As we edge closer to the end of the school year, we find ourselves approaching a bittersweet milestone.

Change is a natural part of a school’s journey, but some departures leave a footprint so large it reshapes the landscape entirely. At the end of the year, our wonderful Deputy Principal, Brigette, will be leaving us and taking a well-deserved retirement.

This November marks an incredible 22 years of dedicated, unwavering service to our school community. For over two decades, she has been the heartbeat of our school, a steady anchor through times of immense growth and a champion for thousands of students who have passed through our gates.

To measure Brigette’s impact in years alone doesn't quite do it justice. We have to measure it in the lives she has touched. Whether you are a current student, a student or whānau from a decade ago, a staff member or a caregiver, chances are you have a story about her kindness or her uncanny ability to know exactly what a student or staff member needed to hear to feel valued.

Over her 22 years, Brigette has led multiple changes in curriculum, organised over 100 sports days, worked with 100s of relievers, overseen multiple productions and art exhibitions, supported over 1000 students transition to school and mentored (aka managed) seven school principals and numerous other staff members!

She has taken on the roles of Team Solutions facilitator, Deputy Principal, Special Education Needs Coordinator, Tutor Teacher and even Acting Principal.

Brigette has been a champion for students; she is always ready with a listening ear, a word of encouragement or a gentle push toward excellence.

She has been a mentor to staff; guiding generations of teachers (and principals!) with wisdom and patience.

If you know Brigette, you know her trademark, unshakeable positivity. In a world that can sometimes feel complex and chaotic, she has maintained a genuine, refreshing belief in the goodness of people. She possesses the extraordinary gift of always seeing the absolute best in others.

Some people make the world brighter just by being in it, Brigette has been making our school brighter for 22 years and the warmth of her leadership will remain felt long after her departure.

Looking Ahead & Saying Thank You

While it is difficult to imagine the office or playground without her presence, we are filled with immense gratitude for the time we’ve shared. Brigette is moving on to her next exciting chapter - one that is richly deserved after twenty-two Novembers of giving her absolute all to everyone else.

We won’t let her slip away without a proper send-off, of course! We are currently planning several ways for students, staff and the wider community to celebrate her legacy before the year concludes.