Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, schools and the wider Timaru community, who have tragically lost their teenage whanau in the in the horrific car crash last weekend. This is an awful reminder to us all, that it is so necessary to take care of each other when out with groups of friends, and we hope that you all remain safe.

There is a buzz of excitement around the school today as tonight is the Year 9-11 Semi Formal (7-9.30pm) in MM1. Thank you to the Student Council for your organisation of this event and Ms Beach who is overseeing it.

I had an enjoyable Saturday following our students’ sports events at Netball, Basketball and Rugby in the weekend. Well done to our JPII Marist Basketball team who were the winners of the C Grade West Coast Basketball Competition. Also well done to our students involved in the U15 and U17 Marist Rugby teams who also won their grand finals on Saturday.

The school had two teams competing in the WCSS Senior Basketball tournaments this week – the boys were on Tuesday in Westport and finished a very respective 2nd overall, and the girls played yesterday in Greymouth finishing 3rd overall.

Well done to all the players involved in these events and especially thanks to the coaches and managers who are leading these students to their great results.

Congratulations to Aston Wilson making the U16 South Island Scorpions Rugby League team - what a great achievement! We are very proud of you, and look forward to watching as you continue through the ranks.

A calm, well organised start to the day and successful time management help students develop the habits that lead to good learning behaviours. We are tightening up on lateness to school and in between classes, as we don’t want valuable learning time lost, especially when exams are getting closer. Some students may be asked to make up for lost time if their timekeeping does not improve.

We would appreciate your parental support with this.

We also ask all parents and caregivers please support us by ensuring children leave home wearing the correct uniform - this will help whanau teachers greatly. If you are unsure about any uniform item please look at our webpage or email the whanau teachers directly.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions around the world now, the John Paul II High School 40th Reunion has been postponed indefinitely. Thanks to Janet Webster and your committee for all of your initial work on this.

Maths week has been celebrated with Mr Mulcahy holding competitions each day. Well done to our winners: Kurt Berry (x2), Mr Ching, Aston Wilson and Daniel Gibbens.

An email of thanks was received from St Canice’s School regarding the generous donation of food parcels sent up from John Paul II students, caregivers and staff. Thank you to all who donated, the Westport community are so appreciative of the extra help right now and every bit makes a difference.

There have been teacher changes to some classes due to a teacher having to go on leave, and a slight rearrangement of the school timetable. We welcome Ms Lisa Kilkelly back who will be looking after the PE and Outdoor Education areas of the school.

The Feast of Assumption is on this Sunday the 15th August, this holy day marks the occasion of the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascent into heaven at the end of her life. As a school we will be celebrating

Nga mihi nui

Angela Sloane