Ngā mihi o te rā, Waikato Dio whānau,
As we come to the end of the third week of Term 4, I continue to be filled with gratitude for the warmth, generosity, and spirit of this community. Each day brings new opportunities to witness the heart of Dio – in our students’ courage, our staff’s commitment, and the love of our wider community. The Dio Difference is a deep sense of connection that binds us all.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Arts Showcase and the Level 2 Drama production, Letters to Lindy. Both were powerful reminders of how the arts give voice to thought and emotion. There was laughter, reflection, and at times, a quiet stillness as students shared stories that invited us to think deeply about empathy and humanity. What a gift it is to see our young women express truth and beauty through their creativity.
We also celebrated our Year 12 and 13 Endeavour Awards, recognising not just achievement, but perseverance – the steady, faithful effort that often happens quietly and without fanfare. These moments of recognition matter because they affirm the values that shape character as much as success.
It was also bittersweet as we farewelled four staff members:
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Mrs Jo Munn, Acting Deputy Head of Pastoral Care
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Ms Jenny Bothwell, TIC of Physics
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Ms Nicola Ratima, Year 12 Dean
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Mrs Susie Webb, TIC of Classics
Each has contributed so richly to Dio life, guiding students with wisdom, care, and grace. We are deeply grateful for their faithful commitment and the legacy they leave in our classrooms and hearts.
This week has been equally full and uplifting. On Sunday, we held our Leavers’ Chapel for our Boarders – what an incredible group of young women! Their reflections made us laugh and cry. What stuck with most, was the genuine sense of family, love and friendship that will stay with them forever.
Monday brought splashings of sunshine, both from the sun peeking through grey clouds and from the Year 13s’ colourful costumes. Marking their final week, students wore bright tutus, neon tops, pyjamas, and pictures of their younger selves draped around their necks. Their energy was high, but what shone through was the deep sense of sisterhood that defines this cohort.
On Tuesday, we held our Senior Prizegiving, a wonderful celebration of excellence, leadership, and service. We were pleased to announce to the following:
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Mrs Sarah Urlich, Recipient of the Cherrington Fellowship
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Jacqueline Li, Proxime Accessit
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Joy Liao, Dux
We gathered for Founders’ Day on Wednesday, a joyful occasion that grounded us once again in our shared story and values. Personally, it was lovely to meet so many Old Girls; their stories remind us of the importance of connection and culture – that before curriculum, it is community that shapes us.
And today, we farewelled our Year 13 students. It was a moment of both pride and poignancy. As they step into this next chapter, we pray that they go forward with confidence in who they are, knowing they will always have a place here at Dio.
To the Year 13s, if I could offer one piece of advice: do not worry about what skills you lack, or that you do not have yet, build your life around your values. It is your values that shape the way you live, lead, and connect with others. In the busyness of life, if you stay true to your values, you will always have people who believe in you – and WE will always believe in you.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
As we head into the Labour Day weekend, I wish everyone a warm, safe, and restful few days, filled with joy and time well spent with family and friends.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Angee Robertson