Dear Parents, Family and Friends

As I was attempting to write this over the weekend, I found myself suffering from the usual writer’s block that we all experience from time to time. Or to be fair it may have just been allowing myself to be distracted by the Olympics. I was staring at my computer screen when my daughter asked what was wrong. So, I told her, that I had to write my first ever piece for the school newsletter as the Principal and I wasn’t sure what to write about. Her response was simple, “Mum, just be who you are and write from the heart.”

And there it was, wise words from a 7-year-old. We never know where those words of wisdom will come from or in what form they will arrive at our doorstep. It made me reflect on how I have come to be where I am today and how my faith has been part of that journey. It reminded me that no matter how busy we are in our days, or how distracted we allow ourselves to become (even by the Olympics) it is incredibly important to take time: time to be, time to listen, and time to be present with God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded that all things are possible and that is very true, even when it comes to applying ourselves to a piece of writing that many people are going to read and discuss. It is very easy to become overwhelmed with the obstacles that life throws at you. But we must always remember that God is with us in our journeys. Over the coming weeks, I encourage you to take time for you and for your whānau, to be present and make a point of sharing time with God.

Ngā manaakitanga

Teresa Shanks

Tumuaki

Being in a Catholic school means that we are called to service. Sometimes this may include helping school families when they may be in need. We are unable to do this on our own and we would like to invite parents/grandparents and wider whānau to be part of our pastoral contact tree. This may mean from time to time you might be contacted to help cook a meal etc. This is a completely confidential phone tree and no-one in the wider community would know that you are part of this.

SCHOOL HOURS

The school day starts at 8.55am. Morning Tea is at 11.00am to 11.20am. Lunch is 1.00pm to 1.50pm. The school day concludes at 2.55pm. Please ensure your child is at school ready to start the day on the morning bell. School does finish at 2.55pm and we ask that you adhere to this pick up time. Too many children are not being collected at this time. Staff have commitments after 2.55pm and are not available to mind children who are not picked up on time. If you are unable to collect them at 2.55pm, could you please make alternative arrangements.

ABSENCES

If your child is sick, please telephone the school office or use the school app. Please refrain from messaging teachers on Seesaw or messaging/calling teachers on their personal mobile phones.

SIGNING IN/SIGNING OUT DURING SCHOOL HOURS

If you are signing in or signing out your child during school hours please report to the office. For security reasons, please do not go directly your child's class. The office will phone through to your child's classroom and have your child sent to the office. Likewise, if you are dropping forgotten items in to school. Please leave them at the office, do not go to the classroom as this can become quite disruptive.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

If you are making contact with your child's classroom teacher during the day, the best way to do that is via email or Seesaw. Please don't expect an automatic reply during school hours. Teachers are teaching. You can expect to receive a reply within 24 hours.

If you have a message that needs to reach your child during school hours, please contact the office.

BIKES/SCOOTERS

Please remind your child that bikes and scooters are not to be ridden on the school grounds.

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

The uniform shop is only open on a Monday morning from 8.30am to 9.00am to purchase uniform items.

SCHOOL OFFICE

Please be mindful the school office is someone's work space and is not to be accessed by parents. If the office is unmanned, please ring the counter bell, wait patiently or come back after dropping your child to class. Please do not enter the office and help yourself to keys, note paper to leave messages etc.