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    • Weekly College Update
      • 6 August 2021 Kia orāna kōtou kātoatoa   Term 3 Focus – Hauora We provide a safe and caring environment by acknowledging the value of every person and fostering self-discipline, resilience, and self-esteem and wellbeing. The above is the descriptor for Hauora which forms part of our MAHI values. The key words from the descriptor are: safe; caring; resilience; self-esteem and wellbeing. So, how do we do this? How do we as a kura, a college community, provide support for our young men? Our pastoral care system is the tool that enables personal growth and development. The first point of contact is the tutor teacher. Each tutor teacher has an established relationship with each member of their tutor group alongside their whānau. Subject teachers not only teach their students, they are advised to know their learner. Creating a culture of care and providing a safe, learning environment. The House Leader provides pastoral and academic support, particularly for challenging students, those at risk or those that require additional support for their personal growth. The Learning Support department plays a pivotal role providing educational plans to support students and whānau with specific learning needs. The College Guidance Counsellor is an important element in the pastoral needs of students and whānau. Finally, a member of the Senior Leadership Team. They oversee and lead the academic and pastoral system throughout the kura to ensure the support mechanisms are functioning and plans put into place to support a student alongside their whānau. I strongly encourage each student and their whānau, together with their tutor teacher, to ensure that they check in with one another in looking after themselves as well as others. We continue to aspire to provide a safe, caring environment and enable the capacity for resilience so that your son will feel positive about himself in order for his health and wellbeing to flourish. Find Your Way…some of your options: · Talk to one of your teachers. · Talk to a good friend. · Talk to one of the Manu Taupua. · Talk to the counsellor. · Talk to a family member. · Find help online. Mother & Son Dinner My thanks to the Chair of FOSPC, Stephanie Coulson and committee members for a wonderful evening held on Tuesday night. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere on the night. I hope everyone enjoyed the event. I wish to mention guest speaker and Old Boy, Li’i Alaimoana who shared a great message for our men on his journey as an Old Boy, his success in the comedy industry and dealing with mental health. It was a great night to honour the mothers of our community. Wheeler’s Luck Congratulations to the senior students in the Drama 304 class for their performance of Wheeler’s Luck this week. It was great to see the students perform on stage. The performance itself was funny and enjoyable to watch. A lot of work had gone into preparing the performance. Well done to Mr Wood in directing the play. Year 9 Social Studies Cultural Exhibition Impact Project – Monday, 9 August 2021 Kia ora tātou, parents, caregivers, whānau, staff and the St Pat’s community are warmly invited to attend the Year 9 Inquiry Expo where inquiry projects will be shared and presented. This event is a celebration of the work that our awesome Year 9 students have completed during the inquiry process that began Term 2. We would love to see you there, if you can make it; we respect that every whanau is unique and you might not be able to come into the kura, but if you are able, we would love to see you as we celebrate your son’s success and mahi. Year 9 students and their teachers thank you for your anticipated support with this event. Mr Jarrad Porima Year Eleven Study Skills Sessions Last Friday, Year 11 students took part in a one period session looking at Study Skills.  The session was facilitated by a number of teachers, and the sessions focused on ways to study, foods to help fuel brain development, what to expect in external examinations and helped students to identify which style of learner they were and the method of study that worked best for them. They then tested their best study method while learning a bit of Portuguese!  Ask your Year 11 son if he was a visual, auditory or tactile learner. A reminder that our Derived Grade practice exams for students studying NCEA Level One, Two or Three courses will take place in Week 10 of this term (27 September to 1 October).  Students will get the timetable for these exams in the next few weeks.  The results from these exams are used as replacement evidence if your son is unable to sit his actual NCEA external exams at the end of the year.  He needs to make his best effort in these exams. Here is a link to the NCEA end of year exam timetable: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/qualifications-and-standards/qualifications/ncea/exams-and-portfolios/examination-timetable.pdf FOSPC update Thanks to everyone for a wonderful night on Tuesday 3 August at the Mother and Son Dinner. After one false start due to a Covid alert level change at the end of June, it was great to finally hold this event. Feedback has been very positive. Our speaker Li’i Alaimoana gave a very heartfelt and personal speech on ‘time’. His message to the audience was time is a wonderful source. “Give time to the people you care about and take time and understand that things always get better.” Feedback from one mum: “Thank you so much for an awesome dinner last night. We had a great time at our dinner and our first experience exceeded my expectations. We had great company, lots of laughs and the food was delicious. It was wonderful magic moments for our young men…” If you are missing an Ella J black cardigan with a waist tie, it is in the office for you to collect. We’ll let you know when the photos are ready. The photographer was very complimentary about the well behaved St Pat’s crowd – ka pai! It is important to recognise and thank all our generous sponsors. Please support all these businesses! Major sponsor Pak n Save Lower Hutt; Antipodes skin care; Asteron Life; BambuchiSan; CACI Clinic; Chocolate Fish Café; Coolsville Cartel; Creative Mouse Design (Ferrari ride); Darlington Hairdressers; Empire Cinema; Eric Kong; Forever Young Hairdressing; Kapura Hospitality; LG Anderson; Lisa Kelly; Michael Anastasiadis; New World Island Bay; New World Churton Park; O’Sullivan family; Retro Building Ltd; Poi Creations; Steven Skells South Coast 4×4 experience; Switched on Bikes; Unichem Island Bay; Weta Workshop; West Plaza Hotel and Working Hands. Hato Paora Traditional The annual rugby exchange between St Pat’s and Hato Paora took place on Wednesday. Our 2nd XV and U15B rugby teams travelled up by bus to Hato Paora (near Feilding) and both teams acquitted themselves well. The U15B game ended in a thrilling 36-36 draw while our 2nd XV lost 43-18 to Hato Paora’s 1st XV. We would like to thank Hato Paora for being outstanding hosts and also acknowledge our 2nd XV and U15B coaching groups for taking the day off work to support our young men. A special mention for Year 12 student Lei’a Faiumu, who was our Manuhiri representative at the Powhiri. Website for Te Ara a Maria: Mary’s Way project A website has been created to help promote the bishops’ renewal of the dedication of the country to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. The renewal project has the title Te Ara a Maria: Mary’s Way and runs for 12 months from 15 August. Go here for the website: www.tearaamaria.nz The website contains details of the project. It will be updated regularly to include the schedule of the nationwide hikoi of the artwork created for the project. The hikoi starts on August 18 in Invercargill. Attached to this email is a poster we ask you to print and display in churches, other parish places and schools inviting everyone who can to attend the Mass on 15 August that launches this special year. Concerns with students not wearing uniform correctly We continue to remind our students of the importance of wearing our uniform. We are a uniform school, and our royal blue colours are easily recognisable in public. Wearing our College uniform correctly and well helps creates a sense of belonging, and reflects pride in oneself, and our wider community. A large number of students are neglecting to wear their tie when in formal uniform or have not replaced it. As stated last term a student must purchase a tie if he does not have one. The alternative is that he wears his summer uniform. As of next week if a student is wearing formal uniform and does not have a tie he will be sent home. On his return to school he can choose either to wear the formal uniform with a tie or to wear summer uniform. Dates to diary for next week Tuesday 10 August – Pasifika Parents’ Association meet at 6.00pm in the staffroom. Friday 13 August – Assumption Day Mass in the College hall at 2.00pm. Parents are most welcome to join us. Skoda National School MTB Championships This year the Skoda School MTB Championships will be held in Blenheim in the next holidays between 11-14 October 2021.  All age groups and abilities are catered for with Cross Country, Downhill, and Endro event options being available. St Patrick’s entered a team last year, and is keen to do so again this year.  Registrations are closing very soon, so if your son is interested in participating, please contact Shane Dinnan (shane.dinnan@gmail.com / 027 886 1210) for further details. Kia manuia Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 30 July 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa   Enrolments for Year 9, 2022 Enrolment applications for next year close off today – Friday 30 July.  Enrolment application forms are available on the College website or from the College office.   Mass at St. Mary of the Angels – Sunday 1 August St Patrick’s College as a Marist College has a long connection with St Mary of the Angels as a Marist run parish in the central city.  The current parish priest Fr Kevin Mowbray SM has invited our students to host the upcoming 5.00pm Mass this Sunday. A number of our students will be involved in running different parts of the Mass.  Every student of St Patrick’s College is warmly invited to come to that Mass and it would be great to see the students dressed in their uniforms.   Sacramental Programme Early this term a number of students had decided to embark and commit to developing their faith and their wish to become a member of God’s family and part of the wider catholic community. I thank each student and their whānau for their decision as they learn more about the catholic faith and how Jesus’ teachings can be applied in their personal faith journey. They will learn about the Sacrament of Initiation, which include Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. We are proud of the students’ commitment and we look forward to when they dedicate themselves to God in front of our College community at the Mass of the Assumption that will be celebrated in our College hall on Friday 13 August. Please pray for the following students as they walk on their faith journey: Oliver Anderson Connor Bailey Riley Bourke Glen Crosbie Tapasu Iona Angus Lewis-Gourdie Jae Lafaoseu-Malaulau James McCourtie Marley Oloapu-Atoni Matthew Paul-Fleming Taurus Tumoana   Staff Farewells Patricia Cuttance We farewell Ms Patricia Cuttance, Religious Education teacher who started at the College at the beginning of 2014.  Tricia has given generously of her time to our College community and we thank her for her contribution to the life of St Patrick’s College. We wish Tricia all the best for the future as she moves to Dunedin to be closer to her family.   Silverstream Exchange Congratulations to all our competitors involved in Wednesday’s events for the Silverstream Traditional. Each competitor represented our College with pride and were respectful towards our hosts. Thank you for being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. The overall results are as follows yesterday: U15 Rugby 28-12 to Town Colts Football 2-1 to Town Golf 0-4 to Stream Road Race 3-0 to Town Hockey 0-2 to Stream Badminton 6-0 to Town Jnr Basketball 42-84 to Stream Senior Basketball 77-94 to Stream 1st XI Football 6-2 to Town 1st XV Rugby 12-18 to Stream Overall score: 5-5   Tu Tagata Festival Congratulations and well done to our Multicultural Club for their high energy and inspiring performance at the Tu Tagata Festival held on Wednesday evening. As the host school this year it was a proud moment for our Pasifika students and families as well as our College community. Thank you to all our performers and particularly the leaders Tui Lefao, Semisi Tautua, Elijah Ti’a and Lolesio Tuiketei. I would like to acknowledge Penina Sulu’ape, who is the teacher in charge of the Multicultural Club and her role as the Chair of the Tu Tagata committee for this year. I want to thank the following Old Boys’ who supported Mrs Sulu’ape in preparing the group over the last few months: Nathan Lopa, who is also a staff member, John Tavoi, Poasa Poasa, Peteli Poasa and Penieli Poasa and staff members, Ms Alice-Stevens-Carlyon and Fr Pat Brophy SM for their support as well. Thank you to the Pasifika Parents’ Asosi for their generous support in fundraising, providing food and your continuous love and support to Mrs Sulu’ape and our young men. Fa’afetai tele lava.   Progress Conferences All students and their caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend a 20-minute in-depth discussion with the student’s Tutor Teacher (or another teacher allocated accordingly).  Parent-Teacher-Student interviews will be conducted on Friday 6 August.  Students only need to come into school for the duration of their appointment and do not need to wear uniform.  There are no classes that day.  All Year 9-13 students will have an interview with their Tutor Teacher.  Interviews will be of 20 minutes’  duration.  Students must attend as well. For these interviews we are using an internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). It will save time for parents, staff and students!  Using this system, you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet-connected computer. The PTO system opens today – Friday 30 July. A computer will be available in the front office during school hours if you do not have internet access at home or elsewhere.  Information about how to log-on can be found on the College website.   Drama 304 Class Production of Wheeler’s Luck Mr Wood’s drama class is presenting Wheeler’s Luck. We hope you can make it to the event and support our students. Wheeler’s Luck is an ensemble comedy about life in a small town in New Zealand. The plot is as follows: Wheeler’s Luck is a rural comedy about a small coastal NZ town full of eccentric characters and authenticity. A determined Auckland developer comes to Bell End in order to obtain a slice of coastal paradise connected to a piece of local history. The locals protest and chaos ensues. Tuesday 3 August at 5.30pm. August 4 and 5 at 6.00pm. The production will be held in W205 at St Patrick’s College.   Physics International Tournament Over the July break the New Zealand Physics team were based here at St Patrick’s while competing in an online international tournament. Year 13 student Ari Geor was a member of the team of 5 students representing NZ and is the first student from St Patrick’s College to make the NZ team. Teams from many countries were unable to travel to the in-person tournament held in Georgia due to COVID travel restrictions, so an online tournament was held for those who could not be there. The team presented and debated their research into a series of complex, open-ended physics problems against teams from other countries and finished in a very creditable 6th place. The overall winners were the team from Singapore. The NZ team consisted of: Yash Bhatia (Auckland Grammar School) Ryan Bright (Wellington High School) Joy Chen (Kristin School) Ari Geor (St Patrick’s College) Tommy Thomson (Onslow College) Mr Kent Hogan (St Patrick’s College)   Free Mental Wealth Workshop Are you 16 years and over? Do you want to learn about mental wealth? Please come and listen to the experts! Date: 10 August 2021 Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm Venue: Wellington City Mission, 19 Gordon Place, Newtown Cost: FREE The Mental Wealth Project is a mental health literacy programme that aims to equip young people and their communities with knowledge and skills to understand and address mental distress while also maintaining and nurture good mental wellbeing. During our workshop we talk about the facts and highlight the importance of wording and talking about mental health. We also go through some practical steps on how to identify and respond to those going through mental distress. For more information visit our website on www.mentalwealth.nz.   Concerns about students not wearing uniform correctly We continue to remind our students of the importance of wearing our uniform. We are a uniform school, and our royal blue colours are easily recognisable in public. Wearing our College uniform correctly and well helps creates a sense of belonging, and reflects pride in oneself, and our wider community.  A large number of students are neglecting to wear their tie when in formal uniform or have not replaced it. As stated last term a student must purchase a tie if he does not have one. The alternative is that he wears his summer uniform. As of next week if a student is wearing formal uniform and does not have a tie he will be sent home. On his return to school he can choose either to wear the formal uniform with a tie or to wear summer uniform.   