It was a hard goodbye earlier this week to an amazing teacher.
Both students and staff were sad to say goodbye to the amazing Sandra Mattes-Renner earlier this week. Frau Renner (as she is known) is heading home to Germany for an extended period of time to see family. She has a long history with the college, having taught on an off at the college multiple times. Upon first moving to New Zealand she also volunteered in the German classroom as a parent.
Mrs Renner has been an absolute asset to the school and the students over the last few years and has been a driving force to ensure that German language students receive the best opportunities. She is a strong advocate of the fact that everyone can and should learn a language (2 if possible!). In her own words "Languages Matter!". As a language expert her understanding of curriculum and language teaching is extensive.
Mrs Renner has been instrumental in re-establishing the German Language camps, our role as a PASCH School and working with the Goethe Institut to provide additional opportunities for our students including overseas trips, scholarships, and examination qualifications. Under her care we have also seen the German Language return to the senior school NCEA and to IB.
Her classes are a dynamic atmosphere of language immersion, exciting activities and whanaungatanga. Her enthusiasm for and dedication to her subject area and her students is inspiring. She has often given up countless hours of her own time to help students, provide additional tutoring or support the boys in their own sporting and cultural endeavours, including travelling to and from Te Anau in a day to attend the opening and support our Kapa Haka boys. She will be missed.
We wish her all the very best for her travels ahead and hope to see her again on her return.
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