Comments from the Principal

Thank you to everyone who attended our Whanau Conferencing yesterday to discuss your child’s learning.  We were very pleased with the number of parents and students who came along to meet with teachers and discuss how the learning is going so far this year, in a real three-way conversation. Many of the conversations weren’t only about academic achievement, but very much about wellbeing and the skills and attributes that, as parents, we want to see in our children – resilience, willingness to be open-minded, critical thinkers, secure in their own identity and well engaged in life.  Unfortunately for some young people, gaining these skills is difficult and mental health issues can undermine all the previous gains they have made in this area of development. With that in mind, I am very pleased that the Student Council have promoted today’s Anti-Bullying Pink Shirt Day and are contributing all donations to the Mental Health Foundation.  
This week the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost at masses around the world. The Pentecost happened after Jesus’ death and resurrection when his believers were feeling lost and unsure about the next steps for them, having lost their leader. The Holy Spirit then became present in their lives and gave them the strength, commitment and wisdom to know exactly what those next steps were; and the rest is history – or actually, the history of the Church!  We are all lost at times with not knowing our next steps, and, like the early Christians, faith can make the difference.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans, and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect, Lord. Thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This Sunday at the 10am Mass, people are encouraged to wear a symbol or item to show their heritage or ethnicity, to imitate the large number of different nationalities present at Pentecost, or in place of this, wear the colour red to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Eisteddfod season is underway. House singing practices begin today and entry forms have been given to students this week. Please encourage the notion of committed participation with your children at home. This is an opportunity to develop some of those attributes you have just been reading about! McAuley just edged ahead of Finlay, Rosmini and Pompallier after the Cross Country last week. The house points are close, and I am sure the Eisteddfod will be a hard fought race for the houses this year.
Congratulations to the students who opted to continue through to the Southland Cross Country event in Te Anau on Wednesday and they all gained some very good placings. A big congratulations to Sophie Shallard who was 1st in the U16 girls, and Abby Hailes who was 2nd in the U13 girls and (only 36 seconds behind the 1st placegetter who broke the Southland record). These are great results, girls.
Remember the Rugby Quiz at the Gore Town and Country Club tonight. Come along and make up a team for a good night out.
​
Have a wonderful week,

Warm regards,

Kate Nicholson