St James' School Term 1 Week 11
Newsletter 15 April 2021
Our Vision: To grow Catholic, Christian young people,
who are confident, connected lifelong learners, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, and who make a positive difference in their community.
Kia ora Koutou
Thank you to everyone for your support and efforts this term. It has been a term full of events including Lent and Easter.
May the Risen Christ bless you all with Light, Life and Aroha - Alleluia.
School closes on Friday, April 16 at 2.50 pm and we look forward to school re-opening on Monday, May 3rd.
Ngā mihi o Te Aranga
Tom Sheehan
Catholic Special Character
Easter - Upon return to school after Easter, we celebrated together with a resurrection Gathering. We embraced the joy of the resurrection of Christ with our Easter Alleluia and hearing about the empty tomb. We look forward to continuing this story with our prayer focus on ‘The Road to Emmaus”.
Baptismal preparation - We are delighted to invite anyone seeking baptism for their children to contact either Kate Bell k.bell@pncathedral.org.nz. or Tom or Andrea, and we encourage all of our non-baptised learners to consider this wonderful opportunity. Enrolling in a Catholic school helps nurture the seed of faith begun by the family - baptism is an important part of this process. Baptism helps the family and school work together to encounter the living God who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth.
Below are the proposed dates for children’s Baptismal preparation. It presumes that children and their families have a desire for this initiation…
It will be a gentle, fun gas session after mass for 4 Sundays. Followed by baptism on the feast of Pentecost at the Cathedral.
18 April 1st Session
2 May 2nd Session
9 May 3rd Session
16 May 4th Session
23 May Rite of Baptism
For more information, please contact Kate Bell k.bell@pncathedral.org.nz.
Pastoral Day - we have been invited to the Diocesan Parish Pastoral Day - Saturday 19th June. Tom will be attending and we offer school community members to come along. If you have an interest in finding out where our local church is heading this is the day for you. Please let Tom know if you are keen.
CARITAS Challenge 2021 - Thank you so much for your support with this year's Caritas Challenge of “Move it!”
This was a very successful day and encouraged our learners to have empathy for children in other parts of the world who have to walk big distances to get food, water, supplies, or school.
Our coin trail fundraiser for Caritas this year raised $810.10. An outstanding effort by St James' School families. This money has been deposited in the Caritas account, and Caritas will support learners around the world who need assistance. Check out our Facebook page for more photos.
Grateful for your support.
God Bless
Andrea Cawood
News
Nippers Before School and Holiday Programme - Nippers will be open on Tuesday 6 April and vacancies available for the April School Holiday Programme. Holiday Programme. Contact Nippers 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz.
School Photos - School photos were taken on Tuesday. To ensure you receive your photos please make sure you have paid Brendon Lodge Photography. ANZ 06 0729 0302011 00.
The School Swimming Pool now closed for the season - please return your keys to the School Office before the end of Term 1. Thank you to everyone for your support of the pool this summer season. A huge St James' thank you to caretaker Glenn for his care of the pool and surrounds. Thanks to Aaron and Belinda for your time and energy in checking water quality throughout the summer. The pool has been well used by all and we will now attend to some maintenance over the coming months.
Please Diary Friday 21 May - Teacher Only Day. All staff will participate in a Kāhui Āko Teacher Only Day. The school will be closed for the day. Nippers will be open this day - please enquire for bookings 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz.
Casual Vacancy for Elected Trustees
Two casual vacancies have occurred on the St James' Catholic School Board for elected parent representatives.
The board has resolved under section 105, Education Act 1989 to fill the vacancies by selection.
However, if 10% or more, of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancies, then a by-election will be held instead.
If our community does not request a by-election then the board will notify the community of our selection. We have resolved that our nomination reflects the diversity of our community and will enhance our engagement with the needs of all of our learners.
Any eligible voter who wishes to ask the board to hold a by-election should write to:
Chairperson, School Board
St James' Catholic School
304 Albert Street
Palmerston North 4410
By 13 May 2021
Celebrations
Welcome - We extend a warm welcome to Hannah and Lionell, who have recently started their faith and learning journey at our Kura. We also extend a warm welcome to their family and whānau.
Goodbyes - Sadly, we farewell Sophia, Ty, Elhan, Harlan and Charlotte at the end of this term. Everyone at St James’ has loved having you and your family as part of our learning and faith community. We are sorry that you are leaving us for life further afield - we will miss you! We wish you all the best with your next learning adventures.
