Kōrero

Kia puta he hari, rangimarie, me te whakatā i tēnei wā Kirihimete

May there be joy, peace, and rest this Christmas season.

The academic school year finished in great style with a very busy final week. This began with our “Give it a Go” day on the Monday, where students in Years 7-10 were offered a range of options – such as surfing at Moeraki, learning to sail or play golf, going to the South Canterbury Museum, an Oamaru experience, Graffiti Street Art experience, or making dumplings and Christmas decorations. (Photos in 'Give it a Go' article - click this link).

On Tuesday we welcomed our Seniors back, with a final Chapel Service for Year 13 students and their families. Inter-House competitions were then fiercely contested, particularly the Tug-O-War and General Knowledge Quiz, with Te Rawhiti taking overall top honours for the year. Our kitchen staff continued the long-standing Craighead tradition of providing a delicious Christmas dinner, where our staff and senior students enjoyed each other’s company. (Photos in 'Christmas Dinner' article - click this link).

At the Final Assembly on the Wednesday, our guest speaker was Craighead Old Girl Ms Zoe Leen, now in her intern year as a trainee doctor at Timaru Hospital. Zoe gave some welcome, and entertaining advice, as to how to successfully manage the transition from secondary school to university, Polytechnic, or to the workforce. We wish Zoe all the best with her medical career. (Photos in 'Final Assembly Speaker' article - click this link).

Once again, we held two Carol Services at St Mary’s Church, Timaru, led by new Craighead Chaplain Rev Stephanie Mander. Both services were well attended by Craighead families and other members of the wider school community. This also gave an opportunity for our choir, trio, and soloists to showcase their talents, under the direction of teachers Ms Emma Hall, Mrs Lucy Bradley and organist Mr Martin Kane. (Photos in 'Craighead Christmas Carols' article - click this link).

Thursday morning was taken up with our annual Prize-giving held in our fabulous gymnasium, and supported by the Bishop of Christchurch, The Rt Rev Dr Peter Carrell and Mayor of Timaru, Mr Nigel Bowan. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Louisa Stuart was delighted to be named Dux for 2023, with Head Girl Amalia Cabrera-Martin named Proxime Accessit. We are proud of the efforts of all our students this year – whether it be for academic, sporting, cultural or spiritual endeavours - and wish to especially congratulate all prize winners. The Prize-giving finished with a beautiful farewell to me as outgoing Principal, and with a fabulous school Haka performed by our amazing Kapa haka. It was a very emotional time. Thank you all. (Photos in 'Prize-giving' article - click this link).

This busy week concluded with the annual Leaver’s Ball, held at Caroline Bay. Once again, this was a fabulous evening where our Year 13 students were ‘presented’ to the Anglican Bishop of Christchurch the Rt Rev Dr Peter Carrell, then we danced the night away with Double Talk after the initial Father-Daughter waltz! Thank you to the Leavers’ Ball Committee who did a great job organising this very special occasion. (Photos in 'Leavers Ball' article - click this link).

We wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy Christmas. Meri Kirihimiti!