Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki

Marriene Langton Principal/Tumuaki
Tēnā koutou e te whanau. This is my 16th year as tumuaki of our lovely kura. I am one-eyed when it comes to providing the very best education for all of our tamariki, strong connections to whanau and applying attachment theory so every child has a champion adult at our school who believes in them unconditionally. I just can’t see past it. Our kaiako and kaiawhina go the extra 50 miles to give our children the best chances to succeed. My family is number one. After 20 years of camping holidays in Kaiteriteri, Graham and I are recidivist “glampers “ and ready for new adventures in our latest caravan. It’s brilliant when our family joins us too.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Whakawatea/blessing.

 We held a beautiful blessing ceremony in the new school on Tuesday 1 April just as the sun was rising. Lynne and Corban Te Aika from Ngai Tuahuriri guided us through the process with the guests who had helped us to make this dream a reality.

It was such a privilege to walk through the buildings and to touch the walls as a way of imparting a blessing to all who will work and learn there.

Our shared kai and short speeches afterwards were a small reflection of how many people committed to see this project come into fruition through persistence and hard work. We love being on our home site, in our new buildings.

It was heartwarming to see the architects, build management company, construction company, Ministry of education representatives, friends of the school, ex board and current board, ex staff and student leaders present. Dr Megan Woods has been a champion of our cause and we keep reminding her of the need for a gym. She smiles, but I know she hears.

Thank you to everyone who partnered with us in this amazing project.























Monday, April 12, 2021

WE ARE HOME

 On March 26 we reopened on our home site. Unbelievable that 15 months ago we were on a temporary site, no schooling happening because of the lockdown and wondering if we would get back home within the next two years. And here we are with grateful thanks to the whole construction team who pushed this project across the finish line. WOOHOO.  It is hard to describe the feeling of coming home and the sense of belonging.