St Mary's Catholic School, Papakura
Term 2 Week 6 - 11 June 2021
Me Whakakotahi, Kia Maarama, Kia Pono, Ki Te Karakia
Together We Learn, We Pray, We Serve
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Kia ora koutou katoa
This week we celebrate our School Family Mass at 10.30am at St Mary's Catholic Church, East Street, Papakura. We are looking forward to joining with all our families in worship at this very special Mass.
Our Family Masses take place once per term. This is an important opportunity to gather with you as a faith community. Many of our students will be participating in various parts of the Mass, from welcomers to readers, musicians and servers. All families are encouraged to attend.
As a Catholic school, our first priority is to develop our children's relationship with Christ as we support their faith journey. However, the home is our children's first connection with their faith and The Church. Children's regular and frequent attendance at Mass each week is an important part of their lives as Catholics. Gathering around the Eucharist is our way of worshipping the living Christ, present in our midst. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Let's bring our children to this beautiful experience, which Christ has blessed us with. It is truly a privilege.
As a Catholic primary school, be build a special foundation of faith that will follow our children as they move through their Catholic education into secondary and tertiary study. Our role is to prepare our children with the knowledge and grounding in our Catholic faith which will support them to achieve and succeed in the world of future study.
We are not merely a pathway into a "good high school". We are the foundation of our children's faith journey and educational pathway, which introduces them to a life lived for and in Christ Jesus.
Please continue to support the work we do with your children. You can do this by talking with your child about their learning in RE (just as you would about their broader curriculum learning); take time to pray with them daily and read the daily readings found in your Prayer Bag and please bring them to Mass regularly and often.
"Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Mark 10 :14
Our PTFA is hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 15 June at 7.30pm in our staff room. Please support this event. Our PTFA is a valued parent group who makes a huge difference for our school. It is through their fundraising support that we are able to provide the best possible education experiences for our children. With many parents from this group now moving on with their children to secondary schools, we are in need of a new group of parents to fill these very important roles. We look forward to your attendance.
A huge thank you to all parents who support our efforts to keep our children safe at the gates before and after school. We have seen a big improvement in driver behaviour, however there are still a small number of drivers who speed, park across neighbours' driveways or do U-turns across yellow lines or in front of our patrol. We appeal to all parents to be extra vigilant and careful about child safety at drop off and pick up times. Please do not be offended if we have to come up to your car for a chat.
Samoan Language Week was another success this year. Our children learned about Samoan language and culture and celebrated this learning at our assembly last Friday.
We are in need of a Kapa Haka tutor for our three Kapa Haka groups. If you know of someone who might be keen to take on this role, please let us know. Commitment involves 3 to 4 hours (11am to 3pm) each Monday.
Our teachers are preparing Mid Year Progress Reports for each child. These reports will be sent home in the last week of the term. As we move through the second half of Term 2, we still have lots of learning and discovery to do. It is very important that all students attend school every day, unless they are ill. Low attendance has a direct impact on student achievement and we ask that all parents consider this when deciding to keep children home for reasons other than illness.
Thanks for your continued support of our amazing little school.
Arohanui
Audrey Kippen
Tumuaki/Principal
'Rise+Shine' Josiah Mika Foundation
May Josiah Mika's legacy live on in our hearts, as well as the lives of the children he will be impacting through this amazing foundation. Please support this worthy cause.
From Emmaus Team
Hexayurt - DMIC Maths
The children put their mathematical skills to the test to build a hexayurt to scale using the principles of measurement. A hexayurt is an emergency ‘hut that is quick to assemble, cost effective and provides strength in the structure'. This ties in with our Concept for Term 2.
Samoan Language Week
We were delighted that Mr and Mrs Nanai could join our senior students to teach them the delights of Samoan dishes. The children enjoyed making chop suey, pani popo and taro. They also scoffed down this treat with great relish.
Concept - Natural and Man Made Disasters
In continuation with our ‘Earth and Beyond’ concept for Term 2 - the children have researched a disaster of their interest, built a replica model and presented it to the rest of the Hub.
Hexayurt Shapes
Preparing chop suey
Enjoying a traditional Samoan lunch
Student Council Initiatives In June
Our Student Council will be busy organising and campaigning for two initiatives this month.
