St James' School Term 1 Week 3
Newsletter 18th February 2021
Kia ora Koutou
It has been an interesting few days on the COVID front.
We really appreciated the care and support you gave us in 2020. We don't know what will happen however we developed safe practices last year and re-visited these as we returned to school this year. We ask that you continue to keep unwell children at home as we continue to travel through the pandemic. We ask all learners to please wash their hands when they come to school or use the COVID tracer app.
We are using a new newsletter format today. It is made by the same people who make the school app and integrates seamlessly into the app. The school app is such an important piece in our communication process so please make sure you are using it and keep your notifications turned on so you don't miss any information. We aim to send most app updates and newsletters out from 2 pm to 3 pm when necessary. There is a translation function - should you use it please let us know how effective it is for you.
Please let Tracey in the office know if you have changed any contact details - phone, address or email.
Ngā manaakitanga - Tom Sheehan
Catholic Special Character
- Sunday 21 February
- Sunday 7 March
- Sunday 14 March
- Sunday 21 March
We will be sending home enrolment forms shortly.
We encourage all our baptised learners to take part in the sacraments - please ask Tom, Andrea or Christine if you have any questions.
Kate Bell from the parish can be contacted at k.bell@pncathedral.org.nz
News
Before and After School Expectations - We request that children arrive around 8.30 am as supervision begins at 8.30 am. Should you need to drop your child off before 8.30 am, we ask that you use the Nippers Before and After School Care service. For more details contact 06 356 7926 (Nippers' Office) 021 645 806 (on-site) email: nippers@inspire.net.nz. After school, we ask that all children be picked up promptly.
Scholastic Lucky Book Club Issue 1 2021 Closing date: 19 February 2021
These should have now arrived home, be sure to check out all the great deals. Spare copies of this issue are available from the library.
We encourage you to sign up and order online as paper orders will not be accepted.
You can follow this link to login and sign up for the LOOP order. This will arrive at school 1-2 weeks after the closing date and will be given to your child. If this is to be a surprise or gift be sure to tick the box on your order or let me know library@stjamescatholic.school.nz and I will be in touch when your order is ready to be picked up from the office.
Library Timetable
Below are the days that your child's class comes to the library, please assist them with a reminder to return their books each week
Learning Space 7 - Tuesday
Learning Space 8 - Monday
Learning Space 9 - Thursday
Learning Space 10 - Wednesday
Our senior classes have more flexibility throughout the week when they can return and issue their books during class time. Anyone is free to come to the library, return and issue during their lunchtime break. We have senior librarians on duty to help in this process.
Payment of School Donation 2021 - School Donations have been emailed this week, if you did not receive a payment request by email please contact the school office. Your donations assist us in offering extracurricular opportunities for your children. The donation includes Science, Technology, Education Outside the Classroom experiences (except for the Year 5 & 6 Senior Camp), visiting performers, transport to sporting fixtures and Masses. Payments can be paid to ASB Bank account 12-3442-0052178-00. Please Reference your 'child's Surname' and 'Invoice Number'. Online Payment is preferred as there are no EFTPOS facilities are available at the Office. You are welcome to set up Automatic or part payments throughout the School Year. School Donations are Tax deductible. You can claim back 33% of your school donations through IRD.
Melodies Music Tuition - Terrie Smith has a few spaces available for music tuition here at St James'. Contact Terrie on 0211361854 or enrol on the website - www.melodies.co.nz
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
- Thanks to everyone for your support at last Friday's welcome back picnic and concert.
- We are selling Jucies each Friday hometime from now on - $2.00
- The first PTFA lunch will be next Friday, February 26th. Please note as it is lent we will be selling non-meat pizza options.
- Term One disco date is set for Friday 9 April after Easter. Details to follow.
- There will be a 2021 St James' School GALA MEETING early next term to set up this year's Gala organising team. Please consider supporting this very important work.
- The PTFA is keen to have new members join them this year. Many of the current organisers are nearing the end of their primary school involvement and it is time to add more members. If you are interested please contact Kelly Hoskins (PTFA ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz)
- Next PTFA meeting is set for 3 March 2021, 6.3-8.00pm in the Staffroom - All Welcome.
Celebrations
Welcome Back Concert - very well done to the St James' PTFA for organising last Friday's event. It is always nice to take the time to gather as a community. Thank you to everyone for your support.
Start of Year Mass - It was a lovely Mass as Fr Joe led us in prayer last Friday. Well done to DRS Andrea Cawood for her organisation. The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit was filled with prayer, song and hopes for the 2021 school year.
Offertory
The Church Gathered
Fr Joe breaking open the Word of God
Dates for Your Diary
Week 3
- Sunday 21 February - First Reconciliation - 9.30 Mass then session one
Week 4
- Tuesday 23 February - Board Sub Committee Meetings - 5:00 pm Special Character, 5.30 pm Policy, 6.00 pm Asset Management and Health and Safety, 6.30 pm Finance
- Thursday 25 February - Year 1 and 2 Tabloids - St Josephs' Feilding
- Friday 26 February - LS1 Te Manawa trip - Wildflowers and Bees 10 am - 12.00 midday
Week 5
- Wednesday 6 March Te Pihinga LS10
- Thursday 4 March Year 3 and 4 tabloids hosted by St James' at St James’
- Friday - 5 March Te Mahuri begin Firewise
Sports
Payment Sports Fees - Just a reminder that sports fees must be paid prior to games. If you have any questions please talk to the Sports Coordinator, Tracey Gunn or Office Manager, Tracey Royds.
Getting Involved
Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North
Tuesday 23rd February, 2021 at 5pm
All welcome.
The Egg Project - The Egg Project is an opportunity for our School Community to purchase fresh free range and organic eggs and provide St James’ PTFA with some funds. Orders are placed online by Mondays and delivered to School on Wednesdays for collection from the school office at the end of day. Please take the time to read about it here - Egg Project Order Form. Order forms are also available on the School App Links.
Reminders
Uniform - we advise that this year the PE uniform is able to be worn to and from school on a Friday. We also recommend that the PE uniform comes to school each day in your child's bag. Please have swimming togas and goggles at school each day.
Sunhats - a reminder to all that sunhats are required each and every day in Term 1. The 'no hat - no play' policy is in place at this time and children without hats are to stay in the sandpit or under the deck areas. It can be a good idea to apply sunscreen in the morning before school.
Jewellery - from our Uniform Policy
A reminder about jewellery wearing - from the school policy - Necklaces with cultural or religious significance are permitted to be worn tucked underneath the shirt. Only small, round, plain gold/silver or coloured studs may be worn. Up to one in each earlobe. If there are any discrepancies the final decision will be that of the Team Leaders in each team. No sleepers to be worn. Any other requests will be at the Principal’s discretion.
Thanks to everyone for making a good start with this. There are still some learners with nail polish on - please remove this on a Sunday night as you prepare for school.