Learning from alumni experiences is inspiring. Take opportunities, overcome challenges, and believe in yourself to reach your potential. Embrace growth and immerse in available opportunities to succeed.

May is one of two months in the Catholic Church (the other being October) when we are asked to reflect on the place and importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in our Catholic faith. It is a time when we are encouraged to pray the Rosary and to consider the important role that Mary held in the place of the early Church. At the same time, it is still the Season of Easter, and the joy and hope of Jesus Christ’s resurrection continues until Pentecost Sunday.  I love the timing of Pentecost and how it fits so beautifully into the secular event that occurs around the same time – Pink Shirt Day. I see such parallels between these two things. Pentecost was the coming together of people who did not know one another, spoke different languages, had grown up in different cultural settings, and had different outlooks on life formed by experiences in different communities. Yet, their purpose was a shared one – to create a community of hope, joy, commitment, and faith in something so much bigger than themselves as individuals.

Embracing Opportunities: Alumni Success and Inspirational Insights

At the First Foundation Scholarship Evening, the two guest speakers at this National Event were our alumni.  Juli and Loredana shared inspiring stories of seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and reaching their potential. Their success emphasized the importance of support, belief, and fully immersing oneself in available opportunities. These prestigious scholarships have been operating for 20 years, and over 1000 scholarships have been given out.  The two guest speakers were alumni (ex-pupils of St Catherine's). I shared their speeches, and they are inspiring.  We are so proud of both Julie and Loredana.  If you know of ex-pupils, we would love to connect with them and hear their stories.

O'Shea Shield

This is a Cultural Competition with the other 16 Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Wellington and the Palmerston North Diocese.  This year, it is to be held in Napier.  The competition is fierce, and we will participate in religious questions, debate, oratory, impromptu speech, junior speech, Te Reo Scripture reading, Scripture reading, and drama.  A huge thank you to the staff and coaches, Ms Walsh, Mrs O'Brien, Mrs McDonald, Dr Trapp and Ms Bell.

The O’Shea Team List 2024

• Justine Rivera
• Katie Hickey
• Anwyn Perry
• Alessandra Basile
• Michaela Borja
• Angelei Canete
• Christianna Tavale
• Esipito Pua
• Lylaina Young Yen
• Dibora Tensae
• Anayah Masina
• Vanessa Singh
• Sanah Sheik
• Hana Burkitt
• Cielo Quito

Careers Expo

Monday, we held our Year 9 and 10 Careers Expo.  It was a great morning, and the students had the opportunity to speak to and hear from a wide range of guests from various occupations.

Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat

The active participation in winter sports teams and the outstanding performance of 5 students in "Joseph and the Technicolored Dream Coat" showcase our students' talents and dedication. Attending the Cullen Breakfast with Hana and Evie, we gained valuable insights from James Shaw.

Cullen Breakfast

Last Thursday, Evie Gould, Hana Burkitt, and I were fortunate enough to attend the Cullen Breakfast, where James Shaw was the guest speaker. When asked for advice from his younger self, James Shaw emphasized finding one's passion and the one thing each of us wanted to do to make a difference in the world. He also highlighted the significance of kindness in working with others, even those with differing views. This advice resonates with the ethos of collaboration and understanding.  He said we will become distracted but never lose sight of what we want to achieve. Have the courage to chase your dreams and goals.

Courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to act despite it. It takes courage to step outside our comfort zones and embrace growth. When we challenge ourselves, we learn, adapt, and thrive.

Being an upstander requires courage. It means speaking up against injustice, standing by those in need, and making a difference. Being an upstander can inspire positive change and create a better world for all.

Courage in faith is also profound. It is believing in something greater than ourselves, giving us strength and guiding our actions. Having faith for us as Catholics provides comfort, purpose, and a sense of direction in life's journey.

Lastly, dare to be the person of your dreams. Embrace the courage to chase your goals, overcome obstacles, and silence the voice of doubt within. Don't let fear hold you back; believe in your potential and take bold steps towards your aspirations.