Principal's Comment

Kia Ora Kevinians and Supporters of the College,

Yesterday we ran the first of our series of three transition days aimed at year 12 and 13 students. This first day was focused on money and economic health. We were fortunate to have been donated a copy of 'Money Made Simple' by Sam Stubbs (Simplicity NZ) for each of the students and a number of high profile local people supported the day including Jeremy Holden from our Council, the team from LJ Hooker, Berry and Co Law, Gilchrist Building, the staff from Westpac bank Ross Robertson and Eugen Dupu from our Foundation and our own Mr. Trevor Griggs. From further afield we had people from Otago Women's refuge, The PPTA union, Tim Foley from New Era and my beautiful niece Leanne Ross from net safe.

These wonderful people all answered the call because they believe , as I do, that a large part of having a successful, productive and progressive country going forward is ensuring that our young people understand economic power and how to use it as well as having a really strong understanding of how economic independence gives us freedom and options. In a nation where we are seeing a major issue with homelessness which is affecting new demographics such as women over 50, it is really important that our young people are aware of how they can leverage their earning potential, protect themselves and put themselves in the best position to thrive.

We covered the topic of economic abuse and how in an abusive relationship the control of money can block the means of escape. We looked at banking and how to save effectively, we looked at the process of buying a house and importantly of understanding how relevant your reputation is when you are trying to rent. We looked at online scams and not only scams but the manipulation of images and the way in which they affect your emotional response to purchasing. Finally we heard from the panel of experts about the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.

This was one of those things where we continue to throw the information at the wall with the hope that some of it will stick. I never want our young people to walk away from our school and be able to make the claim that we 'never told them' about the important things in life.

We are finishing the term on some nice 'highs' with our two rowers having done themselves proud at Maadi Cup, our PE class having come back from the bike trip reasonably intact and now the sun is shining. We will finish the term with the Stations of the Cross on Friday 11th April at 2:10. You are welcome to join us for this beautiful liturgy.

God Bless

Jo