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Kia ora e te whanau
A research study in the States on graduates of Catholic schools, found that the educational outcomes were similar to many other schools except in one area of life. Graduates of a Catholic school with a sense of community and purpose had a significant higher “Hope” factor in its graduates. “Hope” that life is ok, and we can get through the struggles and pain. “Hope” that we can be grateful for the gifts of this world and life in general. This factor is reinforced to me every day when I see and experience our students and family members participating and supporting each other in school activities and events. Our rugby prize giving this week was an example of this. Selflessly organised by Mrs Julie Watkins and the Rugby Committee of parents we had an evening of abundant food, speeches about gratefulness and sportsmanship and we recognised the commitment and achievement of all of our players, both boys and girls. Gratitude was expressed for what our small school has achieved this year despite the many barriers and reasons to do less. How true. Hope is the quality of seeing in the dark and getting on with life. Day after day despite all that has happened. It is the opposite of optimism which is often a mask for depression. The last three years have been the ideal place to practice “Hope”. Nothing has gone well in terms of health, livelihood or planned events. So can a College practice Hope like one would practice rugby, reading or rhythm in music? Yes we can. At St Peter’s College we practice Hope by normalising routines and with courage as a foundation. We practice Hope by expecting all students will achieve to something beyond them. We practice Hope by expecting all activities have a quality of depth and excellence. Congratulations to seven of our year 7 and 8 students this week who qualified for the finals in the Otago Problem Solving competition, many with Excellence. These students are Max McGregor, Lachlan Gray, Oliver Gray, Eli Puna, Jack Wilkins, Harry Hoyle and Anthony Lambert. Our head of year 7 & 8 Mrs Julie Burrows is extremely proud of the boys hard work and shared with us yesterday that the last student to qualify in this competition was Connor Watkins who is now in year 13! Charity Fulfils the Law Tara Quinney, Principal
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Kia ora e te whanau
You will be aware that New Zealand will move to a new, long-term approach to COVID-19. These changes have been made based on public health advice and reflect high levels of immunity and declining case numbers across New Zealand. This new approach will only result in minor changes to the way we operate. The very positive news is that household contacts of a person with COVID-19 do not need to isolate, but instead are asked to complete a RAT test each day, for five days. Therefore, students who are household contacts but test negative and do not have COVID-19 symptoms, should continue to attend. It is the best place for them to be so they can be engaged in their learning, and connected with their teachers, classmates and friends. Information on how to get RAT kits can be found here: Request a RAT– Ministry of Health We also have a supply here at school for all students and staff. Mask wearing is also no longer required. All the other recommended public health measures will stay in place as we know they reduce the spread of infectious illnesses including COVID-19. These include ensuring our indoor spaces are well-ventilated, maintaining good hand hygiene, encouraging everyone to cough or sneeze into elbows and, most importantly, staying home and getting tested if they have COVID-19 symptoms. Now that the restrictions have dropped, we have many more opportunities for our students to be engaged, active and involved in different activities, both in and outside of the College. It is through these opportunities that students develop and make new friendships and connections with others that may last a lifetime and it is through these connections that we will continue to develop and grow as a community. As our wider Catholic community grows stronger, we are in our best position to support our young people and empower them to shape and challenge their future. Recently we farewelled our Accounts Administrator, Adele Horne, who is leaving to work more hours in her family business. Adele worked here with us for three years and her expertise and friendly and helpful personality will be great missed. We warmly welcome Lisamarie Harvey who comes to us with many years of medical accounts administration experience. Today we had our first Girls Breakfast, after a hiatus of a few years, with the wonderful Monica Moore. It was a very special event where female empowerment was at the forefront. Our Catholic faith is at the heart of our school community, and it is through our Mercy teachings that we have the desire for our girls to be empowered Mercy women of spirit and character who will shape their future. Wonderfully, our community extends beyond just our students’ years here at the College and we are excited to have past pupil Tori Peeters coming for a special visit early next term. In the early beginnings of the College, when the Mercy Sisters were invited to come and help staff St Peter’s College, the vision of our school was highlighted with regards to the importance of ensuring that our young women are empowered, and that this comes from providing opportunities where students can develop a connection and commitment to our faith and to our school community. You will be aware that the Government has announced Monday, 26 September 2022, as the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day. This will mean that all schools will be closed for instruction that day. A reminder that the senior NZQA derived grade examinations are coming up and due to the public holiday the first day of exams will now be Friday, September 23rd ending on Friday, 30th September. If you have students preparing for end-of-year exams in NCEA Levels 1 to 3 English, Maths or Science, let them know that StudyIt forums have reopened: NCEA help from real students and teachers – StudyIt Charity Fulfils the Law Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
