St Joseph's Newsletter T3 Wk2
4th August 2021
Week 2 Term 3
Principal’s Piece
Kia Ora Koutou
Mauri mahi, mauri ora
Do the mahi, get the treats
Welcome to Term 3. We are really excited to see the students back at school and hope the holidays went well. It’s been great to watch the Olympics on TV over the last 12 days and see the best athletes in the world compete on a global stage. The athletes have certainly put in the mahi and now we get to enjoy their performances as they look to get the treats of a gold medal. It’s made some really great viewing and has caused a lot of discussion around the school. Every time New Zealand wins a medal you can hear the cheering from the students around the school.
Our core value of Patience -Manawanui takes centre stage this term. We want the students to understand things don’t always happen right away, but to continue to show patience. Over the next few weeks, our staff will be highlighting ways to build patience and sharing these with our students.
A special welcome to our new Parish Priest Fr Stuart Young. Fr Stuart joins us from the sunny Mount Maunganui Parish of St Thomas More. Fr Stuart joined the priesthood later in life after his wife passed away. He was ordained a priest in 2015. He has 3 adult children with his daughter based in Hamilton. Fr Stuart trained at Holy Cross Seminary and has worked in the Parishes of the Holy Family (Morrinsville, Te Aroha & Paeroa). Please make him feel welcome.
We are very excited to take part in the Waikato Catholic Cultural Hui Te Hui Ahurea this Friday 6 August, held at Elim Church, 21 Maui St Pukete. Our year 5-8 students will be leading our Kapa Haka as we showcase our talents alongside nine other Catholic Schools. We would love you to join us!
We would like to wish our Catholic Intermediate Schools Maths Team, all the very best as they compete against a range of teams from our Hamilton Catholic Schools on this afternoon. Go St Joes!
Kia manaaki te Atua koutou katoa
Grant Stuart
PRINCIPAL
Gospel Reflection
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Cycle B
Sunday, August 1, 2021
Gospel Reading
John 6:24–35
Jesus teaches the crowds that he is the “bread of life.”
Background on the Gospel Reading
This Sunday we continue to read from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel, but not continuously. Our Lectionary omits John’s report of Jesus’ walking on water. This event is reported much less dramatically in John’s Gospel than in the Synoptic Gospels. After the feeding of the multitudes, the disciples leave in a boat and Jesus follows them. The disciples are said to be terrified by what they see. Jesus reassures them and rejoins them. In today’s Gospel, we learn that the crowd has noticed the departure of Jesus and his disciples and so seeks them out in Capernaum. In the dialogue that follows between Jesus and the crowds, Jesus unfolds for us the gift of himself that that he gives in the Eucharist.
In today’s Gospel, there are four exchanges between Jesus and the crowd. In the first, the crowd, having followed Jesus to Capernaum, asks a very matter of fact question: “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus replies by naming their motivation in pursuing him. They have been fed. Jesus acknowledges this, yet challenges them to see beyond the fulfillment of their material needs. The crowds have followed Jesus because they have been fed. They ought to be seeking out Jesus because he can give them eternal life.
As the second dialogue begins, it seems that the crowd might be on their way to accepting Jesus and his mission. They ask: “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus replies that they must have faith in the one sent from God. But in the third dialogue, the crowd reveals their inability to see Jesus’ true identity. They ask Jesus for a sign so that they might know that Jesus is from God. How strange this sounds since Jesus has just fed more than 5000 people. What more is expected?
But the crowd cannot see beyond the surface of the sign. They show this in their interpretation of the sign that came from Moses. In their description, they identify Jesus with Moses, as if to say, as Moses gave the people manna in the desert, give us a sign so that we will know that you are from God. They are looking to identify a prophet without realizing that God is standing before them. Jesus corrects their misinterpretation, saying that the manna received by their ancestors came from God. As God fulfilled their ancestors’ needs in the desert, so God has provided them with food for eternal life. In the bread that they have received from Jesus, they have received physical nourishment and also spiritual nourishment. Jesus wants the crowd to see beyond the surface to the One who provides true nourishment.
The conclusion of the dialogue reveals the crowd’s blindness. They ask for what Jesus has just told them they have found: “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus answers plainly that he himself is the Bread of Life they seek. Jesus himself is the Bread of Life who will satisfy every hunger and thirst. This is the first of several such statements found in John’s Gospel. We understand these better when we remember that God revealed his name to the people of Israel as “I am,” as Yahweh. Jesus is now claiming this name for himself. In the weeks ahead, we will see the offense that this gives to the people.
Value Focus
August is the Month of The Immaculate Heart of Mary
The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
A Time to Persevere
It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ's Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ's" (Enchiridion on Indulgences).
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Liguori (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
News
Teacher Only Day- Term 3
In previous newsletters it said ''Tuesday 31st August'', which is incorrect.
The Teacher Only day for Term 3 is Monday 30th August, 2021
We apologize for the inconvenience!
Notices
Office Job Position Available
Please share with anyone who is interested that you think would be an excellent fit at St. Joseph's!
School Office Assistant
Fixed Term Position
We are currently looking for a motivated Part Time Office Assistant to join our Team
If you're a people-person, who enjoys a busy and varied admin role, this fixed term, part time position at our family-focused school in Fairfield has just what you’re looking for!
This role will be our director of first impressions, based at the school’s front office. The first port of call for whanau, community and visitors this role will support the day to day running of the school, in a friendly, collaborative way and efficient manner. The position will be required to successfully time manage the tasks and interruptions that occur in the daily life of our busy school whilst meeting the administrative requirements of the role. Very strong interpersonal skills with a confident and confidential communication style and the ability to engage with many different people, is essential for this role, as well as a compassionate heart, and a big smile!
