Catholic Special Character External Evaluation 

Last term, Sancta Maria College had its External Review and Evaluation for Development.  The evaluation process produces a focused picture of the impact of Catholic schooling and the effectiveness of its goals on the lives of all rangatahi (young people). 

The process seeks to determine whether they have encountered the living God revealed in Jesus Christ, grown in knowledge of Him and His Church, and as a result are forming a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.  The process also evaluates how the whole school community engages in authentic Catholic Christian witness and evangelisation. 

The evaluation also investigates how the school is acting as kaitiaki (guardian) of Catholic special character including meeting its statutory compliances.  A collaborative external evaluation process between school and the evaluators helps the school see what it is doing well and identify next steps for further development. 

Summary
“The SMC Board, Principal and staff are to be commended for the outstanding holistic education, excellence in educational outcomes, engagement in Christian witness, formation and evangelisation, together with the lived traditions of faith, that are all hall marks of authentic Catholic education.” 

The full report will be published on the website following the August Board of Trustees Meeting. 

Recently, we have showcased several quality Arts events involving our students. 

KBB Music Festival 

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the KBB Music Festival.  Sancta Maria College was one of the 52 schools that performed at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St Mary’s Church, Parnell.  We can be proud of showcasing symphonia, orchestra, concert, stage band, big band as well as solo vocalists during the festival week, and being recognised for specific repertoire types in each category.   

Congratulations to all our students who participated and performed at the highest standard in their respective performances, receiving acknowledgement and several medals and awards.  The Big Band is to be congratulated on being invited to perform at the prestigious Gala Concert.  Click this link for full details on the event and our award winners.

Winter Sports 

We are in the final weeks of several winter sport codes.  Congratulations to all those who have participated during this season.  Thank you also to everyone who has supported our teams on the sideline or in a specific role.  Our teams and individuals couldn’t achieve the many successes they have without a village of support!  Play well in the final games.     

We wish all those competing in the upcoming AIMS Games all the very best. 

School Charter Development 

Currently, the Board and Senior Leadership are reviewing its current strategic plan and are preparing to develop a new school charter that will take the school into the next years and is aligned to recent Ministry of Education changes. 

Feedback from School Community (Parents/Guardians) 

The school will be seeking feedback from our school community prior to the development of its new charter document.  This is notice that it will be in the form of a survey, and we would very much appreciate it being completed when it comes to you sometime in September. 

Feedback from Teachers and Students 

The college has also been gathering ongoing rich feedback/data from student and teacher surveys about learning that also includes gathering feedback at special events e.g.  Pasifika Fono and Māori Hui Evenings and NCEA gatherings etc, throughout the year.  This data will also be considered when developing this new upcoming piece of work.  

New staff joining us this term

I am delighted to introduce Nick James who recently joined our staff as Head of Faculty, PE & Health. Nick comes to us from Rosehill College where he has been a member of the Physical Education & Health Department for six years.  Nick was also a Kahui Ako Within School Leader.  However, Nick is no stranger to our school.  He returns to Sancta Maria College where he once studied as a student.  We congratulate Nick on his achievements in education so far and in his new role and wish him well.