Principal's Message

Joy and Hope are words used frequently in our Catholic faith having first come from the New Testament. These two words have also felt far away over the last couple of years when the horizon of post-covid life has been hard to see. I believe that these two words are very important to talk to our young people about. The teenage years should be all about joy and hope that is wrapped up in God’s love and plan for each one of us.

Watching senior students leave school full of hope for their future is special, and it is a good reminder to us, somewhat older, adults of the excitement we felt heading into our first jobs, first tertiary study, or the promise of OEs to come. Watching our younger students get excited for camp and the hope of a week full of adventure and the joy of spending time away with friends, brings an energy all of its own. Having come across some of our new entrants for 2023 recently, I know that they, too, are full of the hope and joy that comes with new beginnings, and we look forward to welcoming them all to our place for the New Entrants Day next Friday.

Next Sunday marks the beginning of Advent in the Church’s liturgical calendar. During this time, we look towards Christmas and the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ. We look forward in hope and prepare for the joy of a holy Christmas. Regardless of the busy-ness and stress that also comes with Christmas preparations, I encourage all our families to focus on the hope and joy that this season brings and take time to enjoy what is really important beyond the Christmas commercialism.

While, as a staff, we will take time to farewell and acknowledge the service to Kavanagh College by leaving staff, we also look forward to 2023 and welcoming back staff who are returning to us. Mr Shaun Haig will come back into the integrated studies area after a year’s leave, Ms Emily Stevens returns from parental leave, and Mrs Nina O’Callaghan will return to job share again with her husband, Bede. We also welcome Mr Mike Waterworth back onto the staff after the last few years as AP at Kaikorai Valley College. Mrs Kirsten Lloyd will join the science department in a part time role. Kirsten most recently was Head of Biology at St Mary’s College, Ponsonby, before moving back to Dunedin with her young family. Ms Bronwyn Lewis began her teaching career at Kavanagh a few years ago and after some time teaching at Kings High School, is returning to look after the Foods and Textiles Technology area of the college.

Thank you to all those parents who are giving up time to support the upcoming year 8 and year 10 camps. These camps couldn’t run without the support of our wider community, and we appreciate your commitment to giving our students wonderful experiences in this way. I hope you also have plenty of fun!

Hoping that you all have a hope-filled and joy-filled week ahead,

Ngā manaakitanga,

Kate Nicholson