Newsletter-Week 9 Term One
Newsletter 09 6 April 2023
Principal's Message
On Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday. At this time we commemorate the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of salvation through Christ’s Death and Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Every year during this sacred week, the Church invites us to consider once again, the meaning of the Cross. With each passing year, we bring our own considerations, understandings, and acceptance of our faith, as they have developed since the previous year.
On Tuesday, we had our Donkey Parade and the donkey was certainly the highlight. Some children dressed up in clothes that reflected people at that time.
Last week our children participated in the Stations of the Cross Liturgy where they reflected on the final hours of the life of Jesus on Earth. This week we have the Washing of the Feet Liturgy on Thursday at 12.15 pm in the school hall. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples prior to the Last Supper and this has significance in that it was a display of humility and His servanthood. You are welcome to attend.
We also have the Year 4 Art Exhibition in the school grounds today. I am very impressed with the great work our children have done. This is an opportunity for the Year 4's to showcase the work they have been doing with Jessica Newman and the Journey Project. Parents have an opportunity to see their work this afternoon.
We have a total from the Gala Day. Our PTA raised $18,000 which will go towards new turf. Thank you to our awesome PTA because it is hard work putting an event such as this together. To Rebecca and her team a huge thank you. Our Gala Day is an excellent community event and this one was no exception. The weather was not on our side but our community came in their droves. Thank you everyone.
A big thank you to all our Gala Sponsors too. These have been recognised later in this newsletter. Please support them.
Reading Logs for the Holiday Reading Programme have been issued to the children. Once filled in, these need to be returned in the first week back next term. Adults reading to children counts. We have a lot of prizes to give away in the lucky draw. The top class will also receive a pizza lunch. Please keep reading at the forefront during the holidays.
During the holidays we celebrate ANZAC Day. On Tuesday 25th April I am hoping to have a strong representation from our school attending the parade. I have sent out a letter outlining the parade. If your child is able to participate please send your reply to the school tomorrow.
After the holidays, children are expected to be in their winter uniforms. Please note that boys can now wear long sleeve polo shirts instead of a skivvy. Girls can now wear culottes with the long sleeve polo shirt. Our uniform shop hours are Monday and Friday from 8.30 to 9.00 am and on Wednesdays from 2.30 pm to 3.00 pm. You can purchase uniforms online by going to the school website. Once the online order has been made you will be able to pick up your uniform from the school office.
Important dates for next term:
Term 2 starts Wednesday April 26th.
Monday 1st May is our Kahui Ako Sport and Cultural Day at JPC for Years 5 and 6s
Tuesday, May 2nd and Wednesday, May 3rd we have our Goal Setting Conferences with children and their whanau. Booking times will be set up soon.
I would like to thank our hard-working staff for the work they have done in our school this term to provide many learning opportunities for our students.
Please also pray for Jane Trask who will be received into the Catholic Church at the Saturday evening vigil - our prayerful best wishes in your new faith journey.
I hope your children have a relaxing holiday, my fingers are crossed the weather will be fine.
Happy Easter,
David Macmillan.
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Our School uniform shop will be open on the last Friday of the holidays : 21 April -
from 11am to 1.30pm. Winter culottes - all sizes - in stock now.
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Director of Religious Studies
We celebrated Palm Sunday at school yesterday with a donkey parade. Pauline from the Mamaku Donkey Rescue and Rehoming Centre along with Nibby the donkey helped us to reenact the story. The children shouted Hosanna as they walked past. Mrs Waititi played the guitar and we all sang songs. It was a true celebration and Father Thomas Joined us too.
Last week at our Teacher Only Day, Paul Shannon a Schools Advisor from the Diocese came to guide us through the modules for the Social Justice Paper that we are working on over the next few months.
Yesterday we had an R.E. Meeting to review our teaching and planning of the topic ‘It’s not Fair’. There was lots of discussion and ideas put forward to drive our students' learning over the next term.
Thursday 6th April the kakano children will be hosting the Washing of the Feet Liturgy at 12:15. You are more than welcome to join us.
Tomorrow is Holy Thursday. On this day Jesus celebrated the Passover feast or the Last Supper with his disciples. This is the night when Judas betrayed Jesus and he was arrested. The Last Supper is celebrated at every Mass.
Good Friday is the day we commemorate the trial, punishment and crucifixion of Jesus.
Easter Sunday is the day that the tomb was discovered to be empty. Our Lord was resurrected and triumphed over death for all time.
I would like to wish you all a Holy and happy Easter with your families. May God bless you
all and keep you safe over the holiday season.
Take care, God bless.
Lorna Dobson
UNIFORM SHOP
SPORTS NOTICES
TEAM SPORT RESULTS
Well done to our Senior Touch Teams
Tiger Mixed Team Year 1-2
Taking Silver in the final.
Pumas Mixed Team Year 3-4
Came second in last week's final taking the Silver!
SPORTS REGISTRATIONS
All sports registrations can be found online. Please register before the closing dates as once they are closed they are closed.
Mini Marathon closes 17th of April
Hockey closes 6th of April
Whip, Grip and Whip closes 5th of March
FUTSAL, TOUCH and NETBALL- If you coached or managed a team this season, firstly THANK YOU! Without you we wouldn't be able to provide sport to our children. Please can you return any ball/team bags to the office by Thursday. If you have a Netball dress please return to the office.
PHOTOS
Please send any team photos through to sports@stmarysrotorua.school.nz
Holiday Hockey here we come...
Rotorua Hockey are offering some free fun for our year 7 & 8 and our year 5 & 6 players these holidays!
Tuesday the 11th April and Wednesday the 12th are for years 7/8. On Tuesday we will prepare for our mini tournament on Wednesday. Both days will run from 10 am until 2 pm.
Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th are for years 5/6. This is the same format as above, running again from 10am to 2pm.
Bring all your hockey gear, a friend, a great smile and your food for the day.
Years 7/8 are very welcome to attend during the second week as assistant coaches and encouragers. All parents and coaches are also warmly invited to participate or observe during both weeks.
Any questions please call Neil on 021 02488720. (No registration is required.)