It is fitting as we look out of our windows and see the first shoots of spring that we reflect on what has been a season of change at Sancta Maria College. We welcome the new Board of Trustees, especially Mr Warren Brabant, who has been re-elected as Chair, and Mr Bradley Botting and Mr Adrian Heffernan, as new members.
As a busy Term 3 comes to a close, we farewell Mrs Louise Oliphant, Head of Learning Support. We thank Louise for her tireless work in this vital area of our school. Louise has been a teacher for almost five decades, and we are grateful for her service to Catholic education. Louise came to us in 2017, and the processes and systems she has created in Learning Support will stand the department in good stead in the coming years. We greatly appreciate the work and the inclusive culture she has created.
Coming in to lead the new department will be Mrs Rachel Price who many you will know from her time as a Dean and also as the Head of Department for English Language Learning. We wish Rachel well, and know she will bring her knowledge, experience and passion to the role.
At the start of Term 4 we will also farewell Mrs Jenny Goddard, Head of Guidance. We thank Jenny for her many years of commitment to Sancta Maria College. Jenny has introduced many pastoral programmes to the school, and has worked with dedication and assiduity for the young people of our community. Finally, at the end of the year, we will also say farewell to Mrs June David, Head of Department for Year 7&8. June is an outstanding leader and an outstanding teacher, and we will miss her greatly.
In addition to staffing, there are changes happening within our curriculum. The college is currently recruiting a new languages teacher and we look forward to confirming some exciting future plans with the community once an appointment has been made. After careful consideration, we have made the decision to discontinue offering French as a language option from 2023. We do not have the student numbers to viably run courses. Years 9 and 10 students who chose French as an option will be spoken to by their Dean before timetabling starts in Term 4 and a new options subject selection will be able to be made.
It promises to be an equally packed Term 4 as we look forward to Recognition Assemblies for senior students, the wonderful event of the annual Cultural Festival, Year 9 EOTC Week, Thanksgiving Mass and, of course, Senior and Junior prizegivings. More on these events next term.
From all at Sancta Maria College, we wish you a restful holiday with your family.
God Bless.
Ngā mihi,
Ray Green
Acting Principal
