Comments from the Principal 24.9.21

Kia ora e te whanau
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I received an email recently where the writer noted that “old-fashioned is in fashion.” What an interesting statement! Generally, we associate fashions as moving quickly and we discard things, not because something is broken or worn out, but because someone says we need to – it's out of fashion. We don’t have time to get bored, every season we’re convinced the “new look” is what we need to have, and we believe it. Thinking back to the baggies, mullet hairstyles and camel nomads (all the rage in 80’s), perhaps this is a good thing! But what else is being promoted as unfashionable?

It is timely, as we come together to celebrate our Mercy Day today, to reflect on this. Catherine McAuley, founder of the Mercy Sisters, was called to educate poor girls, to leave school “Caring for the poor, uneducated and disadvantaged in whatever cultural or social context it operates.” While a philosophy forged some 200 years ago, it is every bit as relevant today as it was then. At St Peter’s, this informs what we teach our young people as being “in fashion.”
A St Peter’s student….

• Demonstrates self-discipline and responsibility – avoiding impulsivity
• Commits to events and activities – your name is your word
• Sets high expectations for attainment and spends time preparing to be a winner – not leaving things to chance
• Appreciates service to others as fundamental and rewarding
• Has self-belief and is true to themself
• Looks and advocates for the voiceless
• Has a balance of interests – is well rounded through involvement in music, culture, sport, and academics
• Can communicate confidently in any setting
• Ensures God has a place in their life and prayer is something they do everyday

Our Mercy traditions, built on the foundations laid by the many outstanding Sisters and lay staff and supported by families who are involved, as well as the wider St Peter’s community, are acknowledged and celebrated today. As a College, we are confident that if our graduates leave having achieved the things listed above, they will be able to stand tall in any situation, and certainly, we will have succeeded in growing a great adult – something which will never be out of fashion!

Charity Fulfils the Law


Tara Quinney
Principal