Tēnā koutou katoa ngā whānau,
As we enter Holy Week with Palm Sunday Mass, we are reminded of Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem, a reminder to us all to welcome Jesus into our hearts and to follow him. Throughout Holy Week we will prepare for the risen Lord at Easter beginning with our Easter Penitential Service on Thursday before our learners break for the term 1 holidays. The significance of Christ’s example of service and humility is shared with us though the act of Christ washing the feet of the twelve disciples at the Last Supper. Throughout our Lenten journey to Easter, we as a Catholic community have been reflecting on how we can care for and protect the poor and vulnerable in our own community and across the world. “To be a light in the world”, calling us to live our lives with genuine love, for others and for God.
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
Teresa of Ávila
What a wonderful day of celebration, participation, competition, unity and House Spirit on our Garin House Sports Day 2023! Gathering as a whole school is what we do well at Garin, each week we gather for Principal Assembly on a Tuesday and Student lead assembly on Thursdays. Throughout the term we have celebrated our Garin Opening Mass, Lenten Liturgy, Academic Colours, Powhiri and more. We give thanks to God! All the stars have aligned (our community health, weather, staff and student leadership & service, learner and parent participation, engagement and more) throughout the term to enable us to proceed with these significant events on the calendar uninterrupted! Garin House Sport Day is absolutely significant, it is through our House Patrons Saint Mary MacKillop, the Venerable Suzanne Aubert and Catherine McAuley and Sr Euphraise Barbier that our learners and staff take inspiration, the names of our house patrons. As our students dress up in house colours, call their house chants, compete in sport and gather house points, we are reminded of the faithful dedication of each of our House Patrons in service to Catholic Education within Aotearoa as each religious order began their mission between 1850 and 1899. Through our house system of Whānau groups and house spirit we keep alive the wairua of our Patrons for our learners and staff. I particularly thank our Sport Leaders Julia Kersten and Harry Pugh, our House Leaders and Mr Kevin Jacobs for their outstanding leadership to bring our House day celebration to life.
Construction of Te Wharemau O Garin is now accelerating with the installation of the blue steel structure last week. The Steel will be aligned to specification this week with the footing concrete poured to secure the steelwork and structure. We hope to see the roofing rafters installed throughout the week and during the first term holidays we may even see the roof installed. Work continues on the refinement of the design of the house panels and the facade design, these elements when installed will provide a significant connection with our localised curriculum and story. Above all else, I know as the days shorten in Autumn and the Winter frosts begin, our learners will appreciate the shelter that Te Wharemaru will provide. We look forward to the possible opening celebration in May. I look forward to keeping you updated with progress as we go.
Winter Uniform – From the start of term two to the end of term three, winter uniform is to be worn by all students. Students are required to maintain a high standard of uniform worn. I encourage you as parents and caregivers to contact our uniform supplier NZ Uniforms, ph 03 928 0757 nelson@nzuniforms.com and/or our Second hand uniform shop here on site at Garin on Tuesdays during term time: 12.45pm-3.30pm, ph 03 5439488, ext 244 uniformshop@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz to source your students winter uniform needs. As the cooler weather begins, please be aware that correct uniform must be worn that includes warm and dry uniform options including Senior Blazer, Junior and Senior Jerseys, Black Garin Jacket or Black Puffer Jacket. Please note, where there may be a financial barrier for you as parents to meet the cost of your child’s uniform need, please do contact our school office as do have financial support available. I thank all Parents and Caregivers for your support of our learners.
Mā te Atua koe e tiaki,
Ngā mihi nui
John Maguire
Take a Moment
Love is the only light which can constantly illuminate a world grown dim.
– Pope Francis