Pope Francis reconciling with indigenous peoples of Canada. Forgiveness at the heart of the teachings of Jesus.

First day of term 3 saw the school our whole school community welcome Bishop Michael to John Paul II High School. Students lead a strong mihi whakatau and Haka followed by hospitality with our new Bishop. Conversations with various people led to mutual connections, Ms Hutchinson taught at Forest View in Tokoroa, it was Bishop Michael’s high school, and both have worked at St Thomas Aquinas in Tauranga. Naturally rugby league was in many conversations as well as union. Totus Tuus, all that I am is his motto, as it was the motto of St John Paul II, so there is a lot of common ground there.

We look forward to strengthening our school relationship with the new Bishop on his visits to Mawhera. 

Welcome back and already a busy start to the term. This week CYT, the Catholic Youth Team facilitated the year 11 and 12 Leadership days and the St John Ambulance Facility. The focus this year was Leadership and Decision making readying our students for roles in their future from a Christian perspective. The students attending did learn and do understand that Leadership has multiple facets, some of which are never visible. The life raft exercise was certainly challenging. The day included a mix of games, discussion about the challenges faced by our youth today.

August is the month in Aotearoa when we honour Mary, Patron Saint of our country.

Hone Paora Tuarua JPII is celebrating the Assumption on the 18th of August. Our students have a very full academic and co-curricular calendar this term, and it is important to have a balance of responsibilities for them.

Dates to bookmark

Thursday 18th August Mass will be at 1.45 pm in our Parish Church.

Sunday August 28th our students are hosting the cuppa after Mass and participating in the Mass itself. 

Our prayers are with the Fahey and Swinburn families. RIP.

Abina Pope

From the diocese

We’re super excited to release our Term Three Youth Ministry Planning Guide – featuring the St Peter Chanel Waimakariri Youth Group on the front and back cover!

It’s available online here https://drive.google.com/file/d/12EeKiRmi-Em0ioieZmqG2ihpTyBnVvHi/view?usp=sharing and www.cyt.org.nz/resources