 Thank you to all the parents who came along to our whanau evening on Monday night. John Parsons (Internet Safety and Risk Assessment Consultant) spoke with all students during the day and their feedback was very positive. John spoke about the importance of values in social media use and suggested that we consider the internet to be a place that our children go, just like any other physical space, and to check in with them and talk about that ‘place’ just like we would if they were out and about around town. The staff spent an hour talking with John about our own safety as educators when using digital devices in the classroom, and the important part we play in child protection. We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Invercargill that has sponsored John’s time in Southland. Please talk to your child about what they learned from their session with John Parsons and begin the dialogue about the safe use of digital media at home. We enjoyed welcoming ex-student Sam Mackay back into school on Wednesday as our guest speaker for the Academic Blues Ceremony. Sam attended St Peter’s College from 1995 until 1999 and during that time he took advantage of public speaking opportunities within Eisteddfod, Bishop’s Shield competitions and MUNA (Model United Nations). Sam gained a Masters in International Law and is soon to graduate from Massey University with an MBA. He spoke with the student body about his experiences working in New Zealand Embassies throughout the world and he encouraged them to consider working or studying overseas to widen their global view of life. Congratulations to the big number of year 12 and 13 students who received an Academic Blue on Wednesday. These students gained an Excellence Endorsement in NCEA last year and need to be acknowledged for commitment to their studies. Some of these students gained up to 100 excellence credits during the year which is no mean feat! They certainly deserve the accolades given them during this ceremony. Next weekend is our annual College Ball. Make sure you pop along to the hall next Saturday to admire our gorgeous students in their finery as well as the fantastic range of classic cars that always appear! We are nearing the end of Lent as we move toward Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday next weekend. Encourage your children to do something extra in the remaining two weeks of Lent. Here is some information about Fasting which is one of the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and service. Not eating meat on Fridays: the rule that Catholics cannot eat meat on Fridays during Lent is not quite right and it is much more lenient now than what most Catholics in history have had to observe. Nowadays meat is only prohibited on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The idea was that Catholics should fast or take light meals and asking to not eat meat was a sure way of ensuring everyone fasting. Now people are asked to fast and can choose what is best for their situation. The purpose of fasting is spiritual focus, self-discipline, in the imitation of Christ and a way of showing sorrow. Have a blessed weekend and wonderful St Patrick’s Day. 
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