Kio ora Koutou Katoa

We have had a great start to the term at the College. Term 4 is an extremely busy term with a significant number of function’s occurring for our seniors particularly Year 13.  There are only a few weeks until senior NCEA examinations begin and it has been pleasing to see so many of our seniors focused on completing their work on internals and attending tutorials that are offered to support the students with externals standards.  We encourage all students to continue to focus on their revision and work hard towards externals and continue to take advantage of tutorial and study session’s that the staff are generously providing throughout the next month or so.

This year, due to the ongoing changes to the length of our NCEA examinations and the number of students with obligations to work and travel towards the end of the school year we have made some adjustment to the end of year process.  We will be having our   seniors end of year Mass at the Basilica on the 1^st November. This occasion will be part of our graduation process prior to prize giving and parents are invited to this occasion and we hope this will be part of a positive tradition going forwards for all students. Students will receive their graduation testimonials at this mass rather than later in the year and parents are welcome to attend this occasion.

 A reminder that there is an expectation to all students to attend senior prize giving , not only if they are receiving an award but also to support the success of their peers and to farewell the Year 13 cohort and other leavers in their final occasion at the College.  Senior prize giving is one of our special occasions that provide a sense of pride for our whole community and it is important that all of our senior students are there for this occasion and the farewell Mass. A number of awards are not announced until the evening so this also provides an important reason for all students to attend in case they have received an award.

Students in year 8 and year 10 are preparing for their camps.  The camps are a wonderful experience for all of our students and we are very keen to ensure that all of our students have that opportunity.  The camps are run in a model that provides supported challenges for students and the development of skills they gain while undertaking activities at camp that they otherwise may not have been able to experience.    Students are able to share their skills and knowledge with each other and learn about each other and to help build positive relationships that assist our students developing their peers’ groups and friendships going forward. We have assistance to support students’ attendance with providing correct gear and costs if you would like to discuss this contact Mr Mackay -  jmackay@verdoncollege.school.nz .

God Bless

Jarlath Kelly