievements, as well as representing us as leaders in our kura for 2023. 

And lastly, you may already be aware that there will be a few changes to the Pastoral structure next year. We are getting two new Junior Deans to oversee the Y9 and 10 cohorts. This will mean that our Ako classes will look different next year. Y9 and Y10 students will be in an Ako class with students their own age but from across all the different houses. Whereas, seniors (Y11-Y13) will be in mixed-aged senior Ako classes according to their house. This means I will remain the Senior Dean of Kākāriki with a slightly reduced number of kaiarahi working alongside me to support our Kākāriki ākonga. We will also be receiving a new moniker for our House to reflect our transition to the new kura, but we will continue to wear the kākāriki colour. There are so many exciting things to look forward to in 2023.

Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi.

As the school year comes to a close, and the festive season begins, I really wish everyone a restful break and hope that there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation and connecting with loved ones. I hope everyone stays safe and I look forward to seeing all of our learners at the beginning of Term One, 2023.

Noho ora mai,

Nick Colville

Kākāriki Snr Dean: col@linwoodcollege.school.nz