Sacred Heart College students, learning to give back to the community, were given tips by Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise. 

Ms Wise visited the college’s newly formed Interact Club on Wednesday, after being invited by Youth Minister Elaine Cook and the club’s chairperson Emma Marsden. 

About 30 students, across year levels, heard Ms Wise speak about the importance of community service, Napier City Council’s role in supporting the community, and the ways in which they can become involved. 

“What I love about local government is you really are working alongside all of your community and your whole reason for being is to serve your local community.”

She says we are always going to achieve more working together, rather than in silos. 

“We can’t achieve what we want to in terms of the wellbeing of the community if we try to do it alone. So, we are always looking to work alongside other organisations, agencies, and schools to maximise what we can do.” 

From regular beach clean-ups to street drives, and donating to the likes of Christian Love Link, and Menzshed, the options are endless. 

Already this year, the college has raised more than $500 for Tonga, $250 for the Napier SPCA, and $317.70 for Caritas, the aid agency for the Catholic church. Yesterday, junior students visited the SPCA to deliver blankets for the animals and help out. 

She congratulated the college for their work already in the community. 

“It’s cool to hear about everything you’ve been doing so far in terms of raising money and supporting some really good causes not only within your local community but nationally and internationally,” she told the students.  

Year 12 students Georgie Chapman, Lucia Urqhart and Isabella Briggs say they were inspired after hearing Ms Wise speak. 

“It was really cool to find out what goes on in the community and to hear how passionate she is about serving the local community,” Isabella says.  

Mrs Cook thanked Ms Wise for her time and says her visit made the girls feel like they were part of a bigger community than just the school. 

The college’s theme this year is Community in Mission – something they believe is important for the girls to understand. 

“Partnering with people and organisations that have a need or are already doing something is key to us plugging ourselves in as a school with community in mission in mind.”

Ms Wise was gifted a book about the history of the school written for its 150th jubilee in 2017, as well as a school pin senior students wear. 

Principal Maria Neville-Foster says it was wonderful to have the mayor visit their college. 

“Thank you Mrs Cook for organising this inspiring visit and Ms Wise for giving our girls great ideas to act on our theme this year of community in mission.”

Article added: Friday 08 April 2022