Students to remain on-site during break times    Students have been reminded that they are not to leave the College grounds during morning tea and lunch. The only students allowed off-site are Year 13’s or those students that have classes at St. Catherine’s College. A number of students, particularly Year 12 students are flouting this rule. If a student is caught off-site he will be given a verbal warning. If he is caught a second time a meeting will be held between the student, his parent(s) and the Rector. If the student continues to ignore this rule, then a serious consequence will be imposed. It is a privilege to be at our College and I ask that every one of our students takes this into consideration.   Dates to diary for next week Monday 2 August – the Second Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime from 1.40pm to 2.20pm. Monday 2 August – Parents’ Association Meeting in the Staffroom at 7.00pm. Tuesday 3 August – Mother and Son Dinner in the College hall. Doors open at 6.15pm for Year 9 and Year 13s and 6.30pm for the remainder of our guests. We are aiming for a 7.00pm start. Thursday 5 August – CHANGE OF DATE – the next planned Accord Teacher Only Day which was to be held that day is now to be held on Monday 16 August.  There is school and classes as usual this Thursday. Friday 6 August – Progress Conference Day.  There are no classes this Friday.   Hāngī Fundraiser St Patrick’s College is celebrating Matariki and our Year 13 students are fundraising for the Year 13 formal.  Please click on the link below to place your order. St.Patrick’s College Hangi Pre-orders   Rowing at SPC Spring is coming, and that means the Rowing Season is about to start. If you want to know what rowing and coxing is all about at St Patrick’s College, please join us at Wellington Rowing Club on Wednesday 18 August at 6.30pm. You can also get in touch with our Director of Sport Mr Millmow. (jonathan.millmow@stpats.school.nz )   COVID Vaccinations The Catholic Parish of Wellington South and the Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church (“PIPC) have joined forces to host a COVID Pasifika “festival”. This is an opportunity especially for Pacific peoples aged 55 plus, their family and household members (the wider family) to get their COVID vaccinations. Come along, make you, your family and your wider families and community safe. Join the fight against COVID. Where: Pacific Islanders Presbyterian Church (“PIPC”), corner Constable and Daniell Streets, Newtown. Dates: Saturday 7 August (1st jab), Saturday 28 August (2nd jab). Time: 9.30am till 3.30pm. Opening prayer of blessing, 9.00am each day. Parking: limited parking at the PICP, additional parking at St Anne’s ($2 donation at the gate). We’re running an express lane for those with mobility challenges, the ill and elderly. It would be great if you could tell us you are coming: email office@wellingtonsouthcatholic.org, or phone 9344099.   Gala Auction – local art and experiences – Friday 6 August – St Catherine’s College Are you looking for some great local artworks for your own home or for a gift? Or perhaps hoping to score an awesome package, hamper or concert tickets from local businesses, restaurants and hotels? You can do all this and more at the St Catherine’s College Gala Auction at 7.00pm on Friday 6 August – a wonderful night of fun, friendship and fundraising. See the full auction catalogue https://www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz/single-post/scc-pta-gala-catalogue-2021. Some of the 32 lots that will be auctioned on the night include: Beautiful artworks by local artists Alfred Memelink, Juliet Best, Sheyne Tuffery, Michael McCormack, Sue Malthus, Julia White, Stephanie Woodman, Triz Pavon, Jane Blackmore, Geoffrey Heath, Ann Shelly. Tickets to the NZSO, RNZB, and Orchestra Wellington. A bottle of Champagne signed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (and another one signed by Grant Robertson). A hearing aid package worth $10,000 (demo hearing aids plus fitting). Packages and hampers for foodies, families, golfers, and relaxation. Plus, an additional 45 silent auction items up for grabs! You can purchase your ticket via https://www.trybooking.co.nz/hyy to attend the Gala Auction at 7.00pm on Friday 6 August in the college hall. Tickets are $30 and include nibbles and a complimentary drink, and a cash bar is also available. If you cannot attend the event but are interested in bidding on certain items, please email (stcatherinescollegepta@gmail.com). Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ In the beginning of Term 2 our focus began with achieving success in the day to day activities for students. Halfway through the term we narrowed down our focus and concentrated our time and energy in ‘doing the small things well.’ We asked staff and students to draw our attention to using our manners, particularly in acknowledging one another; saying please and thank you; picking up rubbish and speaking and acting with kindness. There are many benefits when we make the effort to do the small things well, as we are more likely to do big things well. When we use our manners they are simple actions that show that we respect and care about one another’s feelings. A simple, genuine acknowledgement can make a huge difference to a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Everyone likes to be acknowledged or appreciated. It’s tied to our need to belong or fit in which in turn builds community. We all know that when we see rubbish lying around that is an eyesore! It can have negative impacts on our sense of community and safety. When others pass you as you pick up litter, smile and say hello. It shows pride in community and encourages others to do their part too. I want to acknowledge and thank everyone in our community for doing the small things well.  Thank you for keeping the faith and doing the MAHI.   Ngā Maioha o Te Rangikauia – Regional Kapa Haka Competition After many months that included three practices a week, two noho marae and hours and hours of dedication and commitment Ngā Maioha o Te Rangikauia performed on stage at the Regional Kapa Haka Competition held at TSB Arena on July 5. Our rōpu, group is a combination of students from St. Catherine’s, St. Mary’s and ourselves. Our rōpu were outstanding. Their performance took it to another level and was well received by the audience. It was a proud moment for all three colleges, their whānau and more importantly, the students themselves. I want to acknowledge the kapa haka tutor and Old Boy, Te Po Hohua for his dedication, support and belief in the students. I would like to acknowledge all our parents, caregivers and whānau who supported Te Po and the rōpu throughout with costumes, fundraising, supervising and providing kai at noho marae, transport, etc. This would not have been possible without your generous support. Finally, I want to acknowledge the following students for making our kura proud of their efforts. Lei’a Faiumu Gabriel Tufuga Tomuri Keane Tre Love Samson Te’o Stanley Hune Taikaha Wilson   FAGASA Regional Samoan Speech Competition Last Friday, Sam Tautiaga-Mamea competed in the FAGASA Samoan Speech competition held at Victoria University. Sam was placed 1st in the Year 13 group. We congratulate Sam on this achievement.   Vaping Vaping is an issue that is having an adverse effect on our College. We are not the only school community dealing with this issue as it is a concern for many schools across the country. It is an on-going concern that has been addressed by principals to the Secondary Principals Council. Students caught vaping will do community service or will be stood down for vaping during school hours and/or in our school uniform. All schools across the motu, country, are smoke and vape free zones. Everyone is to abide by this rule. I have included a resource website called ‘Don’t get sucked in’ that you may find useful. I encourage all whānau to have this discussion with family members. https://dontgetsuckedin.co.nz/   Students to remain on-site during break times     Students have been reminded that they are not to leave the College grounds during morning tea and lunch. The only students allowed off-site are Year 13’s or those students that have classes at St. Catherine’s College. A number of students, particularly Year 12 students are flouting this rule. If a student is caught off-site he will be given a verbal warning. If he is caught a second time a meeting will be held between the student, his parent(s) and the Rector. If the student continues to ignore this rule, then a serious consequence will be imposed. It is a privilege to be at our College and I ask that every one of our students takes this into consideration.   Rowing Fundraiser Pre-loved clothing and book sale on Sunday 25 July in the College hall from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  We are taking donations of well cared for clothing (no underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, stained or ripped things), shoes and books (novels, kids’ books, excellent condition cook books) up until 24 July.  There will be live music, food and lots of bargains.  Donations can be collected so get in touch by the social media channels or text me directly 0274817961.  Angela McKeefry, Sponsorship and Fundraising – St Patrick’s College Rowing Team.   Face Coverings on public transport A reminder to everyone and particularly to our students that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings and wear them correctly. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office.   Island Bay School Bus Service Change These changes below will begin on the first day of Term 3 Monday 26 July. The Route 772 – 7.54am service from Owhiro Bay and Island Bay will not operate. For students who used the Route 772, the Route 774 service which departs Houghton Bay at 7.57am, Island Bay – The Esplanade opposite Beach Street at 7.59am and Owhiro Bay – Happy Valley Road at 8.04am will be assigned a Double Decker Bus to provide additional capacity.   Dates to diary: Thursday 8 July – Term 2 ends on Thursday as there is no school on Friday 9 July as the College is having a Staff Development day in collaboration with a number of Catholic primary schools and colleges. Monday 26 July – Term 3 commences. Tuesday 27 July – Pasifika Parents Asosi meeting in the staffroom at 6.00pm. CHANGE OF DATE – the next planned Accord Teacher Only Day which was to be held on Thursday 5 August is now to be held on Monday 16 August.  There will be no school on that day.   I wish you all and your whānau a blessed and restful holiday.   Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 2 July 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa   Matariki Matariki is the beginning of the Māori New Year. Matariki is the name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades. For Māori, it is a time of renewal and for communities to come together for peace, joy and remembrance.   Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ This week’s focus has been about acknowledging others around us. When we acknowledge someone and in particular someone who is unfamiliar to us we can make a difference. Everyone likes to be acknowledged or appreciated. A simple, genuine acknowledgement can make a huge difference to a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. It is tied to our need to belong or fit in which in turn builds community.   Nga Maioha o te Rangikauia Our combined kapa haka rōpu/group, Ngā Maioha o te Rangikauia have been busy preparing for the Regional Kapa Haka competition on Monday 5 July, held at TSB Arena. Our rōpu is combined with students from St. Catherine’s and St. Mary’s Colleges. The students alongside their tutors and whānau have worked hard over the last 16 weeks. We wish all the students in Ngā Maioha o te Rangikauia all the very best in their performance next week.   Vaping Vaping is an issue that is having an adverse effect on our College. We are not the only school community dealing with this issue as it is a concern for many schools across the country. It is an on-going concern that has been addressed by principals to the Secondary Principals Council. Students caught vaping will do community service or will be stood down for vaping during school hours and/or in our school uniform. All schools across the motu, country, are smoke and vape free zones. Everyone is to abide by this rule. I have included a resource website called ‘Don’t get sucked in’ that you may find useful. I encourage all whānau to have this discussion with family members.  https://dontgetsuckedin.co.nz/   Students to remain on-site during break times     Students have been reminded that they are not to leave the College grounds during morning tea and lunch. The only students allowed off-site are Year 13’s or those students that have classes at St. Catherine’s College. A number of students, particularly Year 12 students are flouting this rule. If a student is caught off-site he will be given a verbal warning. If he is caught a second time a meeting will be held between the student, his parent(s) and the Rector. If the student continues to ignore this rule, then a serious consequence will be imposed. It is a privilege to be at our College and I ask that every one of our students takes this into consideration.   “Giveathon” This year’s Taylorfest ‘Giveathon’ is in support of Wellington Women’s Refuge. We have been asked to collect specific items for the organisation and each tutor group has a list to collect together. Additionally, we are also supplying brand new dressing gowns and grocery/petrol vouchers at the request of the agency. If you are able to contribute beyond what your son has organised with his tutor group, we are happy to receive additional goods and vouchers. Thank you to the Integrity Committee for organising this collection and to Jo Cattermole at the Wellington Women’s Refuge for her guidance when compiling the list of high need items. The list: Dressing gowns for women, socks for women, shampoo and conditioner, face moisturiser, toilet paper, Long-life milk, muesli bars, crackers and any other non-perishable school lunch items.  Please note the things they do not require are – sanitary items, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, body wash, canned food.   Rowing Fundraiser Pre-loved clothing and book sale on Sunday 25 July in the College hall from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  We are taking donations of well cared for clothing (no underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, stained or ripped things), shoes and books (novels, kids’ books, excellent condition cook books) up until 24 July.  There will be live music, food and lots of bargains.  Donations can be collected so get in touch by the social media channels or text me directly on 0274817961, Angela McKeefry, Sponsorship and Fundraising – St Patrick’s College Rowing Team.   Face Coverings on public transport A reminder to everyone and particularly to our students that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings and wear them correctly. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office.   Dates to diary for next week Monday 5 July – the Second Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime from 1.40pm to 2.20pm and also on Saturday 10 July from 10.00am to 12.00pm by appointment to fospc2018@gmail.com. Regional Kapa Haka competition at TSB Arena. Thursday 8 July – Taylorfest Day.  Term 2 ends on Thursday as there is no school on Friday 9 July as the College is having a Staff Development day in collaboration with a number of Catholic primary schools and colleges.   Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 25 June 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa   Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ The theme of doing the small things well continues. A reminder of what we are working towards this term is to: acknowledge others; say please and thank you; pick up rubbish; speak and act with kindness. The smallest of things we do can make a difference for all. Manners are simple actions that show that we respect and care for one another. Saying please and thank you is what we say and do to show gratitude. While it is a sign of proper manners, that’s only half the story. When we all make the effort to do small things well, we are much more likely to do big things well. This is because taking pride in what you do is forming a habit. On the other hand, when you neglect small things you’re developing poor habits. Litter, trash, garbage, waste. Whatever name we call it, is an eyesore. It can have negative impacts on our sense of community, safety and the environment. When we walk past rubbish on the ground and make no effort to pick it up we are enabling others to do the same. If we all pick up litter it is one less item that could make its way to our waterways, our harbour, our beaches, or any other environment. Let’s all collectively take responsibility for our environment.   Face Coverings on public transport A reminder to everyone and particularly to our students that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings and wear them correctly. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office.   College Sport under Covid Alert Level 2 While we are in Alert Level 2 College Sport Wellington released a statement stating sports competitions would proceed this weekend but with a strict no spectator-policy in effect at all venues – both indoor and outdoor – across the Wellington region. The St Patrick’s College community needs to respect this ruling so please do not enter the College grounds on Friday evening or Saturday morning/afternoon unless you are a player or a member of the team’s coaching or management setup. The same applies for away venues. Please do not enter other Colleges or challenge school staff who turn you away. We acknowledge that some parents, caregivers and whānau will not be happy with this ruling, especially those of you who have driven long distances. However, they are the rules we have been asked to abide by. More importantly, we need to consider everyone’s health and safety. Thank you for your cooperation regarding this matter.   FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner The Mother and Son Dinner on Tuesday 29 June has been postponed due to uncertainty around alert levels.  This event will need be held on Tuesday 3 August.   Ngā Maioha o te Rangikauia (NMOTR) Our combined kapa haka rōpu/group, Ngā Maioha o te Rangikauia have been busy preparing for the Regional Kapa Haka competition on July 5, held at TSB Arena. Our rōpu is combined with students from St. Catherine’s and St. Mary’s Colleges. The students alongside their tutors and whānau have worked hard over the last 16 weeks. Lock in the date to support our rōpu in the hope that they will be selected for the national kapa haka competition.   SCC Hāngi Fundraiser for NMOTR kapa haka group Friday, 2nd July 2021 – $12 for each hāngī which will be individually served in an aluminium tray and foil bag.  Please refer to the attached flyer about ordering.   New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be holding a mobile blood drive at St Patrick’s College on Thursday 1 July – Information for Parents, Guardians and Whānau. It is important that we encourage students into a lifetime habit of donating blood and making a worthwhile contribution to their community. The Care of Children Act 2004 allows people 16 years and over to make their own decisions about whether or not they wish to give blood. Students may choose to donate blood at this session. NZBS recommends that students discuss becoming a blood donor with their family.  If families have a particular objection to the student choosing to donate blood, please make this known to the student and to the school before the blood drive date stated above.  More information about blood donation will be available on the day of the blood drive.  Parents are also welcome to come to the school and donate blood at this blood drive.  NZBS respects the privacy of all donors and recommends conversations around blood donor eligibility is carried out sensitively. If you require any further information please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit www.nzblood.co.nz If your son has indicated that he would like to donate blood he has been given information on how to download the NZ Blood App so he can make a booking.   National Volunteers Week 20 – 26 June https://nationalvolunteerweek.nz/ – A huge thank you to our volunteers at St Patrick’s College during the National Volunteer week. National Volunteer Week Te Wiki Tūao ā-Motu honours the collective energies and mana of all volunteers in Aotearoa. They grow our people, open minds, open hearts and create joy. At St Patrick’s we are fortunate to have help from the community on the sports field, our angels, our various parent groups and in the classroom. If you feel like giving your time to this wonderful community of helpers, please contact Gerardine Parkinson.   Dates to diary for next week Thursday 1 July – Blood Donor Day Advance notice: Term 2 ends on Thursday 8 July as there is no school on Friday 9 July as the College is having a Staff Development day in collaboration with the Kāhui Akō that consists of a number of Catholic primary schools and colleges.   Rowing Fundraiser Pre-loved clothing and book sale on Sunday 25 July in the College hall from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  We are taking donations of well cared for clothing (no underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, stained or ripped things), shoes and books (novels, kids’ books, excellent condition cook books) up until 24 July.  There will be live music, food and lots of bargains.  Donations can be collected so get in touch by the social media channels or text me directly 0274817961.  Angela McKeefry, Sponsorship and Fundraising – St Patrick’s College Rowing Team.   Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 18 June 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa   Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ Thank you to all the students that acted as tour guides during the two Open Days held this week. We had a large number of prospective Year 8 students together with whānau attend. I acknowledge our whole staff who continued teaching their classes as each of the tours popped in and out of the different classrooms. Our staff and students acknowledged all our visitors and we hope that they were able to gain a sense of faith and MAHI in action on a normal school day at St. Patrick’s College. This week’s reading and reflection at assembly was shared by Fox Cobb. The bible passage he used focused on ‘being one in union with Christ.’ For all of us to be one in union with Christ, Fox challenged us to acknowledge everyone in our Kura, our College. Acknowledging students that are on their own, those that are left out, those students that feel vulnerable and those that are still seeking friendships among their peers. Our next step is to ensure we get this right by checking in on those students whilst acting with kindness and speaking to any student that we come into contact with. To include those students in an activity or conversation. The message of being one with Christ empowers us to build a sense of belonging, by being friendly and inclusive so that we are a warm, welcoming community.   Men’s Health Week At assembly this week Mr Chris Fouhy, the College Guidance Counsellor spoke to the whole school. This week is Men’s Health Week and he encouraged our students to speak up if they are seeking support. He used former Olympian Michael Phelps and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as examples who shared their experience in dealing with mental health. Here are some ways your son can start with in taking the initial, courageous first step in sharing: Finding your way Talk to someone you know and trust. They will respect the trust you show. You’re not on your own. Help is there for you. Other people will be experiencing similar problems. 1% courageous. Take the smallest step you need to becoming better. Here are some options your son can do to assist in finding his way Talk to one of your teachers – they can listen and guide you. Talk to one of the Manu Taupua – these guys have experience to share. Talk to a good friend – they can listen and just be there. Talk to the counsellor – they can offer you another perspective and some skills. Find help online – good help that is free and available 24/7. Talk to a family member – they know you best. I encourage all of us to focus on men’s health not just for this week but all year round.   Sports Blues Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Sports Blues at assembly: a Swimming Blue for Alessandro Esposito who gained 1st place in the 16-year category for the 50m Backstroke. a Baseball Blue for Noah-Sea Nui who was a member of the New Zealand U18 Baseball team.   Newsletter The latest College newsletter is available on the College website.   Valuable items A reminder please for all students to keep any items of value at home.  In the last few weeks the House Leaders and SLT have had to deal with a number of students losing wireless headphones, cell phones, money and various items of clothing. Often these items have been left behind in class or other places.  We know that it causes stress to the students who lose these valuable items, and it can take considerable time for the staff who have to help work out what has happened.  Please encourage your son to not bring valuable items to school.   Dates to diary for next week Wednesday 23 June – Board of Trustee meeting at 6.00pm in the Colin Boardroom.  Parents are most welcome to attend.   FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner Wow – tickets have **SOLD OUT** If you have tickets and your plans change and no longer require your tickets, please do get in touch with us as we have a waiting list. If you have not got a ticket yet you can add yourself to the waiting list using the same booking link: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/HGR. This year we are asking that mothers and sons please sit at the same table. It’s your night out together! Tables with 10 students are strongly discouraged. As previously mentioned our speaker is St Pat’s Old Boy Li’i Alaimoana who will share the journey of his career in the comedy industry. There is a buffet dinner, raffles, photos and a cash bar – a fun night guaranteed! Eftpos will be available but bring your cash for raffles and for quicker service at the bar. Any queries to fospc2018@gmail.com Mother and Son Dinner photos –  $10 (6×4), $20 (8 x 12), $45 (A3). Also this year our photographer Simon Woolf is offering a digital option for $35.   Uniform All students must wear their uniform to and from school. We set high expectations that all students are wearing their uniform correctly and are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and promote whom they represent in the public space. If a student is caught wearing a non-regulation uniform, he will be asked to put it into his bag. If he is caught again wearing a non-regulation uniform the item will be confiscated. As we move into the later part of autumn into winter students should wear the regulation school jacket. Non-regulation coats and jackets are not to be worn.  If a student does not have a tie parents and caregivers must purchase one within a practical time frame. If the time frame surpasses and your son still has not does not have a tie he will be advised to wear summer uniform until a tie is purchased. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter.   Complaints regarding Face Coverings A reminder to everyone that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport under Alert Level 1. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings. Unfortunately, a number of our students continue to ignore the mandate outlined by the Government. We have numerous received complaints from members of the public informing us of St Pat’s students who do not have a face covering or have a face covering but wear it around their neck. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office.   Research Request Can you spare 5 minutes to answer an online survey to help students that struggle in school? As part of a research project at Victoria University Wellington, I am inviting 16-18 year old students who have no history of any learning support needs to be involved. If you would like to know more, please email me on goochholl1@myvuw.ac.nz.   I am a teacher who is completing a Master of Educational Psychology at Victoria University in Wellington. I am interested in finding ways to better support students with complex learning needs as a result of being gifted and having a disability that affects learning, such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at the same time. To this end, I’m designing a tool to screen for these students with concurrent exceptionalities (twice-exceptional students). I’m testing out whether this tool can distinguish between students who are twice-exceptional and students who are not. This research project has Victoria University Wellington Human Ethics Committee approval (0000029309). I am hoping that some students from your school and their parents would be willing to be involved as part of the control group. I look forward to hearing from you and would be very grateful for your help. Holly Gooch.   Support St Pat’s Cricket Development   The First XI and a development team are going to the Bay of Plenty in October and are raising funds for this trip. You can support the boys by attending their major fundraiser Quiz and Auction night on Saturday 26 June at 7.00pm in the College hall. Get together a group of 8 and purchase a table for $200 and come and join the fun.  There are plenty of amazing raffle and auctions to be won.  Contact Marina Scoble if you would like further details.  Email: marina.scoble@mikepero.com  Cell: 021 2795444   Rowing Fundraiser Pre-loved clothing and book sale on Sunday 25 July in the College hall from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  We are taking donations of well cared for clothing (no underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, stained or ripped things), shoes and books (novels, kids’ books, excellent condition cook books) up until 24 July.  There will be live music, food and lots of bargains.   Donations can be dropped at the school office between 8.30am and 9.00am on Monday and Thursday next week as this is when we will have parents to remove the items so the school doesn’t become swamped. Donations can be collected so get in touch by the social media channels or text me directly 0274817961.  Angela McKeefry, Sponsorship and Fundraising – St Patrick’s College Rowing Team.   SCC Hāngi Fundraiser for NMOTR kapa haka group Friday, 2nd July 2021 – $12 for each Hāngī which will be individually served in an aluminium tray and foil bag.  Please refer to the attached flyer about ordering.   Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 11 June 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa Our Kids Online Presentation Thank you to those parents and caregivers that attended the Our Kids Online seminar on 8 June. The presentation challenged the attendees of what parents and caregivers can do to support their children both young and old. The presentation was informative that focused on the accessibility of online content, namely, pornography, impact of social media and online predators. The presenters, Rob and Zareen Cope did a great job in facilitating these challenging topics in a non-threatening way that included confronting statistics and examples alongside humour and where to turn to for support. Here are some resources they shared: Websites: www.ourkidsonline.info; www.commonsensemedia.org Documentary: Childhood 2.0 on YouTube; The Social Dilemma on Netflix Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ At assembly this week I reinforced the message of doing the small things well. We are asking all staff and students to use their manners, show respect and be kind towards one another. At its most basic level I reminded the students to do the following till the end of the term: acknowledging others;  picking up rubbish;  saying please and thank you;  and speaking and acting with kindness. I encourage whānau to acknowledge and celebrate the small achievements made by your son this week. Open Day Tours The Open Day tours for those interested in enrolling their son at St Patrick’s College for 2022 will be held on Tuesday 15 June between 9.30am to 11.00am and from 12.00pm to 1.30pm and again on Thursday 17 June between 9.30am to 11.00am and from 12.00pm to 1.30pm.  To make a booking please visit the St Patrick’s College website: https://www.stpats.school.nz On the front page of our website you will see ‘Open Day’. Open this section and select “Open Day Booking Form” (an online booking form). Enter your details and make your selection regarding day/time. A reminder email will be sent closer to your booked day.  Dates to diary for next week Monday 14 June – Second Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime.  FOSPC meet in the staffroom at 7.00pm and the Parents’ Association meet at 7.00pm in the Colin Boardroom. Tuesday 15 June – Pasifika Parents’ Association meet at 6.00pm in the staffroom. FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner Wow – tickets have **SOLD OUT** If you have tickets and your plans change and no longer require your tickets, please do get in touch with us as we have a waiting list. If you have not got a ticket yet you can add yourself to the waiting list using the same booking link: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/HGR. This year we are asking that mothers and sons please sit at the same table. It’s your night out together! Tables with 10 students are strongly discouraged. As previously mentioned our speaker is St Pat’s Old Boy Li’i Alaimoana who will share the journey of his career in the comedy industry. There is a buffet dinner, raffles, photos and a cash bar – a fun night guaranteed! Eftpos will be available but bring your cash for raffles and for quicker service at the bar. Any queries to fospc2018@gmail.com Mother and Son Dinner photos –  $10 (6×4), $20 (8 x 12), $45 (A3). Also this year our photographer Simon Woolf is offering a digital option for $35. Uniform All students must wear their uniform to and from school. We set high expectations that all students are wearing their uniform correctly and are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and promote whom they represent in the public space. If a student is caught wearing a non-regulation uniform, he will be asked to put it into his bag. If he is caught again wearing a non-regulation uniform the item will be confiscated. As we move into the later part of autumn into winter students should wear the regulation school jacket. Non-regulation coats and jackets are not to be worn.  If a student does not have a tie parents and caregivers must purchase one within a practical time frame. If the time frame surpasses and your son still has not does not have a tie he will be advised to wear summer uniform until a tie is purchased. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Complaints regarding Face Coverings A reminder to everyone that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport under Alert Level 1. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings. Unfortunately, a number of our students continue to ignore the mandate outlined by the Government. We have numerous received complaints from members of the public informing us of St Pat’s students who do not have a face covering or have a face covering but wear it around their neck. