New MBAS principal welcomed
It was a grand and auspicious welcome for the new principal, Ross Dunn, from the MBAS kura and community on a beautiful sunny day Tuesday 7 February. It was the first day of school for 2023 for the 1000 students and teachers of mercury Bay Area School. Kaumatua, Joe Davis(Ngati Hei) and Mayor Len Salt both welcomed the Principal, Ross Dunn and addressed the gathering with goodwill and affirmation.
The spirit of the day in the words of their first school newsletter was, “Me mahi tahi tatou mo te oranga tātou - We should work together for the well being of everyone.”
Principal Dunn was obviously very moved by the welcome ceremony and offered these words to the students and teachers in his welcome letter.
“I would like to say a big thank you to Ngāti Hei and our school Whanau for welcoming me and the new staff into the Kura. It was brilliant to see our whole school come together for the pōwhiri and the parents and whanau also in attendance.
It is a real privilege to be the Principal of Mercury Bay Area School and I am looking forward to getting to know you and having a positive, dynamic and successful year.
I would also like to acknowledge John Wright and his service to Mercury Bay Area School. He has done a phenomenal job guiding the school in a positive direction.
I know his legacy will live on in the fabric of the school. I wish him all the best for his next adventures.
The school year has started well and there is a positive feeling amongst both our students and staff. Although Tuesday was the first official day of school, the staff, administration and property teams and have been toiling away to ensure the school starts smoothly and is a safe and productive environment.
As a Principal, I have an open door policy so please feel free to make a time at the school office to come in for a discussion.
Ngā Mihi.
Caption: Four new teachers are also welcomed along with their Principal. from left to right: Donna Miles, Austin Rattray, Ross Dunn (Principal), Sachindra Pillay, Logan Phillips.