Kia ora koutou katoa

 We continue our very busy term with the winter sports season well underway along with many cultural events. We are in the final few rehearsal weeks for our production "Saturday Night Fever" and would encourage everyone to get in early to get tickets so you don't miss out. I have been really impressed by the work of the students leading up to the show and the way they are working so well to deliver another great experience for the community. It was our pleasure to host a wananga for students as we are preparing to host the Manu Korero competition this year.  It was wonderful to see students from the Colleges get together as one to share their skills and the tikanga of welcoming the Otago schools at the upcoming Manu Korero competition.

I would like to thank all those staff and parents that went on Year 7 camp to support our students in this adventure.  I have had so much positive, excited feedback from both students and parents that went on the camp.  Our camps are such positive experiences for students particularly in forming bonds with peers and challenging themselves in areas they may have not experienced before. It is these challenges and the risk taking which are an important part of Verdon College education and I am always really proud of students stepping up to these challenges despite reservations and the support they received from their peers for doing so.

 I would like to share my proud Principal moment of the week" I received the following feedback about our students in the “Arts in Motion” from the organisers:

"Just wanted to send a quick note of thanks and praise for your AIM team on Friday. The performance was amazing but for me what I was really impressed with was the team work, the encouragement, the support for each other and the way they brought energy to the event.  Interviewing your student leaders was so encouraging, I have no doubt that our communities are in good hands when I see young people like those who represented your school stepping up.  I was really impressed with the leaders from your school and was delighted to be able to award them the student leadership prize."

We can be doing many things at school to develop young people in our community but think we should recognise that such  feedback really is an example of what we want for our students.  I would like to thank all those students particularly those leaders for supporting each other so well to have such a positive experience as part of the Verdon Family.

God Bless

 Jarlath Kelly