Jammie Day Wednesday 16 June 2021
Our tamariki can wear their PJ's or leisure wear to school on Wednesday for a gold coin donation to the Middlemore Foundation that provides pyjamas to thousands of kids in need across South Auckland. As a special treat, our Senior Students will run a lunchtime disco during play time!
Please follow the following link for more information and an opportunity to make a further donation.
https://www.middlemorefoundation.org.nz/post/jammies-in-june2021
World Vision 40 Hour Famine Friday 25 - 27 June 2021
We will provide 40 hour challenges to the students in Nazareth, Jerusalem and Emmaus to fundraise by gathering sponsorship for the completion of the challenge. There are many different challenges to replace the traditional challenge of giving up food for 40 hours. For example children can give up technology for 40 hours!
We will have a mufti day for a gold coin donation on Friday 25th June to further support our fundraising for the 40 Hour Famine.
Jerusalem Team
Year 5/6 learning about how stars are formed
Look at the awe of discovery and learning!
Science is alive and well in the Jerusalem team
TRAVELWISE and ROAD SAFETY
We have now entered the cold and wetter weather for the year. Please continue to ‘park and walk’ your children to keep our tamariki and whanau safe.
Please do not drop children off on yellow lines, use our neighbours' driveways or do U-turns around the school streets. These are all illegal road activity and if Wardens witness this, a ticket will be issued. Thank you.
PTFA Annual General Meeting
Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
Nominations may be sent via email or placed in the PTFA box in the school office. For all enquiries, please email: ptfa@stmaryspapakura.school.nz
Winter Sports Days
Year 5 and 6 Winter Sports Day - Last week, we were able to participate in the Winter Sports day. This consisted of Rippa Rugby, Netball and Football. Our school supplied three Netball teams, two Rippa Rugby Teams and two Football teams. We played against many schools across Papakura. What an amazing day it was! Full of fun, participating, fitness and encouragement. The event was well organised and our students played well together. We look forward to training for the St Anne's Shield, which will be held in Term 3. We would like to thank ALL the amazing parents who were able to join us on the day. We would not have been able to attend if it wasn't for you.
From the Jerusalem Team teachers
Tag League North Counties Winter Sports Day - A successful day was enjoyed by the Emmaus team. The competition included six other South Auckland schools and a St Marys team made the finals. We were proud of the sportsmanship displayed by our students, being true to our school values of Respect, Care and Responsibility. Well done to Mr Frings who organised the tournament - all schools appreciated the seamless running of the day.
AFL KiwiKick - It was great to see a solid number of students complete all training sessions with our Aussie Rules Coaches. The support of the AFL KiwiKick group has been outstanding with fun after school training sessions, free bag and ball for participants, and a great selection of balls donated to our sports shed. The coaches are keen to maintain links with the school so we can look forward to their continued support in the future. Thank you AFL KiwiKick and well done to the next generation of Aussie Rules flyers!
John Frings - Sports Co-ordinator
From Our Jerusalem Students - The Auckland Museum Imaginarium 'Opening'
We would recommend that you explore this amazing event - Auckland Museum Adventure
Last week on 4th June myself, Olivia Fitzpatrick, Varaidzo Chaparapata, Mrs Baker and Mrs Buckley were invited to the new area called "The Imaginarium". We saw cool things and ate yummy food. When we got there we were accompanied by some people that led us all the way to the top of the museum - to the dome. We saw a cool dinosaur and then we ate some lunch which was delicious. Then we listened to some speeches and watched an amazing Kapa Haka performance. We left the dome and went to The Imaginarium and saw so many things from ocean animals to Egyptian things. We then saw a whole ton of land animals and then a nine meter tree that would blow your mind.
Written by Olivia Fitzpatrick
The Imaginarium
On the 4th June, special people got to go to the opening of the Imaginarium. Those special people were Mrs Buckley, Mrs Baker, Olivia Fitzpatrick and me, Varaidzo Chaparapata. We had to leave during morning tea because the Auckland War Memorial Museum was in a place in the city called Parnell.
