PRINCIPAL'S VIEW
Kia ora koutou, kumusta, talofa lava
Welcome to the new school year!
Di Browne- (1961-2023)
This year started off on a sad note for me with the passing of a former Board of Trustees Chairperson, Di Browne. Di was the board chair from 2002 until the beginning of 2012. Her two children attended St Mary's School and during her time on the board, she helped ensure the success and survival of our school.
In 2002 the school had been threatened with closure as the roll had fallen to 48 students. Di led the board with several initiatives to promote roll increase and oversaw the appointment of a new principal, who turned out to be me. I am incredibly thankful for Di's leadership during those difficult times and her support during the earthquakes and the ensuing instability during those times.
Whilst at St Mary's Di became a catholic and her steadfast faith helped sustain her when she was diagnosed with cancer. May God bless Di for all her wonderful service and loyalty to our school.
May she rest in Peace.
Mā te Atua koe e manaaki, e tiaki
May God bless you and protect you
David O’Neill
Principal/Tumuaki
We welcome the following students to St Mary's School:
TILLY- Room 3
JAY- Room 1
NATHANIEL- Room 1
EZRA- Room 1
ADAM- Room 1
BENJAMIN- Room 1
RYAN- Room 1
LEEANNA- Room 1
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS
09/02 Thursday
DAVID Rm4
14/02 Tuesday
EDITH Rm5
Takeaway Night- Wednesday 15th February 5pm-7pm (weather permitting)
Mrs Anthony will hold a short meeting in Room 1 towards the end of the evening to talk to parents of Room 1 students about the Better Start Literacy Approach and answer questions relating to this.
We hope to see as many of you there as possible.
First Holy Communion June 25th 2023
Please click the link below to enrol. Your child must be baptised before they can receive their First Holy Communion.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctxccZzePu7gj9CtC_WsIHsPAvlcyZju3NySO2N8_Tlae-NA/viewform
Our Catholic Faith Fact
On February 2, we observe the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, honoring Jesus Christ’s presentation in the Temple when he was a young child.
World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life
On this day, we reflect on the gift of consecrated life. While the momentary satisfaction of selfish living ultimately leads to emptiness, living a life of holiness, dedicated to God’s service, will give true contentment and peace. As Pope Francis has expressed:
Consecrated life is born and reborn of an encounter with Jesus as he is: poor, chaste and obedient… And while worldly life soon leaves our hands and hearts empty, life in Jesus fills us with peace to the very end, as in the Gospel, where Simeon and Anna come happily to the sunset of their lives with the Lord in their arms and joy in their hearts.
https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/why-we-celebrate-the-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord/
Free School Swimming Lessons: 6th - 17th March
Graham Condon Pool, Papanui
Swimming will begin on Monday 6th March for two weeks. This is a compulsory component of our school curriculum. Students will travel to and from the pool each day by bus. If your child is unable to swim for any reason can you please inform us by emailing the school via our school app.
Please make sure your child has their togs, towel and goggles each day during the two weeks of swimming. Lessons last for 25 minutes per group.
Sunhats must be worn Term 1
School Sun hats are compulsory during Terms 1 and 4 and are available from the school office at a cost of $15.00.
Royal blue, Aussie style wide brimmed hat.
Please note payment may only be made by cash or internet banking. Our bank account number is: 03 0855 0436803 00
Upcoming Events
FEBRUARY
- Waitangi Day Public Holiday- Monday 6th February
- Cultural Clothing Day-Tuesday 7th February
- Takeaway Night- Wednesday 15th February 5-7pm
MARCH
- Swimming lessons- 6th -17th March
APRIL
- End of Term One- 6th April - 3pm
