Te Wā o te Aweneti – the Season of Advent, a time to grow deeper in hope, Pope Francis reminded us: ‘when we pray, God opens our eyes, renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds and grants us the grace we need’.
For many whaanau, it is also the end of an era, though never the end of their association with our community: they will always be connected and part of our story. As we say farewell to students and whaanau, we also farewell some staff: Mrs Eshuis, Mrs Cooper, Whaea Hunny who have come to the end of their time with us. They have been passionate, inspiring and caring teachers, mentors and colleagues; their impact extends beyond the classrooms and corridors of our kura. We wish them all well and ask God’s blessing on the next stage of their life journey and careers. We also say ka kite anoo to Mrs Stuart and Mrs Tapara, who leave us for a while to extend their whaanau – the gifts and blessings at this time of year to both of them.
Tena koutou katoa
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Te Wā o te Aweneti – the Season of Advent, a time to grow deeper in hope, Pope Francis reminded us: ‘when we pray, God opens our eyes, renews and changes our hearts, heals our wounds and grants us the grace we need’.
For many whaanau, it is also the end of an era, though never the end of their association with our community: they will always be connected and part of our story. As we say farewell to students and whaanau, we also farewell some staff: Mrs Eshuis, Mrs Cooper, Whaea Hunny who have come to the end of their time with us. They have been passionate, inspiring and caring teachers, mentors and colleagues; their impact extends beyond the classrooms and corridors of our kura. We wish them all well and ask God’s blessing on the next stage of their life journey and careers. We also say ka kite anoo to Mrs Stuart and Mrs Tapara, who leave us for a while to extend their whaanau – the gifts and blessings at this time of year to both of them.
Please check ‘Our Story’ magazine for a full review of the year at Sacred Heart: Congratulations to all our students who remind us that learning is a noble virtue, extending beyond the classroom to the sports field, the stage, the debating chamber, the church, the local rest homes, the marae, the ocean, the studio – and way beyond the school gates. Alongside cups and trophies, this is what success looks like: creativity, teamwork, courage and inspiration – me aro ki te haa o Hineahuone!
And soon it will be time to wish you all a Blessed and Holy Christmas (but it’s still Advent!). The simple Christmas story tells of the birth of a first child to poor parents with an uncertain future. Despite having heard it many times over, its message is still captivating: God delights in creating profound wonders to reveal present and the eternal love to the extent that: shepherds are amazed, wise men are humbled and a young woman treasures all these things in her heart. In the midst of the love, we are all invited, just like the people in the story, to trust that God is here and cares deeply, as each of us deals with the joys and sorrows and the hopes and disappointments of everyday life.
O Sacred Heart of Fount of Love, make us like you for evermore.
Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou.