Kia ora koutou,

I trust this finds you well. Without doubt one of the biggest strengths of our College is the support from our parent and wider community. Our College is a hive of activity with much of this being made possible by the generosity of time and talent from our wider community. There is no better example of that than this week.

Tonight, is our Fia Fia night. It is a celebration of the many cultures we have in our Polyfest group, coming together for the love of dance, music, food and fellowship. We are fortunate to have the skills of Tonia Noa Siaosi, Kate Vaaelua and James Filoialii (St Bede’s College Old Boy) to help our students celebrate everything that Polyfest stands for. I am very much looking forward to the celebration this evening and watching the boys perform at Polyfest tomorrow. I do encourage you to get along to North Hagley Park tomorrow for what will be a great celebration of Pacific culture. Our students are due to perform between 12pm and 1pm.

With the generous support of the Old Boy’s Association, our Year 13 students had a Careers Day today. Under the guidance of the skilled team at Zest People, they have had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers, complete strength finding activities and looked at career planning processes. They have also had the chance to meet with over 30 industry Specialists one to one. For parents and whānau of Year 13 students, please take the time to follow up with your sons regarding this opportunity and their next steps.

I would like to remind you of two events taking place next Friday 24 March 2023:

· We have our Boarding Open Day 10am – 12pm.

· The annual PTA Race Night . This is a great way to be involved in the College, meet others in our wider community and support the great work of the PTA. I look forward to seeing as many of your there as possible.

Thank you for your support yesterday with the closure of the College due to PPTA Strike action.

Lastly, I wish you all a happy St Patricks Day, I will leave you with an Old Irish Blessing.

May your days be many and your troubles be few.

May all God’s blessings descend upon you.

May peace be within you, may your heart be strong.

May you find what you’re seeking wherever you roam.

May the strength of God pilot us, may the wisdom of God instruct us.

May the hand of God protect us, may the word of God direct us.

May thy Salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and for evermore.

Amen.

Ngā mihi nui

J McDowall

Tumuaki / Rector