Newsletter 30 May 2022
St Joseph's Catholic School Onehunga
The Feast of the Ascension
Last Sunday Jesus said, 'If you loved me you would have been glad to know that I am going to the Father.' After his earthly mission this was always his destiny. As it is ours. The disciples, having spent their time with Christ and experiencing his presence again during that first Easter, needed the courage now to let him go and to take up the mission he was giving them. With the return of Jesus to the Father we know the Easter Season is drawing to a close.
Having to let go of someone we love in death is never easy but there is comfort in knowing that God awaits them and calls them home. It is our common destiny.
In our situation and context, we are all he has to live his life and to share his spirit. What a privilege and what a responsibility.
Pope Francis said, “Jesus’ ascension into heaven does not mean he is absent. Instead, it tells us that he is alive among us – we are never alone.
P E N T E C O S T – the birthday of the Church
In classes we are learning about Pentecost Sunday which is this Sunday, June 5.
WHAT HAPPENED ON PENTECOST?
Ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the twelve apostles, Jesus’ mother and family, and many other of His disciples gathered together in Jerusalem for the Jewish harvest festival that was celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. While they were indoors
praying, a sound like that of rushing wind lled the house and tongues of re descended and rested over each of their heads. This was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on human flesh promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-29). The disciples were suddenly
empowered to proclaim the gospel of the risen Christ. They went out into the streets of Jerusalem and began preaching to the crowds gathered for the festival. Not only did the disciples preach with boldness and vigour, but by a miracle of the Holy Spirit they spoke in
the native languages of the people present, many who had come from all corners of the Roman Empire. This created a sensation. The apostle Peter seized the moment and addressed the crowd, preaching to them about Jesus’ death and resurrection for the
forgiveness of sins. The result was that about three thousand converts were baptized that day. (You can read the Biblical account of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-41)
ONLINE SAFETY @ HOME
St Joseph's are joining with Mangere Bridge School and Royal Oak Primary School in this Family community event exploring online safety @ home on Monday 13 June 2022 6.00pm
This free online safety evening is a must for all parents, families and whānau who have children and young people online.
Join online safety experts as they unpack the risks, challenges and complexities young people face online.
You'll leave with your eyes opened to the possible risks that come with increased time online, but also with the confidence and practical tips & strategies to provide the support and help our young people need.
Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week 2022
This year's theme for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa - Samoa Language Week is Fa’aāuāu le Folauga i le Va’a o Tautai - Continue the Voyage with Competent Wayfinders of the Ocean
As part of this year’s overarching theme of ‘Sustainability’, the Samoan community chose a theme that would reflect the journey of language revitalisation and maintenance as well as recognising the importance of having the right tools, good leadership skills, relationships and the correct medium (va’a) that is adaptable to faring the ocean and its elements
SACRAMENT PROGRAM 2022
SACRAMENTS OF FIRST RECONCILIATION, CONFIRMATION AND FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAM 2022
ENROLMENTS
We welcome enrolments for 2022. If you have a child or know of a child due to start school in 2022 please ensure they are enrolled. It is essential we know who is wanting to join our school whanau and when.
Enrolment packs are available from the school office or can be downloaded from the school website. https://sjs.school.nz/enrolment-2/
PTFA
It's been a long time since we met last year, but we've made it through the lockdowns and disruptions and would like to regroup and reconnect in 2022!
This message is a heads up that we will be holding a Zoom meeting next Thursday to talk about a special project for the PTFA, so that we can support our beloved school, teachers and community.
Please save the date!
Thursday 2 June, 7pm
Zoom link will be sent to you separately
If you would like a link to this meeting please email - ptfa@sjs.school.nz
Please keep in touch, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Naomi, on behalf of Russia and Shane
PTFA committee / organisers
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
'SKids' want all kids to feel AWESOME about who they are, so their programmes have been designed to grow core capabilities in kids so they flourish in life.
Enrolment details are on our SJS school website, or contact Becca on email becca@skids.co.nz
Upcoming Events
- Samoan language week - 29 May - 4 June
- PTFA meeting - 2 June - 7pm (online)
- Samoan Mufti Day - 3 June
- Pentecost - 5 June
- Queens Birthday - 6 June (no school)
SUPPORT
The impact of COVID to employment has lead to challenging times for many families.
If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time here are some options that might be useful.
- VisionWest Community Trust https://visionwest.org.nz/
- Vaka Tautua Limited https://www.vakatautua.co.nz/
- TOA Pacific Incorporated https://toapacific.org.nz/
- MUMA Whanau Services Limited https://www.muma.co.nz/whanau-services
Work and Income services centres are closed, however you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.
If you need some assistance with food these food banks may be able to help out;
- Auckland City Mission, City 09 303 9200
- Salvation Army Royal Oak 09 639 1103
- Vinnies Auckland, Newton 09 815 6122 or 0800 6800
- Hope Centre, New Lynn 02108048436
- Vision West, Glen Eden (Mon, Wed, Fri only) 09 818 0716
Contact Us
Email: admin@sjs.school.nz
Website: http://www.sjs.school.nz/
Location: 125 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09 636 8102
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJSOnehunga