The Kahui Ako Young Catholic Leaders day was held recently at the Holy Family Parish Centre.

The theme of the day was Live wisely, Think deeply, Love generously and was design to support and grow young Catholic Leaders within our Kahui Ako.

Year 7 and 8 students from all four South Canterbury Catholic Kahui Ako schools attended. The day began with a liturgy lead by the students and was then followed by the Roncalli College head students speaking about their own leadership journeys. In the afternoon all Year 13 Leaders shared details of their leadership roles and answered questions.

During the day the Year 7 and 8 students also had the opportunity to take part in workshops which allowed then to learn learn alongside their peers from other schools. The Roncalli BBQ committee provided a sausage sizzle over lunch time which was then enjoyed by all.

We were fortunate to have Tarryn Ann Fahey deliver a keynote address. Tarryn is a is deaf, trilingual teacher at Mountainview High School. She recently presented her Masters degree in te reo Māori, New Zealand Sign Language and English. Tarryn’s message provided inspirational insignt into the trials and tribulations she experienced during her recovery from a serious illness which significantly affected her hearing, balance and muscles. Her message was one of hope. Fluent in NZ Sign Language, Tarryn was able to teach the students to sign a whakataukī (proverb) based on the call of Pope Francis to live wisely, think deeply, love generously.

For those interested in learning more about Tarryn, her story can be found here: Tarryn Ann Seven Sharp