When I stop to reflect on this, it becomes clear that experiences like these do not happen without careful planning, commitment, and support. Our kaiako (teachers) have done an amazing job in offering not only a wide diversity of learning opportunities, but also robust learning experiences that continue to challenge and stretch our tauira (students) in many different ways.

I would also like to acknowledge the work of our Board of Trustees — Jason Mackie, Ateli Tovio, Bronwyn Hantz, Leon Clement, and recently selected Lisa East — who have worked tirelessly, alongside recently departed Murray Streets, to ensure that the policy and governance of our school is at the highest possible standard. This work is fundamental to ensuring the continued success of our kura (school).

And to you, our whānau — thank you. You continue to engage and be part of the hikoi (journey) that our tauira are on. We cannot thank you enough for your consistent engagement. While it does not guarantee success, we know that whānau being part of the conversation around a child’s education is one of the key metrics in supporting a successful educational experience.

There are some areas of success that we are particularly proud to highlight this year. Our annual survey has shown positive movement in several key areas. Our tauira feel more challenged in their learning and more stretched academically. The sense of safety within our school has increased, with more students identifying significant adults they can turn to when things become challenging. We have also seen growth in our students’ sense of responsibility to support the community and serve others. All of these outcomes point to a kura we can be very proud of.

Academically, our results continue to grow. We currently sit more than 40% higher than the New Zealand average in writing, reading, and mathematics. Our IB curriculum has continued to flourish, with Market Day and Exhibition demonstrating great depth of understanding and meaningful action from our tauira. It was fantastic to see so many parents and whānau in school celebrating these initiatives alongside us.

Our sports programme continues to go from strength to strength, with increased participation in AIMS Games and Central Zones, and an ever-growing range of opportunities for our students. Our cultural festival was a huge success and again highlighted the diversity that we are so richly proud of at ANI.

Our relationship with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has continued to grow, and our shared initiative during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori — including our hikoi up Maungawhau — allowed us to share stories, celebrate whakapapa, and strengthen our connection.

Over the break, it is important that our tauira have time to refresh and reduce some of the cognitive load that naturally builds across the year. That said, there are still simple ways to support learning at home. Encourage curiosity. Ask questions like: Why do you think this might be happening? What would happen if we changed this? What are you proud of this year? What are you hoping for next year, and how might you achieve that? Most importantly, take the time to listen to their responses and share your own thinking with them. Reading over the holidays is also a great habit to maintain and certainly won’t hurt.

It was wonderful to celebrate our tauira who received awards at our Excellence Prizegiving yesterday. These achievements deserve to be recognised and celebrated. At the same time, we must not forget the thousands of quiet successes that happen every day — the small steps, the perseverance, the kindness, and the personal growth that may not be formally recognised but are just as important in shaping successful learners and good people. I hope our students are able to recognise and share these achievements with you as they finish the year.

As I bring this year to a close, I want to acknowledge just how proud I am to be the leader of this kura. We are an amazing community that values education and understands the opportunities it creates. I am incredibly grateful to be in a position to support the learning and development of our young people.

Please enjoy the break. Relax, spend time with whānau and friends, do the things that bring you happiness — and if you see me out in the water, be sure to say g’day.

Ngā mihi nui,

Jason Pocock

Principal ANI