Talofa.

Over the last fortnight we have been blessed to celebrate a number of communities which play an integral part of our kura.

Last week was Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week which culminated in a celebration evening last night. The theme for this year is one that I especially connect with 'Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana’i – Serve in love for a blessed future'. Samoan values of alofa (love), fa’aaloalo (respect), and especially in the vā fealoa’i (respectful relationships) are ones which serve us all and have strong links with our own school and gospel values. The idea that service starts in the family, and then continues into schools and the community, serve as a reminder about the importance of relationships and that we give more than we take. It is this humanity that builds strong connections and makes our world a better place.

I was reminded about this theme, to serve in love, when I attended a service for the passing of Frank Lyons last Friday. Frank was someone I meet when I first started at St Thomas in 2009 and his life was one we can all aspire to. Frank was retired and lived by the entrance to the sports fields. Every night Frank would come over to school around dinner time to make sure the school was locked up for the night. The thing that struck me with Frank was his nature – he was always happy, content and greeted you warmly, no matter what. Listening to people talk about Frank’s life and how he was someone who served others because it was right, just filled my heart. His son, Keith, wrote a tribute – in this he spoke of three themes across his father’s life that I would like to share:

1. Knowing where you are in the world

2. Working out where you want to go

3. Having resilience to cope with changes – whether it be in the weather, in your circumstances or location, or in your health.

The last two days we have also had two big events take place with our choir taking part in the Big Sing at the Town Hall today. Over the last few years, Mr Crosson and their teacher, Helen Charlton, have worked hard to build a team to compete at the highest level. With our boys stretched across a number of areas, it has been a pleasure to watch and we wish them well.

Also, Manu Korero has taken place at Haeta Community Campus. Our Kura has a rich history having been the only English medium school to lift the trophy. This year we have our Kaiako - Matua Ruihi Kawenga - and three speakers taking part. Beau Broomhall, Makaire Papuni and Tainui Pauling, we wish you well, Ka mau te wehi, karawhuia e tama ma!

It is a timely reminder around attendance and its importance, not only for setting up good life habits but also its impact on helping our boys achieve in the class. As we enter the back end of Term 2, the number of assessments taking place increases. Being at school is vital to ensure that the boys have the best possible chance to succeed, especially our seniors. There is a strong corelation between attendance and NCEA, with the mark of 90% (regular attendance) often the key measure. Those who attend more than 90% are on average likely to achieve Level 1,2,3 and UE, which is why you will hear in the media this target used by the government. Please work with your sons and their teachers to help our boys get to school, and if there are any issues, don’t hesitate to contact your son’s mentor teacher or dean.

Have a great weekend!