SJS Newsletter Term 3 Week 6
Newsletter 31 August 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 Family/Whānau
Welcome, Nau mai haere mai, Kia orana, Talofa, Namaskkaram, Mabuhay, Huangyun, Benvenuto, Willkommen, Faiaksia, Bienvenido, Malo e lelei, Bula Vinaka, Konnichiwa, Namaste, Welkom, Failte, Witajcie, Bienvenue
Our Vision States: Everyone has a place here....
We are a family/whānau school. Best learning happens when strong, respectful partnerships are formed and nurtured within our community...
This is truly reflected within our school community as we currently have learners representing 23 different nationalities at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi. St James' Catholic School has a number of parent networks including parents from different cultures who are happy to be contacted to answer questions about our school and community, particularly for families new to St James' or Palmerston North. If this is a way you may be able to Serve our community please get in touch with the school office or email office@stjamescatholic.school.nz. Our Maori and Indian cultural family contacts have moved on and we would love to fill these vacancies.
Last week I was privileged to attend an overnight retreat at Kopua monastery for Beginning Principals. This was a chance to rest, relax, reflect and recharge-sometimes silently!
I am very grateful to Andrea Cawood and all the staff here who made it possible for me to slip away for two days.
On Monday 22 August, we had our first Board meeting with our four new Board members. I thank them for their generosity in showing Service to our Kura. I especially thank those Proprietors Appointees who have returned to continue their Service. I feel very well supported.
Covid Response: We are grateful that the number of learners isolating is dropping. I’m sure that our adherence to mask wearing by the community, staff, and year 4-6 learners has supported our health.
As you will have heard, schools are finding it hard to find relievers for classes when teachers are sick or isolating. Lately, if we haven’t been able to staff a class, that class has been split.
If this is not possible I will send an email to that classes’ families suggesting the class stay home and do online learning. Learners that can’t be supervised at home, will be looked after at school.
Enjoy the beautiful sunshine
E te Atua e manaaki ki a koutou katoa
May God Bless you all
Christine Cosgrove
Catholic Special Character
From our Parish Office
Link to Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Website
Link to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit mass times
Latest Kotahi Ano Parish Newsletter
Social Justice Week - This year Social Justice week is from the 4th till the 10th of September, and focuses on the topic of racism. The title of the Caritas resources we use in school is WHAKAKĀHORETIA TE KAIKIRI. KOTAHI ANŌ TĀTOU I ROTO I TE KARAITI / SAY NO TO RACISM. WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST.
A key focus in developing these resources has been the Catholic social teaching (CST) principles of human dignity and solidarity. Caritas hope that through using these resources, school communities will feel challenged, inspired, and empowered to bring about positive change so that together we can make the world a better place.
As we journey through this Social Justice Week the key question for each of us to reflect on is: “how are we becoming one in Christ?”
Keep an eye out for some of this fabulous learning!
Special Character Evaluation - On the 13th, 14th and 15th of September the Special Character Evaluation Team from the Palmerston North Catholic Education Office will be visiting us for a review, they do this every three years to see how we are doing with all things Special Character.
A parent survey will be sent out to you digitally by the Catholic Education Office as a part of this review.
A report of their findings will be published in the month following the review.
Young Vinnies Book Drive - Our Young Vinnies group have organised a book drive to stock up the shelves at the Vinnies Shop. Please take this opportunity to sort through your books, a collection box will be located in the school office from Tuesday 6 September. Children's books are particularly needed but all books are welcome.
Celebrations - Celebrating Success
Welcome - We extend a warm welcome to Maddison, Khan and Luke who have started their faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi. We also extend a warm welcome to their family and whānau.
Farewell - This week we farewell Anne and Emma R and Riley N. We hope you have enjoyed your faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi. We wish you all a safe journey back to Japan.
Visiting Authors - Storylines Story Tour - We are incredibly blessed to have 2 visiting authors this Friday spending time with some of our Learners. Sandra Morris (One Lonely Kakapo, Discovering NZ Trees, NZ Nature Journal and North & South) and Emma Wood (Tulip and Doug: Friends For (Almost) Ever) are on tour and we can’t wait to hear about their passion and inspiration of their journey to becoming Authors and Illustrators.
On Saturday the 27th of August our school Jump Jam team competed in the Manawatu/Wanganui year 5-8 Strictly Jump Jam competition.
These learners went through as one of the top three teams from heat one, and then competed again in a final with these teams and the top three finishers from heat two.
We are very proud to announce that our team won!
Catholic Schools Day - On Wednesday 24 August our year 5 and 6 Rippa Rugby team, and our year 6 Netball Team competed in the annual Catholic Schools Tournament at St Mary’s School. It was amazing to be a part of this again, as due to Covid we haven’t had this gathering and celebration for two years!
