Nau mai, haere mai St Joseph’s Whanau

Term 4 continues to move forward at a pace and our children are shining in their learning. Congratulations to the Core Values Award recipients for this week.

Thank You: we would like to thank Bowers Brothers Concrete for their kind donation of sand and delivery for the long jump pit. Nice soft landing now. Very much appreciated Bowers.

Senior Camp: Year 7 & 8 students, parents and teachers returned from the Rotorua Senior Camp still buzzing from the experience, but also drained of energy. A great time was had by all, both in learning new things and learning more about themselves. Well done, one and all.

We do note that a couple students and a parent have since contracted Covid-19. All parents are encouraged to monitor their children's health and if any Covid-19 symptoms arise, please test, advise the school, and take appropriate action so that the spread of this disease is restricted.

Relationship Based Learning: The Principal and DP were out of the school at the end of last week to attend this Kahui Ako provided Professional Learning opportunity. Relationship Based Learning will be a focus for all teachers in 2023.

This Week:

Scripture Reading Festival: On Wednesday the finalist will be taking part in the Years 3 to 8 Scripture Reading Festival.

Athletics Day: will be this week on Thursday from 9:30am to 2:45pm. All are welcome to join us for this event where children can demonstrate their coordination and skills.

Catholic School Principals Conference: The Principal will be in Gisborne Wednesday to Friday to attend this conference where Principals are updated on developments that affect their schools.

Whole School Mass: Will be on this Sunday 9:00am. We encourage all students and their family members to attend this special once-a-term occasion. It is an important time to meet together as a community and to worship together.

Next Week:

District Inter-School Athletics meet: is on Tuesday 22nd November at the Morrinsville College. Teams attending will be advised.

A prayer for the coming week:

Dear Lord

We give you thanks for your great love.

We thank you for the gift of being in Your family.

We ask that we might grow in our love and knowledge of You.

We ask for the confidence to share Your love with others.

Amen.

Every blessing and have a great week.

Paul Cooper

Relieving Principal

The Gospel on Sunday was one that fits well with our Core Value of Whakapono - Faith.

Having faith is always trusting that God is there no matter what happens in your life.

Sometimes this is harder than it sounds and many struggle each day to find the ray of hope or the grace of God in their lives.

When we are faced with hardship, natural disasters, loss, or events that make us feel sad and angry, reaching out to God is often pushed aside as for just a moment we feel alone. However in time we realise that in fact God was right there with us, carrying us through the rough patch. Sometimes the reconnection to God takes a day, others may take a month or longer. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, what matters is the journey and the faith that is built along the way. As long as we continue to place our trust in God then he will always be there.

As we draw closer to Christmas and everyone starts to feel the stress of the season upon them, just remember to take a moment to sit and just be with God. Say a little prayer - Let go and Let God handle the rest.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

See you all at our Parish / School Mass on Sunday at 9am.

Have a safe and blessed week

Aroha Mai

Mrs V L