Kōhanga Moa ata whiwhia, Kōhanga Moa ata rawea, Kōhanga Moa ata kura, Haume hui e, taiki e
Whānau , Tamariki , kaimahi , and cherished members of our community,
Today is a poignant moment in my life as this is my last formal newsletter to you to bid farewell after two decades of being a part of this incredible school community. It is with a mix of emotions that I reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together.
As I look back on the past twenty years, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the countless moments of joy, learning, and growth that we have shared. Each day has been a privilege, and each one of you has played a significant role in making these two decades unforgettable.
To our tamariki, past and present, you have been the heartbeat of this school. Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and boundless potential have been a constant source of inspiration. Witnessing your growth, academically, culturally and personally, has been the greatest reward of my career. As you move forward, remember that your potential is limitless, and I have no doubt that each of you will go on to achieve incredible things. #IPSrightbehindya
To the parents and wider whānau, thank you for entrusting me with the privilege of being a part of your children's lives. Your support, involvement, and commitment to their education have been instrumental in creating a nurturing and thriving learning environment. The relationship between home and school is a powerful force, and I am grateful for the collaborative spirit that has defined our community.
To the community at large, your unwavering support has been the bedrock upon which our school's success has been built. Your involvement in various initiatives, events, and the collective spirit that defines our community have made these twenty years truly special.
It is with a heart full of gratitude and admiration as I take a moment to express our deepest thanks to those whose commitment and tireless efforts have shaped the very foundation of our beloved school. It is with immense appreciation that we extend our heartfelt thanks to ParentLink and our exceptional Board members, past and present, with a special acknowledgment for the extraordinary contributions of Mr. Ray Smillie for over thirty years.
ParentLink and our Board, past and present, have been the pillars of support and governance for our school, providing unwavering dedication to ensuring the growth and success of our institution. Their commitment goes beyond meetings and decisions; it is a testament to their passion for fostering an environment where our students can thrive.
In particular, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Mr. Ray Smillie, our longest-serving Board member. Ray has been an integral part of our school's journey, a visionary leader who has left an indelible mark on the landscape of our institution. His commitment to excellence is exemplified through the countless initiatives he has spearheaded, from the ambitious task of pulling down seven old classrooms to the triumphant construction of ten new ones.
Ray's foresight and determination have not only transformed our physical surroundings but have also created spaces that inspire learning, growth, and camaraderie. The installation of the Bike Track, the Matua Moni Shed, AKA Te Ara Wakamua, the Junior and Senior Playgrounds are just a few examples of the incredible initiatives Ray and the Board (past and present) have championed. Each of these additions has enriched the educational experience of our students and enhanced our sense of community.
A special mention has to also go to Ms Sarah Lucas, who has volunteered endless hours to our kura since 2021 supporting staff, to ensure the pump track initiative from Mrs Vicki Ritchie and the design from the kids in the “Crank Crew” over the years was followed through. Sarah has also worked tirelessly to ensure that the 2021- 2023 Crank Crew Kids have met and maintained the bikes and track. Thank you Sarah, we are extremely grateful.
We extend our warmest thanks to ParentLink, and the Board (past and present. Your contributions are immeasurable, and our school is truly fortunate to have individuals of such calibre and commitment. I have forged many lifelong friends through this group, for which I am truly grateful.
It is also with immense gratitude and deep appreciation for the extraordinary individuals who have been the guiding lights on our journey, providing unwavering support and wisdom over the years. It is with sincere thanks that we acknowledge the instrumental roles played by members of Ngā Iwi, Hapū and Marae. Special mention to Aunty Lucy Rata, Uncle Toby and Aunty Kathy Patu, Uncle Rua, Rumatiki, Whaea Marcelle, Matua Moni, Nanny Mako, Kiri Maxwell, Sonny, Elliot, Whaea Kay, Jonathon Pauroa, Paul Adams and others from Te Kōhanga Moa Marae.
The strength and success of any community are rooted in the collaborative efforts and support of its members. In our school family, the pillars of support provided by these mentioned above and others I may have missed, have been nothing short of extraordinary.
Dear Amazing Staff of Inglewood Primary School, past and present
As I reflect on the incredible journey we've shared, I am filled with admiration and gratitude for each and every one of you. Your unwavering dedication, passion, and the positive impact you make on a daily basis do not go unnoticed. You are the heart and soul of Te Kura o Kōhanga Moa / Inglewood Primary School, and your commitment to making a positive difference is truly inspiring.
