Newsletter - Week 10 Term Two
Newsletter 19 6 July 2022
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
It was with sadness we learnt that Aidan Nicholson, a former student of ours, was killed in a motorbike accident on Thursday. We have been saying lots of prayers for Aidan’s parents, Simon and Margo Nicholson and Aidan’s brothers Liam and Finn. Finn is presently in Year 6 at St Mary’s. Aidan’s funeral was today, and many of us were able to be there to pay our respects to Aidan.
It is hard to believe that we are halfway through our school year, and when we return from the winter holidays we will have passed the halfway mark in the winter season. Roll on the spring months.
Last week we hosted our 9th Matariki Dinner in the school hall. It was fantastic to see so many of you able to join us for this. Thanks to Sylvia Dunkley and our whanau roopu for organising this very worthwhile occasion.
During the week Totara team students hosted a Matariki breakfast and took the opportunity to show parents the Matariki projects they have been working on. This was also a great occasion with many of you coming to see this work and to enjoy some breakfast. Students from Kahikatea hosted parents last week.
Tomorrow I will be hosting a group of 40 students for a Principal’s Luncheon. Children will receive a letter explaining why they were invited to the luncheon.
I am sending home a notice inviting children to be involved in the Sacramental programme. This programme is for children who haven’t been baptised and are eight years and over. If you would like your child baptised, please register your interest at the Parish office.
As the end of the term draws near it is timely to say thank you to the staff for all they do in providing learning opportunities for our children. Thank you too, to all the volunteers who have generously given time to help teachers and children.
I hope all our children have a relaxing holiday, and I look forward to seeing them all on Monday 25th July. It would be great to keep your children reading during the holidays. A reading log has been sent home with your child. Parents/whanau reading to the children counts, so make sure you record those occasions on the reading log.
Kind regards,
David Macmillan,
Principal.
DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
This week the Junior team has been learning about being Holy. The definition of Holy is being pure and set apart. For people to be holy it means being like God in their behaviour and actions. In the Bible, Jesus gave what was called the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), telling his followers to: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” How do we like to be treated? With respect, listened to, loved, and able to share things. Kakano team has been thinking and demonstrating ways they can be kind and helpful to their friends.
It was so lovely to see so many students and their whanau at our Matariki Cultural Dinner last Thursday. Thanks to everyone who brought food to share. It was a wonderful celebration of our different cultures and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.
Last Friday the children who took part in the Sacramental Programme were given a medal and prayer card. We wish our young students well and hope they will continue to grow in God’s faith and love with their families. It would be wonderful to see all our children at Sunday Mass and Father Thomas wants you to know everyone is welcome anytime.
We hope all our families have a wonderful break over the holidays. God bless you all and take care of each other.
Sara Mines and Lorna Dobson
DRS.
Parent Interviews - Term Three
Holiday Steam Camp
Holiday Steam Camp
Thank you to all the parents of year 5/6 students who have registered for our Steam Camp during the holidays. Mr James will send you an email before the end of the week with more information.
Canopy Tours Competition
SPORTS NEWS
TOUGH GUY AND TOUGH GIRL CHALLENGE
Registrations close 5 August. Years 3 - 6 $25 per entry. Forms are at the office.
If you are attending your child/childrens' sporting events and have some good photos to share, please send to sports@stmarysrotorua.school.nz with a notation about the occasion.
Please regularly check our school website for information about the sport/s your child is playing. If you have any sports queries please do not ring the office. Contact for the Sports
Co-ordinator is : sports@stmarysrotorua.school.nz. or mobile 0272857579