As we have reached the end of another busy and successful school term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the highlights and share important updates with our community.

A significant feature of the term was our whole staff Professional Development Day held in Palmerston North and led by David Wells. The focus was on striving for wellness, both individually and collectively. This was a valuable opportunity for staff to pause, reflect, and develop strategies that will not only support their own wellbeing but also enhance the learning environment for our students.

Winter Tournament Week was another highlight on the calendar. I had the pleasure of attending several fixtures, which showcased the talent, spirit, and determination of our students. Particularly memorable were the exciting victories in football and hockey against Francis Douglas, both of which we lost in a fixture earlier this year.

At present, our students are deeply engaged in their examinations, a time that brings both challenge and growth. For our seniors, the coming four weeks in Term 4 mark the conclusion of their school year as they will be on study leave. This period is pivotal as they prepare for their next steps, and we encourage them to remain focused and committed to achieving their best. The benchmark examinations continue into Term 4, and senior students should be putting aside some time to begin preparing for their final assessments.

A positive initiative this year has been the restructured enrolment interviews. For the first time, I organised these chats to take place at each of the contributing schools. This new approach has been a resounding success, giving us the opportunity to meet prospective students and their families in their own environments. The energy and enthusiasm we experienced in those schools were truly inspiring, and I look forward to welcoming many of these young people into our community.

Our term concluded with St John’s Sports Day - a fun and enjoyable way to wrap up the school term. I am filled with joy when I see the entire school out enjoying all that sport has to offer. The competitiveness, combined with the spirit in which the games were played, is a reminder of what is so special here at St John’s.

As always, I extend my gratitude to staff, students, and families for their continued dedication and support. Together, we are building an environment where wellbeing, achievement, and community spirit remain at the heart of all we do.

Until next time, take care and God bless.

George Rogers

TUMUAKI / PRINCIPAL