T3 – Week 4, 11 Aug 2023 Principal Comment

Kia ora tatou ngā whānau, 

With great joy we extend a warm welcome to all whānau and our community to celebrate with us the Mass of the Assumption of Mary and Father Antoine Garin in the College Gym this coming Tuesday, 15 August at 11.40am. 

“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and Obey it!” Luke 11:28

God chose Mary to be the mother of his son, Jesus. Mary perfectly cooperated with God’s plan through her heartfelt “Yes”. Because Mary was so special she was taken up body and soul to be with Jesus in heaven – this is the meaning of the ‘Assumption’. Among the many virtues Mary lived, her faith, wisdom, humility, compassion and patience inspires renewal in our hearts, a desire to serve and be like Christ to others. We also pay tribute to Father Garin, a figure of unwavering faith and dedication to Mary, who laid the foundation for our Catholic education and faith community across Te Tau Ihu o Waka a Māui (Top of the South). It is through Fr Garin’s efforts that we can celebrate the continuous legacy of Catholic education in our remarkable college.

As I compose this week’s newsletter, I find myself contemplating the swift passage of the past four weeks since the commencement of this term, and the exciting prospects that lie ahead. Students have seamlessly settled into their learning, co-curricular engagements, and school routines. Senior students are actively preparing for their upcoming derived grade exams in week 9. It’s truly heartening to witness students embracing tutorials and the study opportunities available to them with such positivity.

Year 9-12 Learner Course Selection Year 9 – 12 learners course selection is underway for 2024. On Monday, August 14, we are hosting a course selection evening for students and their whānau to support decisions around courses for 2024. This will be held in the library from 4.30pm – 5.30pm. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to initiate conversations with your student about their career goals and the subject choices they are to make for 2024. Learners have received course information. Thank you to all for attending our prior Course Selection Evening last week. I also acknowledge and thank our Careers Advisor, Brenda Helliwell for her organisation of the 2023 Garin College Career Fair. This event was an outstanding success for all our Year 11 to 12 learners and the many parents and caregivers who were able to attend. I particularly thank the many tertiary and career pathway stall holders for their support of this event.

Anticipation is building for the Garin Ball, scheduled for Year 12 & 13 students on the evening of Saturday, 19 August at the Rutherford Hotel. The event promises an exciting evening of dancing, dining, laughter, and cherished photographs for all. A sincere note of gratitude to our Ball Committee and Ms Butler for their meticulous planning and coordination. I wish you all an enjoyable and fantastic evening.

Nominations for the Student Trustee for the Garin Board remain open until 29 August, with the election set for 14 September. Students enrolled full-time in year 9 and above, and under the age of 20, are eligible to stand for election. Students are encouraged to contemplate how they can contribute to the College as a Trustee and submit their nominations.

New entrant enrolments for 2024 close on Friday 25 August . This is an exciting time for students as they plan their secondary education pathway. If you have family or friends considering secondary schooling for their children, please encourage them to contact our college office for an application pack and an opportunity for a tour. Scholarship information is also conveniently available on our Garin College website.

God Bless

Ngā manaakitanga 

John Maguire 

Take a Moment –   Prayer to Mary