On Monday, February 9th, our school community gathered at 9:00 am for a deeply significant double celebration: the spiritual blessing of our new facilities and the formal Mihi Whakatau to welcome our new Principal, Vicki McIntyre.

A Sacred Beginning: Blessing and Mihi Whakatau for our New Era

The morning began in the crisp air of the new car park, where students—looking sharp in their correct school uniforms—assembled in their Year 1–6 homerooms and Year 7–13 House groups. In a show of unity, staff and senior students guided families through the gates, ensuring the transition into the new space was handled with care and respect.

The School Blessing

Guided by a representative from Arowhenua Marae Tewera King, the community moved through the new buildings for the official School Blessing. To honor the sanctity of the new spaces, everyone followed the tradition of removing their shoes before entering, carrying them through the halls and replacing them only once back outside. This act of mindfulness set a tone of gratitude and stewardship for the modern environment our students now call home.

Following the blessing, the ceremony transitioned into a formal Mihi Whakatau held on the concrete area in front of the library. Led by Tewera King, the seating reflected the coming together of two histories:

• On the Left: A seat of honor for our new Principal, Vicki McIntyre, alongside her guests from Akaroa Area School, our new students, new staff, and their supporting whānau.
• On the Right: The existing TAS community, including current and past staff and students, ready to pass the mantle of leadership and welcome the newcomers into the fold.

The exchange of speeches and song served as a bridge between Mrs. McIntyre’s previous journey in Akaroa and her new chapter here, weaving her into the fabric of our school family.

Once the formalities concluded, the weight of the occasion gave way to the warmth of shared kai. Parents and guests enjoyed a "cuppa" and refreshments, taking the opportunity to mingle with the new leadership and staff.

The morning finished with a final chance for parents to walk through the classrooms with their children—a proud moment for many to see where the learning would take place—before saying their goodbyes and leaving the students to begin their first official day of the term.