Greetings to our Kavanagh College Whānau

Thank you to our wonderful community who supported our Open Day last Sunday, in so many ways. To the staff who gave up their Sunday, the tour guides who led families around our campus, the PFA who catered afternoon tea and showed hospitality in the Kavanagh College way, the cleaning staff and our property manager, who made sure that everything was looking tidy for visitors, and the Board members who were present to answer questions and point people in the right direction – thank you all. It was very cold outside, but wonderful to invite people in to our place to experience our warmth and hospitality.

I would like to wish Mr Ian Adamson all the very best as he leaves us this Friday to take up his promotion as Assistant Principal at East Otago High School. We will miss your huge commitment to our students and your work ethic, Ian, (except for the emails at midnight!) and we know that EOHS is getting a great senior leader. We wish you well in your endeavours.

In other staffing news, we are farewelling our long-serving Canteen Manager, Sharon Cowie. Sharon has worked tirelessly for the college for many years and has quietly helped many students during this time. We will also farewell Mrs Shirley Jackson when she finishes at the end of this term. After many years teaching at Kavanagh College, Shirley will begin a quieter time in retirement.

Good luck to the Bishop’s Shield Team that is aiming to retain the shield at St Kevin’s College this weekend. This Public Speaking Competition is a highlight on the Catholic Secondary School calendar and it is a joy to attend. Our students take part in debate, speeches, impromptu, drama, and scripture reading with questions. Spending time with students from our three other Catholic secondary schools is also something our students look forward to, with the opportunity to reconnect with old foes. Good luck team!

Next week is our inaugural mentoring meetings for parents, students and staff. I hope that you have booked your appointment time if you are a parent of a year 10, 11, or 12 student. Beginning to think about possible careers and further education is important and the more time to consider one’s strengths and interests, the smoother the decision making process is likely to be. This process will ensure that option choices for next year have been well thought out.

This Sunday in the Catholic Church’s calendar, is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is the patron saint of New Zealand and she reminds us to be selfless and generous in our relationships. The Blessed Virgin Mary is also a big part of Kavanagh College and we honour her through our college crest ‘Ipsa Duce’ – with Her as our guide.

Good luck to all students representing our college this weekend – we appreciate your commitment.