Education Minister praises St Paul’s College achievements

During her visit on October 20, Ms Stanford was greeted with a haka pōwhiri, alongside mihi and waiata, reflecting the school’s cultural identity and the spirit of its community.

Addressing staff and students, Ms Stanford commended the college’s achievements, acknowledging that the successes of its young men do not go unnoticed and play a part in shaping the future of education across New Zealand.

The visit also featured a musical performance by students, showcasing their creativity and dedication. This was followed by an informal conversation between the Minister, student leaders and the college’s senior leadership team, providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives and connect with the school community.

The visit offered an opportunity to recognise the achievements of St Paul’s students and celebrate the contribution they are making to their school and the wider community. Earlier this year, St Paul’s headmaster Keith Simento noted that some 80 per cent of students at the college identify as Māori or Pasifika.

“Our approach is about creating a culture where every young person genuinely believes they can succeed,” he said.

“For many students, that belief is the biggest challenge. Sometimes they haven’t had people tell them that they are capable of achieving great things. At St Paul’s, we make that message very clear from the beginning.”

“We also set high expectations,” Mr Simento added. “Attendance, for example, is a major focus. We expect our students to maintain between 85 and 95 per cent attendance because we know that if they are at school, they are safe, they are learning and they are giving themselves the best opportunity to succeed.

“Parents really value those expectations because they know we are helping their sons develop good habits while also providing a caring environment.”

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