Principal's Message

It has been a busy week to finish the term. I hope that all students preparing for NCEA external exams have had the opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of the recent practice exams, and that they have a plan to ‘fill the gaps’ and go into the formal exam period feeling well prepared. Thank you to the staff who are providing extra tutorials and support for students during the next couple of months.

Our young people and their families will be well ready for the holiday break. In addition to swimming sports tomorrow we have had Year 7&8 students on the two day sports interchange to Cromwell and Mt Aspiring Colleges, only for many of them to return Tuesday evening and get straight up on stage to perform in the Dunedin Catholic Kahui Ako’s Cultural Evening held in our gym. Wednesday was a great day of cultural polish in ‘Kavanagh’s Got Talent’ and this was topped off by the Cultural Awards evening last night that was well prepared by our cultural prefects who had just finished their practice exams. The supportive nature of school years is a perfect time to hone lifelong skills of time management, resilience and working collaboratively.

Our Senior Leadership Team had a planning and visioning day earlier this week, and what came through clearly there was the need to prepare our students in terms of capabilities and skills so they are well prepared for whatever life pathway they take. These capabilities of self-management, collaboration, resilience and so on, should be a big part of our educational ‘package’ here at Kavanagh College and some of the students I have mentioned above have already developed these life-long competencies. Holistic education, that Catholic schools are so well known for, needs to go beyond the special character, culture, sport, and academics, and include the life-long capabilities that will see our young people ‘successful’ after school in whatever form that looks like for their individual pathway. We are looking forward to more conversations about this in the near future.

I wish all those students who are representing all of us and taking part in national competitions during the holidays, the very best for safe travels and success in their ventures. We look forward to updates through the college Facebook page.

Enjoy the holiday break with children at home and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school refreshed and energised after time spent with those dearest to us.

We thank you Lord, for this term. For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt. Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends. Give us strength and courage to do what is right; to be witnesses of our faith. Help us to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others, to be peacemakers in our family.

Amen

Warm regards