Hāto Heemi SAINTS Postcards Term 1 2021 - Congratulations to the following learners who recently received a Hāto Heemi SAINTS Postcard:
STRIVE - Toby B, Te Koha, Ben, Alexia, Oliver D, Hope, Jasper, Chloe, Finn, Alfred, Ethan, Kayden, Christian, Sophie, Isaiah, Royal, Cortez, Grady, Isla Rose, Michael C, Baxter, Isabelle C, Amelia, Noah C, Aiden K and Ty.
ACCEPTANCE -
INTEGRITY - Stella, Alexia, Angel, Oliver D, Hope, Chloe, Finn, Mikayla and Layla
NURTURE - Alexis, Alyssia, Alfred, Isla W and Amelia
TALENTS -Aidan S
SERVICE - Alyssia and Alfred
Reminders
New Entrant Enrolments 2021 - A reminder that if you have siblings joining us at St James’ in Terms 2, 3 and 4 2021, please ensure that you have returned and Enrolment Form to the School Office as soon as possible, please.
School App - Please ensure you have downloaded our School App this is how you stay informed. Instructions can be found: Communication Guidelines for Families. We are in the process of developing a new Website and this will be going live during Term 2. School newsletters are available on the School App and you should also be receiving these by email. If you are not, please advise the school office.
Lost Property - There is a number of lost property, swimming towels and items of uniform. We encourage you to take the time to look through these items.
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
We have now finished selling Juicies for the Term and will be back in Term Four as the weather heats up again. Many thanks to all those that supported this fundraiser.
It was great to see so many of our families at the Disco on Friday night and to meet new families in the staffroom over a coffee and supper. A big thank you to all those that made this possible.
- Chocolate Fundraiser - This week, learners will have brought home a box of Whittaker's chocolate bars to sell over the holidays. This fundraiser will raise funds to help cover the transportation costs for our senior Years 5 and 6 camp and resources for both inside and outside the classroom this year and future years. The eldest child in each family will be given a box to bring home and return to the school with $72. Each bar sells for $2. Please note this chocolate is nut-free. Should you require any extra boxes to sell please contact Lisa Quinn 027 358 3914. Pop into the office before and after school tomorrow should you require another box, please return money for your issued box first.
- Gala - There will be a 2021 St James' School GALA MEETING Friday 5 May at 6.00 pm to set up this year's Gala organising team. Please consider supporting this essential work. It is a great way to get involved with the school community - you do not have to be part of the PTFA to be involved. The Gala this year will be a little different to past years - please come along and give it a go. It is a great way to get to know each other and support your children's learning.
- Please Join us - The PTFA is keen to have new members join them this year. Many of the current organisers are nearing the end of their primary school involvement, and it is time to add more members. If you are interested, please contact Kelly Hoskins (ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz)
- The next PTFA meeting is set for 12 May 2021, 6.30-8.00pm in the Staffroom - All Welcome.
Gala - 2021 St James' Gala Come and Share your ideas...
You are invited to the first 2021 GALA MEETING,
Wednesday 5 May 2021, 6.00 pm in the Staffroom.
All welcome - please come and share your stall/event ideas.
We would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved in this event.
Sharing your talents is a great way to get to know other families within our school community.
If you are not able to attend and have ideas to contribute please contact the PTFA - ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
School Board
Policies for Community Consultation
The following policies are on our website for community consultation:
Comments regarding any of the above policies can be directed to boardchairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz or office@stjamescatholic.school.nz before 16 April 2021.
The following policies were approved for community consultation at the last School Board Meeting. Comments regarding any of these policies can be directed to boardchairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz or office@stjamescatholic.school.nz before 14 May 2021.
- Unit Allocation
- Professional and Learning Development
- Appointments
- Asset Management
- Financial Management
- Credit Card
- Schedule of Delegations
- School Bus Transport
- Health and Safety
- Fair Play
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 31 May 2021 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Michael Fennessy
Chairperson
Dates for Your Diary
Please keep checking the Events Calendar on the school website. All coming events will continue to be updated here. Add to my Calendar.
2021 Term 1
Week 11
- Thursday 15 April - LS5 Trip - Gorge Walk
- Friday 16 April - Last Day of Term 1
2021 Term 2
Week 1
- Wednesday 5 May - Gala Meeting, 6.00pm, Staffroom, All Welcome
Week 2
- NZ Sign Language Week
- Wednesday 12 May - Kids Lit Comp Civic Centre, Feilding, 9.00am-1.30pm
- Wednesday 12 May - PTFA Meeting, 6.30pm, Staffroom. All welcome.
