Kia ora tatou ngā whānau
Last Wednesday we gathered together as a school community to celebrate our end of year Mass in prayer and gratitude for the blessings we have received in our community this year and to farewell our senior learners as they depart for NCEA exams. Our theme for Worship was “Let your tree grow”. Garin learners have grown this year in all areas of faith, academia, culture, sport, arts and learning. We remain proud of our young people and what they have achieved this year. For many of our senior learners it is also the end of their time at Garin College, prayers and blessings were shared for all learners graduating. In celebrating our traditional candle ceremony, our Yr 9 learners presented the Year 13 leavers with their candle as their symbol of going out into the world with the light of Christ in their life to share. It is a time for all graduates to remember and a time to look forward to new opportunities, new friends and new beginnings.
On behalf of our Garin community, it gives me great pleasure to announce and congratulate the following students appointed to serve in key leadership portfolio’s for the 2023 school year.
Ngā Amorangi: Cherry Moore Bella Goomes
Learning Leader: James Ivamy Maddie Hall
Christian Service Leader: Cherry Moore Sarah Cools
Arts Leader: Evie Pearce Lisa Harmony
Sports Leader: Julia Kersten Harry Pugh
Pasifika Leader: Theo Simone
We wish our leaders every success as they grow in their journey of service within Garin College. Through shared participation of peers, teachers, staff and community our leaders will thrive in building the wairua of Garin in 2023
‘Ehara taku toa e te toa takitahi engari he toa takimano.’
My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective.
In early December, these leaders will participate in the Archdiocese of Wellington, Young Catholic Leaders (YCL) development conference in Ōtaki. I thank all learners for their strength and courage in applying for our Garin leadership roles this year. I look forward to announcing the 2023 House Captains next week.
With great excitement and anticipation the Garin College Ball was celebrated on Saturday evening at the Rutherford Hotel Nelson. Arriving at the venue beautifully decorated and presented to the theme ‘Golden Gala’, our year 12 and 13 learners enjoyed a night of dancing, dining, fun, laughter and photos. While I have to admit that it is not the best timing to hold the College ball only days out from the start NCEA Exams, we can thank delays due to Covid for this. It was pleasing to recognise the positive relationships and unity shared amongst students and staff throughout the evening. Maybe the opportunity to let go, relax and celebrate as our learners did at the Ball will bode well for learner wellbeing and improved readiness for the examination room? Thank you to our Ball Committee Emily Mason, Ava Turner and Ms Butler for the faultless planning and organisation for the Ball and our wonderful staff in attendance making it a very successful night.
As we enter NCEA assessment weeks, we wish our learners every success throughout their exams and in their preparation through tutorials, study and revision throughout the day between their exams.
Ngā mihi manaakitanga
John Maguire