Message from our Principal

Kia ora e te whānau

This week has been a wonderful celebration of Matariki and Te Reo Māori. On Tuesday we celebrated Matariki with other kura from around Ōtautahi at our annual Matariki Kapa Haka Showcase. I want to thank our Te Kura o Hine Waiora rōpu for leading this mahi, we truly appreciate the enormous effort that goes into arranging such an exciting event that celebrates the Māori new year.

Today three of our ākonga competed in Ngā Manu Kōrero co-hosted by Te Kura Tuarua o Rangiora and Te Rōpū Kaiako Kura Tuarua ki Waitaha. We are immensely proud of Ella Tacon, Leah Simmonds and Maisie Haley. The courage it took to stand in front of their peers to compete in this prestigious language competition, is truly remarkable.

Kei runga noa atu!

On Wednesday evening, we had a beautiful event at Acland House with our boarders, to farewell our Director of Boarding, Dee Guillemot-Rodgerson. Dee affectionately known as “Guilly” has been at the heart and sole of Acland House for 27 years. Saying good-bye is never easy, especially to someone who has given so much of themselves, their time, energy, and compassion. Her legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of Acland House.

I am now pleased to inform you that, after an extensive recruitment process, we have appointed Kirsty Falzon to the Director of Boarding position.

Kirsty has extensive experience working in boarding schools in the UK and Japan. In the UK, Kirsty was a Director of Boarding and currently Kirsty runs the day-to-day operations in the Rugby School Japan for a Year 9-13 unisex boarding house. Over 10 years’ experience in the boarding sector has ensured that Kirsty is highly skilled at managing boarding houses, leading successful teams and ensuring the health and wellbeing of young people.

This role stood out to Kirsty as an opportunity to be part of shaping the lives of young women and setting them up for success in the future. Kirsty has a foundation in pastoral care and student wellbeing, and describes herself as empathetic and understanding of what it means for boarders being away from whānau. Kirsty is passionate about advocating for students and is very comfortable dealing with tough conversations and believes supporting behaviours through education will ensure lasting results. While Kirsty is policy driven, she believes that not everyone is the same and individual responses to best meet student needs is required.

Kirsty enjoys connecting with parents and whānau and is excited about getting to know them over a cup of tea or coffee. Getting to know families of boarders is a priority for Kirsty, as she understands that this will form part of ensuring that students are well looked after and continue to feel that Acland House is their home away from home. Kirsty is excited to build on the legacy of Acland House to ensure it remains a boarding house of choice for students.

Kirsty grew up in New Zealand and is looking forward to returning to the kiwi way of life.

We look forward to welcoming Kirsty to our Christchurch Girls’ High School | Te Kura o Hine Waiora and Acland House whānau!

Mānawatia a Matariki