Kia ora tātou, Talofa lava, Greetings,
I am pleased to return to College this week following a brief and positive recovery period following shoulder surgery, thank you to all for your care and support for me at this time.
As the term progresses, I acknowledge the impact that winter illness and Covid-19 is having on staff and student attendance. These are certainly challenging times for both learners and teachers as the flow and continuity of classroom learning is impeded. Despite this impact, I am immensely grateful for what I am observing in the daily life of staff and learners at the College, service, leadership, resilience, tolerance, kindness and diligence. Everyone is doing their best and achieving outstanding success across the curriculum. Thank you.
Beyond the classroom we have much to celebrate; thank you to our College Chaplain Fr Seph Pijfers, staff, student leaders and all learners for leading us in our celebration of the Mass of Creativity for the launch of our arts festival Te Wairua O Ngā Mahi Toi. The planning and practise going into the events for Mahi Toi is outstanding.
The regional NZ Smoke Free Rock Quest was held last weekend, congratulating Yr 9 learners Neve Alborn who was placed second in the Solo/Duo performance and we also congratulate Zac Griffiths on winning first place in the Solo Songwriter and Performance section.
Congratulations to Y13 learners Theo Parker and Zac Griffiths on winning, “Caritas Sing Out For Justice” with their creative songwriting and performance of their song “Love is here to stay”.
Our Year 11 Drama troupe returned from the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand Sheilah Winn National Festival 2022 in Wellington after a most successful weekend of creativity and performance. I congratulate Theo Parker on winning the New Zealand Shakespeare composition award for his overture of Antony & Cleopatra and Bella Goomes on winning the Kams talent award and achieving direct membership to this agency. I particularly thank Drama Teacher Annie Millard for her support and mahi for our learners.
We look forward to the week-long celebration of Matariki: Te Tau Hou Māori – The Māori New Year, starting with our inaugural Matariki public holiday next Friday. I wish all a peaceful time of gathering with Whānau and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
The Triannual Board Elections are being held in September this year. I encourage parents to consider nomination and standing for election to the Garin Board, There are 5 Parent representative positions on the Board. Should you like to discuss or learn more about school board election visit www.schoolboardelections.org.nz or if you wish to learn more about the Garin College Board you may contact the Board Presiding Member, Mr Chris Ward.
As we are now well into winter and we learn of the ongoing impact of community illness due to Covid and winter flu, I have included the following link to our Whanau update from the start of the term, Whanau Update – Winter Illnesses We are working hard to slow the spread of the Covid virus at school; hygiene, wearing face masks on school transport and indoor settings is essential. Your support and encouragement of your student in maintaining these health and safety measures is appreciated, thank you.
Mā te Atua koe e tiaki – May God be with you
Ngā manaakitanga,
John Maguire
Take a moment
“Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka mahuta ō tatou tūmanako ki te tau”
“When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead”