Principal’s Final Word for 2025

Kia ora everyone,

As this year draws to a close, so too does my time as Principal of Waimate High School. It’s a bittersweet moment, I’m sad to be leaving (as evidenced during my prizegiving speech yesterday 😭) but I’m excited about what the future holds.

Thank you to our staff for their dedication, professionalism, and relentless commitment to our students. They are the beating heart of the school and are a bunch of deeply caring professionals. A special mention to the staff also moving on to pastures new: Mrs Bailey, our librarian; Mr Hamilton, our property manager; Mr Carlaw, our Hard materials teacher; Mx Hardie, our English and Drama teacher; and Mrs Boraman, our Science Technician. I wish you all the very best.

To our Board: thank you for your guidance, trust, and steady support. And to our parents, whānau, and wider community: thank you for partnering with us, trusting us with your children, and contributing so generously to school life.

And the biggest thank you to our students for your energy, your laughter, and your honesty. You’ve made my time here incredibly special. It’s been a privilege to lead this school, and I am proud of all you have achieved.

As I step away, I ask that you offer the same support and encouragement to our incoming Principal, Andrew Jones, as you have shown me. He will be lucky to lead such a strong and caring school community.

Thank you again for everything. I leave with a deep sense of gratitude and very best wishes for the future of this wonderful school.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.

Have a wonderful festive season,

Ngā mihi nui,

Jo