As we welcomed back our students from the term break last week, it was a good time to remind each of them not to lose sight of the goals they set for themselves at the start of the year. It is now the right time for all our students to be aware that persistence pays and never giving up is the key to success. The last two terms at school have been challenging but fruitful, and as we start this new term, it is very evident that persistence in every aspect of school life definitely has its benefits. Just like in sport when a particular play is not working out, the player practices and believes that this practice will eventually pay off. So also, in the area of academic achievement, assessments have been completed last term and there has been some great learning taking place in all curriculum areas. It is now important for every student to recognise those areas of weakness and work with persistence to overcome these areas of weakness and come out strongly in an important term of their school life. At the end of this term in the very last week we will have our derived grade examinations. These examinations help determine the readiness for the NZQA examinations in term four and they are also the back-up grades for any future illnesses or incidents that may stop students from sitting the NZQA examinations. Prayer plays a huge part in us being persistent and requesting the Lord for guidance and strength. We may not see things occur immediately, but we must be patient and wait for God’s way and God’s time. There is a purpose in this wait and all that is required from us is belief, persistence and patience. As a community let us join together in prayer for our young people and know that the Good Lord has a purpose and plan for each one of them. Given the right guidance, support and care they will succeed in all they undertake. Take time to speak to them and encourage them to challenge themselves so that they can get out of their comfort zones and experience a growth mind-set that will enhance their possibilities for their future. Luke 11:9-10 says, “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Let this message be a source of inspiration and encouragement to all our young people as they progress through the year. May their persistence to pray and succeed be their goal now and well into the future. Charity Fulfils the Law Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
As we begin Term 3, we continue to face many challenges. Challenges from Covid and winter colds and flus, challenges from the weather and challenges in our daily and personal lives for a whole range of reasons. However, our core business of being a school with a vision that focuses on empowering our students to develop into a person of spirit and character who will pursue actions of community, compassion, and commitment and be prepared to challenge and shape the future, remains at the heart of what we do. St Peter’s College is a place where not only textbook knowledge is received to gain the qualifications that determine whether or not students are academic and therefore successful. I believe we are so much more, we play a much larger part in providing the basis for a student’s future. Our school is a stepping stone to our students future. Our role is to ensure that the stone our students step from out of secondary education is as high, balanced and as wide as it can be so that when a young person leaves St Peter’s College they are empowered through their Catholic education in the Mercy and Rosminian traditions to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God while pursuing their personal excellence, with the confidence to challenge and shape their future. We are not the end point for the student, for their education, for their development, but we are responsible for assisting, developing, educating and ensuring that our part in their journey allows them to sit up above the water, giving them the best platform from which to step into their future. At St Peter’s College we want education to open opportunities and pathways for our students. We want to see students leave our school empowered to challenge and shape their future whilst being a person who lives by our values whereby they are compassionate and respectful, where they seek justice for others and themselves, and where they have the courage to pursue their ambitions. For term 3, I encourage all of our students to make the most of their time and opportunities at school, both inside and outside of the classroom. In every lesson, to engage with their teacher and their learning, ask questions, challenge their thinking and understanding, and outside the classroom have a go and participate in at least one of the wide range of activities and opportunities available from the sports field to the arts and cultural stages. I also encourage our students to contribute outside the classroom and to support one another by taking time to watch one another on the sports fields or arts and cultural stages. We are one community in Christ where we must also strive to give back and serve. Charity Fulfils the Law. Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
