Kia Ora,

Last Thursday was All Souls Day and our liturgy was lovely with lots of singing. Thanks to Year 4 for leading us through the Liturgy.

Our Year 6's had their retreat on Friday and they participated in a pilgrimage. They walked around the Government Gardens, Lakefront and Ohinemutu to explore local stories, and on their walk back to school focused on areas important to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.

The Year 5's stayed back at school for a Leadership Day. Thanks to our Year 5 and 6 teachers who organised the Retreat and Leadership Day for our senior children.

The 'Making a Difference' Swimming Programme started last week and seems to be going really well. I've heard some good feedback from the coaches about our children’s swimming ability. Thanks to our awesome swimming coaches from the Aquatic Centre; Tara, Annaleise and Ellen.

Seven of our students were Baptised at St Mary’s on Sunday. Congratulations to Elijah and Fern Churches, Elijah Benfell, Jasmin Qui, Ian Yoo, Olivia Newman and Liz Jacob. Please keep these children in your prayers as they journey in the Catholic faith.

Last week John Paul College announced the Head Boy and Girl for 2023. It was awesome to see that Poppy Martin a former student here, was selected as the Head Girl. We wish her all the best in her new role and I’m sure she will serve the JPC community very well.

On Friday we have our Kahui Ako Ahurei at John Paul College. There will be schools from Opotiki, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Putaruru and Rotorua performing. We have both junior and senior kapa haka groups performing. Koro Tini has been tutoring the Senior group and Wiki Hill has been tutoring our Junior group. Many thanks to both of them. This is the first time our Catholic Schools have come together for an event like this. Whanau are invited to attend and it is a gold coin donation collected at the door.

Also on Friday, we have our tennis team competing in the local inter-school tennis competition. Fingers crossed the weather will be ok so they will be able to play. We wish them all the best.

Have a great week everyone.

David Macmillan,

Principal.

Thank you to our wonderful Year 4 students who led our whole school All Souls and All Saints Day last Thursday. The children were respectful throughout the liturgy and participated prayerfully. The leaders were well prepared and all sung beautifully.

It is wonderful to see families gathering together to celebrate Mass on a Sunday. There are Masses held at St Michael’s and St Mary’s church on both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the parish website for more details and Mass times. Did you know our parish has a Facebook page? Try searching St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Rotorua and click the like button. You will then have all the information and news from the parish as it happens.

A great way to support your child in their faith journey, is to have a prayer space in your home.

Here are a few tips on how you can set up a quiet space in your home:

1. Select an object that will be the focal point of your prayer space. We strongly suggest using a crucifix.

2. Clear away clutter so that there is space to contemplate.

3. Add other smaller religious items important to your family. Icons of favourite saints or nature scenes can be a great addition. We also encourage you to add an image or statue of our Blessed Mother.

4. Consider adding a way to remember your special intentions. You can use a cork board to display pictures of people that need prayers, for example.

5. Collect religious items, including Bibles, Rosaries, and prayer books. Add them to your prayer space, so that they are accessible to all.

6. Use your prayer space both as a family and for individual prayer.

God bless,

Sara Mines and Lorna Dobson DRS

Here is a link to the Netsafe meeting held at school at the end of last term. The Netsafe website has more information to help whanau keep themselves and tamariki safe online.

In Term 4 we will be taking our Year 5 & 6 students to Taupo Christian Camp. The cost this year is $240.00 and is tax deductible.

We rely on parents/caregivers' contributions to enable us to hold this camp. Without your help camp is not possible.

Many thanks to those parents who have paid their contribution already. If you would like to start a payment plan, or have any queries, please email Margo Mason admin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz, or call into the office.

On Sunday 30th October, Annabelle Davey, Alana Thomson and Zoe Holmes represented Te Arawa Swimming at the Southern Junior Pod Swim Meet. They did personal bests and were racing against fellow Rotorua Swim, Whakatane and Taupo clubs.