St Paul’s this week over two days has hosted Deputy Principals from Marist schools across the country. Schools included were Sacred Heart College (Auckland), Marcellin College (Auckland), Marist Alternative Ed (Auckland), St Peters College (Palmerston North), Chanel College (Masterton) and Catholic Cathedral College (Christchurch).

Over two days at St Paul’s College strong connections have been made with the help of Dan Dungey (Partnership Coordinator in the pacific) from the Marist schools Partnership. The aim is to bring the Marist schools in New Zealand together to continue the traditions that the Brothers have given us. The strong Champagnat Marist education that your sons are proudly part of continues to evolve, a sense of duty to carry on these traditions of educating and caring for young people was a strong theme that was evident across all the schools in our future planning.

The group was fortunate to have Brother Brian Stanaway with us for the two days, Brother Brian was part of the delegation that returned Bishop Pompallier remains to New Zealand. The knowledge that Brother Brian has, and his passion for Marist education, was inspiring. A sense of duty to the brothers was very evident and continues to drive school leaders in our mission to educate and care for students.

The highlight for school leaders was being hosted by the brothers at their home in Epsom. The stories of years gone by were inspiring and entertaining. Our own Brother Colin who is well into his 80s cooking for twenty people was a wonderful experience, Colin continues to serve the community and is a great example to all of us.

The Deputies from around the country enjoyed a chapel assembly; they were blown away by the singing, the sense of pride in the uniform, the manners of the boys and sense of belonging. The young men of St Paul’s can be very proud of themselves. The students were not told that we had guests, they were 100% themselves and left the school leaders speechless.

St Paul’s has much to be proud of, our young men are definitely doing our community proud.

Confortare Esto Vir