Te Reo Māori Language Week 

Mrs. Averil Hiddleston led the school in the celebration of the Te Wiki o te Reo Week which was held last week.  The week was filled with so many activities which also placed our Special Character- at the centre.  It started with a liturgy that was livestreamed and everyone was filled with aroha and joy as we prayed in te Reo.  This was followed by a daily reflection in te Reo at midday.  The staff and the students were filled with much aroha as there is much emphasis on our Māori roots and God.

Prayers for our departed loved ones 

The last months have been really tough for the staff as there were a number of staff members who mourned the passing of their loved ones.  We showed support and care for each other by praying for them, giving them listening ears, and even some kai to show their love.  The gesture given by each staff member illustrated the love and compassion of God.  This is a manifestation of God’s presence – that He is with us even in times of difficulty.

Caritas Social 

The Year 11 and 12 students, together with Ms. Kevern and staff members organised the Caritas Social event last Friday, held in our school’s auditorium.  This event allowed the students to have fun and see that God is present everywhere – that He allows us to enjoy the life that he has given and that we are to enjoy the company of His creations.  There were food trucks, music, fun and great vibes.

PD on Aroha and Diversity by Lyn Smith (28 August 2023) 

Lyn Smith, the RE Adviser for the Auckland Diocese, met with the entire staff to talk about the Message of Aroha from the Catholic Church, specifically from the NZBC.  She emphasised the dignity of human life and how we should treat each one as Jesus would treat us.  This is the message that we have to live by as we deal with each one’s differences especially with the LGBT+/Rainbow community.

Special Character Leaders’ Meeting (31 August 2023) 

The Leader of Special Character Mission and Liturgy (DRS) together with the Special Character and Service Prefects (Johann, Alexa, Teresa and Daniel) met with the Catholic Character Leaders and the Parish Priest of St. Luke’s (Fr. Craig) to talk about the different activities that the three groups can do together.  This is something that has not yet been done.  In the meeting, the student leaders agreed:

• There should be a meeting at the beginning of the year to discuss plans that the primary, the college and the parish can do.
• Possible things to do next year: Rosary Procession in the month of May and Mass.

This initiative is part of the annual plan to:
Strengthened connections with Local Parishes where students are involved in service and faith-based activities of their local Parish.

Mathex 

The students showed who they really are, not just in terms of their maths skills, but by showing a good example of their love for God.  The students paused and prayed in front of the whole crowd to show that God is the source of their strength.  As the young David said in meeting the giant Goliath, “You are coming to fight against me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m coming against you in the name of the LORD who rules over all!”

Messages from our community Parishes:
St Luke’s Parish

St. Mark’s Parish, Pakuranga

Please see below a schedule of Mass times within our community:

God bless,
Mr. Omar Tamayo.