Holidays have finished and it’s time for Dunstan High School pupils to get back into the swing of things. 

The school has welcomed approximately 130 new Year 9 students from across the district into Dunstan. 

This year's Year 13 students started last Tuesday (January 31) to prepare to welcome the new students joining them the next day. 

Wednesday was filled with house-based games and activities to help the new students create a connection with their house and the older pupils.

New students, whānau and staff were welcomed with a Mihi Whakatau where students performed waiata and provided kai.

Staff and students hope 2023 will not be plagued with continuous interruptions from Covid-19. 

At times last year around a third of the school was absent with illness. This forced the cancellation of multiple tournaments and events, disappointing students, teachers and coaches. 

“Covid impacted the last year by being extremely disruptive to our learning,” Year 13 student Ashlea West said.

“Our progress was slow since catching Covid meant that we missed an entire week or more of learning.” 

Ashlea West started the new school year hopeful that Covid-19 would have little impact. 

For most of last year, students were required to wear masks, social distance and sanitise. 

With these restrictions no longer in place, staff hope it will be easier for all new students to become integrated within the school and build up house and school spirit. 

The start of a new year also creates a new wave of eager Year 13 students who will spend the next nine months preparing for university. 

“I’m looking forward to a school year without the pressure of results for uni entrance and just being able to enjoy my last year,” Ashlea said. 

Term one is set to be a busy one with swimming sports and athletics all happening in the next two weeks followed by cross country on the last day of term. 

PHOTOS: The Central App