Kia ora e te whanau,

Back in Alert Level 4. Make no mistake however, things are different this time. Here is an interesting, easy to read article about why we went to Level 4 so quickly: https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/18-08-2021/siouxsie-wiles-toby-morris-delta-makes-this-a-new-kind-of-challenge-but-we-can-smash-it-again/

By the time you read this, the 1pm news bulletin will probably already be out so I do not know at this stage on Friday morning, what the decision has been around extending level 4 or changing levels. The extremely contagious nature of the Delta variant and the intention to stamp it out does mean that Health advice is very cautious. It was really sudden for teachers, students and parents to have to respond to the fact we would not be allowed back in school to collect any essential workbooks or items. I know that this inability to get devices and hard materials out to students who did not take things home with them before the relatively late Alert Level change is a challenge.

While we’re continuing to work with the Ministries of Health and Education to enable whānau and caregivers to collect materials and/or devices we were able to confirm that staff can go on site to arrange distribution of hard materials and/or devices today under extreme circumstances and safety measures. We are not at this stage able to organise any pick ups from school but if this lockdown is extended, we will be working on a plan for next week. Please note we have no confirmed path forward as yet, so we will get further clarity before undertaking a major resource drop-off exercise.

Connecting with families is so important when children are away from school. That is why we have arranged the 15 minute check ins across all classes over the last two days. If we have not seen or heard from your child, we will be making contact with parents to check on their safety and wellbeing. Thank you all, to our staff, whanau and students, for your quick work as we respond to the latest changes in COVID-19 Alert Levels. I want to acknowledge the pressure that moving into Alert Level 4 put on many of you, our community and your livelihoods. He waka eke noa – we’re all in this together. If you have any questions or concerns about how we are responding as a school please do not hesitate to contact me directly via email at taraquinney@stpetersgore.school.nz We will work hard to bring a solution to any problem.

Lastly, and if Covid had not interrupted our week, I would have led with the very exciting outcome of the Bishop’s Shield last weekend, with St Peter’s College taking out top place! Please read on for more details and photos. I would like to personally thank the many coaches who trained their teams for weeks leading up to the event and for giving up their weekend to support their students. Thank you also to the students for striving for excellence, being gracious in defeat and humble in their success.

Charity Fulfils the law.

Tara Quinney,

Principal

CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS’ PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION FOR THE BISHOP’S SHIELD

The 77th Annual Otago and Southland Catholic Secondary Schools’ Public Speaking Competition was hosted by St Kevin’s College, Oamaru from the evening of Friday 13th August to Sunday 15th August 2021, and attended by Bishop Michael Dooley.

COMPETING SCHOOLS:

St Kevin’s College, Oamaru

Verdon College, Invercargill

Kavanagh College, Dunedin

St Peter’s College, Gore

RESULTS:

JUNIOR DRAMA (Alpha Cup)

Theme: The Lost Coin

1st: St Peter’s College, Gore

2nd: Kavanagh College, Dunedin

SENIOR DRAMA (J B Lynch CFC Cup)

Theme: Done to attract attention

1st: St Kevin’s College, Oamaru

2nd: Verdon College, Invercargill

JUNIOR SCRIPTURE (Gerard Curran Cup)

1st: St Kevin’s College, Kezia Pestell

2nd: St Peter’s College, Liana Abuel

SENIOR SCRIPTURE (Study Questions) (Bishop Kavanagh Cup)

1st: Kavanagh College, Manaia Barns

2nd: St Kevin’s College, Joseph Spillane

SENIOR SCRIPTURE (Psalm/ Sight Reading) (Nora Brophy Cup)

1st: Verdon College, Christian Sotto

2nd: St Peter’s College, Alice Napier

IMPROMPTU SPEECH (Dowling Cup)

Topic: “Media”

1st: St Peter’s College, Sophie Aynsley

2nd: St Kevin’s College, Jesse Valpy

PREPARED SPEECH (Hibernian Cup)

Topic:

1st: Kavanagh College, Sarah Al-Balushi

2nd: St Kevin’s College, Vince Vidallon

JUNIOR DEBATING (Coral Paris Trophy)

1st: St Peter’s College, Gore

2nd: St Kevin’s College, Oamaru

Names of Winning Team:

Leader: Emma McGregor

2nd Speaker: Mikee Omega

3rd Speaker: Daniel Kovarski

SENIOR DEBATING (Father Christopher Gaffey Cup)

1st: St Kevin’s College, Oamaru

2nd: St Peter’s College, Gore

BEST SPEAKER IN JUNIOR DEBATE (Dominican Cup): Emma McGregor, St Peter’s College

BEST LEADER SENIOR DEBATES (Karen Austin Cup): Cushla Bridges, St Kevin’s College

BEST SPEAKER IN SENIOR DEBATES (Hibernian Cup): Yi Tao Sun, St Kevin’s College

MOST PROMISING SENIOR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (Boyce Family Cup):

Sean Irwin and Nick Walsh, Verdon College

MOST PROMISING JUNIOR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (Terry Angus Cup):

Samuel McGregor, Verdon College

RUNNER-UP FOR THE BISHOP’S SHIELD (Marist Centennial Plate): St Kevin’s (30.5 points)

WINNER OF THE BISHOP’S SHIELD 2021 St Peter’s College (31 points)

The Year 13PE class had an enjoyable two days away on ski camp in Wanaka. We skied at Cardrona, each day started with an hour and half lesson, and we were divided into groups of similar abilities. Monday was blizzard like with white out conditions - it made for a nice introduction to our new skiers Molly, Tevita and Heamani. The bonus of this was nice fresh snow. Tuesday, we woke to a beautiful sunrise and excellent clear conditions, and we made the most of these awesome conditions. It made for a great day of skiing until it closed again at the end of the day. All the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and it was a great trip.

Winter tournament is only just over three weeks away. Please remember to hand in all student contracts and medical forms.

Donna Loffhagen-Wilkins makes dream come true for St Peter's boys

St Peter's College and the wider Gore community is extremely lucky to have such a high profile, dedicated parent who just loves basketball and wants to see this sport thrive for all students who are keen to play. Donna has a very busy lifestyle, but nothing is ever a problem. When Donna first came to me and said she would like to take a year 7 & 8 team to Tauranga for the AIM's games with only 24 hours to register my first reaction was to say no. All I could think about was the paperwork and finance required. Our boys' uniforms aren't even up to scratch, as they must be at least over 10 years old. As I have now gotten to know Donna and how she rolls, I know she was never going to take no for an answer because she puts the kids first. Most likely she was given these opportunities at a young age and wants to pay it forward.

Tara Quinney,

Principal

Once you have signed forms and sporty registrations giving your permission for your child to enter a sports team, tournament or event, there will be no refunds unless a medical certificate is provided. This is to ensure events can go ahead and that the appropriate costs are covered. Please make sure your child is able to attend before signing these documents.

SISS Winter Tournament Week – Monday, 30th August – Friday, 3rd September

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.

Year 8 Deep Cove Camps - 25th August - 3rd September

Trades Evening at Gore T & C - 26th August, 5pm

Polyfest - 27th August

Life Education Bus for Years 7/8 - 7th September

Year 7/8 Student Led Conferences - 8th-9th September