The performance of NZ education globally has finally become a political issue. 

Secondary School leaders for years have been lobbying the Government for attention and a direct plan to address the 30 year decline of educational performance of NZ school children compared to other OECD countries. Too often Governments, who only think in 3 year election cycles, are more interested in media soundbites that may sway the ignorant voter, than a long term strategy to tackle this long term problem.

I have noticed recently, NZ voting parents are starting to become more aware of the above crisis and are rightly demanding answers. I believe this to be a key reason why the Government is stalling on rushed NCEA changes, as reported recently in the media.

Whatever the outcome, Liston will choose an Academic pathway and use the new flexibility that NCEA offers to give our boys the best possible chance of meaningful academic success when they graduate Liston College. On this note my thanks to the many parents who attended a Year 9 and 10 academic information session on Tuesday evening. Your general support of our proposed plan was encouraging and we look forward to sharing this with the wider community next term.

• Thank you for the many prayers and offers of support to the family of Justin Romero. 
• Well done to the Liston Pompallier Shield representatives who travelled to Whangarei this week to compete against other Catholic Schools. More information inside this newsletter.
• All the best to the 1st XV Rugby boys as the Auckland 1A competition gets underway tomorrow with the Liston team heading to Pakuranga to play St Kentigern College. 

God bless 

Ngā manaakitanga   

Steve Dooley 

Principal