PRINCIPAL ’ S FOREWORD
The things that are long remembered from a school year are not the English class , the science lesson or the maths tutorial , although they are certainly important . What captures most people ’ s imaginations the most are the opportunities that arise through involvement in the vast array of extra-curricular activities that the school offers . Taking part in the stage play of Oliver , singing in the choir , the Duke of Edinburgh tramp to Te Puia , the football season or the orienteering or volleyball trip to Taranaki are the events that tend to appeal the most and create those lasting memories of the year .
The yearbook endeavours to record these times and provide an archive of the dynamic nature of life at Havelock North High School . To that end , I want to pay tribute to Mrs Brebner for pulling all of this together into a document that will give you much pleasure in reading and reminiscing . To those staff and students who have made contributions , may I also say thank you for your efforts .
After the disjointed nature of last year with our first unpalatable taste of a lockdown , I am sure that we were all looking forward to a more settled 2021 . Unfortunately , this was not to be the case and with the emergence of the Delta variant of the virus , the lockdown in August saw the start of considerable disruption and uncertainty . While the previous year ’ s experience with online learning meant that staff and students were able to adjust quickly to the changed nature of teaching and learning , the flow on affect through the remainder of the year was considerable . Pressure was put on course completions , exam schedules were amended and numerous extra-curricular activities were either cancelled , or took place in an amended form .
Everyone was affected to some degree ; but to keep things in perspective , we were not subjected to anywhere near the same level of disruptions as our Auckland cousins . To that end , we must be grateful that in a time of considerable change , we have been able to get on with our lives with at this stage , minimal impact . We have certainly had to make amendments to the way we do things , cancel some events and live with the cancellation of others . We have though , been able to enjoy the company of our friends , resume lessons and reach the end of the year largely unscathed . What happens in the weeks and months ahead is uncertain yet there have been many memorable occasions throughout the year that we can look back on with much fondness .
To our leavers , I am again this year disappointed that our Year 13 cohort have had a final year at high school affected by so many disruptions . You have been a superb group of young people , involved , interested and determined to be your best . You deserve more and I hope that in the years ahead that you flourish in whatever direction you may head . Good luck in your endeavours , wherever they may be .
As is the tradition in the school , the leaving group of students each year present a legacy gift to the school . Leaving a legacy is a way to express gratitude , humility and understanding and is a lasting memory of your attendance . This year ’ s group , guided by Rosemary and Munya , commissioned a sculpture designed by Eric Buurmans that will be erected in front of the 100 Block . It is an impressive piece of artwork that will further enhance an environment that we are continuing to improve .
As we look ahead , we are all excited by the promise in the New Year of building work on the campus , and the rebuild of the SNU and 300 Block . Construction work on a school site provides a positive focus for everyone , and while some people would have hoped that we may be a little further down the track at this point , the pandemic and its impact on the building and building materials industry has held things up . It is certainly something to look forward to .
Best wishes to you all . Happy holidays . Good luck . Enjoy the read .
G J Fenton PRINCIPAL
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