Following in the footsteps of St Peter after whom our college is named, we are encouraged to be humble. The Feast of St Peter was celebrated on Wednesday 29 June, and it is essential that we take time to reflect on his life and honour his martyrdom. St Peter was leader of the Apostles and first Bishop of Rome (Pope). According to the Gospel, a fisherman known as Simon was called to follow Jesus, who gave him the name Peter and declared him "The rock upon which I will found my Church." Though Peter was his closest disciple, Christ prophesized his betrayal. Following the Resurrection, Peter preached extensively and became the first leader of the Church in Rome. He was martyred by Emperor Nero, reportedly asking to be crucified upside-down, for he was not worthy to die in the manner of his Saviour. We are called to follow in St Peter’s footsteps by never giving up on our faith despite all the many mistakes we may make along our journey. Coming together as a whole school for Mass this week to celebrate this feast day after many months of restrictions was a very special way to move forward. On this last day of term two, we need to take the time to think about all that we have achieved despite the waves of COVID and winter illnesses. Our school, though it needed to roster at times, stayed open through many staffing challenges. I have witnessed many parents and teachers focus on reengaging students and supporting wellbeing. Teachers have been assessing where learning is at and just picking up from whatever place students are up to despite their absences. We have endeavoured to maintain school trips, assemblies, sports events and community events. The way so many of our schools recently celebrated the Matariki festival with students and families was truly inspirational. As we wind down for the holidays it is a timely reminder for all of our students to relax and rejuvenate themselves as we take on the second half of the academic year. There are innumerable events and occasions ahead of us and we look forward to our young people continuing to engage and enjoy what the school year has to offer. We take this opportunity to thank all our parents and the wider community for their continued support and involvement in the life of our students at the college. Your support on the side-lines of sporting codes has not gone unnoticed, and on behalf of our young people, we sincerely thank each of you for all you do. We also thank all academic and sporting volunteers who give so much of their time and energy and make a huge difference in the lives of all of us. Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau,
If we were to ask our students, what is it you want to be? What would they say? Ask your child if they have heard of a ‘CV’, or ‘curriculum vitae’. Explain that, when someone applies for a job, he or she usually needs to send in a CV to the prospective employer. A CV is a document that lists a person’s qualifications and any other achievements or interests that might increase his or her chances of getting the job. Tell them that it is important for everyone to have ‘CV virtues’. Virtues are things that we regard as good or positive, so CV virtues are the positive skills and achievements that we would want to write on a CV or job application. If we have no CV virtues, getting a job is far more challenging. Another way of thinking about this is to ask, ‘What do we want other people to remember us for?’ Perhaps it is our kindness. Or our generosity. Perhaps it is our ability to make friends and include others. Or perhaps we would like to be known for being honest. When we think about the question, ‘Who do you want to be?’, we should think about the qualities and virtues that we want to demonstrate through our lives that will make a difference to the lives of others. Three possible virtues could be: Humility. This means being honest about our own weaknesses. Being aware of these means that we can identify the things that we find difficult and discover what we need to work on. In a world that sometimes expects us to be perfect, it can be difficult to develop the virtue of humility. Selfless love. This means loving others in a way that keeps us from selfishness and instead shows care and kindness towards others, with no reward expected in return. In a world that sometimes encourages us to put ourselves first, it can be difficult to develop the virtue of selfless love. Gratitude. This means being thankful for what we have and who we have in our lives. Saying ‘thank you’ and expressing our appreciation is one way in which we show this virtue in practice. In a world full of advertising that encourages us to focus on all the things we do not have, it can be difficult to develop the virtue of gratitude. These virtues will help us to become the sort of people whom others remember with affection and fondness, not because of our careers or our success in business, but because of WHO we are. Dear Lord, We acknowledge that you have created us with many gifts and talents. We come to school to develop and learn. Help us every day to make positive steps towards achieving academic success. We also acknowledge that you have shown us that honesty, self-giving love, humility, gratitude and justice are important. Help us today to think about who we really want to be. When we find it tough to develop these virtues, please guide us and help us. Amen. I would like to congratulate the following students for putting their names forward for the St Peter’s College Servant Leadership Council. These students were recognised at this week’s assembly, and we look forward to leading and serving the school using our virtues and qualities for the betterment of all: Commitment Connor Sharp Max McGregor Shaylah Holland Ophelia Nam Kate Perkins Frances Shallard Charlotte Malcolm Lucy Morrison Maia Petterson Ben de Jong Laiken Trainor Molly Haisman Matilda McLeod Molly Gray Community Ava Wiegersma Elliot McDiarmid Dexter Goater Liana Abuel Ebony Eden Holly McGowan Annie Moody Millie Bond Meg Clarkson Georgie Crowley Bella Topp James Mackareth Zara Bell Addison McGarry Compassion Ella King Shavni Permal Sophia Metzler Shalvi Permal Cassandra Juanitas Lily O’Neil Serena Love Clara Breen Melissa Steeghs Shanae Allen Sam Clarkson Eli Puna Connor Swain Howell Orolaza Olivia Kelly Rachael Miller Liam Smith Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
