Posted in General Students Honour Ms Shea

Date: 11 November 2022

The whole school assembly organised by prefects recently was a surprise acknowledgement of our Tumuaki, Deidre Shea who is retiring at the end of 2022.

The entire assembly celebrated the tireless work of Deidre who has given 30 years of her working life to Onehunga High School, 16 of these as Tumuaki Principal. Students took the opportunity to express their gratitude for her many years of dedication and service.

Each year group addressed Ms Shea and it was soon apparent that all students recognised how fortunate they were to have a principal who always has their needs and wellbeing as her primary focus. Ms Shea is passionate about education, passionate about providing the best possible opportunities and outcomes for all students and this is very much appreciated by students who repeatedly described Ms Shea as kind and welcoming. Her inclusiveness and admiration of the many cultures that make up our school whanau was evident in the speeches and performances from students. The tauira Māori group performed a powerful and moving Haka, the siva Samoa, Tongan dances, a beautiful rendition of ‘Hallelujah” and an expressive Indian cultural dance, all celebrated the diversity that Ms Shea has championed at Onehunga High School.

Ms Shea addressed the assembly, thanking students for the gifts that she received and told students how very lucky she felt for finding a career that she loved. She described her time at Onehunga as an honour and a privilege. Her hope for the future of her students was that they too, find a career that they love.

There is no doubt that this celebration, that had students at its heart, will be the one that Ms Shea treasures.