Greetings to all our families. Currently, the whole school is focused on the upcoming House Singing competition. This is a rare and special opportunity for every student to share her musical talents while being warmly connected by House spirit and pride. The music elements of this event are all student-led, so we do hope that all students get behind their House Leaders and their teams of helpers to learn the songs and show their wairua Kura.

I recently reflected on the many wonderful events in which our students and staff have participated in and supported this term. Of particular note: Dio Exchange, NCEA Music Evenings, Friendship Fridays, Pink Shirt Day, Environment Week, Staff vs Student Football game, The Big Sing,  and the fundraiser and colour run for Ukraine Refugees. I would like to commend all the students and staff involved in organising these events and thank all those who have got involved and benefited from the school spirit that these activities create. We now look forward to House Singing, the 40 Hour Famine Weekend, and the Senior Ball - as well as our first New Zealand-wide acknowledgement of Matariki with a public holiday this Friday, 24 June. This holiday is a commitment to ensuring mātauranga Maaori is at the heart of celebrations. It will also be a time for Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki; Celebrating the present – Gathering together to give thanks for what we have; Looking to the future – Looking forward to the promise of a new year. 

Recently it was Support Staff Week 2022 - Te Wiki o ngā Kaiāwhina Tautoko. In the hectic day-to-day operations of a modern school, our professional and hardworking support staff really make the Dio Difference. This team support our teaching staff to ensure that our students get the very best educational opportunities. Often this work is invisible as they work behind the scenes performing a myriad of administrative tasks and other duties to make sure our school runs smoothly. Thank you so very much for your commitment. Your work is valued, and we simply could not function without you. Mihi ki a koe. 

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our departing Proprietor’s Board member, Ken Williamson. Ken’s expertise, dedication and service to the Board and the School over the past 15 years have been invaluable and Ken leaves the School an immeasurably better place. I would also like to warmly welcome the new Proprietor’s Board member, Jeremy Gibbons. Jeremy brings extensive experience in civil engineering, project management, and project delivery to the Board, and he is keen to get involved with the Board’s Property Planning Group. 

On Saturday 11 June the Boards met to discuss and consider the New Zealand Relationships and Sexuality Curriculum document. The next step will be a process of consultation with the School Community. 

There is clearly much achievement and school spirit to celebrate as we approach the end of this very busy second term. 

God Bless 

Mary Curran 

Principal