This week senior students have been receiving their derived grade exam results back while working to complete internal assessments. We are also on the eve of the senior school ball, on the back of an enjoyable junior semi formal last Friday night. On Tuesday, our year 10 students head off to Boyle River in the Lewis Pass for their school camp. A huge thank you to our staff, students, and parents who support these events which help make the school experience even better.

The much-anticipated school ball for senior students begins at 7pm tomorrow night at Shantytown. The scene is set for a Wild West Coast evening. Guests need to arrive between 7-7:30pm. Parents are welcome to come in for photos with their children if they wish, and leave prior to dinner at 8:30. This is a school event and alcohol, drugs or nicotine products/vaping are not permitted. The police will be present for random breath testing and may breath test anyone who is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol. We want all guests to have a wonderful evening and ask that parents support us by ensuring your child does not consume intoxicating substances before (or after) the ball. We have a new DJ for the event and hope everyone gets up on the dance floor and has a great time. Photos will be taken by Stewart Nimmo and available for purchase direct from Nimmo photography in town. The ball finishes at 11pm and we ask parents for a prompt pick up so all guests and staff can get safely home. We hope you all have an awesome evening! Special thanks to the ball committee: Kayla Lyford, Sammi Fahey, Kyra Johnson, and Raphaela Roper for their work on this event.

On Tuesday, the Board of Trustees met to work on the strategic plan for JPII for 2024-2026. We were guided by the feedback from the strategic planning survey and thank everyone who took the time to participate. We will gather student voice next term when we welcome a graphic facilitator into the school to present the vision from students then shape up a cohesive strategic plan from there. Next week students go to the polls to vote for the role of student rep on the BOT. Standing are incumbent, Ciaran Thow (year 12), and Sarah Manoj (year 11). They will present their pitches to students after morning prayer on Monday with polls opening early for Year 10s.

We wish Katie Boddy (year 10) the best of luck for the Canterbury West Coast Science Fair in Christchurch this weekend. You can find out more about her science project in this newsletter. Next Wednesday, our Kapa Haka group are competing in the Tai Poutini Kapa Haka Festival - Te Hui Ahurei o Nga Kura o Te Tai Poutini. Over 20 schools have groups performing, across 2 stages. JPII is performing from 12.20pm to 12.35pm in the Senior Competitive section. If you have the day free, please come and support our students. The event is being held at Reefton Area School. Our students have been working so hard and we have every confidence they will deliver a win! Special thanks to Whaea Tina Singer for her dedication and expertise in revitalising Kapa Haka at JPII. On Monday afternoon, our waiata competition kicks off to find the house with the wairua! Check out social media pages for videos from Monday afternoon.

Next week we will launch the refreshed student leadership pathway at JPII. Based on results from the student leadership survey, we have made several key changes that better honour the school’s founding charisms.

· All student leadership positions are founded on the servant leadership model demonstrated by Jesus Christ.

· Head student titles will be replaced by Marist Leader and Mercy Leader to acknowledge our founding charisms, linked by St John Paul II’s motto ‘Christ is the Key’.

· All student leaders will be appointed based on criteria that first and foremost reflect service to the school, suitability for the role, and modelling of our Catholic values.

· Year 12 students will be eligible to apply for leadership roles, however, year 13 students will be prioritised where appropriate.

· A service programme will run from Years 9-13 so all students are involved and giving to the community throughout their time at JPII.

· All students will be expected to be involved in sports, cultural, wellbeing, and service initiatives, and maintain at least 90% attendance to be considered for leadership positions.

We wish you all safe and enjoyable weekend. One week of the term to go!

Ngā mihi nui
Renée Hutchinson
Principal