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Tēnā koutou e te whānau whānui o Rangitoto,
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of Vista as we look back on school life in Term One. I write this preface from a hotel room while on a marketing and recruitment trip for international students in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Having met many international agents over the past week, it is clear that Rangitoto continues to have a global reputation for the educational excellence we offer. It is the sheer range of subjects and co-curricular life that sets the school apart from the norm. With students joining the College from 25 different countries this year, we have established a vibrant culture that celebrates diversity and offers opportunity for students to become involved in a broad range of activities that ignite a passion for learning and community involvement.
This term, we have seen Rangitoto students perform with distinction on the diversity stage at Polyfest and visit local schools to teach traditional Cook Island dance. 50 co-curricular Performing Arts groups are up and running with several events taking place in Term 1. Our Drama Company held their Theatre Festival in March, attended the Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival last week and had their first production for the year this week. Just before Easter, five of our Jazz groups went to the National Youth Jazz Competition, returning with numerous, well-deserved awards including the national championship for Jazz Combos. Earlier in the year, four musical theatre students travelled to the USA for the Junior Theatre Festival, coming home with numerous awards for their teams.
Our service activities are well underway, and we look forward to the construction of the Rangitoto vegetable garden over the holidays, bringing further partnership opportunities with residents of Knightsbridge Village. Last weekend, we were delighted with the efforts of the Relay for Life team of over 500 students and staff that fundraised over $78 000 for the Cancer Society. My congratulations and thanks to all involved in this exceptional achievement.
Patrick Gale, Principal
