Mr Crompton has now completed the Te Araroa walking trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff, a distance of just over 3000km. He is looking forward to meeting with the school community again next week, when he returns to Ficino School.

Mrs Spicer will continue to lead the school in her capacity as Acting Principal until the end of the term. This will provide continuity for the School and give Mr Crompton an opportunity to visit all the classes and meet with key staff.

The Te Araroa Trail was a journey through mountains and mud, steep climbs and cold river crossings. It gave Mr Crompton the opportunity to see this beautiful land from head to toe at a pace rarely experienced by most of us. In many ways, it was a practical expression of the values held dearly at our school – respect, responsibility, resilience and courage. When life becomes simple and one is surrounded by nature, our School Motto, Rejoice in the Present takes a fresh meaning.

Mr Crompton is looking forward to sharing his experiences with the children more fully next term but will give them a pictorial tour of some of the highlights of the trek at Assembly time, 8.25am, on Wednesday, 9 April in the School Hall. Parents are warmly invited to attend.