Tēnā koutou katoua ngā whānau,
There is certainly much to celebrate in what has been achieved in the College this term. Despite the challenge of managing and contending with the impact of the Covid pandemic, our learners have maintained outstanding levels of engagement in learning and schooling as a whole. It is pleasing to have the end of term in our sights knowing that we have done our best to remain focused on balance and wellbeing in these challenging times. I certainly believe our shared vision for what really matters strengthens our Garin community and builds our resilience. Thank you to you all.
Our last week of term is an extremely special week for Garin and all Christians communities as we enter Holy week this Palm Sunday and walk Christ’s journey to his death on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. On Thursday our students, teachers, staff will gather for our Easter Liturgy to pray in unity and commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, centering ourselves on the joy and hope of Easter, the resurrection of Christ.
We look forward with excitement to our Shave for a Cure, mufti & crazy hair day Wednesday next week. The Shave for a Cure fundraiser is a learner led service project that has gained incredible momentum over recent weeks as the generosity of so many is adding to our fundraising goal of $15,000. We are extremely grateful to All Black Wyaatt Crocket who has donated his 2017 All Black test jersey for auction on Trade Me. Along with the fundraising for this event, we also hold in our prayers those undertaking the Shave for a Cure who are responding to circumstances of cancer in their own lives or for those who they are supporting who have experienced this journey. We thank our learners, staff and ex Garin learners involved for the outreach they generate from their generosity and commitment to this cause.
“E te Atua o te manaakitanga, God of hospitality, at times we wander from you, and you call us home.
You always rejoice in those who are lost but now are found.
Open our hearts to those to whom you are offering a fresh start. Amene.”
Ngā manaakitanga,
John Maguire
Take a moment
“Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest,
if we do not give up. So then, while we have the opportunity,
let us do good to all” (Gal 6:9-10)