Kia ora whānau,

Over the past year, our staff has been reflecting on our student leadership model, considering how it can better address the evolving needs of our students while upholding our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are excited to present the new model - Te Ara Tū - The Path to Standing Strong, which will be further shaped by the thoughtful reflections of our current Year 8 students. These students have now applied for the opportunity to take on the role of rangatira | leadership for 2025.

Tomorrow, the leaders of each Whare, along with our Senior Boy and Senior Girl, will be formally introduced at Assembly as Ngā Kaiārahi ākonga | The Student Leaders. These six ākonga are entrusted with the important responsibility of guiding and inspiring others, upholding our school’s values, and leading by example with integrity and compassion.

Kaumatua | Senior Leader: Emily Kempton

Kaumatua | Senior Leader: Luka Kelly Bews

Manaakitanga | Care and Respect : Viraneath Chieap

Kaitiakitanga | Guardianship and Responsibility for our space: Bianca Handscomb
Hauora | Wellbeing | caring for our Wellbeing: Cedric Thurston

Wairua | Spirit | caring for our Faith: Ethan Tye

As part of this new chapter, we are also focused on ensuring that our connection to the history of the original house names is preserved. We will be gathering student voice to explore meaningful ways to incorporate these names into our school life, ensuring that our rich heritage is not forgotten.

Congratulations to our 3 ākonga who were baptised into our Catholic community last week - it was wonderful to be part of this special sacrament. May these boys always feel the love of Te Atua guiding them in their lives and we ask you to keep Justin, Ryan and Adrian in your prayers. 

It was also our time to formally welcome our new students who have joined St Anthony’s this year. We pray that they have many great times of fun and learning with us all. Ka pai to Father Bill on his wonderful words of welcome - he did a great job.

Finally, do pop in and see the wonderful Colin McCahon-inspired Art work that our tamariki have been creating, your tamariki are superb creative thinkers! The art is up in the He Atawhai corridor and Te Aroha's Investigation Space.

Dates to remember:

• Monday, 8:30 Movin March Celebration- come along to join our tamariki and kaiako on a scavenger hunt, followed by Hot Chocolate. 
• Thursday, April 10 - last day of school for our tamariki
• Friday, April 11 - Teachers’ Only Day 

Ngā manaakitanga

Denise