St Mary's School
Thursday 1st December
'And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.' - Gospel of Matthew
Dear whānau,
Not long to go now, time is flying by! We're getting to that time of the year where it seems crazy busy, but full of good stuff of course.
This week we have had Sarah, our Sports Activator in Tuesday and Wednesday, Huri Rā on Wednesday (see more details below) and then our long awaited Cultural Liturgy and shared lunch today. Wow, what a turn out, we have the best community!
Thanks to everyone who made today possible - Cheeko on his pipes and Gus on his drum, Mum's and Dad's who translated and practised our Prayers of the Faithful, Readings with their kids, and everyone who was able to come and support us this afternoon including our special guests including Whaea Sam and Raiha. Our kids (as per usual) made us incredibly proud with their reverence and mana. I'll make sure I get some photos in next weeks newsletter for you but they'll be on facebook before then too.
Please remember, if you have something you'd like us to celebrate in the newsletter, send me through a picture and a wee blurb by Thursday 9am each week and I'll make sure it gets in - mallory.hood@stmarys.school.nz
God bless you all.
Mallory
Acting Principal
Huri Rā
Yesterday we tried out, what we are hoping is, our new and improved version of 'Rollover Day' - 'Huri Rā'. What a time to be alive! The excitement (of teachers and students) was real and super infectious!
We started the day together in the quad (minus our year 6 students, who were in a workshop with Karla from UTB, Lisa Sanson our LSC and 8 amazing St Peter's College students learning the ropes of Microsoft so there's no surprises waiting for them at SPC in 2023) with a quick chat and prayer.
We asked them if they wanted to know what classes they were going to be in for 2023, and of course, they were keen as mustard! We talked about how they might need to work really hard to show our values of faith, hope and love while they were trying out their new class, because the idea of change isn't exciting for everybody.
They really impressed us by pointing out that class time was about learning and being with people who make them the best learner they can be, class is also about learning to work with other people too - not always your mates. They could also tell us that if they missed their friends, they'd be able to see them and play with them at break times - the resilience and flexibility of your kids is something you should all be really proud of.
We then cheered each class on as they were called out, lined up with their future teachers and teacher aides and embarked on their morning of 'a glimpse into 2023'. When I went for a quick look around (my kids were playing a cool game with Sarah, our Sports Activator and Rachael - I didn't abandon them), there were smiles galore and a calm but excited vibe in each and every classroom.
Room Ruru kids for 2023 were also very lucky because Miss McRae came all the way from Balclutha to come and spend the morning getting to know them. We also had the pleasure of meeting some of our, yet to turn 5, Pūkeko kids - as you can see below, cute as custard.
If your child was away on Wednesday, their teacher should have sent home a letter with them today from their teacher and teacher aide for 2023. If they haven't, get onto them about it.
Prizegiving for our Horse Riders
Upcoming events (there's a few wee additons)
Week 7 (28 Nov - 2nd December)
Room Moa and Miss Hood - Gospel
Monday 28th Nov - Advent Prayers - Church
Tuesday and Wednesday 29 and 30th Nov - Sports Activator
Wednesday 30th Nov - Karla from UTB in - Microsoft with year 6's
Thursday 1st December - Tūrangawaewae celebration and cultural Liturgy
Week 8 (5 - 9th December)
Room Piwakawaka and Mrs Christie - Gospel
Monday 5th Dec - Advent Prayers - Church
Friday 9th Dec - Final leavers assembly for our year 6 leaders
Week 9 (12th - 15th December)
Room Kiwi and Mrs Gray and Mrs Hansen
Monday 12th Dec - Advent Prayers - Church
Tuesday 13th Dec - 6pm - Junior Nativity - Church
Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th Dec - 2023 stationery will be available to pick up
Wednesday 14th Dec - TREAT FOR ALL - Ice cream and a movie @ the SBS St James Theatre
Thursday 15th Dec - 6pm - Whole School End of Year Mass and last day for 2022
Contact Us
Email: admin@stmarys.school.nz
Website: https://stmarys.school.nz/
Location: 14 Ardwick Street, Gore 9710, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3-208 7733
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1407464649522913