Comments from the Principal Week 2, Term 3

Tena koe
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The school was buzzing with conversations and happy young people on Tuesday night when we had our Open Night. We had an overwhelming number of people visit and I am grateful to staff and students who helped show people around and had conversations about the learning experiences available at St Peter’s. I am also very appreciative of the time that some of our current parents gave to be in attendance to talk about netball and rugby, the PTFA, and to make a cuppa for people. Being part of the evening and speaking with parents was a good reminder of what I value about Catholic education – remembering what our purpose is, that our values are gospel values that are embedded, authentic and a true foundation, and that we care about every individual and try our best to provide a needs-based learning environment for each one, using Jesus Christ as our role model.  We don’t always get it perfect, but hopefully you recognise these characteristics in our environment.
St Peter’s College is the inaugural winner of the regional Dance NZMade competition for 2019. Well done to our group of dancers who attended this interschool competition in Invercargill on Monday. You can read about the competition further in this newsletter.

Many of you have been asking about the timing for my replacement as Principal after I finish on August 30th. Please read below about the process that the Board of Trustees has begun. In the meantime, Mr Darren Jack will be the Acting Principal until the end of the year. He will be ably assisted in the leadership team by Bridget Ryan (DP), and Brendan Terry (DRS), and well supported by Janine Heads (admin) and Julie Watkins (pastoral) who will take on extra responsibilities during the remainder of the year.  
 
“There are three things the poor prize more highly than gold, tho’ they cost the donor nothing; among these are the kind word, the gentle, compassionate look and the patient hearing of their sorrows.” – Catherine McAuley (Founder of the Mercy Order)
 
Kate Nicholson
Principal

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