JO H N P AU L II H I GH SC HO O L

Dec 2017

Nov/Dec Issue

JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL

Kia ora from the Princ ipal

KEY DATES TO

REMEMBER

Dec 11 End of Year Awards & Mass 7.15pm

start

Junior Reports

Issued

Last Day Yr 9

& 10

Dec 12 Orientation

Day Yr 9

2018

Jan 26 Uniform

Shop Open

Jan 29 Uniform

Shop Open

Snr Options

Day

Jan 30 First Day of School—Yr 9

& 13

Jan 31 Whole School, First

Day

As I write this the end of the year is fast approaching and reflecting on the year I

recognise the successes we have had as a school community. I was pleased that we

achieved a very favourable Education Review Office (ERO) report recently. ERO noted

in particular the strong Pastoral Care in our school and this is credit to the hard work

put in by our Pastoral Care team at school led by our Assistant Principal (AP) Mrs

O’Regan. Our students have again excelled in Sport, Science, in the Arts and in

Academic exams and competitions as outlined in the monthly newsletters throughout

the year. Many of our students have taken up the challenge and have tried new things

in their school life, and things outside of their comfort zones. A key goal again for us

this year has been for our students to aspire for excellence, to not be happy with medi-

ocrity, and we are beginning to see this reflected in their school grades as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the recent Marist reunion and was proud to show many visitors

through our school. The whole event was a credit to the organisers and the fact that

they had around 400 people attend, showed how important the Marist school and

schooling was in Greymouth. The Saturday mass was well attended and a stand out

for me was the homily from Father Paul Shannahan in which he mentioned for parents

‘… the sending of a child to a Catholic school is the second duty, the primary duty is the

education at home’. As parents we are indeed the main role models in our children’s

lives!

Heading into next year we have five staff departing from our school. Mr Adams, Mrs

Buenaventura, Ms Carson, Mrs Jackson and Mrs Stone. Our fond farewells to those staff

members for all the work they have put into our school during their time with us. They

will all be missed!

We will be fully staffed next year with the following new teachers joining our school;

Miss Holly Lindsay a specialist Physics and Science teacher is joining us from Guernsey

in the Channel Islands, Ms Jeanne Gagnon a first year teacher from the College of Edu-

cation at Canterbury University, formerly from Quebec in Canada, is our new specialist

Maths teacher. I am in the process of appointing a new Head of Social Sciences, a new

Bursar and a new Sports Coordinator. You will hear more about our new staff in our

first newsletter next year.

All the best for Christmas and New Year. God bless. Nga mihi nui!

Kieran Stone

JPII Students Receive First Holy Communion

Congratulations to Kate McCann who was Bap-tised and to Jacob Smith & Alice Morrison who were received into the Catholic Church at the 9.30am Mass on Sun-day. All three students then received their first Holy Communion.

P A G E 2 N O V / D E C I S S U E

The beginning of November saw our All Souls Liturgy and

rose planting in memory of Rory Hayward (see separate

article All Souls at John Paul II).

The following day, we celebrated Mass in Columba Hall for

the whole school. It was the first time for the new carpet

tiles which helped tone down extraneous noise as well as

provide a space that reflected the importance of Mass. At

the end of Mass, we took the opportunity to recognise

those students who were leaving school or moving to

another town.

Year 13 presented their final assembly for the year, handing

out certificates to the staff and showing a PowerPoint of

their time at school. We wish them well. That evening,

parents, Year 13 students and staff gathered for the School

Leavers’ Dinner. Katie Milne was the guest speaker. Katie is

the President of Federated Farmers and an ex pupil of JPII.

She spoke about her time at school as well as the joys and

challenges of being a farmer, and her role supporting New

Zealand farmers.

Exams began the week of the 6 November. This year, we

were able to set up Columba Hall for the Exam Centre.

Having the newly renovated Hall, new carpet tiles and new

desks from the Maths room all made for a great

environment. Each year, an

exam prayer is written on the

board and a candle lit at the

start of the exam. Students say

the prayer at the start and then

can use it as an anchor when

they are struggling for inspira-

tion. This year is the last year for long-time supervisor, Mrs

Margaret Swinburn. Margaret started at John Paul II as a PE

teacher, retired, and then took over the role of Exam Super-

visor. We thank her for her years of service and support of

our students and wish her well in her “second retirement”.

Students and staff were given the opportunity to vote for

the Fauth Kersten Award, which recognises students who

are well-rounded and involved in all aspects of life,

respected and liked by his or her peers. It was good to see

the large number of students nominated for the award and

the difficulty of narrowing it down to the recipient. This

award will be presented at the awards ceremony.

