St James' School Term 2 Week 4
Newsletter 26 May 2021
Our Vision: To grow Catholic, Christian young people,
who are confident, connected lifelong learners, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, and who make a positive difference in their community.
Kia ora Koutou
I really enjoyed the cross-country last week. We were blessed with a lovely day, and the Learning Spaces had visited the track and practised, so everyone was ready to run. Congratulations to all runners - one of our aims is to educate that running/walking is a great form of exercise - regular movement is key to health and well being. Get outside, move around slowly and once in a while sprint! Thanks to all staff for their preparation of learners and Tracey Gunn for her organisation. Thanks to Glenn and Tracey for setting out the course. We will advise you about prize-giving when we have trophies sorted.
We took part in our Teacher Only day on Well Being/Hauora last Friday with the staff of all Catholic Schools in our Kāhui Āko. One reflection I had was that if we all looked after ourselves - 'put your own oxygen mask on first' -then collectively, we would be healthier and able to be our best selves and consequently be of service to others.
Many thanks to our bakers who made cakes to celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. The feedback was that the cakes were delicious.
Finally a heads up - the NZEI have notified us of a Paid Union Meeting for teachers. Our staff will be attending the meeting on June 25 - therefore school will close on Friday, June 25th at 12.30 pm. We ask all children to be picked up at 12.30. Nippers will be operating in the hall from 12.30 pm.
Heoi anō tāku mō nāianei
Tom Sheehan
Catholic Special Character
First Eucharist/ First Holy Communion- First Communion Starts this Sunday the 30th of May with 9.30 am mass followed by a combined session for families over in the Diocesan Centre (this is for the year 4 children who received Reconciliation earlier in the year!)
For more information, please contact Kate Bell k.bell@pncathedral.org.nz.
Celebrations
Welcome - We extend a warm welcome to Cassidy and Liera, who have recently started their faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hāto Heemi. We also extend a warm welcome to their family and whānau.
News
School Closing for Paid Union Meeting - the NZEI have notified us of a Paid Union Meeting for teachers. Our staff will be attending the meeting on June 25 - therefore school will close on Friday, June 25th at 12.30 pm. We ask all children to be picked up at 12.30. Nippers will be operating in the hall from 12.30 pm.
A cheque free future - As ASB and other banks move away from processing cheques, we want to make sure you are prepared. We will also no longer be able to accept cheques from 31 May 2021. Payment of School donations can continue to be paid online ASB Bank Account 12-3442-0052178-00 or by cash.
Can you help? - We have a family who needs support getting their family to school (2 children) Mon-Fri. Pick up is from Fitzherbert Avenue. If you are able to assist please contact the school office.
PB4L Tier 2 - St James' is a PB4L school and this year we are moving into Tier 2. Claire, Christine, Whaea Amy and Tom spent Tuesday at the MOE offices training in Tier 2 Positive Behaviour 4 Learning. Tier two strategies and interventions provide support for approximately 15% of students who are at risk of developing chronic behavioural problems and who have not responded to Tier One Strategies. PB4L is built on a model of education - just as a learner may not be able to understand a maths concept and we create a tailored response to assist with the learning so too for behaviour - education and support tailored for the learner.
PB4L School-Wide looks at behaviour and learning from a whole-of-school as well as an individual child perspective. The framework is based on international evidence.
The Positive Behaviour for Learning School-Wide framework, otherwise known as PB4L School-Wide, is helping New Zealand schools build a culture where positive behaviour and learning is a way of life. The framework can be tailored to your school’s own environment and cultural needs.
It’s not about changing the students; it’s about changing the environment, systems and practices you have in place to support them to make positive behaviour choices.
Mathematics Reporting Mid Year 2021
In 2019 St James' began working on updating its maths curriculum and teaching and learning of Mathematics. We are using the PaCT reporting this term for the first time so the Mid-Year report form will look a little different than in the past.
Below is a screen capture of the first part of the report using a fictitious learner Mika Barker Year 3.
On the left below Mika's progress is a teal section between the 1 and 2 on the Y-axis which indicates the learner's range is within Level 2 and is considered to have achieved Level 1. Looking at the range in relation to the curriculum level you can get a sense of whether your child has just started working within the curriculum level or if they are close to moving to the next level.
The black line indicates the expected curriculum progress. This is based on the assumption that each curriculum level takes two years of schooling.
There is another graph on the report form and I will share that in our next newsletter. You can visit the PaCT site here to find out more.
