SJS Newsletter Term 1 Week 10
Newsletter 6 April 2022
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.
Tēnā tātou
Dear St James' families
It has been a huge term. I want to acknowledge the incredible team here at St James' and thank them for their continued support and service. For their amazing commitment to building the kingdom of God and for their relentlessness about keeping learners at the centre of everything they do.
As we continue this journey through Lent we look forward to Holy Week and the teaching that these bring to our tamariki.
COVID-19 Update - In April 2020 we all lived through the nationwide lockdowns because of a pandemic Covid-19. Today, we continue to live through this pandemic. However we are thankful for the low impact this has had on our kura. A small number of our learners have been self isolating with their families due to covid 19 but most of our absences are due to norla change in weather illnesses.
The Ministry of Education still recommends that masks continue to be worn in the Learning Spaces by staff and year 4-6 learners and that whānau wear masks at drop off and pick up. Therefore, we will maintain our current procedure of drop off and pick up at the gates with masks on. We really appreciate your support with this as we continue to do the best we can to reduce the spread of Omicron.
Please continue to update us with your whānau circumstance, that is - letting us know about the first household case and any subsequent household cases that may occur. When tamariki have been away due to COVID-19 related circumstances, we have been supporting our tamariki with learning. This may be by delivering hard packs or providing online learning resources and supporting our whānau with pastoral care when required.
I therefore ask that you advise the school office if there has been any change in contact details so we can update these.
Reporting - Our planned meet the teacher interviews were cancelled early in the term due to the pandemic. Teachers will be sending home mid year progress reports in week 10 of term 2 and then meeting those of you who wish to discuss these reports, in week 1 of term 3.
Our doors are always open if you would like to meet your child’s teacher. Please arrange this out of school hours during the red traffic light settings.
Family/whānau will be invited in for a learning celebration as soon as we move to the orange traffic light. Please watch this space or an alert on our School App for details.
I wish you a blessed Easter and holiday break and look forward to welcoming you all back to Term 2 on Monday 2nd May.
E te Auta e manaarki ki a koutou katoa
May God Bless you all
Christine Cosgrove
Catholic Special Character - Holy Week
Holy Thursday
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, we will have our traditional Holy Thursday shared meal of Jesus food in each classroom.
The PTFA has kindly offered to supply the food for each class to share. This will be prepared in a safe way and distributed by each teacher to those learners who would like to try the food such as pita bread, dried fruit, cheese and grapes.
Please advise your child's class teacher about any dietary requirements. The learners still need to bring their normal lunch.
SVDP are collecting Easter eggs to donate to families in need this Easter. Any donations of Easter eggs would be greatly appreciated. Please bring your donations to the School Office before Monday 11 April to ensure families get their eggs in time for Easter.
Newsletter Proudly Sponsored By
Children's Bibles for Purchase - if you wish to order a Children's Bible, please email the school office and they will place your order and Invoice You:
The Beginner’s Bible suitable for ages 4-7 $29.99
The Lion Read & Know Bible $24.99
The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story $39.99
Freight $6.00
Celebrations - Celebrating Success
Welcome - We extend a warm welcome to Talia who has recently started her faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi. We also extend a warm welcome to her family and whānau.
Thank you - We were grateful to have received from the Niuvaka Trust some COVID-19 Pastoral Care bags. These bags are amazing and will be gratefully received by isolating families within our school community.
Our Vision states: Everyone has a place here. In our safe and inclusive environment we embrace and value diversity. We recognise and respect the uniqueness of every individual within the school community as made in the image and likeness of God.
Autism Awarenness Week 2022 - In 2022 Autism NZ has invited schools to take part in ‘Hoods Up Wednesday’ on the 13th of April. This is where you may like to wear a hoodie to school to help raise awareness of autistic sensory differences.
Why hoodies?
Many autistic people experience sensory input like light, sound and touch more intensely, and wearing a hoodie with the hood up can help to block out uncomfortably loud sounds or bright light. Hoodies also tend to be made of softer fabrics, which are much more comfortable for autistic people who have sensitivities to touch and texture.
Wearing a hoodie for ‘Hoods Up Wednesday’ helps to raise awareness that hoods up can often be a tool for autistic people to feel more comfortable in the world. Someone with their hood up may just be someone trying to cope with an overwhelming amount of sensory input.
So, on Wednesday 13 April, if you and your whānau would like to take part in this, a small way for us to show our support and understanding, and our desire for inclusion and acceptance of difference, then please feel free to wear a hoodie as your warm layer of clothing, instead of your school jersey, over your uniform.
Hato Heemi SAINTS Postcards - Congratulations to the following learners who received a Hato Heemi SAINTS Postcard at the end of Term 1.
Strive - Alexis C, Ronan de L-H, Olive W, Jhulz O, Cheliane, T, Kim P, David H, Noah C, Jack M, Jackson B and Alvarez S.
Acceptance - Sarah B, Theodore K-L and Danielle A.