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office. Second Hand Uniform shop The second hand uniform shop will be open: Monday 14 June lunchtime (1.40pm – 2.20pm), Monday 5 July lunchtime (1.40pm – 2.20pm), and Saturday 10 July 10.00am – 12.00pm (school holidays) by appointment please email fospc2018@gmail.com. For other dates see our webpage. Donations of good quality, preferably washed, uniform items are very welcome and can be left at the office. All proceeds are returned to the college. Support St Pat’s Cricket Development   The First XI and a development team are going to the Bay of Plenty in October and are raising funds for this trip. You can support the boys by attending their major fundraiser Quiz and Auction night on Saturday 26 June at 7.00pm in the College hall. Get together a group of 8 and purchase a table for $200 and come and join the fun.  There are plenty of amazing raffle and auctions to be won.  Contact Marina Scoble if you would like further details.  Email: marina.scoble@mikepero.com  Cell: 021 2795444 Rowing Fundraiser Pre-loved clothing and book sale on Sunday 25 July in the College hall from 11.00am to 3.00pm.  We are taking donations of well cared for clothing (no underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, stained or ripped things), shoes and books (novels, kids’ books, excellent condition cook books) up until 24 July.  There will be live music, food and lots of bargains.  Donations can be collected so get in touch by the social media channels or text me directly 0274817961.  Angela McKeefry, Sponsorship and Fundraising – St Patrick’s College Rowing Team. Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 4 June 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa Mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi  Yesterday, we gathered as a community to celebrate the mass for the Feast of Corpus Christi. I would like to thank Fr. Bill Warrick, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity and Father Des Darby SM for co-celebrating the mass alongside Fr. Matt Crawford SM who was the main celebrant. Fr. Crawford’s homily focused on the gift of sacrifice. Historically, early religious traditions in different parts of the world would use some form of sacrifice as part of their ritual to honour their higher being. Its followers practised sacrifice in the form of slaughtering animals and in some cases included people to appease their god. In the Christian tradition Jesus, the Son of God had given himself up to be sacrificed. As followers of Jesus we no longer need to offer any form of sacrifice. At mass the bread and wine are the key elements that remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice that become transubstantiated to become his body and blood, the Eucharist. Jesus is real and present in the Eucharist and He gives us spiritual nourishment as we journey through life as Marist men and women to become the best version of the person God had created us to be. Term 2 Focus – Achievement – ‘doing the small things well’ We strive to excel in all aspects of College and personal life. We nurture a love of learning both inside and outside the classroom; and we use our talents for the good of all. Doing the small things well As of this week and for the rest of the term all staff and students are asked to focus on basic manners towards every member of our wider community. This includes teachers and support staff, the tuckshop staff, the bus drivers, any visitor that enters the College grounds and towards fellow students. We ask that everyone use their manners, be respectful and be kind towards one another. We are asking all our students to start by acknowledging others; picking up rubbish; saying please and thank you; and speaking and acting with kindness. Staff Farewells Joe Gehrig We farewell Mr Joe Gehrig, our Business Manager who started at the College in 2018. Joe has been instrumental in managing the College’s finance and property. He has worked extensively alongside the Board of Proprietors, the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. His involvement in the 10 Year Master Plan building project commencing in September of this year has been instrumental. He has given generously of his time to our College community and we thank him for his contribution to the life of St Patrick’s College. We wish him all the best for the future as he takes up a similar role at De La Salle College in his home town of Melbourne. Dates to diary for next week The College is closed on Monday 7 June (Queen’s Birthday Monday) and Tuesday 8 June for midterm break. Friday 11 June – Non-uniform Day to fundraise for Vinnies.  Please be generous in giving. Please note that the newsletter that was to be published today will now not be available till late next week.  Open Day Tours The Open Day tours for those interested in enrolling their son at St Patrick’s College for 2022 will be held on Tuesday 15 June between 9.30am to 11.00am and from 12.00pm to 1.30pm and again on Thursday 17 June between 9.30am to 11.00am and from 12.00pm to 1.30pm.  To make a booking please visit the St Patrick’s College website: https://www.stpats.school.nz On the front page of our website you will see ‘Open Day’. Open this section and select “Open Day Booking Form” (an online booking form). Enter your details and make your selection regarding day/time. A reminder email will be sent closer to your booked day.   I encourage staff, students and whānau to proactively do the small things well in and around our kura, in our homes and the wider community. Let’s all celebrate the small achievements made by one another. Our Kids Online An online safety information programme presentation by Rob and Zareen Cope. This is in conjunction with the Wellington Catholic Kāhui Ako that we belong to. It is being held on Tuesday 8 June at Samuel Marsden College from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. To register for this event please click here. The presentation will include the following topics: Understand the harms our kids are facing online in relation to pornography, predators, social media access and the 24/7 switched on effect. Learn practical solutions to keep your children safer online. Get advice on healthy ways to approach these tricky topics. Learn what to do when your child has been exposed to something harmful. This talk also includes an online safety plan tailored to suit your family’s needs. Entry is by gold coin donation with proceeds going to the Wellington Soup Kitchen. Parents and caregivers, whānau and students are encouraged to attend this presentation. Who are Zareen and Rob? We are filmmakers, we were asked to screen our documentary in Parliament last year, we’ve featured on The Breakfast Show in NZ as well as Radio and have been interviewed by several other media outlets in different countries, including having our film screened at a film festival in the USA, whose purpose is to stop the sex trafficking of children.  We also had it screened at the Global Annual Conference to End Sexual Exploitation, held by the National Centre on Sexual Exploitation.  And we have worked with the Department of Internal Affairs and OCEANZ (Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand team). The link to the trailer of the documentary is below www.vimeo.com/ondemand/ourkidsonline   Uniform All students must wear their uniform to and from school. We set high expectations that all students are wearing their uniform correctly and are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and promote whom they represent in the public space. If a student is caught wearing a non-regulation uniform, he will be asked to put it into his bag. If he is caught again wearing a non-regulation uniform the item will be confiscated. As we move into the later part of autumn into winter students should wear the regulation school jacket. Non-regulation coats and jackets are not to be worn.  If a student does not have a tie parents and caregivers must purchase one within a practical time frame. If the time frame surpasses and your son still has not does not have a tie he will be advised to wear summer uniform until a tie is purchased. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter. MMR vaccination catch-up As a follow up to information sent out yesterday to the families of students aged 15 and over students will be able to get vaccinated against MMR on Friday 11 June at the College if they have previously missed out, and have parental consent. FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner Tickets went on sale on Monday 31 May – $36 per person and have been selling well. There are still tickets available. Ticket sales are primarily online and the link is: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/HGR . Bookings do cost an extra 30c per ticket. There are some tickets still available from the office if you do not want to incur the booking fee or do not want to purchase online. Cash or eftpos only at the cashier. As this event is expected to sell out we are unable to hold any tickets without full payment. This year we are asking that mothers and sons please sit at the same table. It’s your night out together! Tables with 10 students are strongly discouraged! Our speaker this year is St Pat’s Old Boy Li’i Alaimoana who will share the journey of his career in the comedy industry. There is a buffet dinner, raffles, photos and a cash bar – a fun night guaranteed! Eftpos will be available but bring your cash for raffles and for quicker service at the bar. Any queries to fospc2018@gmail.com Support St Pat’s Cricket Development   The First XI and a development team are going to the Bay of Plenty in October and are raising funds for this trip. You can support the boys by attending their major fundraiser Quiz and Auction night on Saturday 26 June at 7.00pm in the College hall. Get together a group of 8 and purchase a table for $200 and come and join the fun.  There are plenty of amazing raffle and auctions to be won.  Contact Marina Scoble if you would like further details.  Email: marina.scoble@mikepero.com  Cell: 021 2795444 Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 28 May 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa Term 2 Focus – Achievement We strive to excel in all aspects of College and personal life. We nurture a love of learning both inside and outside the classroom; and we use our talents for the good of all. We will have had a number of students nurturing a love of learning and using their talents and showcasing them in the community. Here are some of the talent we have shared recently – last Thursday, the Year 10 drama class performed a short play called Vampires and Zombies. Students from St Patrick’s Primary School, Cardinal McKeefry and St Teresa’s School were invited as our guest audience. On Tuesday evening the Music Department concert was held and a large group of students performed either as a soloist, ensemble or choral.  On Wednesday our cross country team participated in the Wellington Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships, and our premier basketball, football and rugby teams played in the annual fixture with Wellington College. On Thursday our Barbershop Chorus performed at the Regional Barbershop competition. Today, in period 5 we will gather as a community to have the annual House Sāsā competition. I encourage whānau to acknowledge and celebrate the small achievements made by your son this week. Wellington College Sports Exchange It was a glorious Wednesday afternoon for the exchange with a large presence of Old Boys’, parents and caregivers, whānau, friends and supporters attending. Thank you to the coaches, managers and staff involved in the premier basketball, football and rugby teams. I extend a special thank you to our Director of Sport, Jonathan Millmow for all his work and organisation behind the scenes to make the exchange run successfully. Congratulations to all the students who represented our kura in their chosen sport. The results are as follows: Taufale Cup for basketball 84-63 win to St Pat’s; Adam George and Dennis Rogers Memorial Cup for football 3-0 win to Wellington College; Old Boys’ Centennial Shield 31-18 win to Wellington College. Dates to diary for next week Tuesday 1 June and Wednesday 2 June – St John’s sports exchange Hastings. Thursday 3 June – Corpus Christi Mass in the College hall at 10.15am. Friday 4 June – please note that the College will be closed on Friday 4 June for a Wellington wide Loop Ed professional development day for local secondary school’s teachers and also on Monday 7 June (Queen’s Birthday Monday) and Tuesday 8 June for midterm break. Complaints regarding Face Coverings A reminder to everyone that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport under Alert Level 1. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings. Unfortunately, a number of our students continue to ignore the mandate outlined by the Government. We have numerous received complaints from members of the public informing us of St Pat’s students who do not have a face covering or have a face covering but wear it around their neck. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office. Uniform All students must wear their uniform to and from school. We set high expectations that all students are wearing their uniform correctly and are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and promote whom they represent in the public space. If a student is caught wearing a non-regulation uniform, he will be asked to put it into his bag. If he is caught again wearing a non-regulation uniform the item will be confiscated. As we move into the later part of autumn into winter students should wear the regulation school jacket. Non-regulation coats and jackets are not to be worn.  If a student does not have a tie parents and caregivers must purchase one within a practical time frame. If the time frame surpasses and your son still has not does not have a tie he will be advised to wear summer uniform until a tie is purchased. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Our Kids Online An online safety information programme presentation by Rob and Zareen Cope. This is in conjunction with the Wellington Catholic Kāhui Ako that we belong to. It is being held on Tuesday 8 June at Samuel Marsden College from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. To register for this event please click here. The presentation will include the following topics: Understand the harms our kids are facing online in relation to pornography, predators, social media access and the 24/7 switched on effect. Learn practical solutions to keep your children safer online. Get advice on healthy ways to approach these tricky topics. Learn what to do when your child has been exposed to something harmful. This talk also includes an online safety plan tailored to suit your family’s needs. Entry is by gold coin donation with proceeds going to the Wellington Soup Kitchen. MMR vaccination catch-up As a follow up to information sent out yesterday to the families of students aged 15 and over students will be able to get vaccinated against MMR on Friday 11 June at the College if they have previously missed out, and have parental consent. FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner Tickets go on sale on Monday 31 May – $36 per person. Ticket sales will primarily be online and the link is: https://www.trybooking.co.nz/HGR . Bookings do cost an extra 30c per ticket. There will be small number of tickets available from the office if you do not want to incur the booking fee or do not want to purchase online. As this event is quite popular and does sell out we are unable to hold any tickets without full payment. Our speaker this year is St Pat’s Old Boy Li’i Alaimoana who will share the journey of his career in the comedy industry. There is a buffet dinner, raffles, photos and a cash bar – a fun night guaranteed! Eftpos will be available but bring your cash for raffles and for quicker service at the bar. Any queries to fospc2018@gmail.com Support St Pat’s Cricket Development   The First XI and a development team are going to the Bay of Plenty in October and are raising funds for this trip. You can support the boys by attending their major fundraiser Quiz and Auction night on Saturday 26 June at 7.00pm in the College hall. Get together a group of 8 and purchase a table for $200 and come and join the fun.  There are plenty of amazing raffle and auctions to be won.  Contact Marina Scoble if you would like further details.  