Tēnā koe,

This week around the world people acknowledge the International Day of Tolerance. We are now facing and living in a world of growing pressure, the unknown, heightened anxiety while still dealing with the day to day matters and issues. Pope Francis writes in Fratelli Tutti ‘At a time when various forms of funadmentalist intolerance are damaging relationships between individuals, groups, and peoples, let us be committed to living and teaching the value of respect for others, a love capable of welcoming differences, and the priority of the dignity of every human being over his or her ideas, opinions, practices and even sins.’

These words are so important, especially this week, as I reflect on what is happening within the Education sector and how each of us as individuals, as families, as schools and staff are being affected. No matter what our individual views may be, as a Catholic community we must continue to support one another and display tolerance especially in times of challenge. I fully appreciate that this can be difficult when our norms change and when we miss out on events and our plans are cancelled. We do not know when our normal will be back, if it ever will be. It is how we move forward as individuals, groups and a community. It is how we continue to display tolerance, resilience and uphold our gospel values within all our interactions with one another. This is a time where prayer needs to have a place in our daily lives. The time to be still and be with God.

Ngā manaakitanga

Teresa Shanks

START OF DAY

Our school day begins at 8.55am. We encourage all our students to please be at school before then, so they are able to prepare for the day ahead. We have noticed over the last couple of weeks, a lot of students arriving late. If you know that for some reason you are going to be late, please give the office a call.

DROP OFFS & PICK UPS

A reminder that when you are picking up or dropping off, we encourage mask wearing. We are aware that the lack of mask wearing is causing concern and we ask that where possible we all play our role in being responsible citizens and wear a mask and socially distance during Alert Level 2. During afternoon pick up, parents may enter the Moeller St gate and wait by the concrete edge of the junior playground. This is to help with social distancing due to limited space on the footpath. Please do not come up any further as we have noticed parents starting to do so and this has begun to cause a few issues. These safety measures are in place to not only help protect you and your child/ren but also our staff. We need to continue to work together for the wellbeing of everyone.

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

Under Alert Level 2 if you require any uniform items, please contact the school office on 06 844 2144 or email admin@reignier.school.nz for further information.

You will also find the school uniform policy on the school website and flyers showing what footwear is suitable under the 'Parent Information' tab.

Thank you for your support.

Unfortunately, due to the Hastings District Council decision to not open Splash Planet this summer, the annual Road Patrol Fun Day to acknowledge the commitment of our road patrollers over the year, has been cancelled. At the moment, people are working hard behind the scenes to find possible alternative options to this day out. We will keep the Road Patrollers and their families updated when we hear any news.

We are super excited to announce the Year 6 Graduation Dinner is able to go ahead. This will be held Thursday 9th December, 6pm at the Taradale RSA. The Friends of Reignier will be covering the cost of the meal and a drink for our Year 6 students. This year we would like to extend an invitation to parents/caregivers of our Year 6 students to join us for the entire evening. For some of our families this event is your last Reignier Catholic School event and as a community we would like you to be part of this evening in acknowledging the Year 6s. As part of this evening, we will also be presenting the Year 6 trophies which would be usually presented at prizegiving. Each student is allowed to bring 2 adults with them. We ask you to RSVP for your family to Mrs Jackson rjackson@reignier.school.nz by Monday 29th November, as we are limited to the number of people at the venue. The cost of the buffet meal is $23 per person and this is payable on the night.

All current Year 4 and 5 students have received a notice about school camp for 2022. A reminder to any parents interested in being a volunteer to email Mrs Jackson rjackson@reignier.school.nz to register their interest. Relevant paperwork will then be sent home.

Friends of Reignier Bake Sale - Friday 26th November

Senior Poetry - Thursday 2nd December

Optimist Yachting - Monday 6th December

Year 6 Graduation Dinner - Thursday 9th December

Reports home - Friday 10th December

Bake Sale: We are currently organising a bake sale for next Friday 26th November. Please see the flyer attached. A hard copy has also been sent home with the eldest child of every family.

Christmas Monster Raffle: Last year we ran a very exciting and successful raffle and we are busy planning for one again. Each family will be given a book of 20 tickets to purchase or sell. We will have some great prizes again this year so watch this space!

We are planning a SURPRISE for the children at the end of term to celebrate another busy year!

Thank you to you all for supporting our fundraising events. If you have any questions on the events coming up please feel free to contact Kristi - kristi_lambert@hotmail.com.