Principal's end of year speech

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
Ki te atua-tēnā koe
Ki a papatuanuku – tēnā koe
Ki te Wairakei kura – tēnā koe
Ki te hunga mate Haere atu ra
Ki te hunga ora
Tēnā koutou katoa

Parents, teachers, students, relatives and friends. Here we are again, gathered to celebrate the year and give thanks to our akonga / learners. A warm welcome to those new parents who are joining us for their first Wairakei Leavers Prize Giving.

It is a pleasure to be able to speak to you all, on this night of happiness and celebration. We are here to celebrate the many successes which the children and the school have achieved this year.

2017 has been another busy year with many changes. It is an exciting time, as change is the new norm. We have a great leadership team which thrives on change, diversity and progress. The team are focussed on accelerating learning, using current theory and evidence to improve professional practise. The Teaching and Learning which we are seeing at Wairakei School in 2017 and beyond, is absolutely brilliant. The opportunities being afforded to our learners is of the highest quality and meets the diverse range of learning needs.

I am proud and honoured to be able to reiterate that I am fortunate to be working with some of the best educators that I have had the privilege to work alongside. The drive, passion and determination; underpinned by skill, knowledge and empathy, has seen Teaching and Learning continue to raise progress and achievement despite the ever changing social, learning and emotional needs that we are confronted with. The team are aware of areas to develop, and through reflective practise, address these as individuals and as a whole staff approach.

The year has been full of change. Thank you to my team, who have continued our learning journey. You are all incredibly dedicated and hardworking team. I appreciate your expertise and encouragement of all of the students.

Core areas of focus which have I believe have been the catalyst to our success are:
– The development of collaborative teaching and learning practice;
- The increase in our cultural responsive practise and engagement with tikanga Maori;
– Staff really knowing the learner and their needs;
– Student ownership of learning; and
– The development of Environmental Education

Next year, we will see further development and improvement. Something which I am excited and passionate about. The team at Wairakei will continue to provide modern teaching and learning practise, to the highest standard.

The most special component of Wairakei School is “He akonga tino mātauranga o Wairakei’ – the Absolutely Brilliant Wairakei Learner. Our learners are what makes our school special. Our learners are excellent ambassadors in the community, whether on trips, community events or learning excursions. You can all be relied upon to represent the school with pride and dignity.

Each year I look back at what the children have achieved and how far they have all come. I want to congratulate all you wonderful young people in achieving a great milestone in your life. That of completing your Year 1 – 6 primary school education.

The new learning spaces in the school may have been yours just for three terms of this year, but you know that we are preparing our school and our Wairakei learners for the future - a future we don’t really know. We know that you have been working on your collaborative journey also over the last couple of years and we feel most of you are well prepared for what lies ahead in your next stage of learning through the Intermediate years.

I have been incredibly impressed with our Year 6 learners this year. Whilst, not all are recognised formally at this prize giving, I know that they have all progressed so very much, both educationally and socially. I am proud of each and every one of you. It is important to remember, that no matter what, we celebrate all the achievements of our precious children, and support them to be the best that they can be. It is important to keep on learning and continue to develop individual talents while learning to get on with others, problem solve, be self motivated and inquisitive.

Sadly, to leave us this year are also some wonderful teachers - some here for just a short while, while others have been part of our community for a long time. Thank you to Maria Rockell and Lisa Grieve who have been active staff members for the last year especially. To Alice Harris and Ollivia Nancekivell, who have both developed their leadership skills in our school and have given greatly of themselves to the betterment of our school, a huge thank you. 

Lastly, but certainly not least, a huge acknowledgment and thank you to Cathy Dean, who was first employed here in 1996 which makes 22 years of absolutely brilliant service to our school. Cathy has seen a great deal of change in the school, including buildings being shifted on and off the grounds, has seen 4 Principals in her time here, and has made lifelong memories for countless children who have had the privilege of being taught by her. At the end of term 1 this year, Cathy decided it was time to resign her full time position, but gladly took a reduced teaching time to support the changes occurring in our school. I would like to publicly thank her in this forum as she has had a part to play in most of the Year 6 leavers here with us tonight.

It has been a pleasure to be part of the BoT again this year. Lead by Nic Pethig for the last time, we have been proactive in professionalising the BoT, setting clear direction and high expectations, all revolving around Quality Teaching and Learning. Thank you to Nic and Vicky who have given of their time and talents as Board members, but who are finishing after our first meeting of the New Year. It has been great working with you to ensure that our children have an absolutely brilliant experience here at Wairakei School.

We have a number of families represented here who have been a part of the school for a very long time now and have come to the end of a long chapter. Along with the parents and families who have been with us for 6 years, there are some parents who have had children attending the school over the last 7 – 10 years. Thankyou to all of you for your contributions to the school. The school is certainly better for having you as part of the school family.

I would like to conclude, by wishing our Year 6 leavers of 2017 all the very best for their time at Intermediate. You have all worked so very hard, and will continue to do so. You are a special group, who has so much to offer.

Remember to take the Wairakei Learner characteristics with you as you carry on through life. Show the world you care. Be a thinker. Always work hard. Communicate effectively through any means possible, and continue to make those meaningful connections in order to develop as a unique individual.

Try to remember that, as you face big changes, you are not alone. We will be thinking of you. There are good things waiting for you just around the corner. So step out with confidence and take new opportunities in your stride.

Keep up the absolutely brilliant work. Keep striving to always do your best.

Kia Kaha – Kia Toa.

Whaia te iti kahuranga ki te tuahu koe me he maunga teitei

“Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain”,
or in other words “Go and chase after your dreams”.

So on that final note, I would like to wish everyone an absolutely brilliant Christmas time, an awesome holiday and great family times.

Nā reira, noho ora mai rā. Hei kona mai I roto I ngā mihi.

Stay Safe and have an absolutely brilliant Christmas and New Year.