Tūhono Whakapono - Together One Faith Community

Last week our Special Character Prefects Beatrice Schonwald and Head Boy Isaac Tili joined some staff from Trinity Catholic College at the 2024 New Zealand Catholic Education Convention.

The theme was “Tūhono Whakapono - Together One Faith Community”. It was an opportunity for tagged teachers, Directors of Religious Studies, Principals and Board Members, an opportunity for anyone in the Catholic Education sector to prayerfully gather, network and learn. Beatrice and Isaac connected with High school students from around Wellington and with the Principal of Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt, Katrina Kerr-Bell (Former Trinity Staff member) they were taken to network with the students there, watch netball and toured her school.

There were two Keynote speakers from New Zealand and two international keynote speakers. Tim Wilson, former TVNZ reporter and TV personality spoke on finding faith in failure and gaining fortitude and Manuel Beazley the Vicar for Māori in the Auckland Diocese who spoke on how to be truly Catholic and to be truly Māori. Dr Sandra Cullen from Ireland, spoke on the importance of local narratives, histories and experiences to influence what is taught through our Curriculum, and New Yorker Joe Paprocki highlighted unique characteristics that enable Catholics to be easily identified and recommendations on spiritual practices. All the other workshops were based around curriculum, administration and faith. The whole event was a wonderful and enlightening experience for all representatives who attended from our College.

Throughout this term both our Senior and Junior Young Vinnies groups have been working hard to help address issues in our community. The juniors have held a clothing collection which was super successful, and the seniors recently helped with a cook up. Which we made lots of vegetable curry to give to those in need. We are super grateful for all those who have been involved in either of these. If anyone is interested in joining Young Vinnies next term, please email me (Charlotte Harris). It’s an awesome way to give back to the community and we appreciate any helpers we can get! 

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 be a practical Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.

To be peacemakers in our family.

Keep us safe in our activities; give us good rest and good fun.

Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.

We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents And a community that cares for us.

May we always be conscious of you in our lives.

Amen

Have an amazing weekend! 

• Charlotte and Beatrice