Kia ora koutou katoa

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This week approximately 32 of our students have been competing at the national secondary schools’ tournament week competitions around the South Island.

We have fielded JPII junior rugby and senior basketball teams, and we have a number of other students playing in mixed teams for netball and hockey. It is extra special for our students who had weathered the disappointment of tournament cancellations in 2020 and again in 2021. It is great to hear of wins coming through and fair play all around. Special thanks to JPII Sports Coordinator Jasmine Dodemaide for all her efforts getting these teams sorted, and Marilyn Cook for attending with the boys’ rugby in Nelson. I’d like to mention Madison Crawford, Sports Coordinator from Greymouth High School, who has given great support to our JPII students with their sports and mentoring to Jasmine as a new sports coordinator. Thank you, Maddy!

This afternoon, the year 12s and 13s have worked with the St Pat’s year 7 & 8 in the Tuakana Teina programme. Covid restrictions have again stymied the start of this programme for the year so it’s fantastic to see it underway again. Many thanks to our Dean of Senior Students, Celia Costelloe, for her leadership in this space. We look forward to developing and extending this opportunity to include our friends at St Mary’s in Hokitika, so everyone comes to JPII ready for a calm and successful the transition from primary to secondary school.

Last Thursday, Abina Pope and I attended a day with Bishop Michael Gielen and the Christchurch North Schools Kāhui Ako in Christchurch. Bishop Michael’s message to schools is clear: our mission is that of evangelization. We know that for a majority school is “church” for them. We strive to provide an inclusive and thorough Catholic education that meets the needs all our diverse learners. We invite all families to attend mass at St Patrick’s church on Sunday at the very civilized time of 9:30am. It would be great to see you there to share the Good News.

You’ll see notices later in this newsletter regarding attendance, particularly around unjustified absences e.g. trip to the beautician or out for errands. Please help us help your child by ensuring that they attend all day everyday they are well enough to attend. We are aware that stress levels are rising for our seniors who sit their derived grade exams between 12-16 September. Their best chance of success and completing their courses well is by being present and engaged in classes.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Renée Hutchinson

Principal