We have begun the second term well. This week we hosted 500 people for Open Day.  As is the custom, we opened the school while it was operating and about 60 boys volunteered to show prospective students and families around the College. Our boys do an excellent job introducing those families new to the College.

Central to a Catholic School is engaging our boys with the Sacraments. Later in the newsletter, Mrs Pitcaithly invites those who haven’t received the sacraments to join the programme that runs throughout this term and culminates in a school Mass in Week 8.

Preparation for Feast day celebrations are well advanced, which occurs on Friday, 26 May.

The One School Network is an organisation of student leaders from 19 schools who meet to see how they can benefit the community of Christchurch. Shirley Boys High School began the initiative.  All 19 involved schools are having a fundraiser this Tuesday in support of the Westpac Search and Rescue in recognition of all that organisations work and effort earlier in the year during the Port Hill Fires. Given they only receive limited funding from Government they rely heavily on fundraising. On Tuesday, the boys will hold a “Crazy Tie” day and are asked to bring a gold coin in support of this cause.

Congratulations to our senior boys who have organised this on our behalf, and we applaud the initiative of the students from all 19 schools.

Sometimes adolescents are accused of being insular and selfish. It’s great to see a group from across the city galvanising and organising for a worthy cause, which we are happy to support.

Until next week

Justin Boyle
Rector