From the tumuaki | principal 2023 Term 3 Week 3

Tēnā koutou kātoa

Last weekend’s DHS Formal was an amazing event which is worth celebrating. Too often I hear people moaning about today’s teenagers but on that night we had over 300 of them here, alcohol and drug free, and they had a great time. They were respectful on the way in and throughout and I loved how so many thanked me as they left. They had fun with each other at photo booths, danced and talked and looked like Hollywood stars. Well done to the organising committee and to teacher Emily Dawson, and thanks to all the supporting staff and PTSA for making it such a special event.

Angie Early's photograph of farm machinery in the sun has made it to the finals of "Capture the Moment", a national photography competition. Angie's interest in photography has been sparked and developed by our awesome Teacher Aide Diane Smalec.

Last Friday, and this Friday, I’ve visited universities to meet graduating student teachers. Their enthusiasm is infectious and it’s heartwarming to me to be able to speak so positively about Darfield High School and our community. I believe that we’re a great destination for teachers and, although we face a national shortage, I’m quietly confident in our capacity to recruit when we need to. There is also a bit of an air of confidence that the PPTA’s industrial actions may be coming to a close.

All the best to our students Isla McPherson, Lily Payton, Anna Roberts and Sports Coordinator Pip Deans for this weekend’s Selwyn Awards.

Ngā mihi maioha (warm regards)

Andy England

Key dates:

See https://darfield.school.nz/calendar/