My name is Sarah Manoj, and I am honoured to serve as the Champagnat Marist leader for 2025.

This year, the main goal is to focus on a Whakatauki that I and the leadership team will aim our goals towards this year. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people. In the purest form this means bringing your voices to action will be our most important duty for this year. The simplicity of this Whakatauki is what makes it so powerful. It is a simple yet important goal that will be what we strive for in this academic year.

We are here to not only lead you but guide, help and support you throughout your time here at John Paul II. 

To achieve this Whakatauki, we will be following a Strategic Plan for 2024 to 2026 which is already being used in our education.

This plan is separated into four areas of school life at John Paul II. The Goals for each area were created through the collaboration of the entire Student Leadership Team.

The first area is Wairua - The goal that represents Wairua, Catholic Character, within our school is: To rekindle people’s faith and create a personal relationship with Jesus. Emphasizing that Christianity is about building a relationship rather than just following a religion, using the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” set by Pope Francis for 2025.

The second area is Ako, Learners at the centre. The goal for Ako is: To promote growth and teamwork within our school community.

The third area is Hauora, the whole person's well-being and values: To promote inclusivity for all students in all aspects of school life.

The fourth and final area is Panekiratanga, a culture of excellence: To provide opportunities to see the whole student body thrive by catering to academic, cultural and creative needs.

Another aspect of our School that I want to focus on are the Marist and Mercy history and values, those that remind me to stay humble and always listen and seek God before making decisions:- In the Way of Mary: Live one's life following the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, by embodying her virtues like humility, compassion, faithfulness, and a deep devotion to God and family-spirit; relating to each other as members of the John Paul II whanau, building community, offering acceptance and belonging, sharing our successes and failures, setting clear standards of honesty, respect, and tolerance.

I also strongly believe that students will respect and understand the value of our school when they know about it's history, from Pope John Paul II to Marcellin Champagnat and Catherine McAuley.

As a first-generation immigrant from India, moving to New Zealand five years ago, I have learned to embrace every opportunity that comes my way, making Lemonade with every Lemon that comes my way.

Though settling into a new environment was challenging, it opened doors to many good things, especially through this school. By the end of the year, I wish to leave a lasting imprint on the people of JPII.

I hope these words uplift you as they do me. 

“The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

"The greatest achievements are those that benefit others." - Denis Waitley.