The beginning of 2023 promised, at long l ast, to be disruption free. Sadly this was not the case, with Cyclone Gabrielle causing widespread disruption around the district and across Aotearoa. Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered damage and loss, especially with those who have lost loved ones. Aroha nui.
Despite the horror, these events always bring out the best in Kiwis. We continue to hear of many stories of bravery in adversity, including that of the remarkable Kihi cousins who rescued upwards of thirty people in their jet boat in the Esk Valley, showing incredible ingenuity and fortitude. Locally, many people have been supporting neighbours and wh ā nau, ensuring those impacted have had shelter and food. We are a community that cares for one another, and at times like these the togetherness of the community is remarkable.
Chatting with students, it was fascinating to hear the number of board games that had been pulled out of the cupboard when the power went down - although a small lesson compared to the experiences of others
- long may that continue. So here at Mahurangi, the year has started with students full of good humour and positivity. There is a lovely tone around the school, which is a real credit to them and their families. This is especially true of our seniors, who do set the culture in the way they conduct themselves. Well done, wh ā nau.
We have welcomed new staff from a variety of backgrounds and experience, all of whom have settled in well. Our new Year 7’s have also quickly made themselves at home, and as I write, they are enjoying their EOTC week. The goals for this week are for our new students to identify as part of Mahurangi College, get to know each other through fun experiences and explore a range of EOTC activites. Trips include a visit to the Warkworth Museum, a whakawhanaungatanga experience in our school marae, an afternoon of water sliding, a day at the Cement Works and an afternoon walking tour of the Warkworth township.
International students have flocked back to the College, with our students hosting visitors from Korea and Argentina. Currently there
are eighty internationals on the roll, some just for a few weeks, and others for longer stays. It will have been a memorable experience for these students, experiencing the cyclone, coping far from home without electricity or Internet, but then experiencing the resilience and unwavering hospitality of our host families. Thank you so much to everyone involved. Our internationals bring vibrancy and energy to our College, and it is great for our students to forge connections with youngsters from other countries.
On the sporting front, congratu l ations to James Elder who has been selected for the NZ U16 Football squad, an awesome achievement and testimony to James’ skill and dedication. We had many students representing North Harbour too at the recent Touch Nationals. Our thanks to Kyra Norton who won a prize of $500 to be spent on sports equipment for her school, courtesy of Waddell Associates.
Our congratu l ations also go to photography scho l arship winners Zoe Knapp Spens-B l ack (above left) and Finn Stevenson (above right) who helped maintain our enviable success in the Arts.
Now, as we all get our heads around the magnitude of the cleanup and rebuilding ahead, it’s great to see our whānau showing us that they are able to move forward with a positive attitude. Kia kaha.
MITRE 10 ACHIEVER OF THE MONTH
Tobey Sykes
HEAD BOY
Academic Blue for Excellence
NCEA 1 & NCEA 2
Member of UWH Senior
