Kia ora tatou ngā whānau
Term 4 has arrived and is bringing the beautiful signs of spring with our cherry blossoms blooming in the courtyard. I trust that students and whānau had some time to relax over the break and enjoy some of the blessings that family life brings to us all.
As always our final term is full of events, exams, opportunities and conclusions. We look forward to our last term with our Year 12 & 13 graduates and set sights on their next steps in their journey beyond Garin College which for many will mean moving outside of the Nelson region. I hope as students look forward, they also take the time to look back and reflect on their challenges and successes, with gratitude for those at home and school who have contributed to their achievements. I certainly have so much to be grateful for as I reflect on the generosity, service and lived Garin values openly expressed by our students and student leaders throughout what has been a challenging year. The wairua of Garin continues to flourish.
I acknowledge and appreciate the authenticity and commitment so many of our Yr 12 students have gone to in submitting their leadership applications for 2023 roles in the College. These roles include Arts, Christian Service, Ngā Amorangi, Pasifika, Academic and Sports Leaders. Our school culture and leadership is enhanced every year by the outstanding input of our leaders – I wish each and every one well in their interviews for these positions and look forward to announcing our 2023 leaders next week. I share with you a quote from a student leader application, this is but one example of the reflection and commitment I have evidenced within all the leadership applications I have received.
“I believe that I have many different leadership skills and would love the opportunity to contribute to this awesome environment as part of the leadership team at Garin in 2023. I have great pride in attending Garin and believe it is a fantastic school in all ways. I particularly enjoy the special character of the school and believe that it helps grow the positive relationships that exist between students and teachers within the school. This is one of the main contributors that makes Garin such a great school to be a part of.”
As our senior students continue their preparation for the NCEA exams starting Week 4, I commend your effort and commitment but remind you to also take care of your well being. It is a time where you do need strong commitment but within that commitment keep balance. Get a good night’s sleep, eat well and regularly, hydrate with water and avoid caffeine and energy drinks to enable you to keep studying, because they can interfere with sleep and may mimic symptoms of anxiety. Have regular exercise and rest breaks. Taking some time out each day to do something enjoyable and relaxing. Talk regularly to friends, family and teachers throughout the coming weeks, share the load and seek support as necessary. Keep focused on the rewards. The richness of the following quote from another of our student leader applications is incredibly rewarding for our teachers and staff when one considers our responsibility as educators!
“A lot of students including myself at one point have only seen school as trying to get the best grades, however over time I have come to learn that although school is about high grades we can achieve this by focusing on the learning more than the outcome of the grade. By changing this mindset for me I have achieved more than I ever thought I could.”
Our End of Year Mass is being celebrated week 3, Wednesday 2 November, we invite and look forward to whānau, friends and community joining with our students and staff as we share in the eucharist and celebrate our year. Following Mass our senior students will be released for study leave to prepare for their external NCEA exams.
God Bless
Ngā mihi nui
John Maguire
Take a moment:
Poipoia te kakano kia puawai
Nurture the seed and it will blossom – he whakatauki