Kia ora e te whānau

The farewell process for our Year 13 leavers at St Peter’s College is unique, well organised, and very moving. It included this year the Mass, recognition of our student’s life journey through photos and a candle ceremony accompanied by their Year 7 buddies. This Mass captured eloquently the essence of our Catholic and Mercy/Rosmini traditions. They also celebrated and brought together all the key stakeholders in our community including Mercy sisters, parents, staff, friends, and our graduating students. The Haka performed by the students to honour a very special staff member leaving us at the end of year, Mrs Liza Wilson, was heartfelt. As we move towards the end of the year, we will no doubt have more staff transitioning in and out of the school as decisions are made about the future. This week it was also announced that our hugely respected Gateway and Murihiku Trades Academy coordinator, Mrs Joy Delahunt is retiring at the end of the year, and we wish her the very best in this well-deserved break. Our rugby administrator Mrs Dana Turnbull is also finishing up with us after two years of very hard work and dedication in organising all aspects of rugby, including setting up for weekly games and practices, communicating with whānau, coaches and managers and ensuring our students have all the opportunities in rugby afforded to them. We will formally recognise all leavers at our end of year prizegiving on Thursday the 12th of December. Our Year 13’s will have their final graduation dinner on Tuesday the 10th of December where all Year 13 students and their families are warmly invited.

This week it was my privilege to attend the Southland Secondary Sports awards as our very own Millie McFadzien was nominated in the senior girl’s category. Millie’s achievements are vast and well known within our own community. As a young Year 11 student she was up against the very best in this section. Congratulations to Millie - I am sure this will be the first of many more nominations.

As we celebrate these milestones, we are reminded of the rich traditions and vibrant community that make St Peter’s College truly special. This time of year brings both joy and bittersweet moments as we bid farewell to cherished members of our school family and recognize their contributions. Let us continue to hold each other in prayer as we move through these transitions, confident in the knowledge that our shared values and faith will guide us forward. May we embrace the weeks ahead with gratitude for the past and hope for the future, keeping our graduating students and all our departing staff in our thoughts as they embark on new journeys.

Charity Fulfils the Law

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