Why Maori kids do well at St John's

St John's College principal Neal Swindells can't put his finger on any one reason why Maori students thrive at his Hasting school.

Despite making up only 20 per cent of the Catholic school's population, half of the head boys in the past 10 years have been Maori.

``I think the spiritual side of the school really suits Maori kids _ they feel very comfortable in a school that has a strong spiritual base,'' he said.

``On marae, there is always prayer and prayer is just natural here at St John's.''

He said leaders were nurtured well due to the Marist Youth Leader Programme _ run for a network of eight Marist New Zealand schools.

``About 100 students meet for one week with 20 mentors for a principle-centred leadership. Effectively they learn to be a leader and practise leadership styles _ there are all sorts of leadership aspects.

``When you mix together 100 top Year 13 students the ability, in a course like that, is just outstanding. At St John's, the course is really sought after _ the boys know it is fantastic. Students apply for it by writing a letter of application.''

The course was traditionally held at St Bedes in Christchurch but, because of the earthquakes, it was held at Hato Paora in Feilding this year.

The student/staff relationship were also a factor for Maori leadership at St John's.

``We are blessed to have Paul Blake on our staff, he is a wonderful HOD Maori and mentor.''

Mr Swindells said the school's high retention of students also made a difference. ``There is always a big push for the kids to stay for five years _ this year we have more in Year 13 than we have in Year 9.''-->