When we got there, we went into the dome and ate lunch which was delicious. Then we saw an awesome kapa haka performance. After listening to all the speeches, we were able to go to the 'Imaginarium' - a place where the imagination runs wild and soars free like a bird. We saw a ton of things from glowing stones to dinosaur parts, explored insects and old armour from the Roman times and met mummified Egyptian animals. You would be taken to a past that you never knew even existed.
Written by Varaidzo Chaparapata
Bethlehem Team
The Butler and Govender Whanau enjoyed learning about the letter 'V' and all the volcanoes there are on the planet Venus. We then pushed balls around with spoons to paint Venus - it was lots of fun.
James Kelly said “This is really cool!” ,as he swirled his ball all around his planet.
St Mary's Way Tokens
Congratulations to Alyssa Rowe, Kate Butler, Paul Hafoka, Kadisha Fetu'u, Lavalea Ama, Eden Telling, George Mathew, Ben Fox, Pippa Browne and Jorja Postill who have gained 60 tokens. Well Done!
Congratulations also go to the following students who have gained 100 tokens and a St Mary's Way Postcard: Iraia Sialeipata, Alex Al-Haddad, Lachlan Bernauer, Daniel Scott, Patelesio Kiutau, Jamie Howarth, Paige Lockwood, Evan Wells, Aabel John, Michael Phelan, Aja-Lucia Vatau, Hugo Campbell, Haddin Thaliath, Rian Cabantog, Ella Neels, Iosua Perelini and Gathrene Vakauta. Well Done!
Student Welcome
We offer a special welcome to Riley Feldtman and Bronson Smiler-Wells who started at St Mary's Catholic School recently.
We look forward to getting to know you and making you welcome at our school.
PhotoLife Studios - Class/Team Photos
This year, photographs will be available for you to view and order On-line with PhotoLife Studios.
Your son or daughter will shortly bring home an On-line slip with their unique Access Key detailed on it. This Access Key will display all the photographs of your child. It is then an easy process for you to shop on-line and purchase the photographs you want.
If you place your order within three weeks of receiving your Access Key you will receive free delivery for your photo orders. PhotoLife has agreed to despatch all the orders back to the school and your child will bring their photographs home.
Any orders placed after this three week period will be sent directly to your specified delivery address and will incur a $6.00 postage and packaging charge. You will see this message when you go online to view and order your photographs.
McAuley High School - Enrolments Are Open Now
McAuley High School offers a high quality Catholic education that challenges students to strive for standards of personal excellence. We provide a supportive environment in which our students are helped and encouraged to develop academically, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Enrolments are open now. Contact us for an enrolment form and prospectus:
Telephone: (09) 276 8715
Email: office@mcauleyhigh.school.nz
Website: www.mcauleyhigh.school.nz
NOEL LEEMING - FRIENDS AND FAMILY DEALS
The Uniform Shoppe - SAS Sport
We have been advised by The Uniform Shoppe - SAS Sport that they are very low on the St Mary's sweatshirts at the moment (only have size 12 and up available). The shipment is on the water and has been delayed a few weeks.
If you urgently require a school sweatshirt, we do have a few 'second hand' items in stock at school. Please enquire at the school office. Thank you.
TE REO - Today's Phrase
Translation: "Hang on, I won't be long!"
'Taihoa' means "Hang on, hold up, wait" - and
'kāore e roa' means "I won't be long".
Upcoming Events - Term 2 Week 7
Sunday 13th June - 10.30 a.m. Family Mass at St Mary's Church, Papakura. All families are asked to attend.
Tuesday 15th June
"Water Skills for Life" at Massey Park Aquatic Centre for Year 3 - 6 students
NO Year 7/8 Technology again this week.
- 7.30 p.m. - PTFA AGM held in the school staffroom. Everyone Welcome.
Wednesday 16th June
Student Council Initiative - "Jammies in June" - Our tamariki can wear their PJ's or leisure wear to school on Wednesday for a gold coin donation to the Middlemore Foundation that provides pyjamas to thousands of kids in need across South Auckland. As a special treat, our Senior Students will run a lunchtime disco during play time!
Thursday 17th June
9.30 a.m. - Jerusalem Team attending Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church, Papakura.
