Principals Comments 8.3.23

Kia ora e te whanau
 
Today, I want to emphasize the importance of teachers, students, and the community working well together in achieving our shared mission of providing a quality Catholic education to our students.  As we all know, teachers are the backbone of our school. They dedicate themselves to educating our students, imparting not just knowledge but also important values such as compassion, respect, and integrity. We are blessed to have such talented and committed teachers in our school.
 
However, it is not just the responsibility of the teachers to ensure that our students receive a quality education. Students must also play an active role in their own learning. They must come to school ready to learn, be engaged in their classes, and take responsibility for their own academic success.
 
And it's not just about teachers and students. Our community also plays a crucial role in the success of our school. We need parents and guardians to be actively involved in their children's education and support them as they navigate their academic journey. We also need community leaders and organisations to support our school and help us provide the resources our students need to succeed.
 
When teachers, students, and the community work well together, we create a positive and supportive learning environment that helps students reach their full potential. By working together, we can help our students develop not just academic knowledge, but also the character and values that will serve them well throughout their lives.
 
Next week on Thursday the 16th of March, teachers and myself will be going on strike to require improved pay rates and conditions to keep skilled and experienced teachers in the classroom, make secondary teaching a first choice career and encourage thousands of ex-teachers to return. On the TV3 Morning show Melissa Chan-Green criticised teachers for this action saying we should strike on the weekend so as not to disrupt the learning of the children. Sadly the government has not negotiated with PPTA on improving teachers working conditions and salary since May last year so we know that would not work. The last thing we want to do is disrupt student learning but we are out of options. Melissa Chan-Green compared the recent student strikes on climate change to the teachers strike. I would disagree with this assumption. Strikes are admirable in the workforce because strikers sacrifice salary for a greater cause. All of us striking will go without pay this day. Students need to strike on a Saturday to show sacrifice.
 
We have four non-union teaching staff who will be onsite all day on Thursday the 16th of March to supervise any students who are too young or can’t be left at home that day. Please email our Deputy Principal, Bridget Ryan bridgetryan@stpetersgore.school.nz to let us know if your child will be attending school this day.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support of our Catholic co-educational high school. I look forward to continuing to work together to provide the best possible education for our students.
 
Charity Fulfils the Law
 
Tara Quinney,
Principal