Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Talofa Lava

As Term 4 commences our immediate thoughts and prayers are focussed on our Samoan Community who have been affected by the deaths and devastation caused by the Tsunami in Samoa.  A tragedy, so close to home and impacting on people who are dear to us in some way effects us all.  We have students who have lost great grand parents, aunties and cousins and our prayers go out to them.  Be assured of our prayers and our support. 

We recognise too the devastation in the Philippines and Tonga and with a large number of Filipino and Tongan children in our school, please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you witness the disaster in your homeland.

As a school community we will give thought to how we may be able to support the relief efforts directly through an appropriate fundraising campaign.  We know that you will all respond in a positive manner.  In the meantime, to the Samoan Community, please contact me directly if there is any way that you see that we may offer support.

May God bless you all (and be with you in your sorrow.  We hope that you gain comfort in the knowledge that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

With only 4 ½ weeks left before the Senior School leaves us to sit their external examinations and the Middle School students start their examinations the time has come for a major focus on Academic Excellence.  Senior students in particular must give up some of their leisure time, prepare a study programme and make a strong commitment to revision.  A ‘Not Achieved’ in a practice exam is not an indication of failure.  It is a signal that more work / revision needs to be done.  It is not too late for every student to achieve.  Those who intend going to Tertiary Institutions to further their education are aware of the importance of striving for ‘Merit’

and ‘Excellence’ levels of achievement.  Entry to restricted courses at University (which is most courses) is now determined not by gaining University Entrance but by ‘Grade Point Average’ which is calculated using the number of ‘Merit’ and ‘Excellence’ achievement levels.  What all this means is that all students must strive to reach their academic potential and not to be satisfied with mediocrity.

For Middle School students it is through their upcoming examinations that they develop the correct habits required in achieving academic excellence.  They must take these exams seriously.

“It is not practice that makes perfect.  It is perfect practice that makes perfect”

SCHOOL DONATIONS

You will be aware that there has been further reports in the media regarding the amount of money that schools receive through locally raised funds.  While many Catholic schools are high on  the list it needs to be pointed out that the information is incorrect and very misleading.  For Integrated Schools the figures included the value of the land that the school is situated on.  For Sancta Maria College this inflated the figure by close to $1.9 million!  Clearly this is not locally raised funds.  The Ministry of Education has asked the Media to correct the misinformation.  I remind our parent community that over 60% of the funds that we do ask from our community goes directly to the Diocese and the Arch Diocese of NZ for the property development of all Catholic Schools.  Sancta Maria College would not have ever eventuated had parents from other communities throughout NZ not contributed in this way since the Integration Act in 1975.  This is how Catholic Education survives.  The balance that is kept by the school enables us to supplement the operational grant that is funded by the Government.  All schools, State and State Integrated (Catholic) find that this is not sufficient.  Most  schools find that 50% of their total budget income to cover expenses is raised from local funds.  That is, the Government covers only 50% of the cost of running most schools throughout the country.

Your ongoing support for Sancta Maria College and Catholic Education is greatly valued and appreciated.

We are looking forward to a busy but successful Term 4.

See you at:

Paul Daley

Principal

SPECIAL CHARACTER – Mrs G Devoy

At the beginning of this new term, our thoughts and prayers go out to those in our community who are experiencing grief and loss following the devastating earthquakes, tsunami and flooding that has affected so much of the Asia- Pacific regions.  Over the coming weeks, we will be organising events to help raise funds for those affected by the tragedy in Samoa.

Early this term we will be supporting Canteen’s Bandana Charity. Money raised from the sales of bandanas will go towards teenagers who are facing the effects of cancer. The bandanas are $4.00 each and will be able to be worn at school. I know that these are challenging times but this is such a worthwhile cause and I would ask that you give your support.

October is the month of the Rosary and to celebrate this, we will be praying the Rosary every Tuesday in the Chapel. The Rosary is dedicated especially to Mary, our patroness and is if great significance to Catholics. If you or your child is free at lunchtime, please join us in the Chapel to pray to Mary.

PTFA