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The weeks are beginning to fly by and the school calendar is filling up with events. Be sure to read the class blogs and school notices to ensure you keep up with what is happening at school.

Last Friday we had our Grandparents' / Grandfriends' Mass, a wonderful occasion, enjoyed by many. It was great to have Andrew Chinn playing alongside Mrs Tiedt at Mass, hearing the beautiful singing of our tamariki and seeing the students sharing their school stories with grandparents and grandfriends. It was also a delight to hear stories of grandparents making connections with each other on the day too, organising coffee dates and sharing stories about their grandchildren.

Our Working Bee went ahead on Saturday. Many jobs were completed thanks to the generous efforts of our parents, children and staff. We are extremely lucky to have such parents in our community and can’t thank you enough for getting all those jobs done.

Mr Macmillan is away in Auckland this week, attending the MAC Conference and in the latter part of the week to the NZCPPA Executive meeting.

Please remember that there is a Teachers’ Only Day on Monday 7th November.

There will be no school for children on this day. If you require after-school care you can ring Maryanne Roling from Glenholme Afterschool Care.

Mary Anne’s contact number is 347 0709 or 0211 215599

Ngā mihi maioha

Brigitte Holmes

Our Grandparents and Grandfriends school Mass was such a lovely occasion. Thankyou so much to everyone who attended. I am sure Fr. Thomas would have been pleased to see the church so full. We were so lucky to have the singer and songwriter Andrew Chinn join us to play alongside Mrs Tiedt.

Andrew Chinn spent the whole day with us on Friday. Andrew did some workshops with each of our Year groups. Lots of students got the opportunity to join in singing and dancing. It was such a fun occasion.

We started our Baptism classes last Sunday with 5 families and attended Mass together. The children learnt about the symbols involved with Baptism and their meaning. This week they will be looking at Saints' names and think about the name they will choose.

This Thursday 3rd November the Year 4 classes are leading an All Souls and All Saints Liturgy (12:15 in the hall). We welcome all whanau to join us.

On Sunday, 42 children will be baptised from the Parish. We ask you to keep them all in your prayers and wish them well on their faith journey.

God bless,

Sara Mines and Lorna Dobson

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.

Book orders due back tomorrow, Thursday 3 November 12 noon – no late orders please. Please ensure that your child’s name and room number are on the order form otherwise there will be a delay in receiving the order. If the order is a gift, please highlight this, and the order will be left for collection in the office. This is the last book club offer before Christmas.

Thank you very much for your continued support for the school and the library through buying through the lucky book club.

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.

RESULTS FROM INTER-HOUSE SPORTS TUESDAY-

Now posted on our website.

If any family is holding a trophy from last year's awards, could you please return to school as soon as you are able.