Review of all things Kākāriki for 2020.

Kia Ora, and warm greetings from Kākāriki house.

It is at this point in the year where we can look back on the year with pride. There have been a number of exciting events that our students have been part of, and numerous achievements, both in school and out. 

Firstly, I would like to highlight how we went in the house competition. Every student in Kākāriki, over the course of 2020, has taken part in at least one of the wide range of house events that were on offer. We had some notable wins in events like the talent quest and spelling bee. Overall, Kākāriki students represented the house with pride and passion. This all led to us finishing second place to a strong Kōwhai house, but by the slimmest of margins. Hopefully next year we can take out the top spot of the house competition! Secondly, I would like to highlight some of the individual successes by those in Kākāriki during 2020. In terms of academic success, Mario Cvetkoski was named the Dux for 2020, identifying him as the top academic student at Linwood College this year. We also had Alex Ibisitas named the top-performing academic student in Year 11 for 2020. As well as these two students' achievements, there were a large number of other Kākāriki students who received academic awards at the senior prize giving, and it is great to see such a large number of students take their studies so seriously. Paigan-Lilly Watson Hall and Josh Stiles achieved success in Business Studies, with their young Enterprise group taking out the Excellence award for Marketing and Customer engagement at the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise regional finals. They created and marketed a children's book around diversity and sold over 100 copies, making over $3000 in sales. There are many more successes I could mention here, but hopefully, this snapshot really highlights some of the amazing things going on in Kākāriki house.

As well as reflecting on how the year has gone, this time of year is also busy with planning for the following school year. 2021 will be the last full year we will be on our current site. This is exciting as it will bring us even closer to our move back home, and a brand new school in 2022. Students have been busy selecting their options and subjects for 2021 and should have completed this by now. It is nice to see the buzz and excitement from the students about their pathways and subject choices for next year. Personally, I am looking forward to being able to continue working with Kākāriki students in 2021 and helping them achieve their academic and personal goals.

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. I hope everyone stays safe and I look forward to seeing all of our learners at the beginning of Term One 2021.

Kind Regards

Ethan Smith

Kākāriki House Dean

smi@linwoodcollege.school.nz