24 Dec 2024
Congratulations to Karinga House upon their dedication and commitment that has culminated in their being crowned the Champion House for 2024.
Below is the acceptance speech made by Tom Kelly the Head of House for Karinga House:
“I would first like to recognise the efforts made by the other houses, the Dangar Dragons, the Halkirk Hurricanes and Woodstock Warriors. A victor is only as tough as their competition and the other houses fought hard. Dangar brought the heat, Halkirk brought the storm and Woodstock strived to conquer. But the Karinga Kings still came out on top. This was not only a victory for Karinga, but a domination. THE. ENTIRE. YEAR.
We showed our strength in Carnivals, in House competitions, school events and in the classroom. One Karinga student alone made 500 points for their house! The most out of any student in the entire school.
The house system is about celebrating each other, competing against each other, and building community together and contributing to our school together. The lion’s strength is not in their roar, their claws, or their teeth but in their pride.
I lastly would like to thank our pride, the Karinga Kings for making this year possible. To the 2025 House captains Ewen, Annacemone and Megan, to the 2023 House Captains Daniel, Maxene and Bailey. To the TAS faculty, the HSIE faculty, the Karinga SASS staff and every single Karinga student. Thank-you.
Lastly,
To the Dangar Dragons, to the Halkirk Hurricanes, to the Woodstock Warriors I wish you luck next year. I cannot wait to see the four houses battle it out to see who takes home the House Cup next year. BUT, let me remind you all of four things
WE ARE THE KARINGA KINGS
WE ARE THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 HOUSE CUP
WE ARE DOING THIS BACK-TO-BACK
And lastly,
WE ARE THE PRIDE”.
I would also like thank and congratulate Tom Kelly for his significant work as a Karinga Head of House at Plumpton High School. Tom has contributed significantly to developing this framework to build student leadership, agency and voice, student engagement, school spirit and an increased sense of belonging. All this aimed at changing school culture in conjunction with other frameworks at the school. Tom has relieved in a Head Teacher position in 2024 and again in 2025 and as relinquished his Head of House position, taken over ably earlier in the year by Mr. Honeysett.
Most importantly, as mentioned above he has led change in school culture in many positive ways including developing the leadership capacity of our House Captains and many other students.
Once again congratulations Karinga House and thank you Mr. Kelly and Mr Honeysett for your highly valued contribution to our school’s journey to become the best we can be.
Tim Lloyd, Principal
