We began this 9-week term on the run!

These shorter terms can be more hectic because invariably we are endeavouring to fit in 10 weeks of activities.

By my estimation there are 12 weeks of classes for seniors this year, so we are getting to the ‘pointy’ end of the year, academically, so that will need all our particular attention. As well we have a few other events/activities to keep the term interesting and varied.

Senior exams are in three weeks, Vocations Week in Week 5, Sports Tournament Week in Week 6, end of winter sports competitions and CanTeen to finish the term. Outside the chapel stands the World Youth Day Cross, that is here for this week before we transport that to Catholic Cathedral College to begin our diocese’s celebration of Catholic youth Day, the main event being in Krakow in Poland. The cross has stood in most Catholic schools in the Christchurch/ Otago dioceses for the last few months.

As well, last Saturday, the 23rd July, was the 200th celebration or anniversary of the foundational moment leading to the formation of the Society of Mary or Marist, the religious order that founded our College. Marists also brought the Catholic faith to NZ 20 years later. Mr Foley was in France, for the celebration over there, and 10 Year 11 students accompanied by Mrs Pitcaithly, went to Hokianga in North Auckland last week, to join 90 other Year 11 students from Marist schools to commemorate the NZ celebration. Hokianga is where the first Marists arrived in the 1830s, led by Bishop Pompallier, not to set up schools, but to set up missions and to convert the indigenous Maori people to Catholicism.

Also there are two events this term which focus the boys on their futures. One is vocations week and one is the curriculum careers night next Tuesday.

The purpose of this evening is to help the boys, and parents, to make appropriate subject choices – an evening where you not only plan the choices of subjects but also look at career possibilities for the future.

So all sort of providers will be there – universities, polytechs, Design and Art College of NZ, Electrical Training College, Fletcher Construction to name but a few.

Careers night begins at 5.30pm next Tuesday.

As I said earlier, we arrive at the pointy end of the year. It is a time to reflect upon the first two terms, a time to reset the goals as we head to an important part of the year.

Here are some questions I asked at assembly of each of the boys they may like to consider as we begin this period.

For you Year 9/10s front of mind for me is the fact I am interviewing all the intake for 2017. I’m trying to find out from them what they enjoy, what they’re good at or not so, what support they will need…i.e. what they bring to the table and what are their particular gifts/talents as was talked about in the gospel last Sunday. So my question to Juniors is have you then, got stuck in, have we seen your gifts and talents flourish in your time so far at St Bede’s? At those interviews we talk about getting out of the comfort zone – the school pushes you – but have you elected to as well? i.e. tried something new. Picked up a musical instrument, had a crack at the Smokefree Stage Challenge, signed up for CanTeen??? That was the challenge at interview time – are you picking up on it as you continue your journey through Bede’s? You may also like to consider to what is your attitude to learning and what is your attitude to your fellow learners in classes?

Remember the prayer – take responsibility for my own and allow others to do the same thing.

What will my coach say about me at the end of the winter season, and I am not talking about how well I played, but how hard I tried, and what sort of team man I was??

The same could be asked of our seniors, but there are some pressing questions for you to consider also.

For Year 11s – how much have you thought about and will apply the UCANDO study skills you learned last term and apply them to the practice exams in three weeks’ time. Do you know what is to be examined? Are your notes organised? What time have you scheduled to study? Have you begun?

For the Year 12s – all these questions too – but also realise that two things – top of mind for me are the references I am writing for Year 13s along with other staff for various scholarships and Hall of Residences, etc – because they are due in the next month, it is your Year 12 results that count – 12 months later.

And for you Year 12s as I’ve told you at singing practices – big leadership shoes need to be filled – many of you have stepped up already as we extended the peer tutor programme and many of you are having a positive influence in so many activities that you are involved in.

And to the Year 13s – my promise to you is that the College will finish you well with various events, but how well are you finishing? What do you need to do in preparation for next year – get references for CVs, in good time, firm up on plans for next year rather than wonder about them, prepare for exams to ensure you get the qualifications you need to give you options when you leave. Enjoy your last months with your fellow Year 13 mates. You have made a significant impact on our College, which we will acknowledge in due course at year end.”

Until next week

Justin Boyle

Photos available for purchase