On 23 September 15 students, Mr Marshall and Whaea Stewart departed for New Caledonia. We arrived in hot weather of 27^oC, travelled to our hotel, and had dinner.
The next day we travelled by boat to Amedee Island for the day. All we could see was clear water, white sand, blue sky … and snakes!
There was a variety of things to do like trying local food, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat, walking the island and swimming. We had a traditional lunch followed by island dancing and photos.
From Saturday to Monday we all stayed with Homestay families in different conditions ranging from a normal house to a shipping container. It was difficult because most families had limited English, but everyone had a great time. We also attended a New Caledonian primary or High School with our families.
The last two days were free time. Thursday 30 September we left to come back home, bringing with us some great memories and leaving behind some very special friends.
On behalf of all the students who travelled to New Caledonia we would like to thank Mr Marshall, Whaea Stewart and everyone else who made this trip enjoyable and possible. Start saving for the 2006 trip!
- Amy Smith, Kjerstine Severinsen, Mikayla Butler

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Term four has begun well with staff and students refreshed for the busy team ahead. Our focus now is on academic achievement. Junior assessments will be held from 8 - 10 November and all NCEA examinations begin on 10 November. To ensure success at this time please encourage your daughter to make the most of every class and to focus on a regular revision programme. While study leave begins on 5 November for Years 11 - 13 students, we do require them to return for three days 30 November - 2 December for our traditional end-of-year ceremonies. Parent interviews will be held on 20 October, primarily for senior students, but parents with students at other levels are welcome to make appointments if they wish to discuss any issues with the teachers.
A building programme is underway this term to establish a senior resource room at the end of the mezzanine floor of the gym, and to convert the caretaker's workshop into a Learning Support Centre. The caretaker's workshop is being relocated. A new proposal for the Chapel has also been prepared by architect Gary Pidd and is available at the school office for viewing and comment.
We ask that you continue to keep the Oosthuizen family in your prayers as they cope with the tragic death of their father and husband Leon. Condolences also to all students and staff who lost loved ones in the holidays.
On Monday 18 October we welcome back our Deputy Principal Ms Karen Chalmers, from her study leave. We are most grateful for the extra duties Miss Anne Saddler and Mr Ashley Brown undertook during her absence. Thanks also to Mr Ron Scott, Mrs Charmaine Nandoo, Mrs Helen Bell and Mrs Sheron McGregor who willingly took extra classes.

God bless,            Monica Johnson, Principal   

      Junior Excellence

The Junior Achievement Awards were presented at Assembly on Wednesday 15 September.
These awards are for Year 10 students who have made an outstanding contribution to the College in their particular fields.
The Academic Award (sponsored by the Board of Trustees) for an outstanding student was won by Kjerstine Severinsen.
The Sporting Award (sponsored by the Mission College Trust Board) for a top junior player in any code considering team contribution on and off the field and taking fairplay into account was won by Annabel Wallace.
The Cultural Award  (sponsored by the PTA) for outstanding performance in any area of culture - music, dance, speech and drama, oratory, debate, art or ethnic culture was won by Kali West.
The Languages Award (sponsored by the Mission College Trust Board) for a student who has shown outstanding progress in the study of a language that is not her first language was won by Morgan Pedersen.
Congratulations to all these students. Each student was awarded a monetary contribution towards assisting them with their chosen field of excellence.

Ruth Harding departs this term as  the Student Representative on the school Board of Trustees .
"During my time as Student Rep I have learnt a lot about the running of the school. It has been one of the most worthwhile experiences I have been given.
Initially I had no idea what to expect, but I have been involved with everything from reporting students' concerns to the Board to making final decisions about the Ball.
I highly recommend this role to everyone."
- Ruth Harding

Congratulations to:

Erin Maxwell (Year 11) who was one of the Top 100 students in the country.

Brooke Soole (Year 10) and Sarah Mills (Year 11) who achieved Merit Awards, meaning they were in the top 15% of students nationwide.

The school Cross Country races were held at Park Island on 16 September.
Despite a blustery wind all competitors lined up and ran with enthusiasm.
Placegetters were:
Senior: Amra Durakovic, Kiley Hikawai and Erin Sinton
Intermediate: Sarah Portas, Kate O'Malley and Harmony Morgan
Junior: Julia Trautvetter, Alarna McKie and Whitney Burt.

