Kia ora te whanau of Kawana

Firstly we welcome the announcement of our new Bishop-elect, our former chaplain, Father Michael Dooley. Let us honour and pray for his success as he uptakes his new role. Kavanagh is very proud of you Father Michael.

Tonight we will celebrate academic achievement at our Academic Blues evening held at the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. This promises, as always, to be a wonderful occasion. It is great to acknowledge the hard work of students as well as thanking parents for their active support as we strive for excellence. Congratulations to all recipients of academic awards and to our top scholars.

It is important to remember that any success we have as a school is defined by who we are. Our Core Values of Respect, Service, Justice and Truth have to be lived out daily. Sometimes that is a hard ask but we have to continue to strive lest our values become convenient slogans without meaning.

Let us be vigilant against those things that diminish our values and our commitment to each other. These range from tardy uniform, lateness to class and poor language choices, to exclusion of others, ridicule or bullying. These things do not belong in our school. We all have a responsibility and duty to positively enhance the life of the school for every person.

Tracy O’Brien