Kia ora kātoa,
Term 3 is a time of academic focus for our seniors. As you know, our kura consistently achieves well above national rates in NCEA, and it is thanks largely to the tone our teachers set, and to the diligence our students adopt at this time of year.
I trust our seniors are reviewing their academic goals and putting steps in place to ensure they are able to achieve best possible academic outcomes.
Of course, our school is focused on much more than academic achievement. Our curriculum lends itself to strong personal growth in all dimensions that make up the whole individual: spiritual, physical, emotional, social, as well as intellectual.
Thank you to our Special Character team for a wonderful Mass on Friday celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
Mary is not only a highly significant figure to Christians all over the world, she is especially important to our kura. As you know, in English, the Latin phrase Sancta Maria literally means Holy Mary, and our school prayer talks about Mary’s humility and her integrity.
It is fitting that these two qualities are part of our twelve school virtues by which we wish all of our ākonga to live their lives.
A heart of service does require both humility and integrity, and our students show this in abundance, reaching out within our local community to serve others.
Service is central to our charism, and we are pleased to announce the introduction of a service programme within our Navigation curriculum. It is hoped that all ākonga can record at least five hours of service this term.
We recognise that currently, some Year 10 students may be a little disappointed not to have been selected as Middle Leaders. The selections were made in collaboration by the Kaihautū and were very challenging given the large number of worthy candidates. I urge those disappointed to stay positive, see this as an opportunity to grow resilience, and go again when the opportunity arises – it is a setback, and setbacks can help us grow!
Term 3 sees the conclusion of our winter sports programmes, and I would like to thank our Sports Department, coaches, volunteers and supporters who have helped provide opportunities for our ākonga to participate in a wide variety of codes. As a school we have had some outstanding achievements, and I congratulate all of our athletes for representing our kura so positively.
Finally, thank you to all parents and caregivers who put themselves forward as nominees for Parent Representative on our Board. It is very encouraging to see such a healthy number of nominees willing to serve and support our kura in continuing to accomplish outstanding achievements both now and in the future. Thank you to you all.
Kia tau te rangimārie ki a koutou.
With blessings.
Ray Green
Acting Principal