Email: marina.scoble@mikepero.com  Cell: 021 2795444 Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • 21 May 2021   Tēnā koutou katoa O’Shea Shield Congratulations to our O’Shea Shield team who tied runners-up with Sacred Heart New Plymouth and St John’s Hastings. A special mention to the following students who won their categories: Religious Drama: Thomas Cacho-Bevin, VJ Dahya, Aeneas O’Sullivan, James Tuck, Lawrence White Scripture Reading: Joshua Perera Te Reo Scripture Reading: Cameron Ruka-Karauti. Thank you to staff who coached their students as well as whānau and friends who came along to support our team. Term 2 Focus – Achievement We strive to excel in all aspects of College and personal life. We nurture a love of learning both inside and outside the classroom; and we use our talents for the good of all. At assembly this week I shared with the student’s examples of achievement. I put this challenge in front of them to remind them of how they are applying the Faith and MAHI values as part of their everyday activities and/or routines. As in my previous communication achievement is more than just success in academic studies. Some achievements for this week in our kura include: the success of the public speaking event for the O’Shea Shield; the Year 9 parents and whānau who attended the Parents of Patricians (POP) evening; Year 12 retreat; Year 10 Drama production for our Kāhui Ako schools; Pink Shirt Day; and sports events during the week. I encourage whānau to acknowledge and celebrate the small achievements made by your son and our kura. Sacramental Programme The Sacramental Programme commenced this week however it is not too late to join in. This is for students who would like to be Baptised, make their First Holy Communion or get Confirmed. This is a great opportunity for students to further their understanding of our Faith. We will be celebrating these Sacraments at the Assumption Day Mass on 13 August. If you would like more information about this you can email Father Pat Brophy pat.brophy@stpatscollege.co.nz or Jacob Madigan at Jacob.madigan@stpats.school.nz Music Department Concert, on Tuesday 25 May at 7.30pm in the College Hall Everyone is warmly invited to attend the Music Department Concert which will feature the talented music students of St Patrick’s College. There will be a variety of music being performed by students. Parents, friends and family are very welcome – we would love to see you there! Entry is free, although donations towards covering the cost of supper are appreciated. Dates to diary for next week Monday 24 May – Parents’ Association AGM in the staffroom at 7.15pm Tuesday 25 May – Music Department Concert at 7.30pm in the College hall Wednesday 26 May – Sports exchange with Wellington College hosted at St Patrick’s College.  We wish all our teams the best of luck. We welcome Old Boys’, parents and caregivers, whānau and supporters of our two respective College’s to this event. The sports timetable for the day’s fixtures is available on the College website.  Students will be allowed to watch the various sports from lunchtime (12.50pm) for the afternoon and it is expected that students will be released home at the conclusion of the games at approximately 2.45pm. 12.45pm:                     Basketball in the Gym 1.00pm:                       1XI Soccer Game on the Turf 1.15pm:                       1XV Rugby Game on Evans Bay Park 3.00pm:                       After-match in College hall for players, team management and officials. Board of Trustee meeting at 6.00pm in the Colin Boardroom.  Parents are most welcome to attend. Friday 28 May – House Sasa competition at 2.30pm in the College hall. Advance Notice – there is no school on Friday 4 June Please note that the College will be closed on Friday 4 June for a Wellington wide Loop Ed professional development day for local secondary school’s teachers and also on Monday 7 June (Queen’s Birthday Monday) and Tuesday 8 June for midterm break. Uniform All students must wear their uniform to and from school. We set high expectations that all students are wearing their uniform correctly and are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and promote whom they represent in the public space. If a student is caught wearing a non-regulation uniform, he will be asked to put it into his bag. If he is caught again wearing a non-regulation uniform the item will be confiscated. As we move into the later part of autumn into winter students should wear the regulation school jacket. Non-regulation coats and jackets are not to be worn.  If a student does not have a tie parents and caregivers must purchase one within a practical time frame. If the time frame surpasses and your son still has not does not have a tie he will be advised to wear summer uniform until a tie is purchased. I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) Testing St Patrick’s College is part of the PISA 2022 Field Trial.  This involves 5000 students in New Zealand and thousands of students in over 80 other countries doing testing in areas such as reading, mathematics, science and creative thinking.  The data gathered helps to look at trends in education and consider ways to improve systems and teaching. 98 St Patrick’s College students have been randomly chosen by the Ministry of Education to complete the testing on Tuesday 25th of May.  The students chosen will miss their usual classes on that day Periods Two, Three and Four.  The students have been spoken to and given a letter to bring home.  Their teachers have also been told. Please contact sarah.parkinson@stpats.school.nz if you have any questions.   Sacramental Programme The Sacramental Programme commenced this week however it is not too late to join in. This is for students who would like to be Baptised, make their First Holy Communion or get Confirmed. This is a great opportunity for students to further their understanding of our Faith. We will be celebrating these Sacraments at the Assumption Day Mass at St Mary of the Angels on 13 August. If you would like more information about this you can email Father Pat Brophy pat.brophy@stpatscollege.co.nz or Jacob Madigan at Jacob.madigan@stpats.school.nz Our Kids Online An online safety information programme presentation by Rob and Zareen Cope. This is in conjunction with the Wellington Catholic Kāhui Ako that we belong to. It is being held on Tuesday 8 June at Samuel Marsden College from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. To register for this event please click here. The presentation will include the following topics: Understand the harms our kids are facing online in relation to pornography, predators, social media access and the 24/7 switched on effect. Learn practical solutions to keep your children safer online. Get advice on healthy ways to approach these tricky topics. Learn what to do when your child has been exposed to something harmful. This talk also includes an online safety plan tailored to suit your family’s needs. Entry is by gold coin donation with proceeds going to the Wellington Soup Kitchen. MMR vaccination catch-up As a follow up to information sent out yesterday to the families of students aged 15 and over students will be able to get vaccinated against MMR on Friday 11 June at the College if they have previously missed out, and have parental consent. FOSPC – Mother Son Dinner Reminder to save the date Tuesday 29 June at 7.00pm. Tickets go on sale on Monday 31 May – $36 per person. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal with your son. Our speaker this year is St Pat’s Old Boy Li’i Alaimoana who will share the journey of his career in the comedy industry. There’ll be raffles, photos and a cash bar – a fun night guaranteed! More details to come. Parents’ Association AGM The Parents’ Association are holding their AGM at 7.15pm on Monday 24 May in the staffroom and would like to invite you to attend.  The Parents’ Association is a group of parents and caregivers which runs two fundraising events each year. You can get involved by joining the Association, or helping with an event. There are many ways to share your time and talent and every contribution large or small helps St Patrick’s to provide an even better education and environment for your son. We have fun while we work and helping out is a great way to meet other parents and caregivers. No prior experience is required, a wide range of talents are needed and all parents and caregivers are welcome to join us.   Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • LOCKDOWN EXERCISE AT SPC IS FINISHED
      • We have completed our lockdown exercise and all students, staff and persons on-site are safely accounted for.  Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions.  A notice will be going out to parents/caregivers tonight to provide some more information about our emergency lockdown procedures. We will be sending a notice/email out tonight providing information on what has occurred today.  I would like to personally thank you for your support while we conduct these practices.   Ngā mihi nui   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post LOCKDOWN EXERCISE AT SPC IS FINISHED appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa We come to the end of Term 1 after a busy and successful last few weeks. We have had a number of highlights and occasions that should be acknowledged to celebrate the many awesome things that happen in our kura. Special Character                                                                                          Academic Mass St Patrick’s Day Mass Ash Wednesday liturgy Season of Lent – Pray. Fast. Give. Commissioning of Manu Taupua Commissioning of the Eucharistic Ministers Catholic Special Character Review Weekly lunchtime mass Holy Week liturgy Academic 2020 NCEA results Four NCEA Scholarships in 2020 Academic Excellence assembly Events Year 9 Pōwhiri Big Boys’ Breakfast Home School Partnership Sport 1st XI Cricket traditionals Summer Tournament week Wellington Regional Athletics Championships Thank you for your support during a busy Term One.   Staff Farewells Gary Cook-Andrews: We farewell Mr Gary Cook-Andrews, our College Publications Coordinator and long serving staff member. Mr Cook-Andrews started at the College in 2003 as Sports Assistant. In his role he was actively involved in the administration and management of a multitude of sporting codes. During his career at the College Mr Cook-Andrews progressed to taking over as Publicity Officer and has produced the Patrician magazine annually since 2004. He has given generously of his time to our College community and we thank him for his contribution to the life of St Patrick’s College and wish him all the best for the future. Rose Ter Borg: In mid-March we farewelled Ms Rose ter Borg. Ms ter Borg joined us in the middle of lockdown in mid-April of last year. We thank her for contribution to the life of St Patrick’s College and wish her all the best at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, formerly the Correspondence School. Kelsen Simonsen: At the end of this term we also farewell Mr Kelsen Simonsen. Mr Simonsen joined us in 2019. We thank him for his contribution to the life of St Patrick’s College and wish him all the best for the future and his move to Tauranga.   Progress Conference Thank you to those parents who came in on Wednesday for Progress Conferences.  This is a really important day for us and hopefully was useful for you.   Latest Newsletter The second College newsletter of the year will be available on the College website this afternoon.   Office Hours during the holidays The school office will be closed from Monday 19 April 2021 to Wednesday 28 April 2021 inclusive.  The office will re-open on Thursday 29 April 2021 to Friday 30 April 2021 with reduced hours of 9.30am to 3.00pm.  Normal term time hours will resume on Monday 3 May 2021.   Term dates for 2021 Term 2 – Monday 3 May to Friday 9 July. Term 3 – Monday 26 July to Friday 1 October. Term 4 – Monday 18 October to Wednesday 15 December.   Dates to diary for Week 1 of Term 2 Monday 3 May: Second Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime.  Parents’ Association meet at 7.30pm in the staffroom Wednesday 5 May: ANZAC Liturgy at assembly Thursday 6 May: Whanau Ropu Hui at 6.00pm   FOSPC – Donations for Mother Son Dinner Planning for the annual Mother Son dinner, on Tuesday 29 June 2021, is underway. This is a special social occasion where mothers and sons come together to enjoy a buffet meal in the college hall, and hear from a guest speaker. This is not a fundraiser event. However, we run some raffles on the night to help us cover the costs, which helps make it an affordable and fun evening.  We are looking for donations of vouchers, products or experiences that we can package up for raffle prizes and spot prizes.  We are also looking for anyone who can provide lighting to help transform the venue from ordinary college hall to elegant gala dinner venue. If you are able to support our sponsorship please email fospc2018@gmail.com. Many thanks in advance. Tickets will go on sale on 31 May. In the meantime, save the date.   Uniform shop change in purchase agreement From 3 May we will no longer purchase old style rain jackets (with the drawstring at the waist). The shop will still sell them and we will take donations but we will stop purchasing them. We will still purchase the two newer style rain jackets and blazers. See our updated page for details. Upcoming shop openings are: Saturday 1 May: 10.00am -12.00pm (by appointment, email fospc2018@gmail.com) Monday 3 May: lunchtime 1.40pm – 2.20pm     I wish you all a peaceful and restful holiday. The Lord has risen! Alleluia! Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   This Sunday’s gospel reading is filled with hope and comfort. The disciples were hiding in a room, in secret as they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Jesus appeared before his disciples and the first thing he said to them was ‘Peace be with you.’ They would have been amazed to see him again. It would have given them courage to come out of hiding, to go out into the streets filled with zeal to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection. ‘Peace be with you’ – this simple phrase has many layers in its meaning and how it can affect our way of being. These can include but are not limited to the following; a sense of calmness, a feeling of hope and/or happiness, a form of forgiveness and an expression of love. May the peace of Christ be with us all. The Lord has risen! Alleluia!   Tutor Conferences: In preparation for the Tutor Conferences on 14 April all Year 9 -12 students should have completed a questionnaire on goal-setting. This is found by the students logging on to the parent portal and then selecting the Careers tab and then clicking on Interviews. This will give them access to the questionnaire. Once they have answered the 7 questions they then need to save by clicking on the save button at the bottom.   Progress Conference Day: All students and their caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend a 20-minute in-depth discussion with the student’s Tutor Teacher (or another teacher allocated accordingly). Parent-Teacher-Student interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 14 April from 8.30am to 9.50am, 10.00am to 11.00am, 11.30am to 1.10pm, and 2.00pm to 3.40pm. Students only need to come into school for the duration of their appointment and do not need to wear uniform. There are no classes that day. All Year 9 – 12 students will have an interview with their Tutor Teacher. Interviews will be of 20 minutes’ duration. Students must attend as well. Year 13 students will not have an interview on this day. They will have their mentoring session with their Tutor Teacher on Wednesday 7 April. For these interviews we are using an internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). It will save time for parents, staff and students! Using this system, you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet-connected computer. The PTO system opened on Wednesday 31 March. A computer will be available in the front office during school hours if you do not have internet access at home or elsewhere. Information about how to log-on can be found on the College website.   Dates to diary for next week Monday 12 April – FOSPC Second Hand Uniform shop is open at lunchtime. Tuesday 13 April – Pasifika Parents’ Association meet at 6.00pm in the staffroom. Wednesday 14 April – Progress Conference day – there is no school that day. Friday 16 April – Term 1 ends. A newsletter will be available.   The Winter Project: We are supporting the Winter Project, an initiative run by students at Samuel Marsden Collegiate, by collecting good quality winter clothes for children in low decile schools around the Wellington region. If your children have outgrown their winter woollies since last year, please ask your son to bring them in next week and drop them off to Miss MacLeod in room W014 before Friday. All ages, genders, sizes in good condition accepted.   FOSPC – Donations for Mother Son Dinner: Planning for the annual Mother Son dinner, on Tuesday 29 June 2021, is underway. This is a special social occasion where mothers and sons come together to enjoy a buffet meal in the College hall, and hear from a guest speaker. This is not a fundraiser event. However, we run some raffles on the night to help us cover the costs, which helps make it an affordable and fun evening. We are looking for donations of vouchers, products or experiences that we can package up for raffle prizes and spot prizes. We are also looking for anyone who can provide lighting to help transform the venue from ordinary college hall to elegant gala dinner venue. If you are able to support our sponsorship please email fospc2018@gmail.com. Many thanks in advance. Tickets will go on sale on 31 May. In the meantime, save the date.   Uniform shop change in purchase agreement: From 3 May we will no longer purchase old style rain jackets (with the drawstring at the waist). The shop will still sell them and we will take donations but we will stop purchasing them. We will still purchase the two newer style rain jackets and blazers. See our updated page for details. Upcoming shop openings are: Monday 12 April: lunchtime 1:40-2:20pm Saturday 1 May: 10.00am-12.00pm (by appointment, email fospc2018@gmail.com) Monday 3 May: lunchtime 1:40-2:20pm   Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Palm Sunday  This Sunday, we celebrate Palm Sunday. This is the beginning of Holy Week which begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Holy Week has significant events in the church calendar that include the washing of the disciple’s feet, the first Eucharist, the arrest, trial and death of Jesus. