Kia ora koutou katoa

 We have had another couple of fantastic weeks at the College with a number of key events happening.

 Our Ash Wednesday liturgy was a great focus for the students as they begin Lent.  Our Liturgy focused on students recognizing the areas of their lives where they could be better at , reflecting on the teachings of Jesus and on how they might make a positive change towards living these every day.  I would encourage students to continue to reflect during this time of Lent on what they can do for others rather than themselves and an easy way to live these teachings.

Our Athletics Sports was a great success. The number of students competing in events has increased dramatically over the past few years. The quality of competition is increasing also and we are looking forward to a good number of students competing at the Southland Athletics Championships.   There was great House spirit and I would like to congratulate senior students on their leadership at this day and the care of new students to school. It was also fantastic to have the students and staff of Te Wharekura Arowhenua join us for the day.  Their involvement really adds to the occasion and competition on the day.

It has been great to see students at their various sports over the last few weeks.  Our teams, in every sport or grade, always demonstrate team work and determination to win. It is great to see our student’s belief in themselves in the sporting arena. This spirit was typified by the Verdon College Softball team gaining 3rd place at Southland Secondary School Softball Champs; half of this team are in year 7 and 8. I would also like congratulate those students that have achieved a high level of success in the regional triathlon events over the past few weeks. These successes are a great example to other students of what can be achieved through focus and hard work.

God Bless

Jarlath Kelly