Kia ora Kātoa,

As we come to the end of a long term, we are lifted by the special time of year that is Easter, the centrepiece of the Christian faith.  It has been really encouraging to hear the stories from our students of their “fasting” during Lent, as well as their giving of alms through service activities, and of course their taking up of prayer opportunities offered throughout the week at our kura.  It has been a delight to welcome Bishop Peter Brown and Father Jean-Paul into our College whānau, which has further strengthened the bonds between church and school.  St Luke’s, Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School and Sancta Maria College do not only share campus grounds, we share a common purpose in strengthening the faith and shaping the values of our community.

Term 1 has been very busy at Sancta Maria College, with fantastic artistic, cultural, sporting and academic events being held, and achievements being acknowledged.  To keep up to date with all that is happening at the school, please follow the College’s Facebook page: Sancta Maria College

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the school community for their support during this term.  We have been blessed to be able to call upon the talents of both Miss Makayla Samaeli and Ms Carol Du-Blom to assist in the Senior Leadership Team whilst we await the start of our new Deputy Principal, Reshmika Lal, who will join us from her role as Deputy Principal at Mission Heights Junior College at the start of Term 2.  Ms Moore will also return from her sabbatical at the start of Term 2, and we look forward to welcoming our tumuaki back from her studies.  Ms Moore has been busy visiting educational institutions both overseas and in Aotearoa to study the future role AI will play in the sphere of education.

There are a few further staffing updates to share, as we bid farewell to both Ms Jules Turner and Mr Stuart Gibbs after long periods of service to our school.  Jules returns to the UK, and Stuart relocates to Palmerston North.  We wish them both well and express gratitude for what they have given to our kura and the opportunities they have provided for our young people to grow their creative talents.

We welcome Ms Sonya Shone to lead our Music Department from Term 2.  Sonya is the current Head of Music at Whangaparāoa College and was also previously the HoD at Sacred Heart College.  She brings a wealth of experience and expertise, especially in the area of singing.  Ms Sam Simmons will take up the role of Acting HoD of Art from Term 2 and will welcome Miss Andrea Begunk to the Art team.  Andrea is currently in a leadership role at Sancta Maria Primary School and holds a key position in the South-Eastern Christian Kāhui Ako.

Have a wonderful and restful Easter break and may we all dwell on the Hope that this season brings.

With blessings,
Ray Green.
Tumuaki/Acting Principal