SCC Newsletter - 6th November 2020
Friday 6 November
Kia ora whānau of St Catherine’s College,
World politics dominate our media headlines. Respect, graciousness, and humility have been apparent on our Aotearoa political stage; it is sad that such virtues and qualities are found wanting elsewhere. I encourage each and every one of us to model the mature and admirable traits of our national leaders, sportspersons, church, and civil leaders. I add school leaders into that mix too; our Year 13 student leaders have been a tremendous witness this year to the Mercy values and practices that St Catherine’s College is built upon.
Our senior students participated in the Derived Grade Examinations with commitment and integrity. These last few days of scheduled classes are important now for receiving exam feedback, revision and planning for their NCEA exams which begin on November 16.
Junior Assessments begin on Thursday 12 November with Junior End of Year reports sent out on Friday 4 December.
We celebrated our Sports Prizegiving this week. It was a special occasion as NZ representatives, the most improved, most valued, service awards, and nominees for College Sport Wellington’s Players of the Year were all honoured. It is appropriate to recognise our two Sports Coordinators this year. Heloise Welch and Anna Ward have done a fantastic job promoting and organising St Catherine’s sport. Our participation rates have lifted across a number of codes and we have had a good share of individual and team success. Thank you Heloise and Anna for all your commitment and hard work in this most trying year.
The end of the school year, like the start, can impose financial challenges on families. Attendance Dues might be one of these. If this is the case, please contact me through Joanne in the office, so we can meet and work on a support plan for your own payment plan.
I hope invitations have reached you for our two special celebrations coming up -
Leavers’ and Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday 11 November at 12.15pm at St Patrick’s Church in Childers Terrace, Kilbirnie
Prizegiving on Thursday 3 December at 7.00pm in St Patrick’s College Hall on Evans Bay Parade.
While scheduled classes for the seniors finish on the morning of November 11, and study leave commences immediately after the Leavers’ Mass, school remains open and available to them all throughout the NCEA examinations. The library is a designated study room.
I must share with you that earlier this week I submitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees my resignation as Principal, effective from the end of Term 1, 2021.
I have been turning up for school, in one form or another, since I was 5 years old. It’s time for a break! The role of Principal is unrelenting, so I hope to take some time out and reassess what I hope I can still contribute to the teaching profession. The end of Term 1 next year will mean staffing and goals for 2021 will be established. I will work to ensure the transition to a new Principal is as seamless as possible. The Board of Trustees is forming a plan for this appointment process and will be in touch with you soon.
I close with some of the beautiful verses from the psalm, ‘A Time for Everything’
Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.
There is a season for everything,
a time for giving birth
a time for dying
a time for planting
a time for tears
a time for laughter
a time for mourning
a time for dancing
a time for losing
a time for keeping
a time for silence
a time for speaking
a time for loving
a time for hating
a time for war
a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Ngā mihi nui
Steve
Principal