Farewell to 8Bh!

Dear 8Bh,

I have thought about what I would like to say to you many times this year, and I am still not sure that I have it right. One thing I do know for sure is that I was lucky enough to teach the best class of students I could have asked for. I feel so privileged to have been chosen to be your teacher and to have spent this year with such kind, dynamic, diverse and hardworking Year 8's.

Your honesty, your challenges and your triumphs helped me to become a better teacher so that I could be the best I could be for you. I hope that you felt loved, appreciated and encouraged throughout this year and I hope you enjoyed your time in Year 8. Most of all, I hope you had fun, had a laugh and got some learning in along the way. 

We've had such a busy year from getting to know each other, tackling new learning challenges, moving to a new classroom, hosting a bake sale to raise money for our Hornby community, presenting at Huis, Business and Enterprise, introducing Passion Projects, our EOTC Week and more! I know I made some great memories with you this year. 

I am so proud of the people you are and the progress you have made. You are all unique individuals with passions, dreams and goals. I have no doubt you will achieve anything you set your minds to. If you work hard, you can make it happen. I look forward to watching you grow as Year 9's and become leaders in our kura. Know that I will always be in your corner cheering you on!

If you leave with one thing this year, let it be this: don't sell yourself short! You've heard me say this so many times this year. Try your best in everything you do from the courts to the field, on stage and in class, do your personal best every time. You deserve to shine. 

Think positive, be positive, help others around you. Strive for excellence and accept nothing less. Challenge yourself, take risks, don't be afraid to fail, that is how you will improve, learn and grow. If plan A doesn't work, there are 25 more letters in the alphabet. Dreams come to those who chase them, so don't spend your time sitting on the sidelines. 

Thank you for an amazing first year of teaching at Hornby High School! Have a safe and happy holiday and I will see you in 2019!