Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Nǐ Hǎo - 你好 - Hello. Last Saturday I returned from a Principal's delegation to China, which was organinsed by the Confucius Institute at the University of Canterbury. I am pleased to report that as a result, we will be able to offer Chinese Mandarin as one of our language options next year. This will help our students take advantage of the emerging trade opportunities currently being negotiated by our Prime Minister, John Key.

On Sunday and Monday, the College hosted 550 students,staff and coaches at the inaugural Catholic Secondary Schools Sports Tournament. Thanks to our capable staff, together with the Home and School team, the event was a tremendous success. I would like to formally acknowledge the planning, preparation and sheer hard work of our Sports Coordinator, Nigel Ryburn, Home Economics specialist Margaret Burton and Caretaker, Alan Grant. 

On Thursday, we acknowledged the ANZAC tradition with a moving tribute by Jibi Kunnethedam in the Chapel followed by a rifle party firing volleys on the Magee Lawn. Students planted their poppies at the Memorial Grotto.

As a busy term draws to a conclusion, I am reminded of these words of caution from inventor Thomas Edison: 
"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing."
I reflect on the terms work, secure in the knowledge that we have indeed accomplished our goals through planning and honest toil. I wish everyone an enjoyable and safe holiday. Over this period, please take some time to prepare for the demands of the second term so that we can return refreshed and ready to succeed.

God bless you all
Paul Olsen Principal