Tēnā koutou katoa.

Scott Jermyn was a gentle giant of a man who loved teaching. Last week, he passed away peacefully following a long battle with cancer. He was supported by his wife, Angela Jermyn (a DHS teacher until the start of this year), and family members.

Before coming to DHS in 2011, Scott taught at South Hornby School, Seddon School, Paihia School, Paremata School, and Kirwee Model School. During his time with DHS, he held a range of roles, including Year 7 Dean, Numeracy Co-ordinator, Sta Trustee, and Specialist Classroom Teacher. He was also an avid rugby and cricket coach, involved in the quad games, ShowQuest, and taking students to various competitions and school camps; he introduced the “Pirate” game in Year 8. Scott cared for his colleagues and supported them in and out of school.

Mostly though, to us, Scott was an inspiring and caring classroom teacher. He had a manner and way about him that everyone loved. Children loved his dry sense of humour, calling his class his “little darlings” and writing “Mr. Jermyn is awesome'' at the top of some teachers’ whiteboards (out of reach of their shorter frames!). We will all miss him.

Many of our sta, and many students, are feeling this loss keenly. But our sta and students are wonderful people who are supportive and understanding.

Of course, the school continues with many great learning opportunities. We’re very much needing to catch up on time lost through Covid, and it’s still not easy in classrooms with teachers and students being hit by illnesses. The Year 13 Drama class productions, the junior Quad sports, our First XV and our basketball teams; eld trips for Outdoor Ed,

Science, History, and Geography, our Rural College practical farm days, and our ongoing work experience/ Gateway programme o er rich curriculum opportunities.

Our Uniform Review Committee is currently consulting on a revised look and a new supplier for 2023 (albeit with the current uniform being allowed to exist side by side for a period of time). Uniforms do need to change with the times and work with students’ and parents’ needs. We hope that an online sales platform, with samples to try on at school and in Riccarton, would suit more parents. Due to supply chain issues, the consultation will be online only at the moment, but we hope to have actual samples in school. The decision needs to be made by the end of this term, so please have your say.

Mauri ora ki a koutou

Andy England Tumuaki | Principal