Newsletter - Week 11 Term 1
Newsletter 11 13 April 2022
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
This week is Holy Week, a very important time in the Catholic calendar. Tomorrow our students are participating in the Washing of Feet Liturgy. Please note the Holy Week schedule for St Mary's and St Michael's Easter Services below. It is always wonderful to see parents supporting their children to attend these services.
As of tomorrow, Anne Cato, our Assistant Principal, retires from teaching. On behalf of the St Mary’s Community I would like to acknowledge the outstanding service Anne has provided, both throughout her educational career, and in particular during her time at our school. It is with the blessings of our community that we wish Anne well as she enters this new phase of her life.
Anne has made outstanding achievements throughout her career. Through a number of roles in her career she has had a positive impact on the many students, families and colleagues that she has interacted with. It is testament to her extremely hard work and creative commitment to her profession that everyone who has come into contact with Anne appreciates and acknowledges her professionalism.
In the capacity of Assistant Principal Anne has driven the school forward in the areas of gifted and talented learners, digital learning tools, curriculum development and Special Education support. Anne’s fairness to everyone will be a legacy that stays with our school.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Anne on a stellar career.
Together with our community, we wish you Anne, and your husband Paul, a happy and relaxing retirement.
Leanne Rankin, our sports coordinator is leaving us tomorrow too, to take up a full time position. Leanne has done a wonderful job in her role in coordinating sports at our school. A coordinator's role can be challenging as they juggle and select teams for the season. Leanne has done an excellent job with this. Leanne often went over and beyond what was expected of her and coordinated duty days, taking SOS calls etc outside her work hours. Leanne has been a great member of our staff and she will be missed. We wish you all the best in your new job Leanne.
Sylvia Dunkley is Acting Deputy Principal during term 2 while a permanent appointment is made and Liz Macaskill will be the Team Leader for Totara.
Monday 25th April, is ANZAC day. We usually join the Civic Ceremony and the parade. This year, because of Covid, the RSA have asked that only 2 students from each school participates in the Ceremony. The usual large parade of students will therefore not take place this year.
Unfortunately, I won’t be hosting a Principal’s Morning tea this term due to Covid. There will be a reading log draw - although we haven’t had the prize draw from the Christmas break yet. I thought we would run it differently this time and the class with the highest percentage of participants will win a pizza and chips lunch. So, please encourage your child to read over the holidays. Family reading to children counts too.
From the beginning of Term 2, the gates to the school will be open for children, as was the case prior to Covid. As the weather changes, I don’t want children waiting outside the school in the elements. There won’t be staff at the gates before school but they will be at the gates after school. We will have student leaders making sure that children are sanitising before they enter the grounds. Hygiene protocols will remain where children are sanitising each time they enter learning spaces. Bell times will return to the normal times so school starts at 8.45am and finishes at 3.00pm.
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 the skivvy. Our uniform 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.
On behalf of the staff at St Mary’s I would like to wish you a happy and safe Easter and I hope children have a relaxing holiday,
David Macmillan,
Principal.
DRS
This week is known as Holy Week in our Church.
Holy week started on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday.
Holy Week is the most Sacred time of year in the Church calendar.
During this special time, we enter into the passion of Christ — his crucifixion, death and resurrection — through liturgical celebration. At school, children will be participating in special learning experiences in class as well as a “Washing of the Feet” liturgy tomorrow.
3 Simple Ways to Celebrate Holy Week with your family:
Give yourself (and your family) the gift of quiet time for prayer and reflection in front of your home altar early in the morning or late at night.
Move your crucifix to the front door (or the door you use most) as a remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
During Holy Week, turn off your car radio and pray silently while driving.
The children who are preparing for their First Holy Communion are showing dedication and commitment to their faith journey. We thank all the whānau for supporting their children in this special time. We ask our extended school community to pray for these children as they continue their lessons.
Below is the timetable for the Easter Ceremonies to be held throughout Holy Week.
Lorna Dobson and Sara Mines Co DRS
JOHN PAUL COLLEGE ENROLMENTS FOR 2023
Enrolments for John Paul College 2023 are now open.
THIS IS AN ONLINE PROCESS and applications close on 27 May 2022.
All Year 6 students have been issued with a notice outlining the processes required.
If you did not receive this communication, or have any queries, please ring the School Office. If you are requiring a Preference Card please ring the Church Office 3480 289 ext 2.
SPORTS NEWS
Sports Registrations for Term 2 & 3
WINTER SPORTS TEAMS
Thank you for registering your child for Hockey, Miniball and/or Football.
An email has been sent to parents regarding your child's team.
Please also make sure that you have paid your child’s sports fees.
Fees can be paid to the School Office or via Online Banking ANZ 06 0209 0229658 00
If paying online, please use your child's name as code and the sport as reference. Eg Smith Football
Hockey: Football: Miniball:
Funsticks (Y1/2) $20 5th - 8th Grade (born 2014 - 2017) $35 All ages $50
Mini’s (Y3/4) $55 9th - 12th Grade (Born 2010 - 2013) $50
Maxi’s (Y5/6) $70
Please see our school website for information about the sport/s your child is playing.
Thank you to our parents who have kindly offered their time to coach or manage a team, it is very much appreciated. All the best for a great season!