Other skills and attributes we are looking for:
-Previous proven experience in administration or office support roles
-Excellent computer skills with strong typing and data entry, and Microsoft Office and -Google Suite experience including Powerpoint/and or Google Slides, SMS or database experience
-Professional, highly organised and adaptable with a “can do” attitude and a sense of humour!
-Strong work ethic and optimistic approach to solutions
-The ability to work effectively both as an individual and team player
-A reflective learner, willing to grow
-An interest in students and a desire to see them all achieve to their full potential
Hours of Work:
This is a part time position, with hours of work from 10:00am-2:00pm each day, school term time.
This position is fixed term until Wednesday December 15th (end of 2021 school year)
The successful candidate will need to undergo police vetting clearance. Apply by email to g.stuart@stjosephs.school.nz stating your suitability for the role by Tuesday August 17th at 3.00pm.
2022 New Entry Enrolment
This is a call out for all
current St. Joseph's families with children already enrolled who have siblings that will be starting in the New Entrant class (year 0) next year-
it is time to send in those new student applications, if you haven't already!
All enrolment information can be found online: https://stjosephs.school.nz/enrolments/
- Enrolments can be done online and documents can be emailed to admin@stjosephs.school.nz
or paper copies can be picked up and dropped off in the office during school hours.
- We will not be processing applications until all documents are received.
- Photocopies and pictures of original documents will be accepted, except for the Catholic Preference Card which needs to be the original copy.
- All successful applicants will be contacted in September to confirm their spot.
- While we greatly appreciate referrals to friends, neighbours and colleagues- priority of school placement will go to siblings first. Our waiting list is growing quite rapidly and we cannot guarantee spots to others at this moment in time.
*If your child will be starting Day 1 of Term 1 there will be an orientation day to visit the school and New Entrant class before term begins- stay tuned for more information! *
When in doubt, keep them out!
*Please note that New Zealand is under advisory for RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus). If your child is demonstrating symptoms we advise following Ministry of Health guidelines for diagnosis and treatment and please keep them at home in the meantime.*
Here is a handy chart from the Health Ed with helpful information on infectious disease:
Driving Around the School and Community
We are reminding drivers to be vigilant when driving in the area and to adhere to parking rules, especially during drop off and pick up times. The residents in Strowan Ave and Clarkin Road get frustrated when parents park over their driveways.
Drop Off - Students are not allowed on site before 8am as there is no supervision available.
Pick Up - Students are to be picked up by 3.15pm as the teachers have meetings after school and can not provide supervision.
Students that are still at school after 3.15pm will be booked in to SKIDS and charges will apply.
The school is actively working with the Hamilton CIty Council and the Police to ensure that we can keep our students safe.
The Police have advised us to supply registration numbers and details of any offence and they will send a written notice. If you happen to see an incident, we ask that you report it to the school office by calling (07) 855 5434 or email admin@stjosephs.school.nz
Let’s keep the community safe for our whānau! Thank you!
AIMS Games News
Thank you to our AIMS Games Sponsors!
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Student News
Enviro Team
New Zealand Gymnastics Championships Results
ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS
Women
Step 5
Ashleigh van Eyk placed 60th overall, team placed 9th
Men
Level 4
Paxton Polaczuk placed 28th overall
Finn McCabe placed 3rd floor, 4th rings, 5th H-bar and 3rd Overall, team placed 3rd.
Level 5
Noah Pritchard placed 2nd Pommel, 6th P-bar and H-bar, 7th Vault; 6th Overall, team placed 1st.
AEROBICS
Samantha Alderton 1st open trio, 3rd individual open level 2.
TRAMPOLINE
10 & under individual
Sam McCarthy, 6th Overall
Adonis Polaczuk, 7th Overall
10 & under synchronised
Adonis Polaczuk, 1st Overall
Samuel McCarthy, 3rd Overall
10 & under double mini
Adonis Polaczuk, 2nd Overall
Sam McCarthy, 5th Overall
And Keegan our Teacher Aide placed 2nd overall in Men's Artistic Level 9. 1st P-bar, 2nd H-bar, 3rd Floor, 3rd Rings, 4th Vault, 5th Pommel
Overall placings are their placings across New Zealand.
Well done St.Joseph's Gymnasts!
Sport Accomplishments for Polaczuk Family
Paxton and brother Adonis also both represented Waikato at the 2021 New Zealand National gymnastics comp.
Adonis won gold with his partner in 10 and Under synchronised trampolining.He also won silver in 10 and under DMT (double mini trampoline)
Paxton placed 6th overall in pommel horse and 9= in vault in level 4 men’s artistic gymnastics.
Well done Polaczuks!
Have any accomplishments you'd like to share with the St. Joseph's community? Send us an email and you could be featured in the next newsletter!
PTFA News
Community Notices
If you missed the Information evening, you can still contact them!
CENTENARY
St Patrick's Catholic School, Te Awamutu
22nd and 23rd October
Powhiri, school tours, archives, mix and mingle, dinner and dance.
Come and share in the memories!
Register online at www.stpatta.co.nz or phone the school office (07) 8714669
2021 Term Dates
Term dates for 2021 are:
Term 1: Tuesday 2nd February - Friday 16th April
Term 2: Monday 3rd May - Friday 9th July
Term 3: Monday 26th July - Friday 1st October
Term 4: Monday 18th October - Wednesday 15th December
The Teacher Only Days are:
Term 2: Tuesday 8 June (Week 5)
Term 3: Monday 30 August (Week 6)
Term 4: Tuesday 26 October (Week 2)