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the people paid him homage by laying down their cloaks in front of him as he walked by, waving palm branches and praising him with the words ‘Hosanna’. Each of these things symbolise something of significance. The donkey represents peace and humility. Jesus arrived in the city to bring peace to the people. The laying down of cloaks represents the people acknowledging Jesus as their king. The palms symbolise joy and triumph. The word hosanna means blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. In essence, the people recognised Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one chosen by God.   Manaakitanga: We respect, support and care for one another as Mary did. I hope this week all our students have applied manaakitanga in their daily life in thoughts, words and actions. That our students recognise the inherent dignity of each person they encounter. When our students are in public spaces such as waiting in public areas, on the bus or train, wearing face coverings, being considerate towards those around them and how they interact with members of the public including students from other schools or colleges. With Mary, the Mother of God as our model let us all respect, support and care for one another as she did.   Curriculum Review Update Multiple factors affect the direction we head in with the delivery of our school curriculum. Some of these include exponential growth and capability of technology, student needs, the skills employers demand and future job opportunities. Last year, the College started to review our junior curriculum. The Curriculum Review group is called Te Ohu Rapu Ora (Te O.R.O.). The aim of this group is to review our curriculum, and to design a connected, critical, culturally sustaining and future-focused, fit-for-purpose curriculum that equips students with skills for the future, fosters students’ identity, language and culture, and prepares students to participate as successful citizens in the 21st century. A group of teachers have been working on the review which has included visiting other schools. Staff are considering possible options and looking at the direction that this review may lead to. During this process we are seeking opinion and feedback from all parties concerned. Please find a link to a survey which we ask you to complete. Curriculum Review Survey: Parents   Home-School Partnership Meeting for Pasifika Families Talofa lava, Kia orana, Malo ni, Malo e lelei.  All Pacific Island families are warmly invited to attend our first Home-School Partnership for 2021 on Wednesday 31 March at 6.00pm in our hall.  2020 brought some pleasing improvement in NCEA results for our Pasifika boys.  It is not only the work of your son’s teachers that contribute to these achievements but the support from home and attending our Home-School Partnership sessions. Parents will have the opportunity to meet their son’s House Leader and Tutor teacher and understand the roles they have in helping your sons reach their academic, spiritual, sporting and cultural goals for the year.  We look forward to seeing you on 31 March.   Advance Notice re Progress Conference Day All students and their caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend a 20-minute in-depth discussion with the student’s Tutor Teacher (or another teacher allocated accordingly).  Parent-Teacher-Student interviews will be conducted on Wednesday 14 April from 8.30 to 9.50am, 10.00am to 11.00am, 11.30am to 1.10pm, and 2.00pm to 3.40pm.  Students only need to come into school for the duration of their appointment and do not need to wear uniform.  There are no classes that day.  All Year 9 – 12 students will have an interview with their Tutor Teacher. Interviews will be of 20 minutes’ duration.  Students must attend as well.  Year 13 students will not have an interview on this day.  They will have their mentoring session with their Tutor Teacher on Wednesday 7 April. For these interviews we are using an internet-based booking system called Parent Teacher On-Line (PTO). It will save time for parents, staff and students!  Using this system, you will be able to book the interview times that suit you best from any internet-connected computer. This will be available from next Wednesday 31 March.  An email will be sent on Monday 29 March providing all the relevant information.  A computer will be available in the front office during school hours if you do not have internet access at home or elsewhere.  Information about how to log-on can be found on the College website.   Dates to diary for next week Monday 29 March – FOSPC meeting in staffroom at 7.30pm. Wednesday 31 March – presentation of Academic Blues and awards at assembly at 12.10pm in the College hall. Parents are most welcome to attend. Thursday 1 April – Holy Week liturgy at 2.30pm in the College hall. Parents are most welcome to attend.   Easter Holidays The College is closed for the Easter holidays on Friday 2 April, Monday 5 April and Tuesday 6 April.     Ngā mihi nui   Kia u ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI.   Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa Manaakitanga: We respect, support and care for one another as Mary did. This is the descriptor that is used for this value and there are three key words to this that I will speak to. The words respect, support and care have many layers to it. The Oxford dictionary defines respect as; a feeling of admiration for someone or something because of their good qualities or achievements. When we display positive feelings or actions towards someone or something important we hold them in high regard and we recognise the worth of a person or thing. When we offer support for someone our intention is to work with and walk alongside that person. The intention is that the person we walk with is fully aware and understands that they are not alone. When we care for someone or something this is an expression of love. I hope that all our students will apply manaakitanga in their daily lives through thoughts, words and actions. That all students will recognise the dignity of all individuals, knowing that there is always someone there for them expressed through love. With Mary, the Mother of God as our model let us all respect, support and care for one another as she did. St Patrick’s Day  On behalf of the staff and students of our kura I would like to acknowledge and thank the Parents’ Association and volunteers who organised another outstanding Big Boy’s Breakfast on Wednesday and to all the dad’s, uncles, grandfathers and students who attended. Complaints regarding Face Coverings A reminder to everyone that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport under Alert Level 1. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings. This has been covered in the last four assemblies, the College notices and the weekly community email. Unfortunately, a number of our students continue to ignore the mandate outlined by the Government. We have received complaints every day for the last three weeks from members of the public informing us of St Pat’s students who do not have a face covering or have a face covering but wear it around their neck. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office. General Hygiene Practice A reminder to all students to regularly wash their hands with soap and dry them thoroughly; to cough or sneeze into their elbow; use the hand sanitisers available in all classrooms; that face coverings can be worn at school at their discretion; and that face coverings must be worn on all public transport. Dates to Diary for next week Wednesday 24 March – the Board of Trustees meet at 6.00pm in the Colin Boardroom and parents are most welcome to attend. Weetbix TRYathlon this Sunday Please be aware that there will be no access to the college grounds this Sunday 21 March because of parking for the Weetbix TRYathlon.  Our Rowing and Water polo parents will be managing and charging for parking in the College grounds as a fundraiser for these 2 sporting codes. St Patrick’s College App The College has an App for use on mobile devices. The App gives you mobile access to important school information, notifications and functions. Instructions to obtain the App: Go to the App Store (iPhone) / Play Store (Android) on your mobile device Search for ‘School Apps NZ’ Download the ‘School Apps NZ’ App In the ‘School Apps NZ’ App, search for St Patrick’s College Wellington (identified by the school logo) Choose ‘St Patrick’s College Wellington’ as the school you wish to use and update your own preferences. Once complete, you will see the ‘School Apps NZ’ app on your mobile device. Whenever you open it, it will display the St Patrick’s College App. Big Boys’ Breakfast The Parents’ Association would like to thank all those who attended the Big Boys’ Breakfast and helped make it a memorable occasion. We would also like to thank the guest speaker, Billy Graham. Special thanks to the main sponsor Brightbuild, and our table sponsors Abstel Glyde, Ellmers Mowers, Pak’n Save Petone, Pak’n Save Lower Hutt, Qual IT, Real iQ and the St Patrick’s Old Boys’ Association.  Without the support of these sponsors we would be unable to hold this event. We would also like to acknowledge and thank those businesses and individuals that have so kindly sponsored this event, whether it be donations of time, money or product – your generosity is greatly appreciated: Arobake, Bed, Bath & Beyond Lyall Bay, Bunnings Lyall Bay, Caffe L’affare, Delaney Building and Maintenance, Domino’s Pizza J’ville & Khandallah, Empire Cinema and Eatery, Fix and Fogg, GSE Engineering Ltd, Habit Health Kilbirnie, House of Handsome Barbers, Island Bay Butchery, Jennian Homes, Karen Moreau Nutrimetics, Khandallah Quality Meats, Mediterranean Food Warehouse, Maranui Café, Milne Print Wellington, Moon Family, New World Khandallah, Penthouse Cinema, Sams Art House, Simply Foods, Small Family, The Pines, Weta Workshops, Working Hands and Zealandia.   Ngā mihi nui Kia u ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI. Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR     MANAAKITANGA                   ACHIEVEMENT                       HAOURA                     INTEGRITY The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Season of Lent We are now halfway through term 1 and the daily routines of life at the College are well under way. The last few weeks have focused on specific themes in relation to our developing and strengthening our relationship with God, ourself and with others. The themes include: manaakitanga; Lent; God’s unconditional love for us and to pray, fast and give. I hope your journey of faith and preparation during Lent is uplifting, and sustainable.  Please remember to continue to pray for one another during this time of reflection and to show kindness and compassion.   St Patrick’s Day  On Wednesday 17 March we will celebrate our patron feast day. The day will begin with the popular Big Boys’ Breakfast. I would like to thank our main sponsor Bright Build and other sponsors for their generous support. At lunch time each student will receive their traditional green ice block. At 1.00pm we will gather as a community in the College hall to honour St Patrick and ask for God’s blessing for mass. The celebrant for the mass is Fr. Bill Warwick, Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Parish. We welcome Old Boys’, parents, caregivers and whanau to the mass.   Complaints regarding Face Coverings A reminder to everyone that face coverings are mandatory on all public transport under Alert Level 1. This is a mandate from the Government. We have informed and reminded our students that they must wear face coverings. This has been covered in the last four assemblies, the College notices and the weekly community email. Unfortunately, a number of our students continue to ignore the mandate outlined by the Government. We have received complaints every day for the last three weeks from members of the public informing us of St Pat’s students who do not have a face covering or have a face covering but wear it around their neck. I ask that all students be considerate towards those around them on public transport. Everyone’s health and safety is paramount. If your son does not have a face covering he can collect one from the office. General Hygiene Practice A reminder to all students to regularly wash their hands with soap and dry them thoroughly; to cough or sneeze into their elbow; use the hand sanitisers available in all classrooms; that face coverings can be worn at school at their discretion; and that face coverings must be worn on all public transport.   NOTICE FROM REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH – RHEUMATIC FEVER To the staff, students and caregivers of St Patrick’s School Wellington There has been a case of rheumatic fever in your school. What is Rheumatic Fever? Rheumatic fever can cause sore or swollen joints (knees, elbows, ankles and wrists), skin rashes, fever, stomach pain or jerky movements. The main problem with rheumatic fever is that it can cause lifelong damage to the heart. Preventing Rheumatic Fever Rheumatic fever is an illness that some people develop a few weeks after a sore throat caused by a bacteria, (commonly known as a ‘strep’ throat infection). Not everyone who gets a ‘strep’ throat infection will go on to develop rheumatic fever. ‘Strep’ throat infections can be spread from person to person. To stop spread of ‘strep’ throats in schools or at home, encourage hand washing, cover mouths when coughing, use tissues when sneezing and throw away tissues as soon as they have been used. It is also important to find and treat ‘strep’ throat infections early with antibiotics. Your family doctor can find out whether a sore throat is a ‘strep’ throat or not by taking a throat swab. If a ‘strep’ throat is found in time, then antibiotics can be given. It is therefore important that anyone with a sore throat see their family doctor to be checked out and see whether a swab and/or antibiotics should be given. If you do visit your family doctor, please explain that there has been a recent case of Rheumatic Fever in the school. If you want to get more information, please contact your family doctor or contact: Amy Marshall Public Health Nurse 570 9002   Dates to Diary for next week Tuesday 16 March – Pasifika Parents’ Association meeting at 6.00pm in the staffroom. Wednesday 17 March – BBB breakfast at 7.15am (doors open at 7.00am) and St Patrick’s Day Mass in the College hall at 1.00pm.   FILMING BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AT THE COLLEGE NEXT WEEK As part of our inclusion in the review of Achievement Standards in Religious Education as part of the NCEA Change Package, a film crew from the Ministry of Education will be coming to the College on Wednesday 17 March.  They will film students entering and taking part in St Patrick’s Day Mass.  They will also be filming within Year Eleven RE classes on Wednesday morning.  They may be present in Fr Crawford’s RE102 class, Mr Woods RE102 class and/or Miss MacLeod’s RE102 on Wednesday morning before mass.  They will not visit any other classes. The film crew will be filming B-Roll footage, which will supplement the main interviews that will be done from people outside of St Patrick’s College.  The footage will be used in Ministry of Education communications, targeted at teachers, school leaders, students and their whanau.  They will be published via the Ministry’s social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn). Please contact Sarah Parkinson – sarah.parkinson@stpats.school.nz if you do not want your son included in this footage of the College during the mass or to be filmed within his RE class if he is in one of the classes mentioned above.   WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH – ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS – BRIGHT BUILD BIG BOYS’ BREAKFAST WITH BILLY GRAHAM Now is the time to get your tickets for this year’s breakfast, featuring Billy Graham, New Zealand’s best-loved motivator and fitness advisor as guest speaker. The Big Boys’ Breakfast is for boys and their father, grandfather, uncle, or other significant male and we especially welcome Year 9 boys attending their first breakfast. Tickets are $20 each and are on sale now and can be reserved by depositing the correct funds in the school bank account – ANZ Bank 060513 0193557 00 with your son’s name and BBB as reference.  These tickets can then be collected from the cashier 3 working days after purchase. Tickets can also be bought with cash or EFTPOS at the office.  Tickets will not be allocated until cash or EFTPOS transaction is complete so please do not email the office asking for tickets to be held. Once tickets are purchased, there will be no refunds so please check the date and time of the event carefully before purchasing. If you wish to email the Cashier, Jacky Reid, her email is jacky.reid@stpats.school.nz There will be some great raffles on the morning so bring some coins. Remember to write your name on the back of your ticket for the spot prize draw.  Please be aware that meat does form part of the breakfast menu. Breakfast starts at 7.15am and the doors are open from 7.00am.  Students wear formal uniform. Parking is going to be problematic on Friday morning and it is suggested that people park either on the street, in the rear carpark of the Aquatic Centre or at the Evans Bay Marina.   Kia u ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI. Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Season of Lent Joel 2:12-13 Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. This scripture passage reminds us of God’s unconditional love for us, his people. The season of Lent is a time to reflect on how we live our lives and the impact it has on the people around us. With the temptations that surround us in our daily lives and whether we succumb to them is the challenge that we face each day. The message from this passage gives us courage and hope. For our God is a compassionate, merciful and patient God. A God who models for all of us to aspire to in how we should react when an offence is committed against us. Let us pray for one another in the hope that we too can act with compassion, mercy and patience.   Welcome to the new Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish Hello everyone. As of 1 February I have taken up a new appointment as Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Parish. This includes the three primary schools of St Patrick’s in Kilbirnie, Holy Cross in Miramar and St Anthony’s in Seatoun, and the two colleges of St Catherine’s and St Patrick’s in Kilbirnie. I am one of six children and grew up in Lyall Bay. I was educated at St Patrick’s Primary School in Kilbirnie, Holy Cross in Miramar and St Patrick’s College in Cambridge Terrace. My working background was in banking with the CBA as it was in Kilbirnie, now on the current site of the Westpac Bank in Onepu Road. I look forward to working alongside and building a continued relationship with the schools and parish together as best I can. I am very much a people person, enjoy visiting and encouraging people to use their time, treasure and talents. With every good wish and blessing, Fr Bill Warwick   McEvedy Shield The decision by the four principals, including myself, to cancel the McEvedy Shield was not an easy decision after careful consideration. I ask the College community to seek to understand the reasons for the cancellation. It is upsetting for everyone, particularly for our coaches, managers and especially our athletes. I want to acknowledge the director of athletics, Mr Leigh Lidstone and his team of coaches and managers as well as all the athletes who have worked so hard during the summer. We look forward to next year in preparation for the 100th anniversary.   WEDNESDAY 17 MARCH – ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS – BRIGHT BUILD BIG BOYS’ BREAKFAST WITH BILLY GRAHAM Now is the time to get your tickets for this year’s breakfast, featuring Billy Graham, New Zealand’s best-loved motivator and fitness advisor as guest speaker. The Big Boys’ Breakfast is for boys and their father, grandfather, uncle, or other significant male and we especially welcome Year 9 boys attending their first breakfast. Tickets are $20 each and are on sale now and can be reserved by depositing the correct funds in the school bank account – ANZ Bank 060513 0193557 00 with your son’s name and BBB as reference.  These tickets can then be collected from the cashier 3 working days after purchase. Tickets can also be bought with cash or EFTPOS at the office.  Tickets will not be allocated until cash or EFTPOS transaction is complete so please do not email the office asking for tickets to be held. Once tickets are purchased, there will be no refunds so please check the date and time of the event carefully before purchasing. If you wish to email the Cashier, Jacky Reid, her email is jacky.reid@stpats.school.nz   SEVERN STREET ISLAND BAY BUS DETOURS Road Closure & Bus Detour Details: Due to necessary water-main upgrade work on Severn Street, the road will be closed and several school bus routes impacted, and detoured away from the area. This temporary change will come into effect from Monday 1 March. This means school buses servicing the area will not be travelling through Severn Street, Moselle Street and Humber Street. School bus services will detour via Derwent Street, The Esplanade, Robertson Street, and Frobisher Street. Several bus stops along Severn Street will be closed for the duration of works, until complete. Please see below for the list of closed bus stops. Due to these stop closures along Severn Street, we recommend customers use alternative bus stops to catch school bus services for the duration of works. The arrival times of each service will only be extended by a few minutes. The following bus stops will be closed during work hours: 6137 Severn Street (near 55) (school stop) 7138 Severn Street at Wye Street (school stop) 6139 Severn Street (near 121) (school stop) 7137 Severn Street at Moselle Street (school stop) 6136 Humber Street at The Parade (school stop)     Ngā mihi nui Sectare Fidem Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR   MANAAKITANGA         ACHIEVEMENT             HAOURA           INTEGRITY The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • MOVE TO ALERT LEVEL 2
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Re: Alert Level 2 The Government has announced that the whole country excluding the Auckland region, will move to Alert Level 2 as of 6.00am this morning.   1. School is open to everyone, and all students must attend. At Alert Level 2 the disease is contained but there is still risk of community transmission. It is safe for students and staff to attend school as there will be appropriate measures already in place.   2. Schools are not classified as gatherings and a range of events and activities can go ahead. For most day to day activities at schools, the rules for gatherings do not apply. Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Order, schools are exempted from physical distancing requirements when people are there to receive, provide, or support education services.   3. Face coverings on public transport All students travelling on public transport are legally required to wear face coverings on all public transport at all times. Face coverings are optional on dedicated school bus services. However, it is recommended that face coverings are worn.   4. If you feel sick or unwell, please stay home. You should seek medical advice if they have COVID-like symptoms and get tested if advised to do so. If that person displays relevant symptoms of COVID-19, tests positive for COVID-19, or has been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate. If a student shows any signs of being unwell while at school we will contact the parent/caregiver immediately for the student to be taken home.   5. Contact tracing system in place. QR code posters are already on display at school entrances. A visitor register is also set up in the College office.   6. General hygiene: If you are feeling unwell, please stay at home Physical distancing (not touching and not breathing on each other at Alert Level 2) Wash your hands regularly. Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Face coverings can be worn at school at your discretion. Processes are already in place with our cleaning contractor ensuring that high use surface areas are cleaned regularly.   Thank you for your cooperation. Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post MOVE TO ALERT LEVEL 2 appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Season of Lent – Pray. Fast. Give. During the first week of Lent we have asked all our students to set aside time to participate in the following words during the 40-day period. Pray. Fast. Give. Take a few minutes out of your day and pray for forgiveness and thanksgiving. Make a decision to give up something during Lent as a form of fasting. When we give up something we are reminded of Christ’s own sacrifice. The type of sacrifice does not need to be extraordinary. Some examples include giving up chocolate or sweets, cutting back on carbohydrates, takeaways, or coffee. When we give we give so that others will benefit. This is not limited to just giving money to a charity. One of the simplest forms of giving is when we can give of ourselves and our time for others. Pray. Fast. Give.   Old Boys’ Cup Congratulations to all the members of the Old Boys’ athletics team, to Mr Lidstone, the Director of Athletics, his team of coaches and managers for successfully defending the Old Boys’ Cup. The unofficial result was, Town 394 and Stream 274. A great effort by all our athletes as they prepare for the annual McEvedy Shield next Tuesday.   Cricket Traditional with St Bede’s College The cricket traditional was held at Kilbirnie Park from 22-24 February.  A number of our students produced outstanding individual performances against St Bede’s from Christchurch. Playing for the 1st XI, Ethan Jefferson scored 84 in the second innings. However, it wasn’t enough to secure victory as St Bede’s retained the Dry Family Cup. The Colts game was also a hard fought affair and St Pat’s (as holders) retained the Stephen Family Cup when the game was drawn. Captain Ben Stephen (no relation) starred with the ball, hitting the stumps five times taking 5-42. Also doing well were Zach Bishop (92) and Aditya Tiwari (68), who combined for a partnership of 168 runs for the second wicket. Thank you to all our players and families for hosting the St Bede’s students.   Dates to Diary for next week Monday 1 March: The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime from 1.40 to 2.20pm.  The Parents’ Association meet at 4.00pm in the Colin Boardroom. Tuesday 2 March: McEvedy Shield at Newtown Park. Wednesday 3 March: presentation of Academic Blues at Assembly. Thursday 4 March: College Campus Masterplan meeting in the staffroom at 6.00pm. Friday 5 March: Mufti Day for Caritas.   McEVEDY: On Tuesday 2 March is the annual McEvedy Shield. I want to acknowledge Mr Lidstone and staff involved as coaches and managers for their dedication and support they offer our athletes. I want to wish all the best to our athletes who will represent us on the track and field. Our hope is that your commitment and training will come to fruition and more importantly, that you do your best. I will be speaking to the school in regards to the importance of our behaviour in public. Our students are our advertisement. It is important that our students remember that the public will be quick to criticise if our students make poor choices. I know that they can behave and interact positively as this was evident at the Old Boys’ Cup. Their role at McEvedy is to support our athletes and display good sportsmanship towards the athletes of the other colleges. I hope that our students will display our College values of ‘Keeping the faith and doing the MAHI’. The boys speak of the brotherhood and how important that connection is. They must acknowledge the brotherhood that also exists at Rongotai College, St Patrick’s College, Silverstream and Wellington College. I expect and am confident that the boys’ will uphold the mana of our College as that is what is important to me and the College community. Students need to be at the Park by 9.00am.  Summer uniform is to be worn and students may wear a hat, preferably of a blue colour.  Students are encouraged to leave their school bags at home and should not bring any valuable items to the Park on the day.  Metlink is unable to redirect any of our school buses on Tuesday so students will need to make their own way to and from Newtown Park.  The College has hired a bus to take students from St Patrick’s College to Newtown Park which will leave the College at 8.45am.  The programme will be finished by 2.30pm.  Food and drink will be available for purchase at the park.   College Campus Masterplan We are excited to announce that a building masterplan has been developed for our St Patrick’s College campus. This masterplan will be implemented over a number of years with stage 1 commencing later this year in 2021. The objectives of the plan are to modernise and enhance a range of educational spaces, improve the school entrance and landscaping of the site as well as to further improve the overall safety of the site. These works will ensure that St Patrick’s College Wellington continues to play a critical role in the Wellington education environment into the next century & beyond. To attend a Presentation of the College Masterplan on Thursday 4 March at 6.00pm in the College staffroom please register no later than Monday 1 March by advising the college with your details. To Register for the Presentation: Please advise the name and contact phone number of each person planning to attend to Yvonne Small, College Secretary. Email: yvonne.small@stpats.school.nz  or telephone: 04 939 3070.   Please find attached with this email information about the Big Boy’s Breakfast and also the St Patrick’s Day Parade.   Kia u ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI.   Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa Season of Lent The Season of Lent officially began on Ash Wednesday on 17 February. Lent is a 40-day preparation that includes prayer, fasting, reflection and alms giving. This is a time for you together with your whānau to reflect on how your faith, your personal life, your interactions with others and how you contribute to the common good. Lent is also a time where in your personal life you may give something up. A form of self-sacrifice. What are you prepared to sacrifice during this season? It does not have to be a significant sacrifice but something that is manageable. It is also a time of thinking of those that are less fortunate than ourselves. What can I do to support those in need? As a community of faith let us all pray for one another during Lent.   COVID-19 Alert Level 2 Response Thank you to all students and whānau for your cooperation when the College was in Alert Level 2. We continue to remind all students to wash their hands with soap regularly; that they cough or sneeze into their elbow; that hand sanitisers are available in all classrooms; that face coverings can be worn at school; and that face coverings must be worn on all public transport as per instructions from the Metlink website.   2020 NCEA provisional results I would like to acknowledge all the hard work and effort put in by all our senior students, our staff and support by whānau, parents and caregivers. These results are a celebration of what our students have achieved considering the circumstances we were all under last year. Thank you for keeping the faith and doing the MAHI.     OLD BOYS’ CUP (ST PAT’S TOWN V ST PAT’S SILVERSTREAM) ATHLETICS WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY at NEWTOWN STADIUM: On Wednesday students are to be at Newtown Park by 9.00am for a roll check.  A second roll check will be done at the end of the day.   Summer uniform must be worn.  Students who are not competing will be supporting our Athletes from the grandstand.  Remember to take some sunscreen.  If you take a hat it would be great if it could represent our school colours i.e. blue and/or white.  It would also be great if you left your schoolbag, Chromebook or laptop and other valuables at home on this day.  There will be food available for purchase at Newtown Park. At the end of the day’s programme students will be released from Newtown Park.  The day’s events should be finished by 2.30pm. Transport: Students will need to make their own way to and from Newtown Park in both the morning and afternoon.  The College has organised a bus from the College to take students to Newtown Park at 8.45am in the morning.  All other students using public transport will need to make their own way to and from Newtown Park.   Dates to Diary for next week Tuesday 23 February: “Parents of Patrician” evening for all Year 9 parents at 7.00pm in the staffroom. Wednesday 24 February: The Board of Trustees meet in the Colin Boardroom at 6.00pm.  Parents are most welcome to attend the meeting. Thursday 25 February: Year 10-13 NCEA Information Evening for parents in the staffroom at 5.30pm.   Parents of Patrician Evening You are asked to attend our first POP evening at 7.00pm on Tuesday 23 February in the staffroom. Please join us in for wine and cheese followed by a presentation from our Ministry team in the College chapel.  The presentation will introduce you to the special Character of St Patrick’s College and how you and your son can best engage with life here at the College. We will have some guest speakers with knowledge of life at St Pat’s and an opportunity to meet other parents with sons at the College.  It is a relaxed evening that begins with social time and will finish by 8.30pm.  This is a great opportunity for parents.  If you are unable to attend please email my PA, Gerardine Parkinson – admin@stpats.school.nz   National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Information Evening Are you new to NCEA or just need a refresher about what credits are and how to get them?  Not sure about how your son could gain University Entrance? Parents are invited to come along to the session run on Thursday 25 February in the staffroom where the Assistant Rector, Sarah Parkinson will go over the basics of NCEA.  The session will run from 5.30 to 6.00pm.   College newsletter A full College newsletter will be available on the College website today and some hard copies will be available in the College office.   College Campus Masterplan We are excited to announce that a building masterplan has been developed for our St Patrick’s College campus. This masterplan will be implemented over a number of years with stage 1 commencing later this year in 2021. The objectives of the plan are to modernise and enhance a range of educational spaces, improve the school entrance and landscaping of the site as well as to further improve the overall safety of the site. These works will ensure that St Patrick’s College Wellington continues to play a critical role in the Wellington education environment into the next century & beyond. To attend a Presentation of the College Masterplan on Thursday 4 March at 6.00pm please register no later than Monday 1 March by advising the college with your details. To Register for the Presentation: Please advise the name and contact phone number of each person planning to attend to Yvonne Small, College Secretary. Email: yvonne.small@stpats.school.nz  or Telephone: 04 939 3070.   Big Boy’s Breakfast This event is fast approaching on 17 March 2021 and we are calling for Sponsorship and volunteers for this awesome event.  This Breakfast is a highlight in the St Patrick’s College calendar, an opportunity for our boys and the significant males in their lives to come together and enjoy each other’s company on St Patrick’s Day.  This event needs sponsors and volunteers to help make it special.  Please email parentsassociation@stpats.school.nz if you are interested in either sponsoring or joining our awesome Parents’ Association team of volunteers.  We are asking for a major sponsor as well as minor sponsors so nothing is too small to support this event.   Uniform All students have been reminded of how they should wear their uniform to and from school. I expect that all students are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and they promote whom they represent in the public space. Please remind your son to wear the correct uniform with pride. A reminder that formal uniform is to be worn every Wednesday.   Multicultural Dinner Night – a Fundraiser for the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart This fundraising event will be held in the St Patrick’s College hall on Saturday 27 February at 7.00pm. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased from the parish office – phone (04) 496 1700.  For online payment: bank account 02-0506-0138488-025 and include your surname and initials with “MDINNER” as the reference.   Kia u ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI. Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • MOVE TO ALERT LEVEL 2
