From the tumuaki | principal, 2024 Term 1 Week 10

Kia ora koutou

Thank you to all the parents/caregivers who responded to our call for support with BYOD / being prepared for learning. While we’re “not there yet” we have seen an improvement this week.

We celebrated a major milestone this week with Student Administrator Jill Hill’s 40th anniversary of working at Darfield High School. Jill started as a Science Technician but has mostly served in our front office and as school nurse / first aider. She has seen thousands of students in her time - over 5,000 by my estimate - and has an amazing memory for faces, names and relationships. Jill has a wealth of knowledge about our community. Her secret? “You have to love your job”. Congratulations Jill and thank you for your remarkable service to date.

Pip Deans has organised our first Ag Expo, this Friday, with many exhibitors from the rural sector available to showcase their work and career opportunities. We’re really grateful for the support of our community and look forward to welcoming exhibitors and neighbouring schools.

I got to watch a group of Peer Support leaders work with a year 7 class and really enjoyed their creativity and commitment. It was also pretty funny to see them gain empathy for teachers ;)

English teacher Lily Webster will be moving on early next term. Lily has recently joined us but her plans have changed and we wish her well. We are currently advertising and hope to avoid disruption to classes.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Andy England

Tumuaki | Principal