Father Peter has prepared six students for Sacraments.

Congratulations to Jak Partridge, Harrison Calder and Beau

Swinburn who have already been baptised. Also to Kate

McCann was baptised, and Jacob Smith and Alice Morrison

were received into the Church at Mass on 10 December.

Many thanks to Father Peter for running the programme. It

takes time and effort to keep turning up each Tuesday for

about 12 weeks. Invitations will be sent out again next year

to students, encouraging them to take part in preparing for

the Sacraments.

It was great to see the senior School Council members and

their friends organise the Junior Formal. MM1 resounded

to the beat of some amazing music. Thanks to the staff,

especially Ms Pringle, and those who turned up to super-

vise and boogie along with the 40 Year 9 and 10 students.

Year 9 and 10 volunteers spent an hour each collecting for

the SPCA. We encourage our students to “take action” in

our community for a number of causes. The SPCA support

our students with Work Shadowing, and work experience

so it is good to be able to help them fundraise. This year,

each group was told how much they raised and the

winning pair were presented with a big bag of chocolate

fish. Thanks to Ms Beach for organising the roster.

Sixteen Year 12 students have been

accepted as Mentors for the Year 9

Induction Programme, beginning with

Orientation Day on 12 December.

This is another opportunity to take

action as well as giving back to the

school community. They had a two-

day training session in December and will spend time

during Term One planning and running sessions for their

groups.

House Leaders were also chosen and took part in a training

day to help them get ready for the new year. Ms Pringle

and Ms O’Regan have put together a range of ideas for the

Houses to be involved in throughout the coming year.

The Special Character Committee of the Board met to

discuss the goals and strategic plan objectives based

around the theme of Religious Education. This is one of

three themes that are the focus over a three-year cycle.

Each month, a report on activities related to these goals are

tabled at the Board meeting.

Year 9 and 10 have both had Masses this month with

Adoration beforehand. Father Peter is teaching them

prayers and simple hymns. This week, we met Monty

Bamford, who is here for two weeks placement as he

studies toward Priesthood. He spoke to our students about

how he never thought about becoming a priest until he

had finished his degree and worked for several years. He

has just finished his second, of seven years of study. We will

keep him in our prayers over the next year.

Jeremy Cumming, Secondary Religious Advisor, had his last

trip to the Coast before taking up a new role as DRS of

Garin College in Nelson. Over the past two years, Jeremy

has supported RE staff and helped with new IT ideas

throughout the Diocese. We wish him well in his new

position. Next year, we will be supported by Cushla

O’Connor who takes over the Secondary role after working

for many years as Primary Advisor.

Congratulations cards were sent to students who received

awards at their clubs’ prize giving, and for those who are

representing the West Coast in a variety of disciplines.

Sympathy Cards had also been sent. Congratulations cards

were sent to Brother Mark Oliver who is celebrating 50

years as a Marist Brother, and to Brother Gabriel Power,

who is celebrating 75 years as a Marist Brother. Both these

men are a wonderful example of dedicating their lives to

God. They have worked in a number of schools promoting

Love of Mary and Love of God. They reflect the 5 Pillars of

Marist in their everyday living.

Mrs Webster attended the National Director of Religious

Studies Conference in New Plymouth. This took place over

three days and over 60 DRS and Heads of RE Departments

were present. The highlight of the conference was the

pilgrimage to Parihaka and hearing the plight of the men

and women who peacefully protested the illegal taking of

local lands. Two years ago, the DRS Conference was in

Dunedin and the group gathered, in Anderson’s Bay, at the

Memorial to the men and boys from Parihaka. cont over…

S pec ia l C har ac t e r Re por t w i t h Mr s We bs t e r

N O V / D E C I S S U E P A G E 3

It was bringing the group to a full circle. CARITAS has

prepared a unit in cooperation with the members of

Parihaka and encourages schools to use it not only in

Social Studies but in the Social Justice units throughout the

year levels.

Year 10 studied the Middle Ages in Religious Studies, this year. As part of the work, they looked at Pilgrimages and the rea-sons why people go on pilgrim-age to various sites around the world. Mrs Buenaventura and the visiting Seminarian, Monty Bamford along with Mr Bergin & Mr Ching took the two classes on a pilgrimage around Greymouth. This was researched and written by last year’s Year 10 stu-dents. Places of pause included the site of the signing of

the deed of Greymouth with Chief Tainui, the start of the Wilderness Trail, the Miners’ Memorial and the pounamu touch stones. Reflections and prayers accompanied each

stop.

