St Mary's Catholic School, Papakura
Term 2 Week 4 - 28th May 2021
Me Whakakotahi, Kia Maarama, Kia Pono, Ki Te Karakia
Together We Learn, We Pray, We Serve
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Kia ora koutou katoa
Winter is well and truly here! Along with the colder weather comes all the winter bugs and sniffles. Please make sure that your child stays home if they are unwell. Please contact the school office or use our school APP to let us know if your child will be away due to illness.
Having said that, we do urge our parents to please carefully consider your decision to keep your child at home for any other reasons, other than illness. If your child has less than 80% attendance, we will request a meeting to discuss how we can further support you to improve your child's attendance.
Thank you to all parents who attended our 3 Way Learning Conferences on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th May. This is the highest attendance rate for a long time, with the parents of 80% of our students attending. We hope that you have made some good connections with your child's teachers and we look forward to that relationship developing further as we collaborate to best serve your children, to ensure their success for the academic year.
Our concept learning "Planet Earth & Beyond" is going well and children are learning a range of science, social science and technology skills. It is so wonderful to see the high level of engagement of our children, who are excitedly investigating, creating and innovating.
Pink Shirt Day was a success and lots of fun again this year, led by Mrs Wallker, our student leaders and our Emmaus team. We managed to raise $350 in support of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. Thanks also to our PTFA for their support on the day.
There is a huge range of sport opportunities for our students across all year levels, being provided by a range of providers, from netball skills, swimming and water safety, AFL and balance bikes. A huge thanks to Counties Manukau Sport for their support, as well as Massey Park Aquatic Centre. Our funding has recently been approved to roll out a new racquet and ball game called Street Racket. We are one of the first three schools who have had the funding approved in South Auckland. We are grateful to Grassroots Trust for this funding. Watch out for more news about this. Lessons will be provided as part of our school programme in the next few weeks.
As the weather gets wetter, our students will often need to spend their break times indoors. We would like to be able to provide age appropriate board games and indoor activities that can be used during wet break times. Any donations of useable games or puzzles would be much appreciated.
We are also very excited about our new Music Room which is being established next to our STEAM Room. Mrs Rowe has spent much of her time off working on the room, along with help from our learning support staff and Mr Murray. A huge thanks to Mrs Devoy for her amazing artwork on the walls. Any donations of music equipment or instruments which can be used by our students will be gratefully accepted. Thanks also to our Board for releasing the budget required to establish this room.
Chess Club has started on Mondays at lunch time. Other lunch time activities include robotics club, ukelele group and knitting club, with further clubs and groups being planned for the rest of the year. We love sharing photo and video footage of our exciting class activities. Please enjoy reading more about these in this newsletter.
We have partnered with the St Vincent De Paul Society, who have provided us with 2 Food Hampers which can be collected by any family who might be in need of a food top up. Please contact me personally and confidentially on 027 366 4424 if your family requires this sort of support, even if it is just temporary. Delivery of these hampers will be done privately at a time that suits you. We would like to thank the St Vincent De Paul Society for their support for our school community.
A huge congratulations to all students, parents and staff who received the Holy Spirit at their Confirmation last Friday evening. What a wonderful celebration!
Also a fond "see you later" to Mrs Here who has taken maternity leave. We can't wait to meet another addition to our St Mary's family. Please keep mum and baby in your prayers for a safe delivery.
Finally, a sad farewell to Matua Wade, who has resigned from his position with us. We wish Matua all the best in his future endeavours. His St Mary's whanau will miss him. If you know someone who is keen to take on the role of Kapa Haka tutor, please contact me urgently.
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.
Science with Emmaus
Emmaus Team - Tomorrows Civil Engineers!
The Emmaus students have been learning about the skills required for Civil Engineering in order to design structures to withstand natural disasters.
A simulated earthquake was created and the children were briefed to build a structure from 30 toothpicks and 30 marshmallows. The tallest structure that survived, took the winners corner. There were successes and failures, however the learning was rich!
A leaf blower was the simulated 'hurricane' and the children were to design and build a house to shelter Sally (thanks to Bethlehem for the doll). Sally got a fair beating facing nine hurricanes! The children completed the task with flying colours. Ka Pai!
Mr J Frings - Emmaus Team Leader
TRAVELWISE and ROAD SAFETY
Auckland Transport Road Safety Wardens will be coming to monitor our Road Patrol crossing and surroundings in the coming weeks. If illegal road activity is observed, they will be issuing tickets. This is to purely keep our tamariki and whanau safe. This includes parking on yellow lines, U-turns and using our neighbours' driveways for drop-offs and pick-ups. With the recent tragic death of a student in an Auckland school carpark, safety is paramount. Thank you for your ongoing support to keep our school Road Smart and Safe!
