As we reach the end of this year, I would like to acknowledge every single student who has engaged with our kura this year.
Since starting in this role, I have learned so much about the work of this school, how we operate, the dedication of our teachers, and the profound impact they have on the lives of our students and their whānau.
What I found out was backed up by the Education Review Office when they visited in Term 3. They confirmed the quality of teaching in this school and the impact of this on the way our students are supported. Here are some quotes from our recently confirmed report:
“Learners benefit from caring and highly supportive relationship-based teaching that supports their wellbeing and readiness to engage in education.”
“Learners and families actively participate in decisions about their individual learning goals which are well supported by staff who know their learners well.”
“Teachers demonstrate an understanding of their learners and are highly flexible and adaptive in providing intentional and responsive programmes to meet changing individual learning needs”.
These comments speak to something very special in terms of how we are able to work in our school. Our ability to spend time getting to know each student well, and the opportunity we have to work one on one makes an enormous difference for any child, but particularly for a young person who is not well.
Something else I have learned since I first started looking at the role here – too many people have no idea what the Southern Health School is or what we do. And this is at a time when more and more young people are being diagnosed with a range of physical and mental illnesses. We need to raise awareness about this school. If there are young people out there who could be helped by being enrolled with us, we want to be able to reach them. If barriers are preventing them from enrolling with us, we want to find out what they are and try to remove them.
So please, all of you, talk with everyone and anyone about the Health School, talk about who we are here for, talk about what we do, talk to them about the amazing work our teachers do – spread the word.
To our kaiako, our teachers, you are amazing, and ERO agrees. Your care, your expertise, and your knowledge do so much to support our students. I would also like to acknowledge staff farewells at the end of this year. Jill Bayley, Tracey Scherp and Megan Garrett (Support staff). Your contribution to the school has been appreciated and you will be missed.
To the senior leadership team of Learne, Ian and Ange – you have kept this school going and the wellbeing of our students at the forefront of everything, despite some very challenging circumstances over the past year, and yet you were still able to welcome and support me in my early months of tenure in this school.
To our Admin team, your ability to work under pressure to support staff and students alike is extraordinary. We also farewell Jane Hadley, who has been our Business Manager for eight years. Jane’s service to the school has been outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful for her dedication, expertise, and steady leadership, which have greatly supported the school’s growth and success.
Most importantly, thank you to our students and their families, who have entrusted their learning and wellbeing to us. We do not take this responsibility lightly and will continue to do our very best to ensure this trust is well deserved.
We have some exciting plans for 2026 as we launch our new branding and work to reach parts of the motu where we have not had students before.
I wish you all a restful and joyous festive season and health and happiness in 2026.
Linda Miller
Tumuaki / Principal
