PRINCIPAL ’ S FOREWORD
This has been another year where the impact of the pandemic has affected us aII . Reduced programmes , mask mandates and high levels of absence early in the year , continued to disrupt the learning of students . In spite of this , our teachers have supported students in a great many ways to ensure that they were not disadvantaged ; the end of the year arrives with students well prepared for end of year exams , having had every opportunity to complete all internal assessment requirements .
In addition to keeping their students on track , many teachers , well supported by our wonderful community , have provided a wealth of extracurricular activities for students to be a part of .
Covid may have resulted in the postponement of the production , Sweeney Todd , but the majority of other activities did take place in some shape or form . Amongst the highlights was a winter tournament week . Here , the opportunity to actually get away and play in a tournament over the week in September , brought with it an almost carefree joy at being able to do this again after two years of cancellations . In my experience of secondary school sport , I do not recall ever seeing such a happy and collegial approach to the sports events that I was able to visit .
Participation in extra-curricular activities is so important in an institution like a school , where the true colour of the institution comes not just from the classroom lessons but more so from the plethora of opportunities outside the classroom . Students at Havelock North High School have numerous opportunities to do a variety of sport and cultural activities and to not do so is to waste a chance to grow as a person .
Each year the yearbook records many of these activities to provide us with a reminder of the enjoyment and the achievements of our students .
The year was also significant on campus for the start of the SNU / English block rebuild and renovation . While we are still waiting for the start of the SNU , considerable progress has been made on the English block . By the start of 2023 this block will be completed , to provide a modern new set of classrooms , break out spaces and teacher work areas .
A particular highlight of the year was the achievement of Tapas Kant who was recognised as Dux . Tapas ’ achievement was particularly impressive for a 15 year old , and is a credit to his hard work and dedication . He headed off an impressive Year 13 cohort who in addition to completing a good year , contributed to the culture of the school in so many ways . Our school leaders and committee leaders all made impressive contributions to the year from representing the school at events , through to organising fund raising events like the Walk to Ukraine . The group ’ s Year 13 gift to the school was a new set of basketball backboards for the outside courts which the future students will greatly appreciate . To the leavers who depart secondary school for the last time , I wish you all good luck in your endeavours , wherever they may be .
The end of the year also brings down the curtain on the careers of several long-standing HNHS staff . Mrs Jill Gray , Mrs Jenni Fulford , Mrs Lynne Fenton and Mr Mark Baker leave after having served the school in a wide variety of capacities over many years . I would like on behalf of our school community , to acknowledge the tremendous part that they have each played in shaping our school culture during their association with the school .
For me too , the end of 2022 marks the end of my career in education . Having served twenty years as a Principal in two different schools , it is time for me to call it a day . I entered a profession dedicated to assisting young people achieve their potential . As I prepare to leave it , I want to say thank you to you all for being my travelling companions along a significant part of the way . I am forever grateful for your company and the enormous collection of shared experiences we have had .
I wish you well in everything you do in your futures . Happy holidays . Good luck . Enjoy the read .
G J Fenton PRINCIPAL
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