Tēnā koutou katoa,

As our Year 13 students finish their time at Kaipara College, we asked our Student Leaders two questions: what is one of your best memories of Kaipara College, and what advice would you give to the Year 9 students joining us next year? Their memories centred on belonging, shared experiences and the friendships built through being part of something together. Their advice focused on getting involved, discovering who you are, setting high expectations for your learning, choosing your friends wisely and making the most of your time at school.

Most of their memories were about time spent with others. Olly Smith spoke of growing together with the 1st XI Football team from Year 9 to Year 13, and Matthew B-C remembered Saturday morning football games. Blake Young recalled early morning CrossFit with Mrs Enoka and the Year 13 PE amazing race at Muriwai, where the second day was “lowkey suffering but that’s what made it fun.” May Nguyen and Monique Ross named the musical and our school productions. Yana Mitchell chose the Waka Ama national trips, and Kai Wilson the Japan rugby tour, Tira sports days and karaoke days. Georgie Collinge- Coker listed pride cards, cheap truck shop food, and her Year 9 friends kicking a ball around on the court “without a worry in the world.”

Shekinah Lio Nautu described representing our kura at Secondary Kapa Haka Nationals in Tauranga this year, standing alongside his people and sharing our culture. For him, it was “more than just a competition.”

These memories reflect Whanaungatanga, our people, and Kaitiakitanga, our place. The friendships, teams and groups our students belong to, and the places they spend time together, are a big part of their school experience.

The most common advice was to get involved. Kai’s advice was simple: sign up for it all. Monique encouraged students to try every opportunity and not be afraid to ask questions, “otherwise you might miss out.” Olly suggested trying as many activities as possible to discover what you truly enjoy, and Yana reminded us to be open to new opportunities and to change. May added that taking time to learn about yourself helps when you reach the senior school and begin preparing for your future, but to make sure you enjoy what you do.

This is good advice. Sport, culture, the arts and clubs give students the chance to build confidence, make friends and find out what they are good at.

Two student leaders gave practical advice about learning. Matthew urged Year 9s to understand the difference between Achieved, Merit and Excellence early, as it took him time to learn. Blake’s advice was to aim for Excellence, because if you fall short, you will most likely still get a Merit. This reflects Angitūtanga, our success, and the high expectations we hold for every student.

Georgie offered honest advice about friendships. She has seen people try too hard to fit in and make choices that did not serve them well. Her message is to choose your friends carefully and stay true to yourself. This connects to Aroha, our way, which includes caring for ourselves and each other and holding high expectations.

Shekinah’s advice is a good place to finish: “don’t spend your high school years trying to become someone people will remember but spend them becoming someone you’ll remember.” He encourages students to say yes to things that scare them a little, talk to people outside their usual circle, and make mistakes without letting them define them. High school goes by faster than you think, he says, so make the years count.

To our Student Leaders and all of our Year 13 students, thank you for your contribution to our kura. As you finish your final weeks with us, we wish you every success in whatever comes next.

Ngā mihi nui,

Jane Coup Tumuaki | Principal