It is good to contemplate our sense of place in the cosmos. From the earliest humans and still today, people have always taken a keen interest in the starry skies. The constellations have been, and even though we know so much more about them now, still are, a source of wonder. From Psalm 8 we hear, “When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place, what is humanity that you should be mindful of us? Who are we that you should care for us?” It is difficult to be outside on a starlit night and not be captured by a sense of wonder. The stars have practical uses too, having been used as an aid to navigation and as an indicator of the seasons. At this time of year, the cluster Matariki, also known as Pleiades, The Seven Sisters or M45 reappears above the horizon, after having dipped below the horizon for some weeks. When this cluster, Matariki, reappeared in the very early morning sky, it signified the beginning of the New Year and people knew it was time to prepare the soil and plant crops. Other meanings were also signified in the setting and rising of this star cluster. As the star cluster set, it was a time to remember those who had died during the past year. As the star cluster rose, it was time to consider the rising of the dead who were now joining the stars of the night sky. It was a time to plan for the future, a time to look forward in hopefulness, a time to be with whanau and friends. The advent of the New Year holds an important place in the Māori calendar and is rich with meaning. Customs vary among different iwi. While all celebrate the New Year, some iwi use the rising of the star Puanga (Rigel), rather than the Matariki cluster, to signify the beginning of the New Year, as the Matariki cluster cannot be easily seen from all localities. As a school and community, we come together in aroha to celebrate, be drawn into, and pray over the wonder of this time. Some weeks ago, the star cluster Matariki set. It did not rise again the next evening. There are people we love, whose lives have set, who have died, and who we miss deeply. We particularly acknowledge this week the very sad passing of past pupil Stephen Allison last week. The new light of Matariki has risen! May it be to you a sign of resurrection and new life. May it be to you a sign of hope in times of darkness. May it be to you a sign of the wondrous mystery of Atua who loves you. May it be to you a sign that the eyes of the Eternal One are ever upon you and that the presence of the Holy One is ever with you. And may this be the cause of your rejoicing. Go in peace. As we head into the last two weeks of term two there are many exciting activities taking place with short school weeks, assessments due and holiday plans to be made. We must not lose sight that first and foremost we are a learning institution with a special Catholic character. It is a privilege to be able to attend school events like the school ball this evening. The Year 13 and some Year 12 students have worked hard to pull this event off and have learnt a lot along the way about event management. This is their ball, but it is still a school event. This means it is strictly alcohol and drug free. You would not have a drink before or during a rugby or hockey game and the school ball is no different. The NZ police and parent organised after ball is not a school event. Information and permission slips have gone home to all students attending and the party would not be possible without the generous support of our parent community. Many schools no longer have these types of after balls and I leave it over to the community to decide if this is something you still want to organise, supervise and be responsible for in the future. My huge thanks go out to the netball committee for organising the ball walkthrough and the PTFA for organising carparking and ball supervision. Without parent volunteers and support events like these would not be possible. Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau,
This week I have been interviewed by several groups of Year 11 students to ask me about my beliefs on the Trinity and how this has shaped my life as part of a real-world assessment they are doing in Religious Education. These interviews and discussions have really warmed my heart because they have been a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young people on our faith, the reasons why we believe and why we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as best we can. Most of all I have been strongly reminded of why St Peter’s College exists in our community and the many sacrifices and gifts people have given to ensure this existence. This pandemic has not been easy on anyone, and we have perhaps focussed on the negative too much in how we treat and interact with each other. It has been a huge test of our resilience but through our young people I am reassured of the hope God has for all of us. We are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Catholics affirm their belief in the mystery of the Trinity every time we make the Sign of the Cross. It is a mystery that can be hard for us to understand or explain. A good starting base for understanding the Trinity is the fact that God is love and that love is manifested to mankind. The first way that God’s love is manifested is through his creation of man, who was made in his image and likeness. The second manifestation is when God sent his only Son to die on the cross for the salvation of all – the ultimate sacrifice and example of love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is referred to as God made man. The third manifestation is the descent of the Holy Spirit, which led to the baptism of Christians to become sons and daughters of God. Every day in prayer we recognise and show our belief in the Trinity- it is part of who we are. Sadly, last week we received news that Whaea Vanessa’s dear father passed away, only a few weeks after her Mum’s passing our hearts and prayers go out to our friend and colleague. We also keep in our prayers, Mrs Kate McGowan and her whanau after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl. May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless you and keep you in his love, now and forever. Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
