Kia ora koutou

This week we farewelled three of our admin staff: Jane Huggins, Bob Hayward and Ruth Jennings. I’ve previously described why, due to sorting out school finances, but whatever the why we will miss these people. They have all brought skills and dedication to this school - in Bob and Jane’s cases for about 25 years. Please be mindful that our office admin staff are now adjusting to the smaller team and doing their best to keep service levels high.

Our Outdoor Education teacher, Jason Dickens, has spent this week with his senior class learning winter alpine skills such as snow caving around Broken River. The experiences that Mr Dickens creates for his students are amazing and memorable and much appreciated.

I am also really pleased with the parental involvement with our Careers department. Shelly Boyes has set out a strong programme for students and parents to gain information about opportunities in our senior school and partnerships with Ara and other tertiary institutions - other times will be available in the coming weeks.

Great to see some of our students learning mau rākau - a traditional Māori martial art with lots of in-built disciplines and learning - with Matua Jerry. The students learning first may become the tuakana, or leaders, for future students.

Next week is Winter Tournament Week and we have three teams representing us: Under 15 Rugby and Crocs Basketball at Nelson, Senior Netball A at Timaru. Best wishes to all our teams and thanks to the managers, coaches and travelling supporters.

Mauri ora,

Andy England

Tumuaki | Principal