News & Current Events

KŌRERO FROM KAREN

Tēnā koutou katoa e te whānau o Rototuna Senior High School, ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou me ō whānau i tēnei tau hou tauiwi. A warm welcome back to students and families for the start of a new year at Rototuna Senior High School.

As we begin 2026, I would like to introduce myself. I am Karen Stimson, and I am Acting Principal for Term 1 while our Principal, Dr Miranda Makin, is on her Principal’s sabbatical. Miranda returns in Term 2, and we wish her well as she takes this time for professional learning. I am looking forward to working closely with our students, staff, and whānau over the term ahead.

I think it is important to pause and acknowledge that sadly, 2026 has not started positively for everyone across our motu. Over the past week, we have witnessed heartbreaking tragedies at Mauao, Welcome Bay, and in other parts of Aotearoa. I am sure most of you, like me, watched the news closely, hoping and praying for good news, but it wasn’t to be. Our thoughts and aroha are with the whānau who have lost their loved ones, who are grieving, the rescue workers who responded with courage and care, and the wider communities who are carrying this loss. We are holding these people close in our thoughts.

We warmly welcome our new Year 11 students, along with other new students and families joining Rototuna Senior High School this year. Nau mai, haere mai.  We are so glad you are here. Today we had the privilege of coming together for our pōwhiri, where we formally welcomed our new students and their whānau into our kura. This pōwhiri is an important way we acknowledge new beginnings, build connections, and affirm a sense of belonging. Please know that we have strong support people and processes in place to help students settle in, form relationships, and find their place. We look forward to getting to know each student’s unique gifts and talents as they grow and learn with us. 

I would also like to acknowledge and congratulate our students who sat NCEA examinations last year. It was a challenging and often nerve-wracking time, and we are proud of the perseverance and commitment shown by our young people. It is always rewarding to hear about students’ achievements and the next steps they are taking. For those who have left us to pursue further study, training, or employment, we wish you every happiness and success in what comes next. For any students who narrowly missed gaining their qualification, we will be in contact to offer additional support and opportunities to help them achieve their respective NCEA qualification.

Finally, I would like to warmly welcome the new staff who have joined us for 2026.  These appointments reflect promotions, overseas opportunities, roll growth, and staff moving on to new pathways. We are excited about the expertise, energy, and care they bring to our school community, and we look forward to the contributions they will make alongside our experienced team:

• Olivia Reed - HPE & Asst. Kaihautu Taurapa

• Leah Lacey - HPE

• Kaia Grey - Social Science

• Micah Edwards - Visual Arts

• Kate Mallin - Technology

• Cole Begbie - English

• Francine Werry - Media/English

• Petina Kerapa - Guidance Counsellour

• Mokoia Hamiora -  Inclusive Learning Assistant

• Ethan Broadley - Inclusive Learning Assistant

• Moira Robertson - Inclusive Learning Assistant

We welcome back to our team:

• Megan Gaskell - Science

• Benny Pan - Science

• Kyla Butcher - HPE

• Holly Archer - Social Science

• Vanita Chavda - Maths

• Stephanie Harford - DP

As we begin the year together, our shared focus remains on connection, care, and creating the conditions for every student to succeed. Thank you for the trust you place in us as we work in partnership with you and your young people.

I look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events.

Ngā mihi nui,
Karen Stimson
Acting Principal