Comments from the Principal 25.6.21

Kia ora e te whanau

It’s easy to feel happy on a sunny day. When all is well, the birds are singing, and life is going along swimmingly. But what happens when waters are rougher, bad news comes, or the long winter days feel just plain hard? God wants us to feel gladness when times are good. He has made each and every day. We are called to rejoice in all of them whether good or bad. Happiness is determined by our circumstances, but true joy comes when we can find the silver linings, hidden in our darkest hours. Our challenge is to sing God’s praises no matter what.

It is no secret that young people today undergo a lot of pressure to achieve in life and when you add on the anxiety that goes with technology today, and the constant notifications and demands on their time, it is easier to fall into a downward spiral. We are all here to support our students, but it really does take a village to do this. We need our parents support to ensure students attend school every day on time and to complete homework and study at home every night. Parents need our support to ensure students are on task and learning in the classroom. It is a partnership.

This week I have been at the presbytery with Fr Jaime and Eileen Hickey meeting prospective parents for the enrolment of their child into St Peter’s College for next year. It has been such a positive experience hearing about their dreams and aspirations for their children and we look forward to meeting our new students later on in the year for their one to one interviews. Enrolments are once again looking strong, and we will have three year 7 homeroom classes again for next year.

I would like to congratulate Ms Juliet Sorrel on being appointed a permanent Technology and Art teacher here. Juliet has been filling in on a fixed term contract and has brought vibrancy, and a calm and caring nature to the department and her classes. She also contributed to the successful production this year with the fantastic backdrops and props and has many exciting ideas going forward.
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We have also permanently appointed Mr Borom Blakie as our new Science, Physics and Chemistry teacher beginning in term four. Borom comes to us from Geraldine High School and has family in the Balfour/Riversdale area, so we welcome him to our school family. Mr Tristan Lawrence who has been filling in, in this area and doing an amazing job, will stay on with us until the end of the year to ensure our senior students’ stability and continuity.

In the day of prosperity be joyful,
and in the day of adversity consider;
God has made the one as well as the other,
so that mortals may not find out
anything that will come after them.
Ecclesiastes 7:14

Charity fulfils the Law


Tara Quinney
Principal