Kia ora koutou!

This three-day week has meant a gentle phase back into school for our students, although the teaching staff took advantage of Monday for professional development. I hope you all had a refreshing holiday break and enjoyed the spectacular autumn colours that Otago and Southland have turned on this year. I was delighted to see three students from our Junior School bidding enthusiastically for bags of “competition” potatoes at the annual Ophir Potato Auction and Community Dinner. Their parents may not have been so happy to know that each bag cost $50.00, nevertheless a fine contribution to the Ophir Peace Memorial Hall.

Term 2 is always very busy, particularly for our senior students and their teachers, with assessments piling up, mid-year exams, co-curricular activities and the formals. With the looming threat of the ‘flu and a fourth wave of Covid, I urge all members of our Columba community to take great care of your health and to stay home and rest when feeling unwell. I was also alarmed to read in a recent “Listener” magazine that 18 to 24 year olds have been identified as the “loneliest group” in society, having lost the art of engaging with others in conversation after spending so much time in the digital world. While I find this hard to believe of our students, who seem to have no trouble chatting freely with each other, it is a warning to make the most of your time at school to cement friendships that you will carry long into your lives beyond school. Finally, I would like to commend the 19 Senior and Middle School leaders who braved the cold to attend the Dawn Service on Anzac Day. As you can see in the photos, they were very fine representatives of Columba College.