It's not just the lessons you teach or the tasks you complete; it's the energy, enthusiasm, and love you bring into the lives of our students that sets you apart. Each morning, as you rise to meet the challenges and opportunities of a new day at IPS, you embody the spirit of excellence, resilience and REACH.
We often use many phrases to describe the spirit of our school, but there's one that resonates particularly when faced with challenges – "Nothing's a Problem." This simple yet powerful mantra encapsulates the can-do attitude that defines our incredible staff. In the face of adversity, you don't merely find solutions; you embrace challenges as opportunities to excel and grow.
You never cease to amaze me with your creativity, your ability to inspire curiosity, and the genuine care you extend to every student. It's the countless extra miles you go, the late nights preparing materials, and the early mornings filled with dedication that collectively shape the extraordinary environment of learning we've cultivated together.
It's easy to say, "Nothing's a Problem," but it takes a special kind of team to live and breathe that ethos. Your resilience, optimism, and collaborative spirit are the cornerstones of our success, and I am privileged to work alongside such an exceptional group of individuals over the past twenty years.
As we conclude this journey, let us remember the impact we have on the lives of our tamariki and the broader school community. Your efforts, both big and small, contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes Te Kura o Kohanga Moa / Inglewood Primary School a special place of growth, learning, and inspiration.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment, your boundless enthusiasm, and for being the driving force behind the positive difference we collectively make. Together, there has been no challenge too great, and with your incredible spirit, we have thrived and excelled.
Leaving this school is bittersweet, but I depart with a heart full of cherished memories, lessons learned, and relationships forged. The impact each one of you has had on my life is immeasurable, and I take with me the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the bonds formed.
To our Year 8s
I want to speak about the art of overcoming obstacles. Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and it's during the challenging moments that we truly discover our strength and resilience.
Obstacles, those seemingly insurmountable challenges, are not roadblocks but rather stepping stones that propel us forward on our journey. They test our mettle, challenge our resolve, and often unveil the untapped potential within us.
Think about the greatest achievements in history. From climbing the highest peaks to exploring the depths of the oceans, from launching into space to creating masterpieces in art and literature – each of these accomplishments emerged from the crucible of overcoming obstacles. These challenges force us to dig deep, to question our limits, and to redefine what we believe is possible.
Obstacles come in many forms – personal, professional, physical, and emotional. They do not discriminate, and at times, they may seem overwhelming. However, the magic lies in our ability to transform adversity into opportunity, to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Consider the story of a seed that pushes through the darkness of the soil to reach for the sun. In its struggle, it finds the strength to grow into a mighty tree. Similarly, in our own lives, it is often the hardships we face that shape us into the resilient individuals we become.
Overcoming obstacles requires a mindset shift – a shift from viewing challenges as roadblocks to embracing them as opportunities for growth. It involves acknowledging the difficulties we face, strategizing our approach, and persisting with unwavering determination.
Look around at the stories of remarkable individuals who have overcome adversity against all odds. Their journeys are a testament to the human spirit's incredible capacity to triumph over challenges. It's not about the absence of obstacles; it's about our response to them.
In the face of adversity, remember that you are not alone. REACH out for support, draw strength from your community, and believe in your ability to navigate through the storm. Embrace the power of resilience, for it is in overcoming obstacles that we discover our true potential.
As we confront the obstacles in our own lives, let us do so with courage, tenacity, and a belief that on the other side of hardship lies a world of endless possibilities. Together, let us celebrate the triumphs born out of challenges and continue to inspire one another to rise above every obstacle that comes our way.
As I leave our amazing kura, I carry with me the spirit of this incredible place. May the legacy of our time together continue to inspire and uplift future generations. I am confident that the seeds we have sown will continue to bear fruit, and our kura will thrive in the capable hands of those who follow.
Finally, thank you, from the depths of my heart, for an extraordinary twenty years. I am forever grateful for the privilege of being a part of this remarkable community. Thank you to the Board and ALL the kaimahi / staff for the very humbling tribute afforded to me Friday 24 November via a school assembly and then a special afternoon tea. I absolutely love the taonga of a carving from the staff, a korowai and a beautifully crafted taonga in the form of pounamu and earrings. Thank you Chris Dalliston, who himself spent many hours pouring aroha into the creation of the piece and sharing the korero behind the design which reflects our REACH Values.
Ā tōna wā ki tōna wāhi Farewell to you all, and may the future be as bright and promising as the memories I leave behind. Arohanui o te whānau
Karen
