I trust we all enjoyed the extra day of rest over the long weekend, the flip side is often trying to fit five days into four! We have had a very settled week at St Thomas', in which we seen the students working hard in classes under the leadership of our staff.

I would like congratulate Fr Robert Morris who was ordained on Saturday 2nd June.

Robert was born in Wellington in 1974, the third son and sixth child to Anne and Russell Morris.

The family moved to Christchurch in 1975 and Robert eventually commenced his schooling at Our Lady of Victories Parish School, eventually moving on to complete his schooling at St Thomas of Canterbury College.

After leaving school Robert worked at Christchurch Hospital and studied History at Canterbury University before joining the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 2008.

Much of his Jesuit formation since then has been as a giver of Spiritual Exercises – a form of spiritual retreat first developed by St Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Robert was ordained a Deacon on 3rd September at St Ignatius’ Church, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

He is currently completing his Theology Studies at Boston College and ministering at the parishes of Our Lady of Grace and St Mary of the Assumption.

At the start of this year, we conducted several surveys. One in particular focused on how we, as a school, could support our community through education and professional learning. One of the key areas identified was the cyber world. I believe this is our generation’s biggest challenge in raising well-adjusted young people. We are hosting John Parsons on Thursday 28th June, at 6.00pm. John is an expert in this field and the author of the book: “Keeping Your Children Safe Online.”

John has extensively toured the country working with communities on how to prepare our young people to navigate a cyber-world, as well as educate parents and teachers on how to best support our young people.

John will work in our school from 9am till 7.30pm, facilitating educational workshops for all stakeholders. This approach provides the greatest opportunity to empower students, staff and parents. At the end of the day, all teachers, staff, students and parents will have received education that unites them in a common cause. The health and welfare of all. I strongly encourage you to make the time to attend this workshop.

Good luck to all of our sports teams participating throughout the weekend. Play hard but play in the right spirit. 

Manawa.