“Sport is a very rich source of values and virtues that help us to become better people. We need to deepen the close connection that exists between sport and life, which can enlighten one another,” says Pope Francis, who often fondly recalls how he and his family cheered on his favourite soccer team when he was a boy. Yesterday we were privileged to attend and participate in the Catholic School’s Junior Quad Tournament with other Catholic schools in the Dunedin diocese. Just like our faith, sports gives us the opportunity to learn lessons around values and culturally appropriate behaviours. I was heartened by the way our youngest students wore their uniform with pride and gave their all out on the field and court. They showed respect for the officials, demonstrated fair play and camaraderie and most of all they had fun. The senior students who came along to umpire, coach and manage supported our young students and role modelled what it is to be a St Peter’s College leader. The many parents, grandparents and other family members who came along to coach, manage or cheer the students on was also very much appreciated, and it is great to see us come out of the shadow of Covid to come together as a community in events like this. Sport in schools is not just for professional athletes. It is for everyone, sports can be for pleasure, for recreation, for improving health and fitness, as well as for learning how to be a team, and how to win or lose graciously. Along with all of the obvious health benefits there are many social benefits to playing youth sport. These are: Improves academic results- Sports help keep kids focused. The focus has been shown to help kids work harder and as a result, get better grades and results in their examinations. Improves concentration- By being more focussed concentration improves in and outside the classroom. Increases self-esteem and self-confidence- With more achievements on the field or court, students have a greater sense of accomplishment which boosts esteem and confidence in other areas too. Keeps drugs and alcohol away- Focused, driven students are far less likely to fall into bad habits like drug use and alcohol abuse if their minds are occupied with productive activities. Decreases the dropout rate- Focused students who actively take part in academics and co-curricula activities will undoubtably have a greater chance of going on to higher education. More than anyone it is the parents and caregivers who make sports opportunities happen for kids. Whether it be the financial commitments for fees and equipment to driving back and forth to fixtures or coaching a team, we would not have as many opportunities for our young people as we do now. So, we thank you all very much for showing the 3 school values of Commitment, Community and Compassion in volunteering and supporting. Finances can be a barrier to student participation, and we want you to know that we are given funding every year through the Community Trust of Southland to ensure all individuals can access what they need. If you would like assistance for your child to play sport here at St Peter’s College, please do not hesitate to contact me any time confidentially. Charity Fulfils the Law. Tara Quinney, Principal Kia ora e te whanau
The hardest part of mowing my back lawn is removing all the “stuff” on the lawn - garden seats, sports equipment etc. A well-mowed lawn means all the obstacles are removed so that the lawn has perfect edges and a shiny green surface! Unfortunately, too many of us adopt the lawn mowing approach to a child’s education. Parents and teachers quite rightly don’t want their child to fail so they subconsciously smooth the path. Examples can be:
I have sat through many enrolment interviews where the new student is asked a simple question e.g. “what is your reading like?” and the parent replies “He/she is doing very well in reading - also in Maths and Sports”! Rather than them growing the confidence to speak for themselves- they are spoken for. Perhaps have been all their life. Every person in education, teacher and parent, would want their young person to be confident, achieving, and on the road to adulthood. The unfortunate fact is that many students lack the ability to "get-back-on-the-horse" when they are tipped off. It is called resilience. Some ways we can encourage resilience and life’s opportunities for our young people:
In Luke 9:23, Jesus looks at his disciples and tells them, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Lawn mowing parents could reflect on that phrase. For those who wish to read more about lawn mowing parents, I invite you to watch this video. Today’s newsletter is not intended to cause offence to anyone, but it is a call to reflect on what we do as parents to clear the lawn for our children- is it helpful? Will it set them up for future success? Our antiquated traditional ways of schooling by spoon feeding information is no longer fit for purpose. Any student can now find all the knowledge they need by searching through google. Spoon feeding in education is:
These are scary changes and ideas for many of us because it was not how we were taught and we turned out fine, right! We need to move on from the assembly line of feeding through the knowledge to inspiring a true love of learning in our students where they want to complete some study after school, not wait for the teacher to spoon feed between the hours of 9 to 3, or depend on extra expensive tuition because they did nothing in class during the week. Next week we have some exciting events coming up with the Life Education Trust coming to educate our Year 10 and 11 students on the dangers of vaping and our Year 9 students on how to be financially smart. We also have the junior sports quad happening in Dunedin and the Eastern Primary cross-country champs. Have a wonderful and restful Queens Birthday weekend, stay safe and help us keep our Covid cases down. Charity Fulfils the Law Tara Quinney, Principal |
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