Ngā mihi haumaru ki a tātou tauira, tātou whānau, tātou hāpori katoa

He waka eke noa

We are all in this together

In these strange times, I acknowledge the community and connections that hold our Carmel College whānau during these unfamiliar times. Ētahi wā (In these times), I say ‘Haere rā’, because I can’t authentically say goodbye to my colleagues, our girls or the whānau that weave and strengthen our kura.

My aroha (love) goes to you, whānau with thanks and humility, to share your daughters’ journey with us and I am inspired by their continued commitment to their education, community and lust for life.

I thank you girls for the laughs, the good times, our DMs and watching you all grow in your own unique way. It has been a blessing to know you.

I thank our staff, there are so many who work quietly, checking, supporting and encouraging our tauira to be their best selves and our kōhine (girls) will attest to this.

In the last six weeks of Rāhui noho (being confined at home), I have come to appreciate the importance of people, connection and the real value of whānau. I wish you all the best and thank you once more for your blessing of our people.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? Māku e kī atu, he tangata, he tangata, he tangata’

What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people.