Our Year 9 students recently had a big day out in the Kukutaaruhe Gully, where they considered the following questions: How healthy is the Kukutaaruhe Stream? How sustainable are we at Dio? Why is the gully culturally important? How can we grow our food? How can we enjoy the gully environment? Where can we find wild food?

Thank you to all our experts and staff who supported the day, especially our students who threw themselves enthusiastically into this sustainability adventure!

Bien mérité, Stephanie

We are so proud of Stephanie Gutsell, who has won the French national speaking competition at Year 12.

Stephanie won the Year 12 National Concours Oral, organised by the Alliance Française. The prize is an all-expenses-covered trip and 2-week stay with a host family this December in New Caledonia, managed with partners Aircalin and MASCOP. All flights, excursions and activities are included in the prize. What a fantastic achievement, along with a fabulous prize! 

'Te Ohomauri O Wairere'

Six of our year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to participate in a transformative event called 'Te Ohomauri O Wairere'.

Based at Hukanui Marae, day one included a visit to Te Parapara Garden at Hamilton Gardens, an exploration of Maaori identity through Te ihirangaranga o puoro, a lesson on Maramataka, and a night hike to the summit of Pukemokemoke.

Day 2 began with a trip to Pirongia, traditional Taonga Pūoro sessions, insights into the carvings of Hukanui Marae, and the chance to practice traditional Maaori Whakairo with a Pounamu chisel.

On Day 3, students explored an isolated Pā in the Taupiri area, a site not open to the public since its discovery. The Waananga concluded with a reflective session highlighting the profound impact on both students and mentors.

A special thank you to Dio's Aimee Donovan, Whaea Nicola Ratima, Hukanui Marae for hosting, Wiremu Puke (Ngaati Wairere), the Downes Whaanau for the Kai, and Fairfield College for joining us on this memorable Waananga.

Young Enterprise Scheme

Congratulations to the Young Enterprise Scheme winners at the recent Waikato Regional Awards.

• Best Annual Review Award, presented by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand - 'Play Kāri' from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.
• Excellence in Sales Award - 'Bubble No Trouble' from Waikato Diocesan School for Girls.