Pink Shirt Day - Friday 21 May 2021
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
After a year of Covid disruptions on the sports field, it is great to see the students preparing for the North Counties Winter Sport competitions. Next Wednesday (2 June) Year 5 and 6 students will be competing against other local schools at Netball, Football and Rippa Rugby.
Thank you to all parents that have offered to assist as Managers across the three sports. On Thursday 10 June, three teams from Emmaus will be competing in a Tag Rugby League competition at Bruce Pulman Park. Mr Frings is the organiser of this competition and looks forward to a new sport being introduced into the Winter Sports format.
A notice for the Emmaus students will be sent home shortly.
Mr J Frings - Sports Co-ordinator
BETHLEHEM TEAM - "Balance Bikes"
On Wednesday 26 May, the Bethlehem children enjoyed a teaching session on 'Balance Bikes' with coaches from Counties Manukau Sport. Highlights included learning how to put a helmet on properly, learning to walk, run and balance - and our favourite was playing "What's the time, Mr Wolf" on the bikes.
Athena said "Cam and Xhav were so kind and patient with us."
Alana said "It was so much fun!"
Nazareth Team
Students in the Nazareth Team are thoroughly enjoying the new learning about the Rainforest, Under the Sea and Space. They are expanding their vocabulary and knowledge of Planet Earth and Beyond. Something is happening behind the scenes. Watch this space!
Religious Education - What a great week of learning about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit! We are so excited about being part of the Church! During morning prayers we prayed for each other that the Holy Spirit would help us to make good choices.
DRS - Once again our students stepped up when they were invited to join the parish on Pentecost Sunday on 23 May. Well done Kiara Shore and Enzo Collado who prayed the Prayer of the Faithful in Maori and Filipino. Thank you to our student leaders, Carol Nanai and Helena Vakauta who proudly read the story of Pentecost in Tongan and Samoan at our Monday morning Prayer Assembly on 24 May. The following students also lead us in prayer in their own languages - Shaira Perez (Filipino), Iosua Perelini (Samoan) and Jeslyn Ikilei (Chinese).
Altar Servers - We are urgently looking for new altar servers, so please encourage the children to become altar servers. This is a wonderful way to serve and present our school on a Sunday morning.
Family Mass - This is happening on the 13 June at St Mary’s Parish in Papakura. Please look out for the notice on Monday and encourage the children to sign up for roles during the Mass. ALL families are welcome to attend. This is a lovely opportunity for us to worship together as ONE big family.
Baptism - If anyone is interested to be baptised in September please see Mrs Paulse so we can approach Father James or Father Iosefa for forms. Thank you to those parents who have already made enquiries.
Mrs Bernadette Paulse - Nazareth Team Leader / DRS
St Mary's Way Tokens
Congratulations to Saira Mathew, Arielu Perelini, Ella Simcox-Castro, Bella Lee and Preston Daniels 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: Christopher Afoa, Jan Maglangit and Olivia Fitzpatrick. Well Done!
Student Welcome
We offer a special welcome to Tobias Sangster, Zoe Henry Milicich and Leilani Taateo 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.
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
Taihoa, kāore e roa!
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'.
If someone's knocking on the bathroom door, you can say 'Taihoa, kāore e roa!
Part Time Position Available in our Local Community
Upcoming Events - Term 2 Week 5
SAMOAN LANGUAGE WEEK
Reminder: Please return the Maths Parent Workshops slips to the school office by Monday 31st May 2021.
Tuesday 1st June
"Water Skills for Life" at Massey Park Aquatic Centre for Year 3 - 6 students
Year 7/8 Technology at Papakura Intermediate
Wednesday 2nd June
Year 5/6 Winter Sports Field Day at McLennan Park and Bruce Pulman Park
Thursday 3rd June
Bethlehem Team attending Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church. Travelling by bus, leaving at 9.00 a.m.
5th Session - AFL Kiwikick Coaching (pre-enrolled students Year 3 upwards)
Friday 4th June
2.00 p.m. - Samoan Assembly held in the school hall
Students may dress in Samoan Cultural dress or full school uniform
Monday 7th June - Queen's Birthday - NO SCHOOL TODAY
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.
Pompallier Catholic College 50th Jubilee
Pompallier Catholic College will be celebrating 50 years since the College opened in 1971. All past pupils, families, benefactors and staff are warmly welcome to be part of the celebrations.
Go to the College website:
http://www.pompalliercollege.school.nz and click 'Jubilee' for further information and to register.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
"Diligere Verum" "Love the Truth" "Arohatia te Whakapono"
Volunteers Needed for South Auckland Riding for Disabled
Do you have any time to help out a great cause? We need volunteers for our Monday afternoon or Tuesday or Thursday morning ride sessions. Experience with horses and/or children not necessary. We are looking for a willingness to help. Full support and training available.
Please contact: volunteering@sarda.org.nz for further information.
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.
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 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.
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