Kia ora e te whānau
The final few days of Term 3, like the previous 9½ weeks, have remained extremely busy in and around the college as we held our derived grade examinations for our Year 12 and 13 students. Derived grade examinations in New Zealand are important because they provide a safety net for students facing unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies, during the official exam period. These assessments ensure that students can still be fairly evaluated based on their prior work, maintaining educational equity and allowing them to receive recognition for their knowledge and skills without being unfairly disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control. Derived grades help uphold the integrity of the assessment system while supporting student well-being.
This week in the Catholic Church’s calendar we celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy and as a school co-founded by the Mercy Sisters it is important that we recognise this special day. Tuesday September 24th, was also the anniversary of the opening of the House of Mercy in Baggot St, Dublin in 1827. This custom-built house was designed and paid for by Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, who chose to use her considerable inheritance, not for her own comfort and lifestyle, but to set up a centre of Mercy for those most in need, women and children.
At the time of opening, Catherine McAuley, with two young women Anna Maria Doyle and Catherine Byrn, were not part of a religious order. In time, when the formation of a religious order became necessary, the Sisters of Mercy began, taking their name from the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy.
To be people of mercy, as Our Lady of Mercy teaches us, is to recognise Christ in others, especially in those who are most vulnerable. When we feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, care for the sick, or show kindness to those who are lonely or struggling, we are showing mercy. We are living the mercy that God has shown to us. And we don’t do this for recognition or reward—we do it because mercy is at the heart of who we are as Christians.
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, is a perfect example of this. Her life was one of saying “yes” to God’s mercy and bringing that mercy into the world. She cared for Jesus, stood by Him in His suffering, and now watches over us with that same maternal love. Mary teaches us that being merciful means being present to others with a heart full of compassion and love.
So, what does it mean for us here at St Peter’s College to be people of mercy? It means looking around and seeing those who need our help, our kindness, and our understanding. It might be as simple as comforting a friend who is upset, standing up for someone who is being treated unfairly, or reaching out to those who feel left out. Mercy is found in these everyday moments when we make the choice to love as God loves us.
As Term 3 draws to a close today, as I do at the beginning of each term break, I challenge our students over the next two weeks to find a balance between rest and recuperation, preparation and self-improvement. Yes, our young people need to have a break, but they also need to ensure that each day they are doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity, at least 30 minutes of reading, and unplugging from devices at least 30 minutes before bed to ensure they return to school reinvigorated, refreshed and ready to make the most of the continuing opportunities the College has to offer.
I wish you all a safe term break and look forward to seeing you all back for Term 4.
Charity Fulfils the Law