Several teachers are leaving John Paul II for new adventures. I would especially like to thank Mrs Juliet Buenaventura for all the time and effort she has put into teaching Religious Education and promoting of Marist and Mercy in the school. The hours of extra work preparing students for Mercy Day and Advent Liturgies made for wonderful experiences. I would also like to congratulate

her for completing her Diploma in Religious Education.

She worked so hard this year, completing 4 papers – about 42 hours of study each paper. I wish her well as she

heads to teach at Hornby High School next year.

Thanks goes to Mr Adams for his year at John Paul II. He brought a gentle kindness and a great sense of humour to

our staff.

Mrs Jackson is moving to Blenheim leaving the Bursar role. I really appreciate the way she has helped me keep the many budgets I run, in good shape. Her friendship and support have been special. Ms Carson leaves for Dunedin. She has supported the growth of kapahaka and the extension of waiata in the school. Her hockey skills have encouraged our students to strive for excellence, winning and gaining placings in several Tournament Week competitions. Mrs Stone is also moving on from the Sports Coordinator role, which is currently being

advertised.

As per tradition, our last mufti day will be for the Cobden Mercy Outreach run by Sisters Anne and Theresa. We appreciate the support they give our community and the

example of Mercy in Action.

Our End of Year Mass and Awards Ceremony has been in planning for several weeks. We appreciate all the effort various staff members make to ensure that the evening runs smoothly, and our students are recognised for the excellence they exhibit throughout the year. Coming

together as a community to celebrate Mass is a great way

to end the year.

S pec ia l C har ac t e r Re por t w i t h Mr s We bs t e r c on t . . .

All Souls at John Paul II High School

Each year we gather as a community to pray for the deceased. In our school, that

means spending time in reflection on the students who have died while attending JPII

or after recently leaving. We also remember staff and Chaplains who have died. Sadly,

it has also become a tradition to plant a rose in our Memorial Rose Garden for someone

who has died during the year.

Our Memorial Rose Garden was established in 1996 when two of our students, Catherine Fauth and David

Kersten, died in a car accident just outside of Springfield. Their classmates wanted a lasting reminder of

them in the school. Harold Leask, Deputy Principal at the time, told them they also needed to plant a rose

for other students who had died. And so, it began. Little did we know that in 2015, a rose would be

planted for Harold Leask. Some years, it has been Ash Wednesday for the rose planting and other years, we

haven’t had to plant one. In 2014 we planted 3.

Earlier this year, Rory Hayward was killed in a work accident. He had just begun his

apprenticeship and was loving being a builder. He was a hard case and had lots of friends

throughout the school, leaving a lasting impression. So, on All Souls, we gathered together

with his parents, friends and classmates and planted his rose and blessed his picture which

now hangs alongside the others, in the school foyer.

Our rose garden has two seats dedicated to two special men, Harold and Mons Gerry

O’Connor. They both knew the benefit of meditation and quiet reflection, so now our

students and families have a place to sit and pray and give thanks for the lives of special

members of our school.

In the 37 years since John Paul II was established, over 36 past and present students have died. Every

school holiday, we pray that our students keep safe and return in one piece. May we have no more roses to

plant for a very long time.

Eternal rest grant to them O Lord

And Let perpetual light shine upon them

May they rest in peace. Amen

N O V / D E C I S S U E P A G E 4

N O V / D E C I S S U E P A G E 5

Pilgrimage – Year 10

Mrs Buenaventura and the visiting Seminarian, Monty Bamford along with Mr Bergin & Mr Ching, took the two Year 10 Religious Education classes on a pilgrimage around Greymouth. They had been studying the Middle Ages and as part of the work, they looked at Pilgrimages and the reasons why people go on pilgrimage to various sites around the world. Places of pause included the site of the signing of the deed of Greymouth with Chief Tainui, the start of the Wilderness Trail, the Miners’ Memorial and the pounamu touch stones. Reflections and prayers accompanied each stop.

West Coast Secondary Schools - Junior Volleyball

Our school hosted the West Coast Secondary Schools Junior Volleyball tournament at the Westland Recreation Centre on the 22nd November. The schools attending were JPII, Greymouth High School, Westland High School and Buller High School.

The tournament ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all who attended. It was great to see teams mixing in between the games.

