Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

As we near the end of Term 3 it is good to take time to reflect upon God’s word and the place He has in our lives. Often, we can be so busy that we neglect time with our family and loved ones and with God. We do not always prioritise things as well as we ought. The Bible clearly tells us in Mark 12:30-31 to:

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

I encourage us all to take some time over the next few weeks to meditate on Scripture and to be silent with listening ears toward God as it is mentioned in Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”, and other sections of Scripture - (Psalm 119:15, Joshua 1:8, Luke 5:16).

This week has seen us enjoy some wonderful Spring weather and temperatures. As we were able to return to Alert Level 1, we were able to enjoy a whole range of activities including:

• Y11-13 Music Solo performances
• Y6 Trek
• Y7-8 Basketball
• Y13 Drama Play evening
• Y7-8 Disco
• Y1-6 Book Sale
• Winners of the ‘Battle of Suva Street’ for Netball
• Senior Girls Basketball competing in the final of the Whelan trophy against St Andrews (we were runners up)
• Mufti Day (World Vision)
• House Haka Competition
• Year 12-13 Formal - Saturday, 26 September

Students were also able to enjoy Mr Whippy visiting the school as well as being able to play Zorb football.

A reminder that daylight saving begins on Sunday 27 September, so remember to put your clocks FORWARD by ONE hour.

Also, for Parents of Year 11 – 13 students, remember that the Y11-13 Prelim exams commence on Tuesday 13 October (Term 4, week 1). Please ensure you study and prepare well for these important assessments, which will be followed a few weeks later by the eternal NCEA exams (from 16 November till 9 December).

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

I wish you all a blessed time over the upcoming holidays as you spend time together as families and enjoy a period of rest and recreation.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings in Christ

Mike Vannoort
Principal