Sunday, September 26, 2021

Gospel Reading

Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

Jesus teaches that whoever is not against him is for him.

Background on the Gospel Reading

In Sunday's Gospel we continue to read from the Gospel of Mark. Recall that last week we heard Jesus chastise his disciples for their argument about who among them was the greatest. Jesus taught them that the greatest among them will be those who serve the least ones. In today’s Gospel, the disciple John questions Jesus about an unknown exorcist who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name. John’s question might have been motivated by jealousy. Previously in Mark's Gospel, Jesus healed a boy whom the disciples had been unable to heal. John’s question is further evidence that the disciples have not yet grasped Jesus’ words to them. They continue to compare themselves to others who seem to have greater healing powers, and they do not want to share the power of Jesus’ name with others.

The demon possession described in the Gospels might be seen as a form of mental illness, but the need for healing these syndromes was as real then as it is now. Exorcism was a common practice in first-century Palestine. Some people had the power to heal the symptoms of possession. One of the strategies used was to invoke the name of a person or figure who was believed to have the power to heal.

The disciples observed that the unknown exorcist invoked Jesus’ name and was successful in his healing efforts. This unknown healer recognised the power of Jesus’ name, yet he was not a follower of Jesus. In his reply to his disciples, Jesus acknowledges that deeds of faith can precede the words of faith. He also teaches that the disciples should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others.

Later in this Gospel, Jesus teaches us not to create obstacles for those who are just beginning to have faith but to encourage even the smallest signs of faith. The Greek word used here for sin also connotes “stumbling” or “causing scandal.” In vivid terms Jesus teaches his disciples the consequences to those who would put obstacles before people who are on the road to faith.

Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,

Tihei mauri ora, nau mai, haere mai, tena koutou katoa, E nga whanau, e nga kaiako, e nga tamariki, e nga manuhiri, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa

Term 3 is nearly over. I'm not sure how that happened so quickly. It does however feel like it's been a long term.

I do hope all our families are able to refresh, recharge and have some quality time with each other.

I am so proud to lead this community and share in all the highs and lows that come with it. Some parts of this Term have really challenged us and I want to acknowledge all the hard work everyone has done.

HERO updates

You will see the teachers have shared their ARTS and RE learning stories with you and the wonderful work your children have completed. As I said previously we are not adding a point on the graph for Term 3, however, goals continue to be updated by the teachers as they are achieved. You will not be able to see the graph for a few weeks as we have taken the Term 3 point off. If you have any concerns please contact your child's teacher.

Summer Uniform

As we enter into Term 4 please note the change in school uniform. Students will change from wearing winter shoes to black roman sandals, and hats will be worn by all children playing outside. Thank you for ensuring all uniform items are clearly named. We appreciate our community's support with this.

New PE Uniform

Effective immediately we have a new PE uniform that can be purchased from the school office. You are welcome to continue to wear the previous version of our PE uniform, however moving forward you will purchase the new PE uniform from the office. Over time the older style will go through the phasing out process.

The price for a shirt and shorts are $35 each. They can be used for most sports and inter-school sports. Payment is to be made by eftpos only.

Aroha Camp Meeting

Due to the Ministry of Health guidelines under level 2, we will no longer be holding the scheduled Aroha Camp meeting on Wednesday 29th September. All the information will be shared with you via HERO. If you have any questions about camp, please email your child's whanau teacher.

Lost Property

We have a good amount of lost property so please make sure you check your child's classroom for unnamed items.

Holiday programme. If you are interested in our Holiday programme for 1 or 2 weeks could you please email Shelley: afterschoolcare@stmarystga.school.nz

Sports Photos

Photolife studios will be taking our sports photos for this for the first time on Thursday 30 September (tomorrow). We appreciate that these are challenging and it has crept up on us. We will try to keep to a timetable and if coaches/managers are able and want to join you are more than welcome to. Please see timetable below.

Mufti Day

This Friday we have a Mufti day and we are asking the children to bring a pantry item for the St Vincent de Paul food bank. Thank-you for your support with this.

Holiday programme

If you are interested in our Holiday programme for 1 or 2 weeks could you please email Shelley: afterschoolcare@stmarystga.school.nz

Miniature Model

Yesterday we had a visit from Fred Andrews. During lockdown Fred came to St Mary's and photographed over 190 digital photos of our school. Fred spent five weeks meticulously creating a miniature model of our school and presented it to us yesterday. We are very thankful for the generous time and effort that Fred has put into creating a memory of our 2021 school.

Ngā mihi nui

James Murray

Baptism Preparation for those who are considering Baptism for their children

If you would like to inquire about your child being Baptised please contact Teresa Rush for further details. trush@stmarystga.school.nz

There will be Baptism lessons during school time in weeks 3/4/5 of Term 4, 2021.

St Mary’s Sports Photos Thursday 30 September 2021

If you have a sport uniform at home please bring it to school tomorrow for the photos.

Below is an approximate timetable of when each code will be photographed. As a coach or manager you are welcome to come along to be in the photo.

Basketball Teams: 9.00 am

• Bobcats

• Breakers

• Grizzlies

• Hawks

• Kings

• Spurs

• Timberwolves

• Wizards

Cricket Teams: 9.40 am

• Blazing Batters

• Golden Eagles

• Whacking Wizards

Flippaball Teams: 9.55 am

• Diamonds

• Gold

• Rockets

• Shooters

Football Teams: 10.15am

• Heatwave

• Wildfire

Hockey Teams: 11.00am

• Blasters

• Hurricanes

• Spitfires

• Titans

Jump Jam 11.20am

Netball Teams 11.40am

• Diamonds

• Ferns

• Flames

• Flyers

• Force

• Magic

• Pulse

• Rebels

• Shakers

• Sting

Rippa Rugby Teams: 1.30pm

• Hawks

• Jaguars

• Panthers

• Pumas

• Raiders

• Stormers

• Vikings

Volleyball Team: 2.05pm

• Blockers

• Diggers

Water Polo Team: 2.15pm

• Sunfish

KapaHaka: 2.20pm

A form has been shared to all Aroha families, via HERO for our up and coming senior camp.

Information is required such as medical, food allergy and special dietary requirements. We would appreciate it if this form is completed as soon as possible.

Term 3 - Monday 26 July - Friday 1 October

Wednesday 11 August - Accord Day Teacher Only Day

Term 4 - Monday 18 October - Friday 17 December (12 noon)

Monday 25 October - Labour Day

Friday 12th November - Accord Day Teacher Only Day

Monday 7 February - Waitangi Day

Term 2 - Monday 2 May - Friday 8 July

Monday 6 June - Queen's Birthday

Friday 24 June - Matariki

Term 3 - Monday 25 July - Friday 30 September

Term 4 - Monday 17 October - Tuesday 20 December

Monday 24 October - Labour Day

There is provision for two Teacher only days and two Accord days to be added to the 2022 calendar year.