Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Kia ora kātoa,

We are a month into Term One and it is great to see our young people firmly established in the routine of learning and making the most of their time at school.

Alongside regular attendance, other focuses of Term One have been getting to class on time and wearing uniform correctly. Regular attendance is a key ingredient to academic success; students can’t learn if they are not at school. Likewise, punctuality to school in the morning and to classes during the day allows students to make the most of their learning time and is an important life skill to develop and embed. Our uniform gives a sense of belonging to Sancta Maria College and allows students to focus on their learning and their actions, instead of being distracted by the social hierarchy of appearance and image. It is pleasing to see so many students wearing their uniform with pride.

The school continues to be a busy and productive place. Some highlights over the past fortnight have been:

• Students signing up and trialling for the many sport opportunities on offer here at the college, and the large number of students involved in music groups. Playing sport or performing in a group has such positive physical and emotional benefits for our young people; well done to those students who are getting involved in these opportunities.
• The students who competed and participated at Athletics Day on Monday; well done on giving your best effort and representing your Houses.
• The large number of students who were congratulated and acknowledged at Academic Honours Assembly on Tuesday. Gaining a Merit or Excellence endorsement is a testament to hours of hard work and making the most of one’s talents; well done.
• Our first whole-school Mass celebrating Ash Wednesday and our first lunchtime Mass, which occur every Wednesday at 1.30pm. It was uplifting to experience the school worshiping together as we started Lent, and then seeing many students and staff at the recent Wednesday lunchtime mass.
• The Year 13 Retreat where students reflected on the love in their lives and focussed on seeing God in the world around them.

Sancta Maria College has a wealth of opportunities for our young people; it is great to see so many students stepping out of their comfort zone and taking advantage of what is on offer here.

Finally, a reminder that our Open Day for prospective students and parents is on Wednesday 11 March, with two sessions available at 9am and 1pm.  If you would like to share this event with friends click this link and it will take you to our Facebook page.

Kind regards, and may faith be our compass in this season of Lent.

Nga mihi,
Andrew Mackenzie
Principal