Presbyterian Church Schools' Resource Office Newsletter
February 2018
Kia ora tatou
I hope that the year has started well for you in your school.
It has been a pleasure to be involved in teacher only days with two schools in our network over the last couple of weeks. In my presentations I have aimed to help the teaching and support staff learn something about our NZ Presbyterian heritage and to reflect on how being Presbyterian informs their school's special character and has an impact on its culture.
It was great to see staff engaging with the challenging question of what lies at the heart of their school with its Christian ethos and Presbyterian tradition and how that is lived out in today's educational context.
Please let me know if you would like me to have similar involvement with staff at your school.
The beginning of a new school year brings with it changes and new beginnings.
Welcome to those who are new to the Presbyterian Schools' network:
Dr Jeremy Sievers has been appointed Head of Christian Education at Saint Kentigern College.
Justine Mahon, previously Deputy Principal at St Cuthbert's College has been appointed Principal following the resignation of Roz Mexted over the summer break.
Dr Jennifer MacLeod previously Science and Christian Studies teacher at John McGlashan College in Dunedin, was recently commissioned by Southern Presbytery to the newly-expanded Chaplain's role at Columba College. Rev Geoffrey Skilton, minister at Highgate Presbyterian Church, and a valued member of our network, filled the Chaplain's role at Columba for a number of years.
Rev Barry Kelk has been Chaplain at John McGlashan College since 2015 and his Chaplain's role has now been expanded, including teaching Christian Studies.
Congratulations to McGlashan College who launch their centenary celebrations this coming weekend and to Saint Kentigern College as they celebrate their 65th anniversary this year.
A reminder that this year's Presbyterian Church schools' conference will be held in Dunedin, hosted by John McGlashan College on Thursday August 9 and Friday August 10. More details including the programme and registration will be available at the beginning of Term 2.
Warm regards and God's blessings to you all as you settle into a new, busy and I hope, rewarding year.
Noho ora mai rā, nā
Sharon Ross Ensor
Director
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