Kia orāna kōtou kātoatoa – Greetings during this Cook Islands Language Week)

Kavanagh Day, our celebration of who we are, is nearly upon us. Next Friday 13th August, will be our House Activity Day to celebrate together as a community and a time to remember those who have gone before us to make Kavanagh College what it is today. During the day, we will also celebrate Mass together with Fr Hook. Kavanagh Day is always celebrated on or close to the 15th of August which is the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Mary is honoured within the Catholic Church and, as a college, our crest incorporates ‘Ipsa Duce’ which translates from the Latin to mean ‘with her (Mary) as our guide’, and this phrase is also within our Kavanagh College prayer. I encourage you to watch the video created about the beautiful Hokianga and Bishop Pompallier’s time spent in this area when he originally wrote the hymn Mō Maria 1842 (https://youtu.be/sDFehbr8g6w). Many of you will recognise this hymn and we practised it at assembly yesterday in readiness for our Kavanagh Day celebrations.

It is timely to remind your children of our uniform policy, particularly in terms of hair, jewellery and nail polish. Our uniform policy states:

“Hair should be neat and tidy and of one natural hair colour and reasonable style. Face and eyes must be visible. Hair longer than the shoulder must be tied back. Students must be clean shaven. A watch, one plain finger ring, one plain gold/silver ear stud in each ear may be worn. Religious or culturally significant jewellery e.g., crucifix or pounamu may be worn but must not be visible. No other jewellery, including facial piercings, is permitted.”

This is Board Policy and after a number of reminders, requests and warnings, we will now begin confiscating jewellery that can be picked up at the end of the term. Thank you for your support in ensuring that expectations are followed as a member of our school community.

We have Open Day on Sunday, beginning at 12 noon. Please continue to spread the word and encourage anyone to come along who wants to take a look at what we have to offer.

Have a wonderful weekend.