Looking back to last February’s column I reflect again on how much things change in a year. This time last year we were coping with severe weather events interrupting our lives, with devastating and ongoing consequences for many in our communities. At school we were once again faced with loss of time at school and loss of learning. Fingers crossed for a more settled start to the school year this year. We are already well underway!
For example, recently I was lucky enough to attend a Young Leaders Summit run by Massey University with our 2024 cohort of student leaders. We were treated to leadership workshops on everyday leadership, servant leadership, Rainbow Youth, event management, leadership styles and public speaking. The Summit served to strengthen the leadership capability of our young leaders for 2024. The students all agreed there is much to learn and they are excited to begin this part of their journey at Kaipara college. The Young Leaders Summit was followed by a two day student leadership camp up at Shelly Beach where the students engaged in team building activities, reflected on their leadership style and planned for key leadership opportunities through the year.
One of our student leaders’ first duties is to join staff in welcoming our shiny new year 9 students, with their oversized uniforms and matching enthusiasm, a palpable excitement and some trepidation about starting secondary school life. These youngest members of our school family experience two days of orientation led by our talented and enthusiastic senior student leaders who are ready to lead, motivate and inspire. This is a crucial and exciting time for our school as we begin to instill the Te WAKA o Kaipara values of Whanaungatanga (Our People), Aroha (Our Way), Kaitiakitanga (Our Place) and Angitutanga (Our Success) in our newest students, providing a solid foundation for their high school journey, navigating their way to success.
At Kaipara College our focus, as always, is to teach our young people so they all reach their potential and take their place as curious, connected and contributing citizens in their community, New Zealand and the world.
