Tena koutou katoa

 It was my pleasure to attend the Catholic school convention in Wellington this past week.

It was a great experience to be part of the around 800 delegates from Catholic schools around the country. One thing that is very clear is that Catholic education is in very good heart and that across the country we are delivering very good outcomes for all of our students.  The point was made that the Catholic system continues to "punch well above its weight" in terms of educational outcomes  for students while still focused on delivering a faith based education.

 Catholic schools is over represented at the top end of schools around in terms of achievement, Verdon College being a good example of this.  Catholic school's holistic education, including the development of student’s spirituality, means that Catholic schools are unique place to care for and support students towards reaching their full potential in all areas of their education.

 I was also taken with the message that our schools' gospel values are not something that is becoming less relevant in modern society, the opposite is in fact true.  In our increasing secular society students are struggling to form a sense of belonging. In Catholic schools we are a community and our sense of belonging and support of each other, through living our values, is key to the success of everyone in our community.

 I would like to congratulate students travelling to Manu Korero Speech Competitions in Dunedin. To have two students represent their whanau and the College so well makes us very proud.  We will be acknowledging this success and welcoming  the taonga to the College with a powhiri at an upcoming Assembly.

 We are rapidly approaching our enrolment season with our Open Day scheduled for early next term.  We are likely again to have a limited enrolment so it is important that all friends and family members are encouraged to be as early as possible with their application to the College.

 God Bless

Jarlath Kelly