Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

This week provided an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the journey of Horoeka Haemata.

On Wednesday evening, Rolleston College was honoured to be recognised as a runner-up/finalist in the Excellence in Educational Leadership category at the New Zealand Education Excellence Awards held at Parliament. Alongside this recognition, the school was awarded a $5,000 prize, which will be invested back into opportunities for our learners.

It was a privilege to attend the awards with Associate Principal Sophie Ralph, and two of our Deputies – Kelly Tippett and Sebastian Curry – and to represent the many people who have contributed to this journey. While the recognition was presented to our leadership team, it is truly a reflection of our entire school community. It acknowledges the commitment of our Board, staff, learners, whānau, Te Taumutu Rūnanga, and wider community who have worked together to navigate significant growth while remaining committed to ensuring every learner feels they belong.

Recognition like this is something to celebrate, but perhaps more importantly, it reminds us that excellence is not measured by awards alone. It is measured in the culture we create every day.

As we move towards the end of the term, this is often when we need our values the most. Winter has well and truly arrived, assessments are nearing completion, and everyone is looking forward to a well-earned break. It can be easy for patience to wear a little thin.

This is exactly why our E Tū Tāngata philosophy is so important.

It reminds us that:

• You have value – every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
• We succeed together – our greatest achievements come through supporting one another.
• Others matter – every interaction has the power to lift someone up.

Excellence is found in the everyday moments. It is choosing kindness when we are tired. It is encouraging someone who is finding things difficult. It is thanking those who help us, showing respect in our classrooms and around our campuses, and ensuring everyone feels that they belong.

Our whakataukī reminds us:

He kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea – the seed will never be lost.

The culture we are building across our two campuses is created through thousands of small actions every day. Every smile, every act of encouragement, every respectful conversation and every decision to put others first strengthens who we are as a school.

As we head into the final week of term, let's continue to embody the spirit of E Tū Tāngata. Let's finish the term with the same care, respect and sense of belonging that has brought us this far.

Thank you to our staff, learners and whānau for everything you contribute to making Rolleston College such a special place to learn, work and belong.

Ngā mihi nui,

Rachel Skelton
Tumuaki | Principal