It was a new beginning as we welcomed 430 new students, primarily Year 9, along with their whānau, through our Powhiri ceremony. Led by our Kaumatua and Kuia, Warahi and Linda Paki, and joined by Josie Wall from Te Kawerau o Maki, the ceremony provided a cultural connection that facilitated a smooth transition for our rangatahi and their families from various intermediate schools as well as 21 international students from Japan and Germany, it acknowledges their experiences and the mana of both the students and the College.
After saying their goodbyes for the morning, the Year 9 students participated in the 'Harry Potter Sorting Hat' activity, where they discovered their Tutor Class and House for the year, and met their Tutor Group teacher. They were also introduced to their Peer Mentors, dedicated Year 12 and 13 students who assisted in welcoming the newcomers. These mentors will meet with the Year 9 students weekly during Terms 1, 2, and 3 to provide support and help them integrate into the College while reinforcing our values of Learning, Caring and Respect.
Monday was their special day, and starting Tuesday and throughout the rest of the week, they joined approximately 1,600 other students, creating a vibrant College community of 2,000.
Welcome back to a year filled with positive learning opportunities.
Ngā mihi
Mark P. Shanahan |
