Star Board Term Three Week Six

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

If I was to give this week a theme it would be based on (Romans 12:12) "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." ‘Let us rejoice and hold fast to positivity through the trials and tribulations of this world. Give thanks and stay positive, knowing that God will protect and deliver us from evil and despair as we are faithful to Him’.

Translation -It highlights how staying positive can lead to success: Imagine you are on a long road trip. Sometimes, the car breaks down, or the GPS takes you on a weird detour. Those moments can be frustrating, right? But if you stay positive, keep your hopes up, and keep asking for directions or help when needed, you are more likely to get to your destination successfully.

In life, things do not always go smoothly. We all face tough times—like being unsure how your team will fare in a sports final, school stress, friendship issues, or family problems. But this verse is saying that if we stay hopeful and keep a positive attitude, even when things are rough, and if we keep talking to God (praying), we will be more likely to find our way through those challenges. Being positive and hopeful is not just about feeling good. It helps you keep going, make better choices, and see opportunities even when things are tough. So, even when you are facing hard times, remember to stay positive, trust that things will get better, and keep asking for help and guidance. That is the path to overcoming difficulties and finding success.

Hope is not a strategy

However, Hope can definitely be a powerful part of a strategy, but it works best when combined with action and practical steps. In my experience I have seen the benefit of Hope driving a way forward and providing my energy and enthusiasm to take on challenges and persevere with goals. But having a clear vision of a clear outcome is vital. Hope is most effective when paired with concrete actions. For example, if you hope to achieve a goal, you need to set clear steps and work towards them. Hope can inspire you to seek out resources, advice, and support from others, which can be crucial in overcoming challenges.

The STAND programme has seen me sharing mine and the school’s hopes and goals with our community to create a support network that helps us stay on track.

STAND to date

By the end of the day, I will have rolled out STAND to all students who spend 100% of their learning on this site. Over the next one to two weeks I will roll it out to years 12 and 13.

I have found the process both eye opening and invigorating. Eye opening? The reactions to how I view ‘Narks’ and ‘Snitches’ has flipped the worlds of some. “Narking” and “snitching” often carry negative connotations, especially in contexts like social groups or crime, where they can be seen as betrayals. However, I have paralleled it with ‘A ‘friend’ in need is a friend indeed’.

The ‘friend in need’ sees the need for safety. By reporting wrongdoing there is a desire to help to protect individuals. Alerting someone about horrible behaviour can prevent harm and ensure that justice is served. The ‘friend in need’ is also encouraging accountability. Reporting bullying behaviour or breaches of conduct can uphold standards and promote a culture of accountability which stops negative behaviours from occurring. In our school we live the marks of mission, one of which is TRANSFORM so in ‘telling someone about an incident’ the ‘friend in need’ is fostering a sense of justice. When individuals/ ‘friends in need’ report bad behaviour or rule-breaking, it can contribute to a fairer system where rules are enforced consistently, and everyone is held to the same standards. Let us also be honest that ‘telling’ can prevent escalation, so addressing minor infractions or problematic behaviour early on can prevent larger conflicts or more serious issues from developing.

By highlighting issues or unethical practices, “narking” or “snitching” can drive necessary changes and reforms, leading to improvements in systems and practices. The key is context and intent—reporting wrongdoing which is the ‘T’ of STAND is to promote justice or safety which is so different from doing so out of malice or for personal gain. When done with the right motives, it can contribute to a more just and safer environment for everyone. That is what my goal is for STAND.

It is my hope that we can take a day with staff as a STAFF ONLY day (yes in addition to the Nov 8 NCEA ToD) to focus on further training with staff around restorative conversations and restorative relationships. I am relying on your continued support to see the importance of this day and of course Board Approval to make sure we are compliant with required school days for the 2024 academic year. I will come back to you about the date.

"Helping Others Makes a Difference"

I wrote earlier about the ‘Give Me Shelter campaign’ which has set a target of $50,000 to try to get Kim's Way Night Refuge in Masterton up and running. Here is the link to help Givealittle page if you can support monetarily.

But I also what to draw further attention for our youth to imagine a world where everyone cares. Think about how good it feels when someone helps you out, even with small things. Now imagine if everyone did that for each other. The world would be a much better place! You do not have to do big things to make a difference. Even small acts of kindness, like volunteering a few hours, can really help others and make them feel valued.

Everyone deserves to have basic needs met and to feel respected. By helping those who are struggling, you are playing a part in making sure everyone has a fair chance. Our drives for the Refugee family and then Kim’s Way are all about that.

Helping does not always mean giving money. It can be as simple as being there for someone, sharing your time, or standing up for others who need support.

Tournament Week

We have a few teams travelling to winter sport competitions over the next few days. Yesterday all participants were taken through the expectations of what representing school is all about: impeccable behaviour, impeccable uniform (I will add in here NO STUDENT has permission to wear additional ear piercings; and no jewellery is to be worn in competition), exquisite manners, playing fair, positive attitudes, respectful to coaches and managers, and to remember they are one part of a team.

I/ we wish our travellers well for the games ahead and safe travels.

Have a great and safe weekend.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note

For those of you who have never been inside our boarding houses, I thought you might enjoy some photos taken in and around boarding today.

If you are considering boarding at any stage and would like a tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes to all netball finalists for your games tomorrow and to our 1st XI and 2nd XI hockey, 1st XI football, and our Senior A Netball team who are off to tournament week.

Please remember the boarding houses close for the exeat tonight and will reopen at 7pm on Sunday.

Enjoy the weekend.

Jo

Inter-Collegiate Solo Competition

A massive congratulations to the St Matthew's Collegiate School participants at the Inter-Collegiate Solo Music Competition!

Ceres Chen was the winner of the Instrumental section playing the Pedal Harp. Lucy Didsbury came 2nd in the Piano section playing Bach Invention in A minor, and Stella Carrington won the Adjudicators Award for her vocal performance accompanying herself on the acoustic guitar.

Cooper House Chapel

On Sunday Cooper House met at St Matthew’s Anglican Church for their House Chapel. With a theme focusing on the importance of resilience, Cooper House honoured God and each other together as a whanau. It was heartening to see the fabulous turnout, including a couple of three year olds. Isabella led her house with skill.

After the service we all enjoyed a supper that was provided by members of the St Matthew’s Church congregation and had a grand time of fellowship. I was left feeling quite sad that this was the final House Chapel for 2024. Well done, Cooper House!