Principals Comments 9.9.22

Kia ora e te whanau,

Today the world mourns the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. As many tributes flow and our governments flags fly at half mast, we can reflect on the words of Cardinal Nichols, The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. He recalled the Queen's promise, on her 21st birthday to devote her life to the service of her people. "Now, seventy-five years later, we are heartbroken in our loss at her death, and so full of admiration for the unfailing way in which she fulfilled that declaration," stated the Cardinal.

He expressed his sorrow and his gratitude "for the gift to the world that has been the life of Queen Elizabeth II." He continued, "Our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip," before concluding his message with a prayer for His Majesty the King, "as he assumes his new office even as he mourns his mother."

"God save the King", concluded the Cardinal.

We are nearing the end of Term 3 and our young people have endured the many hurdles to get to where they are in their academic, cultural or sporting achievements. Over the latter part of this term, it is absolutely essential that all students take stock of what they have achieved and look to work on what needs to be achieved in the very short time left to them. There is no opportunity for delays, but the strong need to show their endurance to reach the goals they have set for themselves.

We have seen many sporting achievements over tournament week and beyond, and it has been great to have the Netball and Rugby prize giving’s back on the agenda this year. All sporting participants have shown endurance and a strong belief in themselves. They have practised hard and reaped the rewards for the efforts they have put into all sporting codes.

They have been guided by expert coaches who have believed in their abilities and strengths and who have given them the opportunity to pursue their goals of reaching the top.

I would put before our young people the challenge of working with the same passion and enthusiasm for their academic achievement so that they can attain the prize of academic success that will open doors for their future careers. It is my desire that every young person who leaves St Peter’s College at Year 13 has obtained University Entrance and has the ability to choose a pathway through Tertiary Study if they so wish. This is to enable them to prepare themselves for a career of their choice well into the future. Our teachers are working tirelessly to ensure that all students have the right guidance, skills and tools to enable them to reach their potential. I urge our parents and caregivers to take the time to speak to your young people about their future and the pathway they are going to choose for themselves. Your advice and guidance is as important for these young boys and girls as they traverse through their secondary education here at St Peter’s College. We are working with you to enable the best outcome for them.

We acknowledge that the paths may not be easy, that there will be obstacles, there will be disappointments, but also know that only through endurance can positive outcomes be possible. We believe in the abilities of our young people and will work alongside you to encourage them to succeed in everything they undertake. We want them to run the race with confidence knowing that all their efforts focused on the goals they set themselves, will see them reach the podium of a successful future.


Charity Fulfils the Law


Tara Quinney,
Principal