7 December 2023

A year bookmarked by floods at the beginning, and a fire at the end is drawing to a close. Indeed, this morning we farewelled our Year 9 and 10 students at the conclusion of their Prizegiving’s today. 

We made the decision to acknowledge more prize winners than before, including those who may have earned a third place award. It is important to acknowledge such achievement and allow those students the opportunity to cross the stage, and to allow their parents and caregivers to celebrate success. It was wonderful to see so many in, and it provided an incredibly positive end to the year.

For our staff, they will be gathering tomorrow to take lunch together and reflect on the year. I wish them all the best for the festive season, although preparation for 2024 especially with changes to NCEA Level 1, will still punctuate the Summer.

This also marks the end of the first full year in the position and I’d like to express my thanks to our Board, students, staff, and community for their support, and willingness to rise to challenges. Our staff here at Massey High School go above and beyond to ensure that our students have the best experience possible.

Science Block Fire

Receiving a knock at the door from the Police in the early hours of the morning and being advised that part of your school is ablaze is one of those experiences that no Principal wants to go through. Unfortunately, this was the reality earlier this week. To find that our Bruce Candy Science Block was on fire was heartbreaking news. If not for the efforts of emergency services, the damage would no doubt have been far worse.

Several media outlets have reported that the block has been destroyed – it has not. There is significant damage around the seat of the fire (one end of the building), experts are still assessing the extent of smoke penetration (and water) through the rest, but the prognosis is not as bad as first thought.

We will continue to work with the Ministry and our Project Managers on plans to ensure that we are prepared for the start of the new year. As yet, these plans have not been finalised.

There is some consolation – the main one being that no-one was hurt, but also that it did not occur in the middle of the year where the disruption would have been far greater. Investigators have also effectively ruled out the possibility of it being deliberately lit – their initial findings pointing toward an electrical fault.

As mentioned earlier in the week, we are grateful for the messages of support that have come in from far and wide, and I admire the resilience of our science and maths staff who have been most affected by this.

The Garelja Family Te Whare Puoro – Gala Opening

On a positive note, our new music facility The Garelja Family Te Whare Puoro is now fully operational, with junior classes moving in following the blessing. On Wednesday 29th November, we held a gala event to celebrate the opening. We were joined by former Massey High School music staff, including Messrs Loretz, Flyger, and Tipi, and Miss Raby. Mr Ritchie also made the journey in to partake in the festivities. Former students such as Metitilani Alo, Ana Jeon, and Darren Breeze performed alongside current students. It was a fitting opening to what is a world class facility – our former staff and students leaving rather jealous of what is now available for our students. However, it is a facility that we want to see former students coming in to use for recording etc, and for our younger – future students – to experience to help nurture their budding music careers.

Holiday Work

The summer break should (should) see work commence on the refurbishment of B Block, and the re-roofing of the Admin Block. Internal refurbishment of Student Services will be completed. The final touches are being put on the covered court, and painting and cleaning of other buildings will continue. 

Year 13 Camp 2024

Just a reminder, we have reintroduced the Year 13 camp. For me, it is incredibly important for as much of our Year 13 cohort to be able to bond at the start of the year, I have many wonderful memories of Year 13 camps over the years and the impact that they have had on students.

Thanks to the efforts of Callandra Field, more Year 13s than ever before will again have this opportunity.

We are looking to have 180 of our Year 13s (current Year 12 students) spend 3 days (2 nights) together in the first week back next year. During that time, they will engage in a variety of activities whilst strengthening ties with each other. Notification has gone out to current Year 12 students, and the camp will fill on a first in basis.

Thanks to Callandra’s efforts, and the generosity of sponsors, the cost to students for the camp has been kept at $50. I’m looking forward to the reintroduction of a Massey High School tradition. Please ensure that you register for this camp if you have not already.

To all our students, parents, and caregivers we hope that you all have a wonderful Summer break, one which provides you all with the chance to spend time with friends and family, and to celebrate the festive season.

From all staff at Massey High School, we wish you all the best for Christmas, a Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2024.