Tēnā koutou katoa ngā whānau,
Again, we have enjoyed a week of learning, creativity, expression, and activity. Learning at Garin is certainly not limited to the classroom. In recent weeks, we have experienced significant success and engagement in our very rich curriculum and co-curricular program. Learner success and engagement are certainly enhanced when our learning focus embraces learner hauora (wellbeing) – taha hinengaro (intellectual & emotional), taha wairua (spiritual), taha tinana (physical), and taha Whānau (in the community).
Our annual ‘Twilight Notes Concert’ was celebrated in our College Library last Wednesday evening. ‘Twilight Notes’ showcases established and emerging musical talent from our students. The evening was a great opportunity for parents, staff, and Whānau to gather and celebrate the shared talent of our students. With students, Whānau, and members of the wider community present, we all settled into a wonderful evening of musical talent and entertainment. I would like to express my gratitude to our Arts Leaders, Lisa Harmony and Evielyn Pearce, for their leadership and support for the performers as the masters of ceremony and the arts committee. I also extend my thanks to Mr Muir and the arts faculty for their energy, commitment, and support for the performing arts, which made this event such a success.
Our Mass of Creativity for the launch of Te Wairua O Ngā Mahi Toi was celebrated this week with the theme, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” (Romans 12:6). I would like to thank our readers, Eucharistic ministers, arts leaders, artists, musicians, and all present for making our Mass a joyful and peaceful celebration. Special thanks to our College Chaplain, Father Seph, and Father Cirilo for leading our Mass, as well as all learners and staff for your prayerful contribution and making our Mass a wonderful celebration of the gifts we have received from God. Within the Mass, we celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit as the prayers of the faithful were read by students in their first language. We also wished Fr. Seph Pijfers a relaxing and special time as he begins his sabbatical this week. Seph will be taking a well-deserved break until the end of the year, travelling extensively to Vietnam, India, Europe, and the United States of America. Please keep Seph in your prayers – Haere rā Seph!
Learner House Chants rang out across the college on Friday afternoon as we celebrated the Fun Run in house spirit. Students dressed in house colours to compete in the run or enjoyed a relaxed walk in the sun alongside their friends. The house colours of Red (McAuley), Green (Barbier), Blue (Aubert), and Yellow (MacKillop) combined with the beautiful sunny afternoon to create a rainbow of colour across the field and along the running and walking track. Thank you to Mr. Speers, Sport Leaders, and House Leaders for making this Fun Run as special as it was. Well done to all for your positive and energetic participation.
This coming Friday, May 29, we have our Student Workday. On this day, students are to engage in an act of service in the home or community, and the funds raised will be divided between supporting others in need through Caritas and a student-led project in the college. On this day, our teachers will engage in our Teacher Only Day focused on learning and implementing the New Curriculum and revised NCEA qualification.
At present, the PPTA strike action suspension ends at the end of day on Tuesday. No further information is to hand from PPTA. Rostering home of Y12 students will continue, unless further notified.
This week, I will be attending the NZ Secondary Principals Conference in New Plymouth. I am looking forward sharing with you my learning and experiences from conference in my newsletter next week.
Me ngā manaakitanga o te atua
John Maguire
Principal
Take a Moment
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”