On Tuesday evening, Principals, Chaplains, and students gathered with Bishop Helen-Ann at Southwell School to mark the end of the school year and to offer our deep gratitude and say farewell to Steve Robb who for the last 20 years has led St Peter's School, Cambridge.  This is the first time in recent memory such a dinner has been held and came as a result of the Anglican Schools' Conference held in Christchurch in September.  At that conference, it was agreed that the intentional work that the Bishops have done to support the work of our schools invited further opportunities for gathering and sharing our common lives and work in education.  Southwell School in Hamilton offered wonderful hospitality and in a relaxed atmosphere there was much joy and laughter as we reflected on the year past, and paid special tribute to Steve, and to his wife Claire for the commitment and leadership they have shown in their time at St Peter's.  Bishop Helen-Ann offered words of thanks to Steve before presenting him with some gifts on behalf of the Diocese.  This was followed by heartfelt tributes from Royce Helm, Headmaster of Southwell, Vicki McLennan, Head of Waikato Diocesan School for Girls, Ainsley Robson, DP at St Paul's Collegiate who also spoke on behalf of the students present (Ainsley had himself been taught by Steve!), and the Rev'd Canon Neale Troon, chaplain at Southwell and Warden of the College of Chaplains, on behalf of the chaplains present.

In her short speech, Bishop Helen-Ann made particular mention of Steve Robb's humility, graciousness and integrity in his leadership.  After 20 years at the helm, Steve and Claire are looking forward to travelling next year, and to all that the future holds in this next season of their lives.

We were particularly grateful for the presence of the students, who all remarked how good it was to meet together from different schools.  Some of them are still sitting exams, so our thoughts and prayers go with them for that!

We all wish Steve and Claire our sincere thanks, best wishes for their travels next year, and to all our schools, congratulations on another excellent year!