On September 4 - 5, eleven candidates presented themselves to Bishop Peter Cullinane as candidates for Confirmation. Each chose to become a full member of our Catholic faith community.  Bishop Peter spoke about really knowing Jesus, how He made a real difference to the people He ministered to, and his hope that this is the Jesus the newly-confirmed will emulate.
Wendy Clark - Chaplain
Congratulations to:
Katie Alexander
Whitney Burt
Samantha Gray
Vanessa Oliver
Charlotte Fisher
Nicole Penman
Jennifer McElroy
Sarah Mills
Amy Elliott
Victoria Esekielu
Monica Lincoln

Lucy Newrick, elected as Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for 2005. Thank you to Ruth Harding for her service in this role for the past year.

Melissa Botherway for being selected to represent Hawke's Bay/Poverty Bay Gymnastic Association at the NZ Junior National Gymnastic Championships. Melissa is part of a team of 25 gymnasts selected from a large geographical area stretching from Gisborne to Dannevirke.

The Canoe Polo Team for making the D Grade final, coaches Meg Whitlow and Ruth Harding and Manager Mrs Whitlow.

Lucy Newrick, elected as Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for 2005. Thank you to Ruth Harding for her service in this role for the past year.

Melissa Botherway for being selected to represent Hawke's Bay/Poverty Bay Gymnastic Association at the NZ Junior National Gymnastic Championships. Melissa is part of a team of 25 gymnasts selected from a large geographical area stretching from Gisborne to Dannevirke.

The Canoe Polo Team for making the D Grade final, coaches Meg Whitlow and Ruth Harding and Manager Mrs Whitlow.

Stephanie Keil - Irongate School
"Stephanie was a wonderful ambassador for the school. She was very mature in dealing with difficult students, and related extremely well to both students and teachers".

Elizabeth Woolhouse - Kingdom MusicWorks
"Great attitude to work and other staff. Just the sort of young person we would employ".

Annabel Wallace - Napier Balmoral Pharmacy
"Annabel has been a pleasure to have in the shop - she performed all tasks efficiently and willingly".

Nikki Harty - Porse Childcare Education
"A lovely friendly young lady who fitted in well and has a natural affinity with children".

Halaevalu Pailate - Peterhead Primary School
"Leva made an effort to learn the children's names and related positively with them. She chose to play games with the children in the playground at morning tea and lunchtimes. We would be happy to have her return to Peterhead".

Anna Aldridge - Carlyle Veterinary Clinic
"Anna had a fantastic attitude to work - was a valued worker while here. We wish her all the best for whatever she chooses."

Congratulations to:

9BR Anastatia Austin-Lobb

9LL Alice Downs
9ML Vanessa Oliver
10IA Emma McKay
10WG Helena Brown
10YG Annabel Wallace
11PY Imogen Scheele
11GL Kelsie Livingstone
12CO Larissa-Anne Sargison
12HD Harriet Stone
13BN Rebecca Thomas
13WS Jessica Dornbusch

The Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday (during school terms) from 10am - 1.30pm.
It will also be open on the following days:
Please note evening opening hours …
Thurs 11 Nov
(Y8 Induction Day) 12am - 3pm
Thurs 16 Dec 6pm - 8pm
Friday 17 Dec 10am - 1pm
Tues 25 Jan 6pm - 8pm
Wed 26 Jan 10am - 1pm
Mon 31 Jan 10am - 1pm

Cash or cheques accepted. Layby available. Quotes given.
Garments will be sold on your behalf and must be in good, clean condition.
Any enquiries phone Colleen McLaughlin on 844 4126.

Message from Pope John Paul II: Recently the NZ Catholic Bishops have been in Rome where they met with Pope John Paul II. At their meeting, the Pope congratulated the Bishops on the work of our Catholic schools. The Pope said: "I wish to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of your Catholic schools. Their growth has enriched the faith of the Christian community and contributed to the promotion of excellence in the nation."
He went on to challenge our young people: "I appeal directly to the generous and sincere young faithful of New Zealand. Enter into your religious education with enthusiasm! Listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to share in the life of his family, the Church! Take up your rightful place in Parish Life!"