Tena koutou katoa

It is nice to be at Alert Level 2 and it was great to see the smiling faces coming in the gate last Thursday and the obvious delight our children showed when they saw their friends. Thank you for supporting our processes at this level. We urge you to consider getting vaccinated and this is available now to everyone over 12. We remind you that if you do need to come into school you MUST scan in and sign in at the office. We also need to remember people in Auckland who are still at Alert Level 4 and remember them in our prayers. We hope they soon join the rest of us in a lower alert level.

Due to the uncertainty of Alert levels and lower numbers in public places Petone Library Visits are on hold and we have postponed a couple of school activities until Term 4.

This week is Maori Language Week and Social Justice Week. We are going to celebrate Maori Language Week next week because due to lockdown our students have not had a chance to prepare activities. We are also going to celebrate Tongan Language Week in Week 10 of the term as we did not have a chance to do this properly last week.

The theme for Social Justice Week this year is: A Culture of Encounter: Be the Church. The focus is on The Beatitudes and how we put them into action when we encounter people in our daily lives.

We are in the process of appointing a permanent teacher for Kea Class to start in 2022. As soon as this process is complete we will let you know the outcome.

Catholic Schools Day: We will be celebrating Catholic Schools Day on Wednesday 29th September. We will begin with a Liturgy at 9am. On that day the students will have their Silver/ Gold Values reward which will be a Disco during the day. There will be no cost for the Disco but Year 7/ 8 will be doing some Camp fundraising on the day. More information about the Disco is coming home today in a separate notice.

HERO Comments: The next HERO comment will be at the end of Week 9, 24th September

Classes 2022: This process has begun and to help us with getting classes ready we need you to let us know as soon as possible if your children will not be returning to Sacred Heart next year. This does not include Year 8's.

In a school this size, sometimes children have to spend two years in the same classroom but not at the same Year level. We will be contacting any families whose children may be in this situation. If you would like to talk about the placement of your child next year then please speak to Jacqui, Katy or myself. School organisation is a Management decision and one which a lot of time goes into and is a decision which is affected by many factors including numbers in classes and year levels.

Sports Term 4: Next week notices will come home regarding Touch Rugby and Future Ferns Netball for Term 4. Please ensure you send the reply back on time if your child/ children wish to play in Term 4.

School Uniform: Term 4 is summer uniform term and we advise you to think about what you need and organise it before the end of this term. All students will require a school sunhat for Term 4.

Teacher Only Day: Friday 22nd October we are having a Teacher Only Day and school will be closed. Please make sure you have made arrangements for your children on that day. The staff will be working on the new Religious Education curriculum.

Term 3 ends at 3pm on Friday 1st October and reopens for Term 4 at 9am on Monday 18th October.

Daylight Saving begins at 2am on Saturday 26th September. Don't forget to put your clocks forward an hour when you go to bed on September 25th.

Thought for the Week

Taking a Closer Look Te Āta Tirotiro

Aotearoa New Zealand is a beautiful country with caring people as we’ve been reminded during the pandemic. However, like any place, it is not perfect. Injustice and inequality still exist throughout society. From discrimination to housing issues, there are many challenges that exist for so many New Zealanders. Our challenge is to keep our eyes open to injustice, wherever it may be – at home, school or in our local community – and act!

Ma Atua e manaaki

God bless

Liz

Welcome back to school! Alert Levels mean many of our events and activites have been put on pause or cancelled but that doesn't stop our lovely students enjoying each other and their learning. Liturgies, art, Maori Language moments, Rise Up... check out the photos below.

Tui and Ruru class celebrated their Liturgy this morning, with a theme of belonging to one family; God's family. It was lovely to see so many parents and caregivers in attendance and the rendition of 'These hands' (by Andrew Chinn) was a wonderful way to start the morning. Kai pai to our fabulous tamariki and Kaiako.

Term 3 is when we highlight our Sense of Community RISE value, which was warmly reflected by our students welcoming our two new Tui's Georgia and Grace. Ka pai! Mihi mahana - warm greetings to Grace and Georgia.

On Tuesday 14th September at 12pm, we took part in the Maori Language Moment, celebrating Te Reo our way. Check out the photos of Kakapo students below. How many times can you use Te Reo today? Ka Rawe Kakapo!

Yummy Stickers - please continue to bring these in as Term 3 is the last term for collecting these and earning sports equipment for our school. Please see Anna in the office if you require a new sticker sheet.

Lost Property

We have several items in our lost property, including puffer jackets. Can you please check your child is not missing any uniform or coats?

Updated Contact details

If you have moved house or have a new phone number or email address, can you please email Anna in reception so we can update these on our system.

Artsplash - cancelled.

If you have already paid for a ticket, please return it to the office for a refund.

• Thursday 16th September - Cricket Yr 1-3
• Monday 20th September - School Prayer and Whakatau 9am
• Friday 24th September - Assembly 2pm
• Saturday 25th September - Frock Swap (FOSH Fundraiser) 7.30pm in Pohutakawa
• Wednesday 29th September - Early Risers Session 2.
• Wednesday 29th September - School Disco/Sausage Sizzle/Bake Sale