Ioane Fiso Pavilion Opening Ceremony
Ioane Fiso Pavilion Opening Ceremony
This week was another example of Whitby Collegiate going from strength to strength with the opening of the Ioane Fiso Pavilion, named after the Proprietor, John Fiso’s son, Ioane.
Hon Barbara Edmonds couldn’t have summed it up more perfectly! “A nod to the future and what inspires us as parents to work hard: our children. It was not hard to see the pride, confidence and a sense of belonging by the Whitby Collegiate school family, community and friends who came to celebrate this new chapter in the school. Congratulations to you all!”
The building programme has been ongoing and a significant investment by the Proprietor’s Board and we owe much to Andrew Sexton for his oversight and design. It’s fair to say that everyone – students, parents, staff and community – is so impressed. It is indeed an award winning building.
Thank you to not only Andrew and his team but also the building contractor Makers Fabrication, and the multitude of others who worked on the building, including Steve Payne the electrical contractor, who continue to be such big supporters of the school.
As we sadly could not host all of our Whitby Collegiate community, the opening ceremony was filmed and is available to watch below or via the link here, and the photo gallery can be viewed here.
The ceremony was MC’d by Deputy Head Boy, Jordan H, and was made up of speeches from John Fiso, Anita Baker, Barbara Edmonds, Ms Shelley Addison and Head Girl, Meg K, along with musical performances from students Rodi N, Xiangyi L, Gabriel C and Beaumia L along with the Pasifika Cultural Club and school choir, Decanta Laudem. Unfortunately, Head Boy, Sam S, couldn’t be in attendance due to isolating with COVID-19 but Jordan shared some of Sam’s words on his behalf.
After the speeches and performances, everyone made their way to the Ioane Fiso Pavilion for the blessing by Reverend Chris Darnell, and ribbon cutting and unveiling of the building. Guests were then welcomed inside the classrooms for afternoon tea organised by the Parents’ Association whom we owe a major vote of thanks to Sue, Arlaina, Lisa and all of their helpers.
Finally, thank you to all of our special guests who joined us in this milestone celebration, in particular:
Chairman of the Proprietor's Board, Mr John Fiso, his son, Ioane, and the Fiso family
Her Worship the Mayor, Anita Baker
Honourable Barbara Edmonds - MP for Mana
Deputy Mayor of Porirua, Izzy Ford
Members of the Proprietor's Board - To'omata Api Fiso, Tony Hanning and Keith Taylor
Victoria University Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mark Hickford
Victoria University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Blair McRae
Kylie Wihapi, Porirua City Council
Grant Douglas, Makers Fabrication
Co-Chairs of the Parents' Advisory Board, Tim Green and Danielle Leslie
Parents' Association Chair, Sue Payne
Parents' Advisory Board, Parents' Association and Foundation members
Supporters, alumni, staff and students.
