17 June 2022

We have enjoyed another busy and productive fortnight here at St Thomas, both inside and outside of the classroom - the cooler winter temperatures certainly haven’t slowed down school life!

As we get closer to the end of Term 2, our senior students will be managing academic workloads as assessment due dates near. A reminder to all families to make sure we have good lines of communication with staff especially if our students have been impacted with time off school due to illness or Covid. We have many mechanisms to support students in this situation, communication is the key rather than feeling we have to continue as if these events haven’t happened.

On the topic of illness, this past week we have seen a decrease of the numbers of boys absent due to illness, which is a good sign. I would, however, advise all in our community not to rush back if you are feeling unwell, and also to act on the side of caution if you are displaying any symptoms of Covid or flu.

Our students are achieving extremely well academically, which is very pleasing to see. During Queen's Birthday Weekend, 19 of our students participated in the online NZPMC 2022, of which 9 have made it through to the finals taking place in July. The participants and results are detailed in this newsletter. Well done to all of the students who took part.

I am so proud of the effort our students are displaying towards so many extra-curricular activities at the moment - while we are seeing lots of success in so many areas, the real victory is in all the character traits that our students develop through participating in all of their passion areas. I feel so privileged to work alongside such a dedicated staff who are so willing to give up many, many hours of their personal time to help our young men pursue and develop their talents and passions.

In the last two weeks we have had students involved in Rockquest, High School Musical rehearsals, Fiafia performance nights, Filipino cultural evening/dinner, Social Justice events and a myriad of sporting events. It is an absolute joy to see our young men enjoying their passions.

Throughout the last fortnight we have had a clear focus within our school curriculum dedicated to the wellbeing of our young men, from the Life Education Trust working with our Year 7&8 students, right through to our senior students with key messages from the Crash Bash team. This week we have also supported all key messages through Pride Week of inclusivity, compassion, and diversity - all of these values are so important to our community.

I trust you will all be looking forward to our first public holiday celebrating Matariki. A time of remembrance, a time of gathering and community, and a time of planning and looking towards the future. I hope we are all to spend time with whanau to remember those who have left this world, and to be hopeful and optimistic for what we have as we look forward towards a new year.

Go on, gift yourself....!