DMIC Maths Workshops for parents held in the school staffroom.
Preference Certificates
Fr James is available to sign Preference Certificates on Thursdays from
10.00 a.m. - 12 noon AND from 4.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. at the Parish Office.
No Appointment Necessary.
CARITAS - CONCERT FOR INDIA
SAVE THE DATE - 20 JUNE 2021 AT 2PM
Raising funds for Covid-affected India.
Venue: St Joseph Catholic Church, 118 Church Street, Otahuhu
ENTRY BY DONATION
Catholic Schools Day - Wednesday 29 September 2021
Catholic Schools Day on 29 September 2021 is another opportunity to celebrate the taonga of Catholic education for which we are kaitiaki.
The poster (below) displays the oldest, continually used Catholic church in Aotearoa New Zealand. In the Archdiocese of Wellington, St Mary’s Church, Ōtaki and the parish school of St Peter Chanel stand alongside the Catholic marae, Te Marae O Hine, all overlooked by the sacred hill of Pukekaraka.
It is within school and parish, and Catholic marae, that tamariki, rangatahi, and their whānau, strengthen their sense of what it means to be Catholic and belonging to parish.
School and parish become Tūrangawaewae - A Place to Stand.
Look At What's Coming To St Mary's !
Have Your Contact Details Changed?
Please remember to download our school APP to receive regular updates and reminders.
Contact Us
St Mary's Parish, Papakura - Contact
Parish Priest - Fr Iosefa Euese
Assistant Priest - Fr James Mulligan
52 East Street, Papakura 2110
Parish Office - (09) 299 6056
Presbytery - (09) 298 5134
Email: office@stmaryspapakura.co.nz / www.papakuracatholic.org.nz
Facebook - search: St Mary's Parish Catholic Church Papakura
Preference Certificates to be signed at the Parish Office
Thursdays Only from 10 a.m. - 12 noon AND 4 - 6 p.m. - No Appointment Necessary
The Uniform Shoppe - SAS Sport Limited - Updated Price List Attached
Uniforms are available for purchase from the SAS Sport shop located at 28B Wood Street, Papakura. The shop hours are Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. AND Saturdays 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Shop Telephone: 296 6063 - or visit: www.theuniformshoppe.co.nz and click 'shop online'. WINZ Quotes are available through SAS Sport. Caps ($16) and 'Scrunchies' ($2) are available through the school office. PLEASE ENSURE ALL ITEMS ARE CLEARLY NAMED. THANK YOU.
See updated Uniform Price List below (which is also posted on our school website):
MusIQhub Music Lessons
At St Mary's Catholic School - SIGN UP NOW for Term Two 2021! Our friends at MusIQhub are happy to announce that there will be new spaces available this term for Drum, Piano/Keyboard, Guitar and Ukulele lessons during school hours! Also, there will be Singing, Recorder and Flute lessons available! Please enquire now to book in spaces for quality music lessons taught by experienced professional musicians.
Drums, Piano/Keyboard, Singing, Recorder and Flute - Paul Barry 022 198 0044
Email: paul.barry@musiqhub.co.nz
Guitar and Ukulele - Lih Foo 021 2076 231
Email: lih.foo@musiqhub.co.nz
NB: From Term Two, 2021 guitar lessons with Mr Lih will begin at the earlier time of 9.10 a.m, through until 10.40 a.m. Thank you.
Children's Community Dental Service - Information for Parents
https://www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/home/ards/
Our website will always contain the most up-to-date information for our services at each alert level.
Term Dates 2021 - PLEASE ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR
Term Two - Monday 3rd May to Friday 9th July 2021
Term Three - Monday 26th July to Friday 1st October 2021
Term Four - Monday 18th October to Wednesday 15th December 2021
EASTER
Good Friday - 2nd April 2021
Easter Monday - 5th April 2021
Easter Tuesday - 6th April 2021
TEACHER ONLY DAYS
7th April 2021
28th May 2021
22nd October 2021
ANZAC DAY
Sunday 25th April 2021
Monday 26th April 2021 - ANZAC Day Observed
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY
Monday 7th June 2021
LABOUR DAY
Monday 25th October 2021