Kia ora whanau o Waitaki

Firstly, my congratulations to all those involved in the combined school musical – Aotearoa. After the heartbreak of having to postpone last year due to Covid it was well worth the wait. More than 600 people attended the show over the four days. I attended on the final night and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Without wanting to single out any individual contributions, it has been impressed upon me the incredible contribution of the shows director Marie-Anne Bowman and the musical director Stephen Hinds. To the boys involved who showed the courage to perform in front of your peers – well done! You have all earned our utmost respect. Now, let’s bring on the Scrano performances in Week 8 of Term 2.

Last Wednesday, the Rabobank “Good Deeds” day took place here at school. A crew from Rabobank assisted our “Creek Boys” in transforming the area of the school creek which runs directly behind the Social Centre. This transformation is truly amazing – I recommend you come in and have a look if you haven’t already. To the boy’s involved – in an email from the Rabobank General Manager he said “it was an inspiring day and you were a credit to the school.” A massive thanks also to Andy Oakes and his digger and the large crew of parents/supporters of the school who came in on preceding days to fell trees and prepare the environs for the flax planting to take place. This was a huge step in the creek ‘restoration’ project and it is still our goal to get water flowing through our creek by the end of the year.

Last week, we also had a visit from our Education Review Office advisor. It was a very positive meeting and following the high level intervention they have had with the school in recent years it was very encouraging that they are “confident in the direction the school is heading” and want us to “consolidate our progress in 2021” and look forward to being back in contact early in 2022.

We are pleased to announce that Scott Mayhew has been appointed as the new Director of Boarding. Scott is no stranger to North Otago having been a housemaster here at Waitaki Boys’ from 2006 – 8. During that time he played Rugby for North Otago. His wife’s family still reside in Oamaru. Over the past 6 years Scott has been a highly successful Director of Boarding at Rotorua Boys’ gaining national recognition. We look forward to welcoming Scott and his whanau to the Waitaki Boys’ and Don House family early in Term 2.

The annual Old Boy’s ANZAC day music concert will take place this year on 25th April in the Hall of Memories beginning at 1.30pm. Afternoon tea will be served following the concert in the Gymnasium.

We are also holding a whanau hui for all those who wish to have input into how we best engage our Maori akonga (learners). This hui is taking place on Tuesday May 11th at 5.30pm in the Social Centre. Kai will be provided.

There will be a short newsletter next Friday to finish off Term One and farewell two very special members of staff. Once again, thank you all for your continuing support of our great school. Have a relaxing weekend.

He waka eke noa (We’re all in this together)

Floreat Waitakia

Darryl Paterson