Principals Comments 17.6.22

Kia ora e te whanau,

This week I have been interviewed by several groups of Year 11 students to ask me about my beliefs on the Trinity and how this has shaped my life as part of a real-world assessment they are doing in Religious Education. These interviews and discussions have really warmed my heart because they have been a wonderful opportunity to engage with our young people on our faith, the reasons why we believe and why we follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as best we can. Most of all I have been strongly reminded of why St Peter’s College exists in our community and the many sacrifices and gifts people have given to ensure this existence. This pandemic has not been easy on anyone, and we have perhaps focussed on the negative too much in how we treat and interact with each other. It has been a huge test of our resilience but through our young people I am reassured of the hope God has for all of us.

We are baptised in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Catholics affirm their belief in the mystery of the Trinity every time we make the Sign of the Cross. It is a mystery that can be hard for us to understand or explain. A good starting base for understanding the Trinity is the fact that God is love and that love is manifested to mankind. The first way that God’s love is manifested is through his creation of man, who was made in his image and likeness. The second manifestation is when God sent his only Son to die on the cross for the salvation of all – the ultimate sacrifice and example of love. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is referred to as God made man. The third manifestation is the descent of the Holy Spirit, which led to the baptism of Christians to become sons and daughters of God. Every day in prayer we recognise and show our belief in the Trinity- it is part of who we are.

Sadly, last week we received news that Whaea Vanessa’s dear father passed away, only a few weeks after her Mum’s passing our hearts and prayers go out to our friend and colleague. We also keep in our prayers, Mrs Kate McGowan and her whanau after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl. May the Lord Jesus, who loved children, bless you and keep you in his love, now and forever.


Tara Quinney,
Principal