Newsletter
St Mary's Catholic School 24 August 2022 - Term 3 Week 5
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Gospel Reading
Luke 13:22-30
People will come from north and south, east and west, and take their place in the Kingdom of God.
Background on the Gospel Reading
Sunday's Gospel reading is the third of three parables in chapter 13 that deal with the theme of the unexpected reversals brought by the Kingdom of God. The other two parables are about the tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree and the small amount of yeast that makes a large batch of dough rise. All three are about the few and the many and the Kingdom of God.
As this parable opens, Luke reminds us that Jesus is making his way to Jerusalem. This journey, this exodus as Luke refers to it, makes up the entire middle of the Gospel. He is teaching as he goes. A question from the crowd gives Jesus the chance to make a prophetic statement. Luke uses this question device a number of times in his Gospel. A few weeks ago, the question “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” led to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The question about will only a few be saved uses typical Christian language about salvation but also expresses the Jewish concern about whether everyone who calls himself a Jew is actually faithful to the covenant. This was a concern of the Pharisees.
Jesus answers that they must strive in the time remaining to enter through the narrow door because many will be trying to get in but won't be strong enough. He then moves to a parable about another door. (The translation says “gate” then “door,” but the same Greek word is used.) Once all those entering the master's house are in and he locks the door, there will be no way for others to get in. Those left outside may knock, but the master will say he doesn't know them. Unlike the Gospel reading from a few weeks ago where Jesus was teaching about prayer, and we were told to knock and the door would be opened, in this parable, the master will not open and say he does not know us. People from the north, south, east, and west will take our place inside. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets will take our place in the Kingdom of God. Those who do not make it through the narrow door will be cast out to where there is wailing and grinding of teeth.
The image of the door is replaced in the final verses of the parable with the image of the heavenly banquet. Two passages from the Book of Isaiah influence the conclusion. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God bringing Israel's descendants back from the east and from the west, the north and the south. And Isaiah 25:6 speaks of the Lord providing a feast of rich foods and choice wines for all peoples on his holy mountain. The answer to the question if only a few will be saved is no. In the end, many will be saved, but many who thought they would be saved will not be saved. The parable is a prophetic warning to repentance in order to enter the kingdom.
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,
Tihei mauri ora, nau mai, haere mai, tena koutou katoa, E nga whanau, e nga kaiako, e nga tamariki, e nga manuhiri, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa
As I write this newsletter I reflect upon how far we have come in our community from a year ago. This time last year we were in another lockdown and a year on we are still grappling with the remains of illness and the changes in society. I want to thank our community for their cooperation, understanding and ability to adapt to our changing situations. We still have a number of children and staff who are unwell that make for interesting weeks in the classroom.
End of year key dates
We are only in Term 3 and planning for the end of the year and 2023 already. We have confirmed some key dates for our end of year events.
The End of Year Mass for the whole school will be held on Thursday 15th December at 10am at St Mary's Immaculate Church.
Our Prize Giving will be held in Teams again this year, Yrs 0-3 and Yrs 4-6. They will be held in the Blessed Anne-Marie Javouhey Centre at St Mary's School. The dates for these will be Tuesday 13th of December: Yr 4-6 at 9.30am, Yr 0-3 at 12.00pm.
As previously advertised, we will have Parent Conferences to celebrate your child's learning on the 7th & 8th of December. This is to celebrate every child's learning throughout the year and plan for 2023. We would like every family represented to share the learning.
Thank you to Mrs Washer
As Mrs Rush has moved to Principalship we have been blessed to have Mrs Washer fill the role of DRS (Director of Religious Studies) at St Mary’s. We are very thankful for her contribution to our special character this year.
Mrs Fay Warnock - DRS (Director of Religious Studies) / Deputy Principal
After advertising for a DRS/DP position at St Mary’s we can now confirm that Mrs Fay Warnock will be returning to St Mary’s in Term 4 as our DRS/DP. Thank-you to the Board of Trustees for their contribution to this appointment and we are very excited to welcome Mrs Warnock to St Mary’s in Term 4. Here is a message from Fay.
