Tēnā koutou, Malo e lelei, Tālofa lava, Bula vinaka, Good afternoon.

I was perhaps naively optimistic, hoping that we would be able to avoid having to use the word ‘disruption’ in Term 3, after what has been an already turbulent first half of the school year. However, in light of the recent weather and hoax events, it is difficult not to once again empathize with those affected and consider how we can support our young women to be resilient, to carry on with a positive outlook and to find the silver lining, despite the unsettled start to the term.

Something we can, and need, to do in such times is to focus on the positives, the moments that can motivate us to keep moving forward and we did this last week when we celebrated the efforts of students who have attained excellence in sport and given service to the school over the first half of the year, in our Summer Excellence Awards. This was an opportunity to acknowledge and applaud those who have displayed commitment and determination, despite adversity, this year. These young women are to be admired for their tenacity; their refusal to let anything interfere with achieving their goals and their ability to make the most of opportunities offered here at school, to challenge and extend themselves. Equally positive was our Open Evening this week, where many students volunteered their time to help as Guides or in subject areas. The feedback from our guests made me so proud to be in the presence every day of such wonderful young women who serve as role models and exemplify the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience.

Term 3 is always a busy and sometimes taxing time, for senior students in particular. With only eight weeks until the majority of their NCEA internal assessments need to be completed, stakes mount as we edge closer to school exams and NCEA external exams. Remaining positive, along with applying a disciplined and diligent approach to school work - which contrary to popular opinion needs to occur beyond the hours of the school day - will ensure that students are not left disappointed, and will ease the nerves that naturally mount as the end of year inches closer.

Please play an active role in encouraging your daughter to share with you what is happening in her classes and ensuring she is setting aside time to prepare for and complete school work. The weekly Waitaki Way indicators are a great place to start a conversation about how school is tracking, and the Parent-Teacher interviews coming up next week will also provide valuable information for both you and your daughter to help her manage her academic workload and encourage her to aim for personal excellence. By engaging in these opportunities with your daughter, you are role modelling that you value education and this in itself can have positive effects for your daughter’s attitude towards her learning, her work ethic and ultimately, her academic outcomes.

There is not one of us here who has not faced challenges this year. We may have been sick, had to isolate, been disappointed or felt a sense of futility. But none of this is a good enough reason to give up. These are all moments in our lives that can teach us something. What I hope that our young women are learning this year is that they are strong enough to weather any storm. As I shared with them in assembly, the words a friend relayed to me recently, ‘Strong women aren’t born. They're forged in the fires they've had to walk through.’ As we look towards the second half of the year, I remain optimistic that our students will look those fires in the eye, walk towards them, march through them, knowing that in doing so they are becoming the strong young women that we hope, and that they are destined to be.

Elizabeth Koni

Principal