From the tumuaki | principal 2023 Term 4 Week 4
Tēnā tātou | hello to us all
It’s been a glittering week of events at DHS, as our seniors prepare to end classes for another year and, in some cases, forever. That comes with mixed emotions, of course, and there have been some tears.
Our year 13s entertained us all with daily dress up themes and were very creative. We held a morning tea in the staffroom to acknowledge their seven years at our school and to wish them well.
Senior Prizegiving was earlier this year which had tested our nerves a little, but it went really well. There is such a diverse range of talent in our school and it’s wonderful to see it celebrated. We also have great support from our community as seen in the many scholarships made available. My thanks to the organising team, especially Elaine Guy and Nicola Turner, Jeremy for setting up/taking down and the many people who played such vital roles in making it a success including those who stayed behind to tidy up. Congratulations to all our winners, none less than our Dux Mackenzie Morgan, and to next year’s Head Leaders Maurine Basu, Kimberley Harris, Iroquois Ross and Oscar Stevenson as well as their team of Student Leaders.
Our International Programme hosted a dinner for Homestay families and agents, with further celebrations of international student successes. The programme has really got into gear now and the connections being made with local students are so healthy for us, as well as appreciated by our international guests. If you want to consider being a homestay family, please just contact us through our office or Amanda Wright directly. Amanda and her team - Sumi Hayakawa-Buist, Paula McLeod and Amanda’s own children! - put on a fantastic evening.
Most of the week, we’ve been holding our first formal NCEA assessments in literacy and numeracy for year 10 students. Despite a serious mistake by NZQA, our team managed their way through and the students were fantastic, learning the process of handling exams. Our reader writer volunteers were essential and such amazing people; my thanks to the huge coordination effort of Lesley Pengelly.
So today, our seniors’ last day, is Tabloids. I’m looking forward to an afternoon of fun with the whole school and catching up with staff afterwards! Our organising team of House Leaders has done an amazing job.
For parents of seniors, please check you’re aware of the study leave requirements (see email) and for parents of juniors, please support us in promoting a purposeful culture of learning for the rest of this term.
We still have a few seats left for Monday’s parent/whānau evening on the topic of keeping our kids safe online with filmmaker and author Rob Cope. If you haven’t yet, please sign up an adult from your family Register here- Our Kids Online
Ngā manaakitanga (with kindness/respect)
Andy England
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