Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

As we close the week, I want to pause and acknowledge what a rich and energising few days it has been across our two campuses.

The NZ Army Band: lifting our spirits

Today we had the privilege of hosting the New Zealand Army Band. What a gift. Their professionalism, talent and sheer presence lifted the atmosphere instantly. Moments like this speak directly to our E Tū Tāngata value of You Have Value. Every learner in that audience saw excellence up close; excellence that comes from discipline, teamwork and pride in service.

Our year 13 camp this week will likely be remembered not for sunshine… but for steady rain and very muddy shoes. And yet, what stood out was not the weather – it was the way our young people responded.

Despite challenging conditions, they leaned in. They encouraged one another. They laughed. They problem-solved. They built bonds that will carry them through their final year.

That is We Succeed Together in action.

There is something powerful about shared discomfort. It strips things back to what matters – relationships, resilience, humour and care. I am incredibly proud of the way our senior learners represented themselves and our school.

You will notice that next month remediation work will begin on the field at Te Kura Tuatahi to address the ongoing drainage issues. We know this has been frustrating at times, particularly during periods of heavy rain. The work will focus on improving long-term usability and ensuring our learners have access to quality outdoor spaces year-round.

This week reminded me that spirit is not dependent on conditions. Whether it is world-class musicians on stage or year 13 learners standing ankle-deep in mud still choosing to encourage one another, culture is built in the response.

Ka mua, ka muri – we walk backwards into the future. We draw strength from who we are to shape where we are going.

Have a restful weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,

Rachel Skelton
Tumuaki | Principal