Kia ora e te whānau
The past fortnight has been very busy at the College with a wide range of activities and events taking place. I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers who make these opportunities possible and ensure that our students can experience a holistic education. These opportunities are examples of living out our school values of commitment, compassion and community.
We were fortunate this year for our Opening Mass to be joined by Bishop Michael and also Fr Aidan Cunningham who was on staff here when the Rosminian Fathers were teaching at the College. In his homily Bishop Michael reminded us of the legacy of the Mercy Sisters and Rosminian Fathers and the charisms or spirit that underpinned their work. The Mercy Sisters very much striving for social justice, quality education and equal opportunities for all. The Rosminian’s very much guided by the concept of a holistic education in conscience, academics and faith. We are also very fortunate to still have the support of Fr Sani Lam as the College chaplain, who is an active and visible presence around the school.
Ash Wednesday marked the start of the Lenten season, a time of preparation for Easter. Our senior students led the College in a reflective liturgy that reminded us of this time being one of preparation and renewal. During Lent we are all encouraged to undertake either almsgiving (donating to charity etc), additional prayer or fasting (giving something up). These three practices have a long tradition within Christianity and date back to the early Christians, and even beyond that back to the origins of Judaism. All three are designed to assist us to focus on what is most important and to reduce distractions and things that take us away from God.
Athletics Day was another great event and those students who did attend seemed to have enjoyed the day. We were fortunate that the weather played its part, and it was great to see the senior students encouraging all members of their respective houses to participate. These community days are a vital part of the culture of any school, and attendance at them is important. I would encourage all students to attend these days unless they are sick or have another legitimate reason to not be at school such as a funeral or appointment.
The celebration of Ms Scorgie’s 50 years of teaching at St Peter’s College is moving closer and I would encourage you to purchase a ticket from the school finance office if you are wanting to attend the event. The celebration will be on Saturday 28th of March at the Croydon Lodge starting at 5:30pm. Ms Scorgie has certainly demonstrated our school's value of commitment to a level that so few of us could ever match.
I also need to draw to your attention that if you want to collect your child early for an appointment or some other reason, please contact the school office ahead of time, send a signed note with your child or alternatively come into the school office to notify them. We cannot let students sign out without being notified by the parent/caregiver either with a phone call, text message, email, signed note or coming in person to notify the office. This helps to ensure that we keep your children safe while they are in our care.
Charity fulfills the law
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