Term 4 started with a wet, windy and later, warm weekend at Peel Forest, South Canterbury where Ms Jermy, Mr Harlow and Mrs Stoop encouraged nine students to don wet weather gear and head for the hills.

Many students are completing sections of their awards as the year comes to a close.

Dean Holdaway, Year 12, has been presented with his Silver award. Rock climbing and playing the piano must exert very different stresses on the fingers but Dean manages both with perfection. He gives service to St John as an educator, and completed a tramp in the Craigieburn Forest Park. Congratulations on a well-earned award.

 This year, four students completed their Gold awards. It is the highest youth award available in New Zealand and the culmination of four year’s effort. Formal certificates will be presented by Lt. Gen. the Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae next year, but we were able to present these students at prizegiving with their awards. All Year 13 students, they are Clara Choi, Mark Holdaway, Dabin Jung and Hannah Lee. 

These students have learned new skills, been active through sport, given service to school and the community, and taken part in a five day residential programme with people other than their peers. Perhaps the greatest challenge has been the adventurous activity, involving a tramp over four days and three nights. Together they trekked the St James Walkway in North Canterbury. Each journey has to have a purpose and the students tested the water quality in the local streams at various altitudes, in different vegetation types and in different land use areas. Both loving and hating the expedition is a common scenario – sore feet, aching muscles, and insect bites combine with the joy of curling up in a sleeping bag in a cosy hut.

Thanks to all the staff, coaches, music teachers and deans who continually support these students as they complete their awards. Thanks also to the parents and caregivers whose support is helping mold future leaders within our community.