Tēnā koutou katoua ngā whānau,
As term three closes, I celebrate and thank all students and staff for your energy, hard work and the tremendous successes we have seen throughout this term across all dimensions of learning and co-curricular activities.
We were privileged to welcome Father Alfred back to Garin to celebrate our year 9 and 10 class Mass, this was only Father Alfred’s second mass he has led since his ordination last weekend. Alfred had been our college liturgical music leader in 2020. Congratulations Father Alfred on your ordination, it was wonderful to have you visit Garin again this week, we look forward to your next visit soon.
I wish to advise you that unfortunately our wonderful Assistant Principal and Director of Religious Studies, Mr Jeremy Cumming has been appointed to a new and exciting leadership position at Rolleston College in Christchurch. Jeremy starts his new role in week 4 next term and will have his last day at Garin on 4 November. I look forward to celebrating, in more detail, Jeremy’s journey and service to Garin in my week 3 newsletter. We are presently advertising for a new Assistant Principal and trust that the successful candidate will begin at the start of the 2023 school year.
This week our Y12 students have enjoyed their Journey program. Based at Whenua Iti Outdoors students headed out into the environment to explore caving, cycling, kayaking and team building activities. Their Journey has been focused on Servant Leadership and developing within our students the ability to reflect on their leadership and their desire to lead within the College as year 13 students in 2023. I acknowledge our staff Martine McCabe, Reuben Fletcher, Annie Millard, Jeremy Cumming and Lou Maguire for their leadership and support of our students throughout the week,
It is my absolute pleasure on behalf of Garin students, staff and community to congratulate our year 13 student Zac Griffiths on his outstanding success in the 
Smokefree Rockquest National Finals last weekend. Zac along with Maddison Connor (Waimea College) were announced winners of the ‘Solo/Duo’ category at the national Final in Auckland. Well done Zac, we are proud of your success and wish you every success as you pursue your career in music.
Thank you to our student health leaders Harriet Coulson and Peony Yang on their leadership of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022. Through the theme of ‘Reconnect with the people and places that lift you up’, students and staff explored experiences and actions that make us feel good and uplift our wellbeing. Thank you also to our Student Counsellor’s Kate Sheldon, Sue Kersten and Julia Grigg and our Wellbeing team lead by Katrina Eggers for the care and support offered to our students within the College each day throughout the week.
Congratulations to Year 12 student James Ivamy on being duly elected by his peers to the role of Student Representative on the Board of Trustees 2022. We wish James every success in his new role. I wish to acknowledge and thank Jesse Sherlock for his service as student representative on the Garin Board 2020 – 2022.
Last week practice exams occurred, assessment was completed and reports have gone home. Many scholarship references have now been written and forwarded to universities, polytechnics and halls of residences. I recognise the time, effort and commitment our students put into their learning, alongside the support and encouragement they receive from their families and teachers.
Best wishes to students and staff for a well-earned holiday and thank you to our parent community and friends of the College for your wonderful support. I particularly wish our boarding students safe travel as they return to their towns and homes to be with family throughout the holiday break. We look forward to Term 4.
God bless,
Ngā manaakitanga,
John Maguire
Take a moment
He taonga rongonui te aroha ki te tangata – Goodwill towards others is a precious gift