Kia ora koutou katoa

 It has been an exceptionally busy first half of the term, but once again, very successful for the students and staff of the College. There have been many very positive events happening in the College; the performance of our winter sports teams which is continuing to go from strength to strength, our extra curricula activities and the academic environment throughout the College is really positive and focused.

Special Character and traditions have been at the centre of recent events and our combined schools mass was a wonderful Celebration of 800 years of Dominican Charism.  This along with our Assumption Mass celebration in the past two weeks has been a real celebration of our Catholic character.  I continue to encourage students to get involved in activities of their parishes as part of our wider community.

Our senior students have received feedback in their reports, along with the recent parent teacher interviews, and it is important that they are working on that feedback. Seniors will be beginning their senior examinations this week. These examinations are important for students in regard to practising for the end of year exams and providing focus for their revision. It is important for senior students to analyse their feedback from these examinations and put in place strategies to build on their achievement to date and maximize their success in examinations at the end of the year.

I would like to congratulate our Bishop’s Shield team on their representation of the College at the recent competition.  While we may not have had the success that we have achieved over the past several years our students did an amazing job.  I am always proud of the way our students represent their values so well, both on and off the stage, at this event and this year was no exception.

 Our Open Day was very successful and we remind parents to get their applications in as soon as possible so that we can get an accurate picture of student numbers for 2017.  We are likely to be again at our maximum roll for 2017 which is exciting for the College.  It has been a great pleasure to meet so many new families looking to enrol students at the College as well as new members of current families.

 God Bless

Jarlath Kelly