Newsletter Week 9 Term 1
St Peter's College 1st April 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Kia ora e te whanau
Holy Week is a most sombre time on our Church calendar. After a long period of abstinence and penance through Lent, we come to the pinnacle of Jesus Christ’s suffering. Jesus experienced incredible physical suffering and extreme mental and spiritual suffering so that those who believe in Him could have eternal life and become God’s children and co-heirs with Christ. We too on earth go through some degree of suffering in our lives, although it is a tiny fraction of what Jesus went through. Although no one wants to sign up for the school of suffering, suffering comes with many blessings in disguise. An old friend recently shared this story about blessings which I am sure can resonate with us all:
There once was an old man who lived at the northern border of the state. He was skilled at raising horses. One day he discovered that his horse had disappeared into the neighbouring state of Hu. Neighbours felt sorry for him, but the old man said, “Who knows if this will turn into a blessing?”
A few months later, the missing horse suddenly returned, bringing back a fine horse with it. Neighbours came to congratulate the old man on his good luck. But the old man said, “Who knows if this will turn into a disaster?”
His son loved riding the fine horse, and one day he fell off the horse, broke his legs and crippled himself. Neighbours came to comfort the old man, who replied, “Who knows if this will turn into a blessing?”
A year later, the neighbouring state of Hu invaded, and all the young and strong men were drafted to fight the war — nine in ten ended up being killed. The son, being crippled, stayed home and his life was spared.
Blessings can become disasters, which can then transform into blessings. The change is never ending, and its mystery is forever unrevealing.
For our young people it is particularly hard when pain and suffering is brought upon them through no fault of their own. It is our first response to ask God, “Why me?” We will all face many trials in our life, but it is these trials that mold and sculpt us to be better models of ourselves. Instead of asking “Why me?” the correct response is “What can I learn from this?” We all make mistakes, sin and act out selfishly at times. I have made many mistakes as a new Principal but thank God every day for the people in my life who keep me humble and for His assurance that my suffering is being used for His purpose in shaping me daily.
‘My dear God, I have never thanked you for my thorns. I have thanked you a thousand times for my roses but not once for my thorns. I have always looked forward to the place where I will be rewarded for my cross as a present glory itself. Teach me, O Lord, to glory in my cross. Teach me the value of my thorns. Show me how I have climbed to you through the pain of pain. Show me it is through my tears I have seen my rainbows.’
May you be encouraged as He is risen and alive! Happy Easter with many blessings!
Tara Quinney
Principal
Southern District Health Board
YEAR SEVEN VISION SCREENING
The Vision Hearing Technicians from Population Health team, Southern District Health, will be visiting your school to screen all Year Seven students for distance vision on Tuesday, 13 April 2021.
Distance Vision (Amblyopia & Hyperopia)
This determines how well your child is able to see at a distance. It involves reading an eye chart.
(This free vision check is not required if the student wears glasses and/or is currently under care of an optometrist or eye specialist).
If you do not wish your child to be screened please fill out an opt-out slip, which are available at the school office, before our visit.
Year 7 Retreat - Calvin Church
Last Friday, all three Year 7 classes walked down to Calvin Church for our retreat. The focus of our retreat was Community. At the Church, we took part in a number of activities such as ice breakers, meditation, memory games, learning the stages of the crucifixion as well as completing obstacles blind folded. We travelled to the Chapel and had a Mass with Father Damian and learnt more about Jesus and the some of the things he did before and after being crucified. It was a great learning experience for us all and we can't wait for all the other fun activities during our time at school. It was great fun being with the other Year 7 classes and getting to know them all better.
Matilda Macleod and Amy Davidson-Watts
7EM
Year 8 Retreat Dolamore Park
Year 8 Retreat - Statements from Students
Ebony Jones
Playing games and hanging with other Year 8's that aren't in my class this year.
Kelsey Romero
I like the part where we got the time to just sit around the bush and listen to all the birds chirp and sing.
Jake Williamson
Playing outside with my friends and exploring the forest. I enjoyed being out of school and hanging out with friends and teachers for the day.
Fynn Chalmers
I enjoyed gardening because it felt cool to do something to look after God's creation it was cool to spend time with friends and be in the fresh air and nature.
Benjamin Kinraid
I enjoyed the retreat because we had a day off school and it was fun because at break times and lunch time we played games like cricket. Also the food was really good.
Olivia Kelly
Probably the obstacle course because it was really fun and enjoyable (even though I scraped my knee).
