Welcome to Marsden's 13th Principal

We were delighted to welcome Marsden's 13th Principal, Paula Wells and new staff on our first full staff day back at school.  While we were unable to hold a full pōwhiri under the red traffic light system, we welcomed Paula and new staff with a mihi whakatau. This smaller and more intimate celebration still gave us the opportunity to mark a special moment in the history of Marsden. 

Paula Wells with new staff before the mihi whakatau

Called in by Sarah Molisa our Māori and Pasifika Mentor, Paula and new staff made their way into the auditorium to be welcomed by Juliet Dobson, Chair of the Marsden Management Board.

Juliet Dobson, Chair Marsden Management Board

Shenaya and Eva, our Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl were proud to place the Marsden korowai on the shoulders of their new Principal and Reverend Stephen King, representing the Bishop, read the Bishop's Letter of Authority.

Shenaya and Eva place the Korowai on their Principal's shoulders

Reverend Stephen King, representing the Bishop blesses new Principal

Principal Paula Wells with members of the official party

Paula also said "I have appreciated the warm Marsden welcome and acknowledge the high degree of preparedness of my colleagues in advance of the school year.  I have been immediately struck by high levels of professionalism, conscientiousness and good-natured pragmatism, balanced with a healthy measure of whanaungatanga/community connectedness."

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to welcome parents and caregivers into school within the CPF framework at this time, however we will take every care in welcoming students to school in a manner that has them feeling well-supported. All new Marsden students will gather on Tuesday 1 February for orientation, with the whole school in commencement on Wednesday 2 February.