I am very excited to be returning to St Mary's as the Director of Religious Studies/Deputy Principal. I spent 9 years teaching at St Mary's and both of my children, Will and James, were students at the school. St Mary's has always held a special place in my heart and I feel it is a real privilege to take up my new role at the school. I am an active member of St Mary Immaculate parish and feel excited to get to know more of the children and families at the school.
I am currently the Deputy Principal at Pāpāmoa Primary School and thoroughly enjoy my role as leading curriculum, in particular implementing and leading Literacy learning. I have gained invaluable skills and experience in this role which I hope to share with St Mary's.
In my spare time I enjoy running and exercise. We live in such a beautiful place that it's a great way to unwind, relax and appreciate all of God's wonderful creation.
I am looking forward to taking up my new role at St Mary's and further connecting with the children and community.
2023 Planning
This year our class sizes may have been considered a little high in some areas of our school. Depending on 2023 enrolments we are hoping to rectify that next year. While we cannot guarantee that some class sizes won’t be large, we are committed to looking at class sizes differently. With this in mind we will be looking at the makeup of our class year groups for 2023. It could mean that we have a mix of Yr 1 and 2, or Yr 2 and 3 classes in our junior school. It could also mean we have Yr 4 and 5 classrooms, as well as some straight Yr 6 classrooms in our senior school. Again, this will all depend on 2023 numbers and trying to spread the load across our two teams. We will keep our community updated as we move through our thinking.
Raising Concerns
A reminder if you have concerns, it is imperative that you speak with your child's teacher in the first instance. After that if you feel you need to go to the team leader then please do so. Mrs Akkerman is the leader for Years 4-6 makkerman@stmarystga.school.nz and Ms Oates is the leader for Yrs 0-3 eoates@stmarystga.school.nz.
Mrs Broadmore lbroadmore@stmarystga.school.nz and I will support the school and families once they have been through these channels. We must role model good behaviours to our children and follow the correct processes.
Communication and posts
Financial Concerns
Teacher Only Day Friday 2nd September
Ngā mihi nui
James Murray
Principal
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SPECIAL CHARACTER
Assumption Mass
Thank you to parents, grandparents and friends who joined us for our school Mass last Thursday to celebrate the beautiful feast of the Assumption.
We were very proud of our students who showed great reverence and respect and participated joyfully with their singing and spoken responses. Of special note is how well the students who were reading proclaimed the word of God. The students who led the prayers also were outstanding.
Welcome to New Families and Students
Next Tuesday the 30th of August at 10.15am we are having our special liturgy to welcome new teachers, students and their families who have joined us during the last term. All parents are welcome to come to this Liturgy and we encourage you to join us if you are able. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new parents and make them feel welcome in our very special St Mary’s School community. There will be a morning tea for parents following the Liturgy in our Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey Centre.
Welcome Father Adam Kirkeby
Newly - ordained Father Adam Kirkeby has been appointed as Assistant Priest here in our Parish of St Thomas Aquinas .
We are looking forward very much to having Father Adam with us and getting to know him.
“Father Adam’s Kirkeby’s vocation story didn’t start with a great revelation or an “aha” moment. Rather, it was a call in quiet moments, a gentle pull, something that was always there waiting for him to respond…’ from NZ Catholic
A very warm welcome Father Adam!
Weekly School Liturgies and Class Masses
Please remember you are very welcome to attend our school liturgies and class Masses each week. Please check the school calendar/website for dates and times. The liturgies are usually on a Monday at 10.30am in the Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey Centre and our class Masses on a Thursday at 9.00am in our beautiful school Cluny Chapel. A lot of preparation and effort goes into these and they are what make our school so special and give us our precious Catholic character.
Next Monday Māramatanga are leading the Liturgy about Creation and caring for our world.
With kind regards and God bless
Sally Washer
OTHER SCHOOL NEWS
Board Elections - time to vote
A reminder to bring, or post your voting papers to;
The Returning Officer
St Mary's School
11 Thirteenth Avenue,
Tauranga 3112.
A voting box is in the school office for your convenience.
Election Date
The polls close at 4pm on Wednesday the 7th September 2022.
Once the election is over
You can find out about the newly elected school board members in the school newsletter and/or website. This information will be made available on Tuesday 13 September 2022.
