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Principal's Blog: Term 2 Week 2
Friday, 28 April 2023
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Kia ora whānau Schools are fascinating microcosms. They each possess a unique culture, created by the combined heritage and values of the people who occupy them and contribute to them over time. Each distinct schooling environment has its own vibe with a rhythm, pattern and cadence that is composed throughout its evolution creating the feeling that one gets upon walking through the front door. Newcomers to Marsden experienced the warmth and vibrancy of our environment on arrival this term, greeted at pōwhiri. Our evolving collective cultural comfort factor has reached a point where we are beginning to gain a sense of our own tikanga that sits beautifully with who we are. I extend heartfelt thanks to kaikorero Derek Kawhiti for his encouragement and guidance, and warmly congratulate students who are being courageous in leading one another in this kaupapa. It is our great pleasure to have formally inducted Deputy Principal - Jenny Caldwell, Director of Sport & Active Recreation - Rosie Kirkpatrick, IT Technician - Harsh Prajapati, Artist in Residence - Marci Tackett, trainee teachers - George Hollis and Phoebe Hewitt, and new students across Year 11 and Year 1. Naumai, haere mai. It is our distinctly unique culture and learning environment that we are eager to showcase on our 7 May Open Day. Some students have been shoulder-tapped to participate by way of being tour guides, or to participate in learning activities, demonstrating to visitors the Marsden way and giving them an authentic snapshot into the life of a Marsden girl. Nothing contrived. Real, raw and authentic will be production rehearsal, which will be in full swing. This year’s production is unlike anything we have seen before, with an original script created by teacher Louise Kleingeld. BROADerWAY is a celebration of musical theatre, performance and a light-hearted peek into the modern challenges faced by those in the show-biz industry. There are parts aplenty, with the script created in a way to encourage wide participation and the showcasing of individual gifts and talents. Tickets are on sale from 1 May, and details on how to book can be found here. This weekend is hugely exciting as the winter sports season kicks into gear. Marsden athletes are renowned for punching well above their weight, with phenomenal outcomes that don’t necessarily equate with our boutique size. More important than a win/loss tally is the way in which Marsden students conduct themselves on and off the fields and courts. Play hard, play fair, be encouraging of one another and respectful of all people, most especially those who give freely of their precious time and energy to make sport happen, our incredible stable of willing volunteers and those who officiate our fixtures. And most of all, take pride in donning green and blue, and have a wonderful time doing the thing that makes your heart sing. Go well one and all and I look forward to catching some of the action as the season unfolds. Part of the rhythm of life at Marsden is the Year 10 outdoor education experience at Hillary Outdoors in Tongariro, which has become somewhat of a rite of passage with older students often identifying it as a highlight of their time at Marsden. A new group of intrepid adventurers are set to challenge themselves at OPC this week, and have been supported in choosing an attitude of positive participation and healthy risk-taking in order to fully benefit from the opportunity. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and being vulnerable takes courage, and I am certain that the grit and grace that our students carry with them in their metaphorical Marsden ketes will serve them well as they welcome the growth experience. Have a wonderful time. All the very best to our Year 12 and 13 students involved in Relay for Life this weekend at Trentham, with their collective small steps set to make a remarkable difference for people affected by cancer in our community. Thank you for your service, and for walking the talk in demonstrating the Marsden value of generosity of spirit, Oha. |