Principal’s Report

It is with mixed emotions that I write this, my final report as Principal of Karamu High School, after a five-year association with the school. It has been a real honour and privilege to have been given this opportunity and one that I will always reflect on fondly.

I would like to begin by, once again, paying tribute and acknowledging the many people who help govern, lead, manage, organise and assist in making Karamu High School a successful place to learn and work. We have been fortunate to have maintained stability in our governance over a number of years thanks largely to our Board Chairman Mr Dave De Lange, who was again successfully elected to the role. His experience, and his calm and considered manner make him a real asset to this school and community and we cannot thank him and his family enough for the commitment he continues to make to our school. I would like to also acknowledge outgoing board representatives Mrs Kate Holden and Mr Ian Horsefield for their contribution over the past six years. At the same time, we welcome on newly elected members Mrs Tanya Douglas, Mr John Marks and Mr Nick Richards who join the board to guide and direct the strategic vision of the school into the future.

We are fortunate to attract and retain fantastic staff here at Karamu, and 2019 has been no different with a commitment by the whole team to ensure our students receive a quality education with numerous opportunities to grow and develop. Alongside our teachers are our exceptional support staff, from the front office to the ground staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that the school runs smoothly.

We are also grateful for the support our school receives from parents, caregivers, whanau and the community. The role parents, whanau and families play in the education of their children is critical to the success of our young people. Whether as a coach, manager, administrator, standing on the side lines or as an audience at production or performance, your support really makes a difference, and our students do appreciate it.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the engagement and participation of the student body, in particular our Year 13 students led by Ben Randle, Lucy McKay, Tia Ward and Tyler Boyes. Having started alongside this year group in 2015 it has been fantastic to see their growth and development as they have navigated their way through the teenage years. They are an exceptional group of people who represent our school vision and values. We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing their ongoing success in the future.

This year has seen a continued focus on student achievement through the Poutama Pounamu project and the integration of digital technologies curriculum across the school. We look to experiencing the ongoing benefits of this work in the coming years as our students progress through the school. Further work was also initiated under the Hautū review with a strategic plan developed for Māori student achievement. I would like to thank the whanau who engaged with us at the various hui to share their insights and knowledage. Also, this year the school has engaged with ‘Connect Futures’, a voluntary organisation that helps schools remain connected with ex-students. The formation of ‘Tira Ora’ database (branchlet of the karamu tree) is the first step with work underway to establish this database of all of our leavers.

As Karamu moves into a new chapter of leadership, I know that there is much change ahead in the education sector. These are exciting times and I hope that the recent education reviews achieve what they aspire to achieve. In order to get transformational change, strong and determined leadership is required. This, however, needs to be matched with the physical and financial resourcing to support successful implementation. I sincerely hope that the Ministry of Education can step up in this regard to ensure we can achieve the goal of equity and excellence for all learners.

In closing I would like to acknowledge my family, in particular my wife Angela and two boys Lachlan and Cameron. Their support and encouragement over the past four years in particular has been humbling and I look forward to the opportunity to spend more quality time with them.

We are Proudly Karamu, Proudly Hastings and Proudly Learning and I sincerely wish the school and all associated the very best in the future. Have a safe and happy holiday season.