Hairini Marae - Pōwhiri and Noho
Our Senior Kapa Haka roopu, Hato Maria, were blessed and privileged to be welcomed onto Hairini Marae last Thursday. Kaumatua Joe Gardiner spoke to our tamariki after the pōwhiri about his time at St Mary's during the 1950's, when he was taught by Sister Gabrielle. Des Heke-Kaiawha then told us stories about the wharenui and our local area. Thank you to Tony, Tracey and Bernie from our Board of Trustees for joining us for the pōwhiri. Thank you also to Matua Tūmanako for preparing us so well for this very special occasion.
Our noho was such great fun! All tamariki were incredibly helpful during our stay; cooking, serving meals, cleaning and helping each other. Ngā mihi nui to Shaun Cooney, Alana Robinson and Nathan Olsen for being such fantastic parent helpers.
It certainly was a very special occasion for our St Mary's school community, and we are looking forward to spending many more wonderful times at Hairini Marae.
Lisa Broadmore
Before and After School Care booking link
Come to our ‘Home away from Home’ Before & After School Care and feel at ease knowing your child is safe, happy and in a place they feel comfortable and know well. Before & After School Care is held in the Blessed Ann Marie Javouhey Centre.
Before School Care
7.15am - 8.15am $6.00 per session
This includes breakfast of a variety of cereals and toast.
After School Care
2.55pm - 4.00pm $8.00
2.55pm - 5.00pm $16.00
2.55pm - 5.30pm $20.00
This includes afternoon tea.
Click here to make a Term 3 booking or contact afterschoolcare@stmarystga.school.nz for more information.
St Mary's Holiday Programme Term 3
Bookings will open on Monday 12 September.
SPORTS & CULTURAL EXCHANGE
This year St Mary's Tauranga hosted the Coastal Catholic Schools Sport & Cultural Exchange held on the 15 August at Aquinas College. Schools from Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa, Putaruru, Matata, Gisborne, Opotiki and Whakatane competed in Rippa Rugby, Netball, Football, Miniball, Hockey, Scripture reading, RE Quiz, Drama, Speechmaking, and chess. We had a fantastic day and the students represented St Mary's proudly.
Congratulations to our Year 5/6 Football team for winning the Football. Thanks to Mr Murray for supporting the teams throughout the day.
St Mary's won the Basketball competition. Thanks to Angela Page for supporting the team throughout the day, along with Stacey Bint and Rebecca Page.
SPORTS NEWS
St Mary’s Hurricanes Hockey
Excellent hockey was played by the St Mary’s Hurricanes at the Year 3/4 Hockey tournament held at Blake Park.
They won all of their games bar one, and that was a tough fought 5-4 score against the Mount Marlins.
The kids were amazing. They all showed great team spirit and togetherness. Great skills on show and they played hard right until the end.
Thank you to Maria Tustin who was their amazing umpire, along with Team coach Kelly Dalton, supported by Jess Osbaldiston and Maureen Tustin.
St Mary's Flames Netball
CELEBRATING OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
PTA NEWS
Colour Fun Run
TERM DATES 2022
Monday 7 February - Waitangi Day
Term 2 - Monday 2 May - Friday 8 July
Monday 6 June - Queen's Birthday
Tuesday 7 June- TEACHER ONLY DAY, Kahui Ako
Friday 24 June - Matariki
Term 3 - Monday 25 July - Friday 30 September
Friday 2nd September-TEACHER ONLY DAY
Term 4 - Monday 17 October - Friday 16 December
Monday 24 October - Labour Day
Friday 18th November - TEACHER ONLY DAY
PARENT CONFERENCES IN 2022
Term 4- Wednesday 7th December, 3 pm-6 pm, Thursday 8th December 12.30 pm-6 pm. SCHOOL CLOSES AT 12PM Thursday 8th December.
There will also be NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE THIS DAY.
Please support our Gold Group Sponsors
Contact Us
Email: office@stmarystga.school.nz
Website: https://www.stmarystga.school.nz/
Location: 11 Thirteenth Avenue, Tauranga South, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 578 8066
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmarystga/