Today we marked the Feast day of the Assumption. Because we believe that Mary as the mother of Jesus is full of grace, and sin has no part in her life, so she is assumed body and soul into heaven. In 1838, Bishop Pompallier, who was a prominent figure in bringing the Catholic faith to NZ, dedicated the people of the country to Mary under that title, “Mary assumed body and soul into heaven”. This feast is marked all-round the Catholic world this week. In today’s mass, a good number of mothers, grandmothers and mother figures attended. They were honoured as well for who they are, what they do, and what they give up for their sons, much like Mary did for her son 2000 years ago. Please see below the PDF attachment for the tribute to Mothers that was read at Mass today.

During the week well over 100 parents attended the Teen Brain Community Education Evening, organized by the Centre of Wellbeing. The presentation was led by our two psychologists Jade McDowall and Ella Grigg and they led a most interested audience into the aspects of the teen brain, something that often has adults, parents and educators perplexed!!! All came away with a greater understanding and armed with some more tools how to respond to their sons as they navigate their way through their teenage years.

They used their specialist knowledge to firstly outline what science has taught us about the teen brain and followed with the impact that brain development has on teen behaviour. Then there was some narrative about risky behaviour that teens get involved in, and how to respond as parents when their sons inevitably do place themselves in risky situations that are potentially damaging. Some very useful and practical strategies in response were very well received by the parents in attendance and we intend to share this presentation to the rest of the community at a later date.

This is the second such evening organized by the Centre of Wellbeing, the first featuring the importance of sleep, and as our Assistant Rector of pastoral care, Diarmuid McMahon commented we will continue to look at hosting other similar meetings for parents. The evening was well received, not just for the information presented, but for the opportunity for parents to gather and share their experiences about parenting over a cuppa!!!

We have been spared the extreme weather hitting other parts of the country, which for us is a small blessing, but has meant the First XV won’t travel to Nelson until next week to compete in the final of the Crusaders competition. Their win, as the underdog, was against our Catholic brother college St Thomas’, and played in front of thousands from both Catholic school communities. It was a weekend to celebrate on other fronts as well as the choir performed outstandingly in the South Island finals of the Big Sing, which you can read about later in the newsletter. A gallant first Basketball team played the NZ champions, Christ's College, and only lost by 7, a notable performance against a formidable opponent. 

Until next week

JG Boyle