We loved getting to share this day with our peers from Our Lady of Lourdes, St Mary’s, St Joseph’s and St Matthew’s. A huge thank you to Abby and Glenn Maskill, and Hamish Sutherland for their coaching skills and commitment!
News
Kia Manawaroa - is the Ministry of Education’s pānui for whānau Māori.
Read the latest issue of Kia Manawaroa: Kia Manawaroa 26 August 2022 – Education: For parents and whānau
It is written by Māori for Māori, with information about opportunities and milestones in education, Māori success as Māori, Te Reo Māori and COVID-19 updates relevant to whānau as and when appropriate.
The latest issue is out now with updates about:
- Every school day is a big day: Why attendance is so important
- Hari Huringa Tau e Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori!
- Mahuru Māori: Are you up for the challenge?
- Te Pūtahitanga with Mr. G: Wānanga for artists in Aotearoa
- New Te Reo Festival: Te Hui Ahurei Māori o Te Whanganui-a-Tara
- And so much more!
Subscribe to get the latest issue straight to your inbox
Term 1 Monday 30th January – Thursday 6th April
Term 2 Monday 24th April – Friday 30th June
Term 3 Monday 17th July – Friday 22nd September
Term 4 Monday 9th October – Friday 15th December
Whānau Wellbeing - We are halfway through the term and Spring is almost here - a great time to plant the seeds from the Wellbeing kete!
We have acquired some incredible prizes for the wellbeing activity prize draw including an icebox cooler, water blaster, car cleaning kits, McDonald’s vouchers, TimeZone passes, Lido passes and some sports equipment! - huge thanks to Kelly from the PTFA for her assistance and donation towards these prizes. The winners will be drawn at the Whanau Wellbeing Hui on September 28th!
Here is a photo of Jonath M (LS7) and his brother completing the obstacle course they created!
Baxter (LS8) and Olive J (LS10) (Below) had fun using the obstacles on the footpath as the ultimate challenge course and for their ‘You Choose’ wellbeing activity they painted rocks!
Please send any photos of you using the resources from the wellbeing kete to a.cousins@stjamescatholic.school.nz and don’t forget to get the entries into the prize kete in the office foyer!
Reminders
Staff Only Day - Monday 5 September (Week 7 Term 3). We have a Staff Only Day on Monday 5 September, learners are not required to be at school this day. Nippers Out of School Care and Holiday Programme will be open for the day and they operate out of our school hall. If you require their services please contact them on 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz to make arrangements.
Toys - We discourage bringing toys to school and take no responsibility for their loss or damage. If your child is bringing something to school that is of value to them, please ensure that it is handed to their Learning Space Teacher to look after for the day. This includes sports equipment. Learners are able to access sports equipment from the sports trolley each lunchtime.
Lost Property - we have a number of learners who have miss placed named items of uniform. This is a timely reminder to ensure that your child’s items of uniform are clearly labelled. If your child does have another learners item of uniform please return to lost property or the classroom teacher.
Spare Clothing items during wet weather - Please send along spare uniform items or your child’s PE uniform, (and a plastic bag), with your child during this wet weather. We have a number of children who accidentally fall over in puddles/mud during playtimes. The School Office has limited spare clothing when this happens.
Payment of School Donation/Sports Fees - We thank you all for your support with the 2022 School Donations. Your donations assist us in offering extra curricular opportunities for your children.
The donation includes Science, Technology, Education Outside the Classroom experiences (except for the Year 5 & 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 with your child's 'Surname' and 'Invoice Number'.
Note: No EFTPOS facilities available at the Office (Cash). 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 via IRD.
New Entrant Enrolments 2023 - A reminder that if you have siblings joining us at St James’ either later this year or in 2023, please ensure that you have requested an Enrolment Pack and have the Enrolment and Preference Forms returned to the Office.
Scholastic Book Fair - Paws for Books - The wait is nearly over!!!!
Join us in Learning Space 9 (next to the Library) from Thursday 8th September
Sports
2022 Touch Rugby - Registrations Close Friday 9 September 2022. Registration forms and information available HERE.
Winter Hockey - The winter hockey season is now over! A huge thank you to Jeremy and Tania Barnett for coaching the Year 1 and 2 AND Year 3 and 4 Hockey teams. Tania would come down to school and run practices for these kids once a week at lunch time. This enabled their skill and knowledge of the game to continue to develop.
Kelly Hoskins coached her last season of Winter Hockey! Kelly your generous sharing of your time and skills will be missed! Thank you for your continued support towards hockey for our St James' kids.
Netball - A huge thank you to Tammy How for her effort into the Year 5 Netball team. Tammy had a tough season with the girls up against mixed Year 5 and 6 teams.
Glenn and Abby Maskill coached the Year 6 Netball team. These girls had an impressive season and were put up into Division 2.
We really appreciate the time, thought and energy coaches put into our teams. Thanks again Jeremy, Tania, Kelly, Tammy, Glenn and Abby
Basketball is now finished for the season. Kelly Hoskins was the coach of your Year 5 and 6 boys team. Kelly ran practices during Wednesday lunchtime. She has been impressed with the boys competitive nature and growth in skill.