We entered three teams - congratulations to the Boys A team & the Girls team for winning their competition with the Boys B team placing third. Thanks to Mrs Stone, Mr McNish, Atila D'Oliveira (Greymouth Volleyball Club) and Allan Brodie (Tasman Regional Volleyball) for running a successful tournament.

Boys A team - Kirk Magner, Asher Lambert, Finn Sharp, Zeb Thompson, Callum Donaldson

Front - Ravin Brown, Jacob Smith.

Girls team - Back - Mikayla Stevenson, Andrea Rennie, Catarina McDonnell, Emma Wilson, Shayle Obrero

Front - Anna Donaldson, Klaudia South.

Boys B team - Back - Harrison Watson, Mahuenoa Hislop, Leo Whitcombe, Front - Brett Rees, Caleb Mahuika, Geordie Gibson.

The Year 9 and 10 Drama students recently presented “A Night of Two Halves”. Three short plays adapted

from short stories by Anton Chekov began the night, showcasing the skills of our Year 10 students. Set in

Russia in the early 1900’s, the peasant costumes of the period instantly transported the audience back in

time. “The Lottery” explored how winning a sum of money might spell doom for some couples, and was

expertly played by Shanae Rennie and Cameron Dodds. The next short play was “Difficult People” and

showed how a wayward son can cause strife between a doting mother and an overbearing father. These

strong roles were played by Charleigh Beynon, Lydia Gill and Nova Anderson-Brooks. The final piece, “I’m

Famous”, highlighted the naivety of youth and featured the aforementioned students. The themes

presented about relationships are still relevant for us today and kept the audience well entertained.

The second part of the night was devoted to the Year 9 production entitled “Hitler’s Youth”. The difficult

subject detailing how the youth of Germany were indoctrinated was handled exceptionally well. Catarina

McDonnell served as both narrator and participant in the hard hitting emotional play, and delivered a

vibrant performance. All the students were believable and their parts ranged from the totally un-

questioning youth represented well by both Aiobhean McClunie and Riley Lindsay to those who

increasingly questioned what was happening to them, such as Tom Grosser, Braithon Crew and Beau

Swinburn. Ben Radics stood out as Herr Hesler, a conniving Nazi officer, whilst Morgan Kelleher, Breanna

Hilton, Jayde Foster and Neve Davidson played strong supporting roles. Once again the costuming was

very effective and helped take us back to World War II.

The lighting and sound effects combined with the costumes and acting to deliver a first rate evening of

entertainment. Jonathan Goodall is to be commended for his efforts and generous donation of time and

equipment. The performance was well polished and reflected the skills usually present in a more

experienced drama group. Congratulations to everyone involved including Mrs Smith and Miss Morgan

for two nights of fantastic entertainment. Well done Year 9 and 10 Drama!

N O V / D E C I S S U E P A G E 6

P A G E 5

N O V / D E C I S S U E P A G E 7

P A G E 6 N O V / D E C I S S U E

John Paul II Uniform Shop

Opening hours

Orientation Day 12th Dec 2017 10.55-11.25am & 1.35-2.10pm

The shop will also be open in January (week before school

starts in 2018)

Friday 26th

& Monday 29th

January, 2018, 9am-2.30pm

JPII SPORTS 2018

SPORTS COACHES/MANAGERS/SUPPORT NEEDED—PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL IF YOU CAN ASSIST IN ANY WAY.

The next tournament is 9th February. Any help with coaching would be appreciated.

JPII Basketball

JPII Basketball will start in March 2018. We will need to have trials early February. Please contact the Sports Coordinator on 7684166 or email sportsco@johnpaul.ac.nz if you can coach or manage a team (or know of some-body that may be interested in coaching) and your preference of which team, eg senior, junior, boys, girls etc.

Drama Performance —A Night of Two Halves

Special thanks for our audience support last week with our show. We managed to make $210.00 towards sending two students off to NZDS which is much appreciated. If you didn't get the opportunity to come along but you would like to contribute to our fund, it is not too late. All donations gratefully accepted at the office! Thanks again for being such an awesome audience. Susan Smith

The Bishop’s ordination will take place early in 2018 at a date yet to be decided by Bishop-Elect Paul. Let us remember with fondness Bishop Barry Jones as we rejoice in the appointment of a new Bishop for our diocese. God bless. Fr Rick Loughnan.

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Paul Martin SM as the 10

th Bishop of the

Diocese of Christchurch. We thank God for this appointment. Let us join together as a Diocesan family to pray for Bishop-Elect Paul.

New Bishop-Elect Appointed