Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

This term is certainly going by quickly as we near the end of Week 7 and feel the season of Autumn taking hold. As a school we are very thankful for a settled start to the year despite events which have been beyond our control: namely COVID-19 and two school related deaths. Even through these events we are able to see and experience God’s love and faithfulness to us as a school community.

We are reminded in Romans 8:35,37

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or peril, or sword? No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us”.

Our primary school pupils continue to enjoy their new bike track and fitness trail with classes using this wonderful addition to our school almost on a daily basis.

Our Year 9 pupils have been enjoying a taste of the outdoors over the last three weeks as they participated in the Year 9 camps at Mt White, in the Arthurs Pass region. These camps provide a great opportunity for pupils to get to know each other better; to experience Gods majestic creation; to develop and learn new skills; and to share in devotions and learn more about God.

This week we commemorate the 1st anniversary of the March 15th, 2019 tragedy. As a school we are joining with many other schools from around Christchurch by having a ‘Colour your Day’ Mufti Day this Friday, where pupils are encouraged to wear appropriate bright colours and give a gold coin donation which will go to St Johns in support of the work they do in our communities. We will also have a 1-minute silence at 1.40pm on Friday as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school; financially, practically and through your prayers.

May our Lord bless us and guide us in the days and weeks ahead as we seek to serve Him and strive to keep Him first and foremost in our lives.

Blessings in Christ

Mike Vannoort

Principal