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Jill Proudfoot's avatar

A delightful surprise to see Ms Barry making a final appearance for the year. My favourite format! I'm pretty sure I have met Amelia's Dad and Zac's Dad. I just wish that there was a chance that they would read this column.

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Jill Proudfoot's avatar

P.S. I enjoyed your contributions on The Panel yesterday, as always.

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Dan McKirdy's avatar

Miss Barry thinks that those two are arrogant pricks.

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Jill Proudfoot's avatar

I think she's correct! As was Jacinda ...

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Emily Writes's avatar

Beautiful. And very apt on the mask wearing! Didn’t go to ours and what do you know there are a bunch of Covid cases following it. Meri Kirihimete (that means Merry Christmas Zach’s dad).

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Vague Craig's avatar

Amelia and Ms Barry got my eyes looking a bit misty at the end there too, damn your manipulative powers with words David. Thanks.

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Kim Shaw-Williams's avatar

Yeah, happened to me too.

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Helen McNaught's avatar

I do hope Ms Barry gets to take their class again next year.

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David Slack's avatar

It’s what I’m angling for :) I had a couple of loose threads to be reconciled because I have in different editions given the story various elements that don’t quite knit. Today’s speech, as you’ve probably noticed, is my attempt at squaring them...

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Helen McNaught's avatar

Yes, very clever

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David Slack's avatar

Shoutout to Vana Manasiadis and Tania Roxborogh for helping me workshop the way to a resolution!

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Lynne McDonald's avatar

Brought tears to my eyes. Good work, Amelia!

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Jill Proudfoot's avatar

I am extremely happy that Amelia didn't end up being home-schooled!

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Fraser Gardyne's avatar

On the point David as always. And lovely... :-)

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Phillip Armstrong's avatar

Wonderful David, wonderful

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Peter Gow's avatar

lovely , well done David.

on a personal note, my youngest daughter finished school this week, yr 13 over , now all 3 will be or are at University - in Auckland .... the years have just flown by

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Val M's avatar

You missed out the bit where the children all sing Silent Night in wee piping voices and the parents have a little sniffle.

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David Slack's avatar

oh yes! good point!

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Evan's avatar

I always knew Amelia would do well at prize giving. She seems to be smart, honest, and sweet. She is wise beyond her years and puts up with a lot of unrest at home.

Well done to Patrick and Zac for getting a prize. They aren't the best at paying attention though, so I expect it was for sports.

Nice way to finish the year at KKPS.

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Murray Olsen's avatar

Patrick and Zac and Jordan got certificates. All the others got prizes.

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Evan's avatar

Yep. Got carried away with typing too fast... Certificates.

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Michael Smythe's avatar

And the dedicated Kia Kaha School chronicler deserves a prize too!

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Mac Stevenson's avatar

Lovely, lovely post David. Oh the memories. You didn't mention the kid who didn't get a prize and the parents confronting MsBarry about it. That's why she so enjoyed the after school wine that day. Poor MsBarry probably won't get to take a class next year because there will be yet more curriculum / property / staff/ H&S etc etc changes she needs to get on top of. Hope she does though.

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Sally Patrick's avatar

Thanks DS for a year of superb writing! A sanctuary of sanity in a world gone mad.

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Ian Butcher's avatar

very entertaining, thanks. Merry Christmas!

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