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
Pastoral Care Baking - We are continuing to support our school community when required through this pandemic by way of pastoral care, this may be meal or baking. If this sounds like something you might be interested in supporting please contact t.gunn@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
St James' Catholic School Board Update
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 26 September 2022 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Malo e lelei St James’ whānau. I would like to give you a brief introduction to how our Board is made up, and who is on it. Over the next few months individual Board members will more fully introduce themselves to you via the newsletter, including photos, offices held within the Board. Our Board currently has 11 members.
We have five Parent Representatives who were voted onto the Board. These are Jo James, Chris McPhee, Shem Otieno, Andy Whitson and one vacant position. Parent Representatives are to ensure the best possible outcomes for all students at St James’ Catholic School. They are there to bring a parent perspective to the board table. We also have four Proprietors Appointees who are appointed by the Bishop. These are myself Analena Siu, Geraldine Clear, and two vacant positions. Proprietors Representatives assist in preserving the Catholic Character of the school by being aware of relevant policies of the Proprietor, and by acquiring knowledge and expertise in the areas which influence Catholic Character, in particular, staff appointments, staff relationships, school programmes and student enrolments. They represent the Bishops interests and they ensure that the school fulfills its primary purpose of giving a Catholic education to Catholic children and young people. Our Staff Representative is Andrea Cawood, and our Principal Christine Cosgrove is also a member of the Board. Tracey Jenkins is the Board Secretary. We are a hard working team who want the best for St James’ Catholic School, our students and their whanāu, and our staff. Board members will be introducing themselves in the next few newsletters.
Last Monday new members of the school board were welcomed. The following members were nominated and terms of office moved:
Analeana Siu, Presiding Member
Geraldine Clear, Deputy Chair
Jo James, Treasurer
Mid Year Writing Progress to Board: Staff are to be congratulated on the progression made by learners, and noted it is huge. The Data that is reported is measured from mid year 2021 until mid year 2022.
School Board Membership: it was moved that the School Board start the process under Section 121 Education and Training Act 2020 to reduce the size of the board membership to reflect the size of the school to: 4 Parent Representatives, 3 Proprietor Appointees, 1 Staff Member and the Principal. If the school community has any feedback around this recommendation I invite you to contact me and/or attend the next school board meeting on Monday 26 September at 6pm in the staffroom where this will be discussed.
Principal Appointment Update: The Board will now draw up the job specification and advertisement ready for approval by the Catholic Education Office based on the Staff, Community and Parish voice obtained.
Analena Siu
Presiding Member (boardpm@stjamescatholic.school.nz)
Board Introduction
Hi there! My name is Jo James and I have 2 children attending St James- Baxter (6) and Olive (5). My husband Ryan and I are both business owners, so with this and the kids we are kept very busy and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
In 2009 I opened a franchised consignment clothing store called Recycle Boutique so have been part of the small business community in Palmerston North for 13 years. From this comes experience with not only running a successful business but managing people and overcoming many challenges that pop up in its running- particularly in the last few years in which we have seen many.
Our little family of 4 love spending time together as well as with our extended family. We love to meet new people and get out and about attending events that the Manawatu has to offer.
While our whanau is relatively new to the St James family we have felt so welcomed and a part of this great community. I’m looking forward to finding out more about how the school runs, getting to know my fellow board members and putting my skills to use to continue to make St James the great school that it is.
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. 2023 Term Dates & Holidays. Please add these to your diary, in particular the Staff Only Days.
TERM 3
Week 6
Wednesday 31 August - Learning Space 1 & 2 trip to Te Manawa
Wednesday 31 August - Learning Space 6 Mid Year Teacher Interviews
Week 7
Social Justice and Conversation Week
Monday 5 September - Staff Only Day
Monday 5 September - Kids Lit
Thursday 8-13 September - Book Fair
Friday 9 September - Touch Rugby Registrations Close
Week 8
Te wiki o Te Reo Maori Week
Monday 12 September - 2.20pm Blessing of the the Library - Te Whakaruruhau
13-15 September - PNCEO Catholic Special Character Evaluation
Friday 16 September - PTFA Lunch
Week 9
Te wiki o Te Reo Maori Week
Monday 19 September - International Talk Like a Pirate Day
20 & 21 September - NMSSA Year 4 Testing
Week 10
Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday 26 September - School Board Meeting 6pm
Wednesday 28 September - Whānau Wellbeing Hui 3-5pm
Friday 30 September - Assembly
Friday 30 September - Last Day of Term 3
Getting Involved
Yummy Apple stickers - Collection sheets are also available from the school office. Please have these to the school office by Friday 23 September.
Cut out Label Collection Sheet
New Variety Sticker Collection
Sticker Collection Sheet
Kidney Kids - 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.
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