Newsletter Week 10 Term 1
St Peter's College 9th April 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Kia ora e te whanau
It is with sadness that we as a community share in the grief and sorrow of the Hargest family whose beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend passed away last week. Father of two boys, one of them being our student Ben. With a community like ours we are comforted in knowing you are not alone, and we pray to God to be with you and the wider Hargest family at this time.
Easter is the most important season in our Church’s calendar and has a long Judaic/Christian tradition. It is an important time for us as Catholic’s to attend the Masses of the weekend, take time to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for all of humanity, and spend time with our families. I hope I am not the only one saddened by the growing pressure from community groups, politicians and business owners looking to “rub out” our heritage. Whether it be through language, institutions, or cultural practices, there is a growing change in how we treat these seasons. Changing “Merry Christmas” into “Happy Holidays” is just one of many examples we see on cards and in shops.
I feel uneasy when I hear and read in the news the push to have alcohol sold and businesses open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Can we not have just two days to stay home with our families? Must we always be indulged and entertained? It is becoming harder to argue against and I find myself almost apologising for my faith. If we look at this globally, it is even more depressing, the destruction of our Christian churches around the world and the growing consumerism of developed countries. Back here in our educational system it is also obvious in our government withholding funds for maintenance and resources in state-integrated schools that our state schools receive. The political agenda of removing life constraints for the unborn and elderly is only the beginning to a downward trend in society as to what we are no longer supposed to value.
Easter is about our Christian tradition. Jesus, who died on Good Friday, proved he was God on Easter Sunday. We remove that tradition at our own peril and at huge cost. Let us remember that the common good of society, the dignity of the individual, the quest for truth, the notion that law is always about context, the consistent ethic of life, our intellectual tradition....these are the fruits of our Christian/Judaic tradition.
I think there is a reason why Catholic schools have the full up signs. There is a reason why parish churches are making a comeback in faith numbers. There is a reason why parents of school-aged children want an education which is as much about heritage and character as it is about achievement and accolades.
I wish our many players luck this weekend as we go into the Catholic school’s quad tournament hosted here in Gore. A wonderful opportunity to have the young people of four Catholic secondary schools come together as one family in Christ. We begin this celebration at the community Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Church at 9am on Sunday, all welcome. Please see Facebook and the school app for the draws if you would like to come along and support any of the games.
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.
SCHOOL BALL PAYMENTS
All ball tickets have been charged on to school accounts. If you have not yet paid please do so immediately.
Please ensure you use the following details when making payments:
St Peter’s College BOT
12-3434-0012635-00
Reference: Student Name – Ball
Please direct any queries to:
execofficer@stpetersgore.school.nz
Paula Robertson
Executive Officer
Career Pathways Department
MoneyHub have added to their website a guide to money for students. It's called "Money in a Nutshell". Check it out here: https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/money-in-a-nutshell.html
It covers everything from banking and credit cards to tax, kiwi saver and student loans and is well worth a read.
Greg Heller - Otago University
SPORTS
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.
Coming Up......
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