      • 14 February 2021 Tēnā koutou katoa Re: Move from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 There have been three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community in South Auckland. As a result, the Government announced at 7.00pm that the whole country excluding the Auckland region will move from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 for the next 72 hours from midnight tonight. I can advise the College community of the following guidelines as advised by the Ministry of Education.  Information on Year 9 camp is at the bottom of this correspondence. Schools are open to everyone, and all children must attend. At Alert Level 2 the disease is contained but there is still risk of community transmission. It is safe for children and staff to attend school and for school hostels to be operating as there will be appropriate measures in place, including for children and staff vulnerable to severe illness. Learning will be onsite with distance learning offered in some circumstances. Distance learning should be provided for those required to self-isolate, those individuals who health authorities have asked to stay away while waiting for a test result, or those choosing to remain at home because they are vulnerable to illness. Schools are not classified as gatherings and a range of events and activities can go ahead. For most day to day activities at schools, the rules for gatherings do not apply. Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Order, schools are exempted from physical distancing requirements when people are there to receive, provide, or support education services.  However as soon as an event or activity brings people onsite who are not there for education purposes, including students, parents and caregivers, then the rules for gatherings do apply. This would include performances such as school plays, cultural events and sporting activities. Schools will close for cleaning and contact tracing if there is a confirmed case who was infectious when at school. The Director of Education will work closely with the College and health authorities should this occur. Please contact your Ministry regional office if you hear of a confirmed case in your school community but haven’t been advised about it by health officials. Face coverings are not required at school or on any school transport. This includes charter buses hired by the school to transport students and staff. Anyone who chooses to wear a face covering in any setting should be supported to do so. Sick people must stay at home. They should seek medical advice if they have COVID-like symptoms and get tested if advised to do so. If that person displays relevant symptoms of COVID-19, tests positive for COVID-19, or has been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate. You must have a contact tracing system in place. QR code posters are already on display at school entrances. A visitor register is also set up in the College office. Fundamental public health measures continue to apply at every alert level: Physical distancing (not touching and not breathing on each other at Alert Level 2) Hand hygiene Cough and sneeze etiquette Regularly cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces. Your Ministry regional office team is available to provide support. For more detailed information for Alert Level 2, please refer to our health and safety guidance. See also our Guidance for school hostels Alert Levels 1 – 4. Year 9 Camps The camp is deemed an event that is in a controlled situation and part of the learning environment (see #3 above). As such Year 9 camps will continue as planned. All students going on camp will be required to wear a face covering since they will be travelling on public transport.  If your son is feeling unwell please keep him at home (from school or camp). You should seek medical advice if your son has COVID-like symptoms. (see #6 above) Thank you for your cooperation.  Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post MOVE TO ALERT LEVEL 2 appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa   Ash Wednesday Liturgy We will celebrate Ash Wednesday on 17 February in the College hall at 12.10pm. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a time for prayer, fasting, contemplation and reflection. Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.   Catholic Special Character Review The College will have its tri-annual review of its Catholic Special Character from March 3-5. The review team will conduct interviews with members of the Board of Proprietors and Board of Trustees, senior leaders, staff, students and parents/caregivers. The lead reviewer is Mary Cook. We look forward to having Mary and her team at the College.   Scholarships 2020 The College gained four scholarships last year. I congratulate the following students who gained a scholarship: Jules Appleby – 2 Scholarships in Physics and Statistics Michael Taliau – 1 Scholarship in Samoan Patrick Topp – 1 Scholarship in Statistics Well done to these three students. I also thank the staff and whānau who supported them. Your guidance and support are appreciated.   Pasifika Parents Asosi Warm Pasifika greetings to all our pasifika families. The first fono/meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday 16 February at 6.00pm in the College staffroom. We welcome all our pasifika parents and caregivers as well as new parents to the College community to attend. We look forward to seeing you at the fono/meeting.   Year 9 Camps The Year 9 camps will commence next Monday. The camp is a great opportunity for all Year 9’s to bond with the peers of their House together with staff. The camp is a great way to experience the outdoors in collaboration with a spiritual element, and activities based around resilience, teamwork and trust. Kennedy House from 15-17 February and Watters House from 17-19 February.   Whānau Hui Rōpu A reminder that all Whānau are invited to the BBQ in the Staffroom at 6.00pm this evening.   Dates to Diary for next week Monday 15 February: Year 9 Kennedy camp from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 February AND the Second Hand Uniform Shop is open at lunchtime from 1.40pm to 2.20pm. FOSPC meet at 7.30pm in the staffroom. Tuesday 16 February: Pasifika Parents’ Asosi meet in the staffroom at 6.00pm. Wednesday 17 February: Year 9 Watters camp from Wednesday 17 February to Friday 19 February AND Ash Wednesday liturgy at 12.10pm in the College hall. Friday 19 February: A full College newsletter will be available on the College website and some hard copies will be available in the College office.   Big Boys Breakfast This event is fast approaching on 17 March 2021 and we are calling for Sponsorship and volunteers for this awesome event.  This Breakfast is a highlight in the St Patricks College calendar, an opportunity for our boys and the significant males in their lives to come together and enjoy each other’s company on St Patrick’s Day.  This event needs sponsors and volunteers to help make it special.  Please email parentsassociation@stpats.school.nz if you are interested in either sponsoring or joining our awesome Parents’ Association team of volunteers.  We are asking for a major sponsor as well as minor sponsors so nothing is too small to support this event.   Uniform All students have been reminded of how they should wear their uniform to and from school. I expect that all students are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and they promote whom they represent in the public space. Please remind your son to wear the correct uniform with pride. A reminder that formal uniform is to be worn every Wednesday.   Friends of St Patrick’s College (FOSPC) FOSPC supports the College community by providing hospitality at various functions throughout the year. If you didn’t get a chance to sign up to be on our contact list at the Meet the Tutor teacher evening on Tuesday 9 February please email us at FOSPC2018@gmail.com. From time to time we will email asking for volunteers at an event. You can also join our Facebook page (FOSPC – Friends of St Patrick’s College), or come along to our monthly committee meetings, which are held in the College staffroom on a Monday during term time at 7.30pm. Our first meeting of the year is on Monday 15 February at 7.30pm, and we are having drinks and nibbles so this would be a good one to come to! Let us know on FOSPC2018@gmail.com if you would like to attend – all parents and caregivers are welcome! The Second Hand uniform shop will be open at lunchtime (1.40pm to 2.20pm) on Monday 15 February. The shop is open once a month on a Monday during lunchtime and on one Saturday morning in the school holidays (April, July, September). We’re always looking for donations, especially good quality trousers and in bigger sizes. You can leave these at school reception for our collection, we do pay $110 for an excellent quality blazer and $50 for an excellent quality jacket  See our page for more dates and the purchase agreement form. Another branch of our group is the ‘St Pat’s Angels’. This group supports college families and staff through illness or bereavement with practical help such as meals and transport to hospital appointments – whatever is needed. Please consider volunteering to be an Angel. Email us at FOSPC2018@gmail.com to find out more or to be added to the list of Angels.   Photos from L C Scott Tutor group photos will take place today in the College hall following the Academic Mass.  There are a limited number of order envelopes for the upcoming photo day in the College office for any students who would like to/order pay by envelope. If you wish to place an order online here is the link for ordering photos on their website – https://orders.lcscott.co.nz/ordering/with?key=BYVBSZYM   Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

    • Weekly College Update
      • Tēnā koutou katoa I would like to welcome all our Year 9 students including new students from other year levels and your whānau to our College community. Thank you to all of you for attending the pōwhiri on Tuesday morning. As I said at the pōwhiri, your presence and bridging the gap from manuhiri/visitors to tangata whenua/people of the land ensures that you now become part of the extended whānau of the St Patrick’s College community. It was great to meet with some you and your whānau during refreshments. I would like to thank Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o te Rito for their waiata during that time. I hope the journey for your sons at our kura will be one filled with faith, hope and love. Year 9 Parents Meet the Tutor Teacher Evening On Tuesday 9 February at 5.30pm we invite all our Year 9’s together with parents and caregivers to attend the Year 9 Parents meet the Tutor Teachers. This is an opportunity to meet with your son’s Tutor Teacher and establish relations with them. There will also be information regarding Year 9 camp, and parent stakeholder’s groups. I look forward to meeting more of you next Tuesday evening. Manaakitanga Manaakitanga: We respect, support and care for one another as Mary did. Manaakitanga is one of the College values from the acronym MAHI. Manakitanga, Achievement, Hauora and Integrity. The concept of manaakitanga has several layers or meanings and will be a focus this term. At assembly I spoke to the students about how they show respect, support and care for each other in the classroom, in the quad or playground, in sport and cultural activities and in the wider community. I also emphasised that it is important we continue to be a welcoming community particularly to the Year 9’s and new students in the other year levels. Kia ū ki te Ariki, whakatinanahia. Keep the faith, do the MAHI. Manu Taupua In my address at the Senior Prizegiving at the end of last year I spoke of the change in the student leadership model with the inclusion of the new title. The title Manu Taupua will replace the title of prefects and peer leaders. The title Manu Taupua Matua will replace the term Head Prefect. Manu Taupua symbolises a sentry bird. The sentry bird figuratively speaking, signifies a chief who stands and defends its ground. It is not affected by peer or external pressures as it meets challenges and expectations. The Manu Taupua stands out among its people, supporting other leaders and its iwi. We wish Joshua Perera our Manu Taupua Matua, Fox Cobb, VJ Dahya, Henry McIntyre and all our Manu Taupua all the very best as they lead our kura, our College. Academic Mass On Friday 12 February at 9.30am in the College Hall we will celebrate the Academic Mass. I extend an invitation to whānau, parents and caregivers to the first mass of the year asking for God’s blessing for 2021. We will formally commission all Manu Taupua during the mass. At the conclusion of mass, we invite attendees for refreshments in the College staff room. Formal uniform is to be worn on this day. Uniform All students have been reminded of how they should wear their uniform to and from school. I expect that all students are tidy in their appearance. Students in our uniform represent all of us and they promote whom they represent in the public space. Please remind your son to wear the correct uniform with pride. A reminder that formal uniform is to be worn every Wednesday. Coadjutor Archbishop Paul Martin SM On behalf of the College community I would like to congratulate Archbishop Paul Martin who was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Wellington in early January. Archbishop Paul is a former Rector of our College. We look forward to having Archbishop Paul return to Wellington and one day have him visit the College. Xavier Reidy (2015-2019) Thank you to the whole College community for your prayers and support with the sudden death of Old Boy Xavier Reidy. I ask our College community to continue to pray for the Reidy whānau. Thank you to staff, students, the parent community as well as the large presence of Old Boys’ who attended the funeral. Moe ma rā. Rest in peace. Pasifika Parents Asosi The next fono/meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 February at 6.00pm in the staffroom. The original date clashed with a school event hence the reason for the change in date. We welcome all our Pasifika parents to attend the first meeting for the year. We look forward to seeing you at the fono. Whānau Hui Rōpu Tuesday 9 February @ASB Rā Haka (this is at the same time as SPC Athletics Finals, BUT ākonga who do genuinely wish to attend Rā Haka need to see Matua Ian for details and permission slip). Tuesday 9 February at 5.30pm we have meet the Year 9 Whānau hui and Tutor Teachers in the Hall. Friday 12 February at 6.00pm we have our Whānau BBQ in the Staffroom. Dates to Diary for next week Monday 8 February: The College is closed for Waitangi Day holiday.   Tuesday 9 February: Athletics finals for athletes only at Newtown Park;  Year 9 Meet the Tutor Teacher evening at 5.30pm. Friday 12 February: Academic Mass is at 9.30am in the College hall followed by Tutor group and ID photos at 11.15am. Itinerant Music Lessons St Patrick’s College employs a team of skilled music tutors who teach a wide variety of musical instruments. For students with an interest in music, the best time to start learning is straight away. The information that you need about how these lessons are run and an application form can be found in this document. If you would like your son to receive instrumental tuition then please fill out the application form and return it ASAP to Mr Powdrell, HOD Music, roger.powdrell@stpats.school.nz Photos from L C Scott Tutor group photos will take place on Friday 12 February in the College hall following the Academic Mass.  There are a limited number of order envelopes for the upcoming photo day in the College office for any students who would like to/order pay by envelope. If you wish to place an order online here is the link for ordering photos on their website – https://orders.lcscott.co.nz/ordering/with?key=BYVBSZYM Ngā mihi nui Mike Savali TUMUAKI | RECTOR The post Weekly College Update appeared first on St Patrick's College, Wellington.

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