Tēnā koutou katoa ngā whānau,
We would like to express our gratitude to Mrs Ditzel, our librarian, as well as our Library Assistants Tatum Collins, Annabelle Forgan, Jack Hateley, Academic Leaders James Ivamy and Maddie Hall, and our House Captains for their exceptional leadership and promotion of the Reading Challenge and Geek Week. This week has been filled with excitement and friendly competition. We culminated the week with a book character dress-up day, where both learners and staff amazed us with their incredible costumes. Learners actively participated in the reading challenge, games, and events throughout the week, earning numerous House points for their enthusiasm and competitiveness. Money raised throughout Geek Week and during the dress up day will support a school in the North impacted by Cyclone Gabriel.
Thanks to Health and Wellbeing Leaders, Sharmaine Gozo and Zoe Clark who organised Pink Shirt Day, where students and staff celebrated and united in wearing pink attire. In addition, Sharmaine and Zoe organised a pink-themed bake sale and adorned our College with pink decorations. Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying campaign that embraces diversity and fosters safe, valued, and respectful environments. This message strongly aligns with the Garin values of Generosity, Aroha, Rangimarie, Integrity, and New life. We are thrilled to announce that almost $300 was raised in support of the Mental Health Foundation, contributing to our shared campaign to reduce bullying in our schools and community.
We extend our appreciation to everyone who attended the Year 11-13 Parent-Teacher Conferences earlier this week. It was wonderful to see a large turnout of parents and learners engaging in these conferences. We value the importance parents and whānau place on connecting with their students’ teachers. We firmly believe that effective partnerships between students, parents, and teachers greatly enhance learning, achievement, and overall success at school.
This week, we will celebrate our Mass of Creativity for the launch of Te Wairua O Ngā Mahi Toi, themed around Romans 12:6, which states, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Our mass will be a joyous celebration of the gifts we have received from God, the gifts we share, and the talents we enjoy. Father Cirilo will lead the Mass on Friday, May 26, at 11.40am in our College Gym. We extend a warm invitation to all parents, caregivers, whānau, and community members to join us. Following the Mass, we will gather for light refreshments in the College library.
I confirm that the National Executive of PPTA has directed that strike action by PPTA members covered by the Secondary School Teachers’ Collective Agreement (STCA) is to be suspended. The suspension of strike action will be from Monday 22 May 2023 to Tuesday 30 May 2023, inclusive. This will mean that the Y11 students will need to attend school as usual on Thursday. We will continue to keep you updated with strike action developments. Thank you for your understanding and support throughout this extended period of Collective Agreement bargaining and Industrial Action.
Me ngā manaakitanga o te atua
John Maguire
Principal
Take a Moment
If you ever feel distressed during your day – call upon our Lady – just say this simple prayer:
‘Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.’ I must admit – this prayer has never failed me. Mother Teresa