Kia ora koutou katoa

We have so many students who are making a positive impact on others because it is the small things that count: picking up a piece of litter, working hard in class, wearing the uniform with pride, being mindful of our words and actions in and outside school. Recently I received a complaint from a career educator who was holidaying on the West Coast. She had seen several of our students standing by our school van in a public place swearing loudly and behaving poorly. It is disappointing to receive such an email but she felt upset by what she had seen and wanted to raise her concern because she did not believe their conduct represented our school values. It is sad that the actions of a few have negatively impacted all of us. It is important that each of us – students, staff, and families - consider how what we do and say impacts on people’s perception of our school, our values, and on those who came before, are present now, and those in the future. It is great to hear the Year 9 students unpacking legacy as a concept in their Dean time and the legacy they hope to leave when they graduate in 2028.

Term One is flashing by rapidly, with a large number of events in the calendar and many students involved. Last weekend I was privileged to accompany the Bishop Lyons team to Marian College in Christchurch for the annual debating and public speaking competition that is hotly contested between the seven secondary schools in the Christchurch Diocese. We had a new, young team, and I am so proud of the efforts they put into each of the events. They absolutely made us proud even though we felt they were robbed of places in several key events! If there was a people’s choice or spirit award, JPII would have taken them out. The legacy of us hosting in 2023 meant that the other teams couldn’t wait to see us as they had had such a fantastic time enjoying our warm West Coast hospitality. It was also great to see several of our graduates from the 2023 team join us for a day to come and support the team. It was great to see you! A special thank you to Dr Roberson for spearheading the event, and parent help Jim Boddy for driving and supporting us in the weekend. Your heart and humour were much appreciated!

Congratulations to all students who participated in the annual athletics sports competition. To our elite athletes, thank you for sharing your talents with us. Congratulations to those who represented us in the West Coast athletics competition this week – I hear records were broken and our athletes did us proud. I would like to acknowledge all those who participated in the events at athletics day. Not everyone is a Usain Bolt, and I know that the idea of running 100m in front of the crowd is intimidating when you have one set speed: slow! (I speak from experience). Your legacy is supporting the kaupapa of giving things your best go and supporting your peers and house group. This is a great thing to do, and we were delighted to see so many students get involved and try multiple events. Congratulations to Year 9 student Elizabeth for competing in numerous events, winning the draw for the pizza lunch for herself and four friends. Thanks to Tony McNish and his team for their organisation of this event.

On Monday, students will be able to see and hear the new Riha digital church organ that will be used for school masses and liturgies held in the hall. It was a long day of driving down to Clyde to collect it, but it was worth it! We look forward to growing student knowledge and skill of playing this instrument to enhance liturgical music at JPII, and perhaps in the future, in the parish.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Yours in Christ,
Renée Hutchinson
Principal