St. John’s College goes on show to attract new students

Posted: July 15, 2020Category: Uncategorized

St. John’s College goes on show to attract new students

Parents and boys from intermediate schools around Hawke’s Bay will get the opportunity to see what St. John’s College has to offer at two events designed to attract new students.

The Taste of St. John’s Day will be held on Wednesday, July 29, while the Open Day will be held at 2pm on Sunday, August 2. The Taste of St. John’s Day is an opportunity for Year 8 boys to observe the school in action, from coding and robotics, a science experiment, culinary arts and games. The day starts with a Powhiri at 9.25am and concludes at 2pm.

In a change from the previous six years, the Open Day will not be held in the evening. St. John’s College Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Tony McBride said the change was made to show off the school grounds and the beautiful environment.

“We also felt that it is such a rush at night with parents feeding children and getting lunches ready for the family. We have a more relaxed atmosphere in the afternoon and it is not so rushed. It is not a speed dating session.”

Mr McBride said parents would be welcomed before watching a promotional video about St. John’s special character and values. This would be followed by a question and answer session and later, activities centred around technology, DVC and art, Te Reo Māori, and science among others. After this parents will be addressed by Principal Rob Ferreira, who will speak about gospel values and the special nature of the school.

“St. John's provides a safe and caring environment where students are
encouraged using the gospel values to become the best version of themselves that God
created them to be.

“In practice, this means - good fathers, husbands, employers, employees. It is always at the back of our minds, to facilitate an environment where the young men can grow, take responsibility for their actions, understand consequences, strive to treat others correctly, respect for each other, their whanau, their teachers, their community, their environment,” Mr McBride said.

There are a number of features and practices which make St. John’s special, he said. These include the small class sizes which allow students more time with the teacher; the vertical Form classes where the older students support and set an example for the younger students; and the cellphone ban at morning break and lunchtime which means that students could interact and play sports rather than staring at screens.

Mr McBride said the Taste of St. John’s Day was a unique insight into life at the school because it was run by senior students. Boys from both Catholic and non-Catholic Intermediate schools are invited to attend the day which has an emphasis on enjoyment.

A number of different activities from sport to science and culinary arts are held, after which the boys are addressed by Mr Ferreira.

Mr McBride says that St. John’s has a lot to offer new students and the emphasis is on quality education and teaching them good Christian values.