Lucas Troubetchkov
The food, because it was good.
Maia Petterson
I liked sitting in the bush by myself it was really nice to have some peace and quiet.
Career Pathways Department
MoneyHub have put together a checklist for Year 13’s who will be moving on at the end of the year. Whether you are planning on tertiary study or moving into the workforce, this checklist has great information and a wealth of links to follow for more information. Check it out at: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/year-13-checklist.html
This week we feature Scott Barton who is out on his Gateway placement at Gore Southern Plumbing and Heating and Jessie Andrew who is undertaking a long term work placement at Halo Hair.
Scott Barton at Gore Southern Plumbing and Heating
Jessie Andrew at Halo Hair
SPORTS
Southland Primary Athletics:
Congratulations to all the students that competed in the Southland Primary Athletics; you all made our school very proud.
Results below:
Maia Petterson - 3rd 12yr Girls 1500m, 3rd 12yr Girls Long Jump, 2nd 12yr Girls Discus
Taysha Chittock - 1st 12yr Girls 100m, 2nd 12yr Girls 200m
Cru Holland - 1st 10yr Boys Discus
Max McGregor - 2nd 11yr Boys 1500m
Basketball:
We are in need of two coaches for the Year 7 & 8 boys basketball teams. Please let Jess Young know if you can help.
Quad Tournament:
If your child is in the upcoming Quad Tournament, please fill in the forms that have been sent through email or are on the School Apps NZ under sports.
Up coming events:
South Island Secondary School Athletics - 9th - 10th April
Senior Quad Tournament - 10th - 11th April
Southland Schools Swimming Championships - 11th April
International Sports Day - 15th April
Cross Country - 5th May
Southland Squash Championships - 7th May (entry date 4th May)
Southland Cross Country - 12th May
Under 12 Hokonui Marching Band Championships in Dunedin
Long Country Motors Mountain bike race
Year 7 & 8 Cricket - done for the season
Sports Registrations/ Events/ Draws will be online!
For registrations and draws please use the St Peter's College Facebook Sports page and also the St Peter's College website.
Schools Apps NZ (if you do not have this go to Play store app and download).
If you require any further information email jessicayoung@stpetersgore.school.nz or come and see Jess Young in the PE office.
Eastern Southland Junior Hockey Registration
Welcome to Eastern Southland's Junior Hockey registration. This year all age groups will again play on the turf. Please complete the following form to register your child for the 2021 season.
https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/156375
Please note registrations MUST be completed by the 9th April (Yr 0 - Yr6). Any registrations after these dates will not be possible.
- Yr 1 & 2 Fridays 3:30 - 7pm Subs $40 Julie Bensemann 027 233 5673
- Yr 3 & 4 Fridays 3:30 - 7pm Subs $55 Maria Hansen 027 208 0101
- Yr 5 & 6 Monday 3:30 - 7pm Subs $70 Nic Roy 027 233 4728
St Peter's College School Ball
School Ball
On the 27th of March, the senior students along with parents and teachers arrived at the Gore Town and Country Club for our “Secret Garden Ball”. Students and guests were welcomed to our ball via our Secret Garden doors that were greatly crafted by Shaun Davis and decorated by Ange Chamberlain. The fantastic year 13’s along with Ange spent numerous hours after school creating an awesome setting with decorations that will be remembered for a lifetime!
Everyone enjoyed a well catered dinner by Jo Holland and were able to dance the night away to the Erratic Band! It was an awesome evening, and it would not have happened without the help of Mrs Robertson, Mrs Henry, Mrs Perniskie, Mr Terry, Mr Tafa, Brianna Hedley, Saskia Smith, and the teachers who provided security. A massive thank you goes out to them! Our last thank you goes to Ange Chamberlain from A Little Joy. You brought our vision to life and provided us with so many awesome decorations. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Ben Aynsley and Kiera Davis
Coming Up......
Easter Break - 2nd - 6th April
Senior Quad Tournament - 11th -12th April
International Sports Day - 15th April
School Holidays - 19th - 30th April
Term 2 begins - 3rd May
growing) of high-quality products. Most importantly, any purchases you make will mean 50% of the profits go straight to St Peter's College Gore.
Contact Us
Email: office@stpetersgore.school.nz
Website: https://www.stpetersgore.school.nz/
Location: 121 Kakapo Street, Gore 9710, Southland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 03 208 9060
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stpetersgorenz