Reminders
Uniform - as it grows cooler please ensure all children have a school jersey and jacket if required. Children are able to play in the library and sandpit at lunchtime if they choose however we encourage all to get outside if the weather permits and play.
Uniform prescription printed below.
GIRLS
Regulation tartan tunic OR regulation skort
White blouse short/long sleeved
Regulation, bottle green, wool blend, V-neck jersey OR regulation bottle green
cardigan
Either white ankle socks, white knee high socks or bottle green tights (Winter only)
Black vinyl or leather school shoes, plain brown or black sandals.
No sneakers/sport or skate shoes
Sun Hat, Green wide brimmed worn Term’s 1 and 4
PE Uniform – Regulation green shorts and polo shirt
NB: Girls may wear their green PE shorts or black lycra shorts underneath their tunics
BOYS
Grey drill or grey wool mix/polyester viscose shorts
Grey shirt short/long sleeved
Regulation bottle green V-neck jersey
Grey knee length socks
Black vinyl or leather school shoes, plain brown or black sandals.
No sneakers/sport or skate shoes
Sun Hat, Green wide brimmed worn Term’s 1 and 4
PE Uniform – Regulation green shorts and polo shirt
UNISEX OPTIONAL EXTRA UNIFORM ITEMS
Track suit school jacket or track suit pants.
Polar fleece tracksuit pants may be worn in class during the cooler months. Jackets may not be worn in class.
NB: Thermal undergarments to be V-Neck - white, grey, navy blue or black and must not be visible under school uniform items.
Back Field re-seeded - Thanks to Turf Renovators for reseeding the backfield - we have sectioned off the area with tape to give the grass every chance to grow.
Our Kura is Smokefree and Vapefree - while our Kura has always been Smokefree this is a reminder that after recent law changes our kura is now smoke and vape free.
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
- PTFA Chocolate Fundraiser - Congratulations to Sesi E-B with 6 boxes sold and Xavier and Jared L with 4 boxes sold. Spot prizes were presented at Monday's Gathering. Thank you to all our community for supporting this fundraiser. There are some bars still left if anyone would like to buy for themselves please text Lisa Quinn 0273583914. Please return any outstanding money to the office.
- PTFA Lunch - Friday 28 May offerings will be Meat Lovers, Hawaiian or Simply Cheese. $2 a slice. Order before school on Friday - at the front of the School office.
Pastoral Care - Thank you to our current pastoral care providers who have baked and prepared meals for those families in our school community who occasionally need a little bit of extra support.
If this sounds like something you would like to assist with could you please email me so I can put your name on our list of helpers. Thanks, Tracey Gunn t.gunn@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
- Please Join us - The PTFA is keen to have new members join them this year. Many of the current organisers are nearing the end of their primary school involvement, and it is time to add more members. If you are interested, please contact Kelly Hoskins (ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz).
School Board
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 31 May 2021 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Michael Fennessy
Chairperson
Sports
Hockey and Netball Fees - Just a reminder that all Winter Netball fees are now due. All sports fees are to be paid before games starting.
Dates for Your Diary
Please keep checking the Events Calendar on the school website. All coming events will continue to be updated here. Add to my Calendar.
2021 Term 2
Week 4
Friday 28 May - PTFA lunch
Friday 28 May - Te Mahuri Parent Assembly - LS 7, 8, 9 and 10 will lead and present their learning.
Week 5
Samoan Language week
Monday 31 May - Board Meeting, 6pm
Tuesday 1 June - LS 7 and 10 Trip to Cathedral
Thursday 3 June - LS 8 and 9 trip to Cathedral
Friday 4 June - NZ Playhouse concert (whole school)
Week 6
Monday 7 June - Queen's Birthday (No School)
Tuesday 8 June - Interschool Cross Country / Scripture Reading Competition
Week 7
Wednesday 16 June - LS6 Class Trip to Te Manawa
Week 8
Thursday 24 June - Te Totara Assembly
Friday 25 June - NZEI Meeting Early School Closure 12.30pm
Getting Involved
The Yummy Sticker promotion has kicked off again for this year, so its a good time to remind everyone to collect Yummy stickers and bag cut-outs. Shop at your local New World, Pak’n Save and participating Four Square stores. $200,000 of sports gear is available for schools.
Stickers are due in by Friday 17 September.
Click on the links below for your Collection Sheets, or grab one from the School Office foyer.
Cut out Label Collection Sheet
New Variety Sticker Collection
Sticker Collection Sheet
Shining Stars – Preschool Music Group Thursday 9:30am
Cathedral lounge. Contact Basia bmcintosh@pndiocese.org.nz.
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