Friday, February 3, 2023

Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,

It has been wonderful having all of our students back this week, buzzing with news from their holidays and keen to reconnect with friends. Every year when our seniors come back, it is quite amazing how much they seem to grow and change over the holiday period. Looking up at some of the boys I swear were only at my shoulder last term helps to reinforce how quickly this precious time at secondary school goes. It is our real privilege as staff to witness the changes in our young people as they grow from nervous Year 9's into awesome, self possessed, courageous young leaders.

We celebrated that today as we held our Prefect Induction Mass. Despite the incredible heat and the sound of the very large fans we installed in the chapel, the Mass was very special. As part of the Mass, we ask that the prefects take an oath to support the students in our school, that the teachers take a similar oath and finally we ask that the school support our leaders, both staff and students. This concept of mutual respect, dependance and support is the cornerstone of a functioning community. This moment helps us to remember that not one of us can build this community by ourselves, we all bring our own unique contribution.

Head Students Shreysh and MacKenzie

We also celebrated the donation of a beautiful kahu rāki (decorated cloak) by Ms Sara Plunkett to the leadership (both students and teachers) of the school. Sara made this beautiful traditional taonga by harvesting and weaving all of the materials together, researching the patterns and studying local customs. Nola Tippa and David Higgins from Moeraki Rūnanga provided support to Sara on this journey and Nola took part in the celebration of its official welcome today. We thank Sara for this incredible gift.

Have a happy long weekend!

God Bless

Jo


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