Integrity - Alexis C, Theodore C, Harry C, Cruze K, Patrick C, Aaron S, Marlee V, Archie B, David E, Isla P, Arabella B and Alvarez S.
Nurture - Sophia M, Cruze K, Miller R-C, Therese K, and Elijah R.
Talents - Jhulz O, Toby B, Rohan G, Lachlan McP and Christian C.
Service - Ronan de L-H, Mia T, Aaron S, Caoiliann de L-H, Hannah J and Arabella B.
Reminders
New Entrant Enrolments 2023 - We are now taking enrolments for 2023. A reminder that if you have siblings joining us at St James’ in 2022, please ensure that you have requested an Enrolment Pack and have the Enrolment and Preference Forms returned to the Office. We do require this documentation so we can schedule transition to school visits.
Payment of 2022 School Donation - You should now have received these by email. If you did not please contact the school office office@stjamescatholic.school.nz. We welcome automatic payments throughout the year. Your donations assist us in offering extracurricular opportunities for your children. The donation includes Science, Technology, Education Outside the classroom experiences (except for the Year 5 and 6 Senior Camp), visiting performers transport to sporting fixtures and Masses. Payments can be paid to ASB Bank account 12-3442-0052178-00. Please Reference your ‘child’s Surname’ and ‘Invoice Number’. Online payment is preferred as there are no EFTPOS facilities available at the Office. You are welcome to set up automatic or part payments throughout the School Year. School Donations are Tax deductible. You can claim back 33% of your school donations through IRD.
Toys and Sports Equipment - We discourage bringing toys and sports equipment to school and take no responsibility for their loss or damage. Please encourage your children to keep these at home.
News
Science Kit - LS10 have enjoyed using the Measurement Matters Science Kit. More photos are available on the St James' Catholic School Facebook page.
Nippers Out of School Care and Holiday Programme - Need care during the school holidays?
Nippers April Holiday Programme
Nippers April Holiday Booking Information and Sheet
Nippers operates out of our St James’ Catholic School Hall, contact 356 7926, 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz for more information.
Sport
Year 3 and 4 netball team - These super stars hit the court with their huge smiles each week! Great to see their skill and game sense developing! Thanks so much for their amazing coach Sophie for her positivity!
These kids show up each week with a smile on their dials ready for action!
A huge thanks to Sarah their team manager and Coach Gareth for all their efforts.
Can't wait to see the progress these kids make in the winter season!
Yummy Apple stickers - Please continue to collect these throughout the year. Collection sheets are also available from the school office.
Cut out Label Collection Sheet
New Variety Sticker Collection
Sticker Collection Sheet
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
Pastoral Care - We are continuing to support our school community when required through this pademic by way of pastoral care, this may be meal or baking. Our freezers are nearly empty, if this sounds like something you might be interested in supporting please contact t.gunn@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
Kelly Hoskins
PTFA Chairperson
ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz
Serving Our Saints with Faith and Enthusiasm
St James' Catholic School Board Update
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 11 April 2022 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Policies for Community Consultation
The following Policies are out for community consultation.
Comments are due back to the School Office before 22 April 2022 to office@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
DRAFT Children’s Act 2014 Police Vetting
DRAFT Sponsorship and Marketing
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 11 April 2022 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Michael Fennessy
Chairperson (boardchairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz)
Dates for Your Diary
Please keep checking the Events Calendar on the school website or school App as we are updating this should events be cancelled/postponed. All coming events will continue to be updated here. Add to my Calendar.
2022 Term Dates & Holidays. Please add these to your diary, in particular the Staff Only Days.
TERM 1
Week 10
Tuesday 5th of April and Wednesday 6th of April - We will commemorate Good Friday at school with the praying of Living Stations of the Cross
Sunday 10 April - Palm Sunday
Week 11
Monday 11 April - We will celebrate Palm Sunday
Tuesday 12 April - Stations of the Cross
Wednesday 13 April - Stations of the Cross
Wednesday 13 April - Autism Awareness - Wear a Hoodie instead of your school jersey.
Thursday 14 April - Holy Thursday. We will celebrate Holy Thursday, the Last Supper and the Washing of the Feet in our learning spaces
Thursday 14 April - Last day of Term 1
Friday 15 April - Good Friday
Sunday 17 April - Easter Sunday
Term 2 Commences Monday 2 May 2022
Week 1
Week 2
9-13 May NZ Sign Language Week
Week 3
Monday 16 May - School Board Meeting
Marae Trip
Week 4
Marae TripThursday 26 May - Feast of the Ascension
Getting involved
One small way we can make life easier for others which costs us nothing, is to collect stamps, can tabs, and wine bottle tops!
You will find collection boxes for these in the School Office foyer. If, as a family you don't already set these items aside for Kidney Kids at Starship and the Missions, you may like to start, as a very visible witness to demonstrating Jesus' example of LOVE. Encourage neighbours and family to do the same. There is no deadline.
School App Advertising - If you are interested in advertising on our School App please make an enquiry to office@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
Please support our sponsors
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Phone: 06 355 0556