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

As our school year draws to a close, there is no doubt that we can reflect on 2020 as a year to remember, and not always for the right reasons! What is worth pondering, however, is this; what can we learn from this year? About ourselves and our world. Because when we view our experiences, even the hard ones, from a teachable perspective, and recognise that everything that happens to us in life offers us a learning opportunity, we can appreciate years like this one from a different angle. Challenge, change and uncertainty will always be a part of life. But how we respond to them - that is up to us. If we so choose, we can see the opportunities that disruption and change can offer us. The opportunity to learn something new. The opportunity to be resilient. The opportunity to grow, succeed and thrive.

As we look to 2021, the recent community consultation process has helped identify our strengths, along with areas for development, and has formed the foundation of the Board of Trustees strategic plan for our school. We look forward to working towards common goals which will ensure that Waitaki Girls’ High School students are respectful, responsible, resilient young women who have pride in themselves and their school. Young women who have a growth mindset towards learning and life’s challenges, and who work hard to achieve personal excellence in everything that they pursue. Young women who are empowered to be confident, positive and valued members of society. Young women who are kind, empathetic and ready to make the most of the adventures that life presents.

The decisions that we make, in an effort to aspire towards these goals, are not made lightly, and as with any change, they will no doubt generate feelings of uncertainty, and in some cases, criticism. But we are ready for this. Because we know the short term discomfort and sacrifices will have long term gains for our young women and our school community. As parents, and first teachers we hope that you will support and reinforce the decisions we make. As those privileged with teaching, guiding and caring for our young people, we must all take responsibility to ensure that the young women at WGHS can truly flourish, in their learning and their lives.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge those of you who have contributed to the success of Waitaki Girls’ in 2020. Whether it be giving your time on the BOT, the PTA, or as a coach, manager, or volunteer in the many extracurricular opportunities we offer, my wholehearted thanks to each of you for giving up your precious time to support our young women and our school.

I would also like to acknowledge the young women who make our school what it is. WGHS is nothing without the energy, enthusiasm and perspective that each of you bring, and I love seeing this every day, both in and out of the classroom. You are what makes our school such a special place and I hope that you feel the same pride that I do, to be a part of our Waitaki Girls’ community.

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas with your family and friends, and I look forward to welcoming you all back in the new year.

Elizabeth Koni

Principal