We hope all our students had a well-deserved, restful break and are feeling recharged for the term ahead. Term 3 is always a busy and exciting time in the school year with new topics to explore, assessments to tackle, and opportunities to challenge yourself both in and out of the classroom. For our senior students, the term will conclude with practice exams, providing an important opportunity to prepare for final assessments and consolidate learning.
We ended last term with a wonderful celebration of Carmel Day, and we’d like to thank all those who helped make it such a meaningful occasion. Although yesterday, Wednesday 16 July, marks the official feast day, our earlier celebration was a special way to come together as a school community and reflect on what it means to live out the values that guide us.
When we celebrated Carmel Day, we reflected on our identity as people of mercy. As Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, once said, “Mercy is the path marked out by Jesus for all those who desire to follow him.”
This year, our focus value is whakaute – respect. At our first assembly for the term, I took some time to tease out what does it mean to live out respect in our daily interactions?
Respect is about recognising and honouring the dignity of every person. It’s about understanding that each individual has feelings, rights, and inherent value. Our differences, whether cultural, personal, or emotional, are not to be judged but celebrated.
At school, we encourage our students to show respect through everyday actions; speaking kindly, including others, standing up against unfairness, and taking responsibility for their words and behaviours. Respecting others doesn’t mean we will always be friends with everyone but it does mean we choose to be inclusive, to act with empathy, and to treat every person with dignity, regardless of our differences.
In preparing for assembly I was reminded of a time when my son, then just three years old, came home from kindy upset because his friend had been unkind. When I asked him what had happened, he simply said, “Davey just didn’t have the Holy Spirit in him today.” Even at three, he recognised that we all have our off days and that doesn’t change the call to treat others with respect.
As we begin Term 3, we sincerely thank you for the support you give at home in helping shape the values we aim to nurture at school. We encourage you to continue these important conversations with your daughters and to support them as they reflect on what whakaute – respect means in their everyday lives.
It is through our partnership that we are best able to support our young women in becoming individuals who recognise the value in others, act with empathy, and help create a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected.
Last week, a community broadcast was sent out to share important information and dates. If you missed it, the link is attached below for your reference.
Thank you again for your continued partnership and support.