Week 3
- Thursday 20 May - School Cross Country - Hokowhitu Park - 1 pm start TBC
- Friday 21 May - Kahui Ako Teacher Only Day
Sports
A huge thank you to all our wonderful parents and community for giving their time as coaches for the Summer Sports Codes. We truly appreciate your time and service.
Hockey and Netball Fees - Just a reminder that all Winter Netball fees are now due. All sports fees are to be paid before games starting.
Manawatu Striders Roadrace - Our team of Year 5 and 6 learners - Toby 20th, Liam 27th, Xavier 88th, Finn 89th, Chloe 12th, Lucy 16th and Ava 17th competed in this year's road race held on Tuesday at the Esplanade. The girls' team placed 3rd overall in the event, which is an outstanding result. Many thanks to Caroline Lister and Tash O'Brien for your support for the team. Next up is cross country early Term 2.
Tennis - Congratulations to Henry Year 5 who was part of a successful Marist Tennis Club team. After finishing top of the table his team went on to win the grand final 6-0.
Table Tennis Expression of Interest (Available for Years 4-6 Learners only) - please email Tracey Gunn, Sports Coordinator t.gunn@stjamescatholic.school.nz, if you are interested should we get enough interest, we could put in a school team/s for this competition.
Further Information:
- The 2021 Primary School Table Tennis League will be held in Term 2 over 7 weeks.
- Held on Tuesday afternoons
- Starts on 18th May with a practice session for all teams. Here there will be a briefing on Table Tennis rules, including scoring, serving and an intro on how to play doubles.
- Competition fixtures will commence on the 25th of May and finish on the 29th of June.
- The venue is the Waldegrave Lounge at Central Energy Trust Arena.
- Subject to the number of entries, there might be two-time slots for fixtures. Time slot one will be from 3:45-4:30 pm, and time slot two will be from 4:45-5:30 pm. Fixtures should take between 45 minutes & 1 hour to complete. If only one-time slot is required each week, it will be from 3:45-4:45 pm.
- The cost is $60 per team. A team can include between two & four players. A minimum of two and a maximum of three can play each week.
- Bats will be available to borrow, but schools are encouraged to supply players their own bat. Bats can be purchased for $35.
- Students must be in Years 4, 5 or 6 to play.
- There will be five matches in each fixture which includes four singles and one doubles match. All matches will be the best of three games to 11 points.
Getting Involved
ANZAC Day - we encourage you to commemorate ANZAC Day, a national day of remembrance which commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war and honours returned servicemen and women. The PNCC will host two services. These will take place at the Cenotaph in Te Marae o Hine – The Square. The dawn service starts at 6am on Sunday 25 April. This year they will commemorate Palmy's 150th year. They will be combining the 10am civic service with a sesquicentennial Charter Parade to acknowledge our ongoing partnership with Linton Military Camp and Ohakea Air Base. The parade will start outside Te Manawa on Main Street at 9.50am.
St Vinnies urgently require winter clothing and more. If you are cleaning out your cupboards or downsizing could you, please think of St Vinnies (252 Rangitikei St). A very special thank you for everyone’s support.
Red Cross Refugee Support Volunteer training - This training is in preparation for our next intake of former refugee families arriving in late May and we would be grateful if you could share the information as we are always looking for prospective volunteers to support the families. Please find attached posters if you’d like to use them or if not, here is the information:
April training starts: Tuesday 27 April 6-9pm.
Contact for more information: 0800 RED CROSS or 027-603-0800 manawatu@redcross.org.nz
School App Advertising/Sponsorship - If your business is interested advertising on our School App, please contact our School Office.
Please support our sponsors
Brendan Lodge Photography
Brendan Lodge Photography is a husband and wife team. Based in Palmerston North, the studio has been operating from commercial premises for over 30 years.
Having seen many changes within the industry, the business has remained true in its vision, focusing on taking the best shot, first time using the camera as the main tool.
The couple continue to provide outstanding service to their clients, some of who have remained loyal since the doors first opened.
Brendan is the bloke behind the camera, and Tracey-Lee is in the office taking care of the day to day running. We are all about shooting the best for our client from family sittings, graduations, weddings, schools, sports teams, corporate events, and commercial advertising.
For photography:
E: studio@shootme.co.nz
M: 027 445 4667