Kia ora tatou ngā whānau,
Te Wairua o ngā Mahi Toi (the Spirit of the Arts) is alive and well at Garin! It is with huge admiration and respect that I reflect on the energy, talent and creativity displayed by our ākonga throughout Mahi Toi celebrations last Friday. Our students have been absolutely amazing; the shared joy, fun and excitement reminds us that we are truly blessed to share in the peace and beauty that exists in our wonderful college.
The spirit in which learners participated in Mahi Toi, has been led with enthusiasm and focus of our Arts Leaders, Lisa Harmony and Evielyn Pearce. Having shaped the celebration around the theme of HE PŌ I RARO I NGĀ WHETŪ – “A night under the stars ” Lisa and Evielyn teamed up with Sarah Pumphrey (Arts Coordinator), Sharlene Belcher (HOF Arts Faculty), our Art, Music, Drama teachers, and all our teachers and staff to bring the stage to life. The array of events entered was remarkable; Art, photography, film, speech, music solo and band performance, dance, house dance, hostel dance, theatresports, cake decorating, wearable arts and exciting staff dance and performances. Thank you everyone for all you have given to the celebration of Mahi Toi. We were pleased to welcome St Paul’s year 7 and 8 students to join in the celebrations along with St Joseph’s students sharing their talent with their polished Kapa Haka performance on the big stage. The wairua of the experience of Mahi Toi continues to grow.
Whilst I have talked about participation, I would also like to acknowledge the students for the manner in which they uphold our school values, the audience support they provide each other is impressive. You have been generous; offered each other encouragement, praise and confidence in acknowledging the contributions of all. Inclusion is key to our college culture and something that each and everyone of you can be very proud of.
We remind all parents and students of the PPTA Paid Union Meeting at 9.30am this Wednesday morning, 28 June. Garin College classes will begin at 12.00pm (midday) – Period 4 Students are to go straight to their Period 4 timetabled class and the attendance will be recorded. Supervision is available for bus students who are unable to independently get to school for the later start. Students arriving earlier by bus are to go straight to whānau class at 8.40am.
Enrolments for 2024 are open. We have our Parent Information Evening in our College Gym 7.00pm, Wednesday 19 July and our Open Day 12.00pm (midday), Wednesday 26 July. If you have family or friends considering secondary schooling for their children, please encourage them to contact our school office for inquiry and an application pack.
God Bless.
Ngā mihi nui
John Maguire
