Two events this week had a future focus. 19 outside providers from various tertiary institutions and organisations attended our Curriculum and Careers night on Tuesday. As well each faculty set up classrooms in the Marian block to offer information about their respective subject areas. A good number of boys attended with their parents and the hope is that as a result good, well- informed decisions are made of programmes to follow either here at school or when the boys leave school and go in to other directions.

Year 13s received the last of three sessions with the organisation Zestpeople yesterday morning. Three more old boys told their stories in a question and answer session compered by two Year 13s Nick Moulai and Dom Parkes-Dolan.

Ron van Til left the College in the early 80s, and eventually ended up owning and running a large bakery in Rangiora that employs 180 people. James Flanagan and Mark Galletly attended St Bede’s in the late 80s and early 90s, and they too are successful leaders of Pak N Save, Rangiora and Galletly Builders.

All three described their journeys to where they are now, which was by no means straightforward. They candidly described also that somethings they tried were obviously not suited to them but they emphasised to the Year 13s to take opportunities as they presented themselves.  It was only by doing that could they find out what the right path is. Developing good people skills, having the right attitude, and to follow what their passion was rather than what others think they should do were other gems shared by the panel.

Year 10 boys are involved in a community service programme this term. A class a week visits and works in some of our feeder schools for a day. We have received some excellent feedback from the primary schools which is pleasing.

Since the beginning of the term Lindsay Thorn, our counsellor is now part time and works on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Mr Dai Williams who has nearly completed his counselling training will be available on the other two days.

I see a few daffodils have bloomed and a couple of warmer and longer days are signs spring is not far away.

Until next time
Justin Boyle