From the Principal

Recent Highlights

Whaanau Dinner - Friday, 1 September

Our sincere thanks go to all who supported and attended the Whaanau Dinner, a delightful and well-attended occasion. We were privileged to have Old Girl Alice Burton (Class of 2015) as our guest speaker, who shared her inspiring journey. While a boarder at Dio, Alice studied Te Reo Māori, took kapa haka and was part of the Mana Waahine Council. After leaving Dio, Alice took a gap year to work and travel Australia’s east coast before moving to Tāmaki Makaurau to study Journalism at AUT. After graduating, Alice did a year of full immersion te reo Māori at Te Wānanga Takiura o Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Aotearoa, and what was meant to be one year turned into four when she ended up staying to study their full immersion te reo Māori teaching degree. She lives in Tāmaki Makaurau, finishing her final year of study, and will begin mahi as a kaiako in 2024.

Alice shared her story of how Te Ao Māori helped shape her world. Alice’s final words to our students were Whāia te iti kahurangi - ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei! This speaks of perseverance and endurance, refusing to let obstacles get in your way while striving to reach your goals: “'Don't wait to do what you love. Listen to your heart and instincts and go with the wairua (the spirit) cause you will find that this is where you are meant to be!”

Special recognition goes to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes organising the Whaanau Dinner, particularly Ms Faith Tautuhi, for making this event possible. It was a joyous celebration, and the Mana Waahine team sincerely appreciated the Aroha shown by whaanau and staff.

Senior Derived Grade Exams

The Senior Derived Grade Exams took place from Thursday, 7 September, until Thursday, 14 September, with some catch-up examination sessions this week. These examinations ran smoothly, and our students who undertook levels 1 to 3 NCEA external papers this year demonstrated exceptional dedication, reflecting their hard work throughout the academic year.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

During Te Wiki o te Reo Māori ( Māori Language Week), some of our te reo students had the privilege of attending The University of Waikato's annual celebration, highlighting its unique history and connection to the Kīngitanga. Attendees enjoyed a packed program filled with presentations and events.

Thank you

With the return of Mrs Curran from her sabbatical leave next term, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support during my tenure as Acting Principal. It has been a rewarding experience, and your contributions have been invaluable throughout this journey.

Over the past term, I have worked alongside a dedicated team of educators, staff, and students who have all played a pivotal role in our school's success. Your personal and professional support has made a significant difference, and I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our shared vision of providing an exceptional education to our students. I especially want to acknowledge Mrs Jo Munn, who stepped into the deputy principal role and other staff who have filled other positions over this time.

I will soon be transitioning back to my role as Associate Principal - Students & School Wellbeing. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have questions or need assistance in the future. Together, we will continue to create a positive and nurturing learning environment for our students.

As we move into the term break, I wish you all a peaceful and refreshing time with your whaanau and friends.

Blessings,

Sonja Maree

Acting Principal

principal@wdsg.school.nz