St Mary's School Term 1 Week 4
Te Kura O Hato Mere
Newsletter 24 February 2022
PRINCIPAL'S VIEW
Kia ora koutou, kumusta, talofa lava
It's amazing how fast things can change in the space of a few weeks! Covid is certainly spreading all over New Zealand and indeed throughout Christchurch. It has already impacted many schools in Christchurch and our turn at St Mary's will come. We have very good procedures for dealing with eventual cases at our school. Our students have been excellent at ensuring they follow our hygiene practices, especially mask-wearing.
I have been very grateful to our many parents, grandparents and other whanau for following health guidelines by wearing masks inside the school grounds when they have been visiting. These measures help limit the spread of the virus.
Although the spread of Covid is inevitable, we ideally want to minimise the disruption to our lives at school. Despite best intentions, there may still be changes to the way we operate at school due to staff shortages or cases being present at school. I feel very lucky to have an awesome team of teachers and support staff who are professional and dedicated to doing the best for our students. We will work together as a team to keep providing the quality education our students receive at St Mary's. I hope and pray that you and your whanau stay safe and healthy in the coming weeks.
Mā te Atua koe e manaaki, e tiaki
May God bless you and protect you
David O’Neill
Principal/Tumuaki
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS
25/02 Friday
JOSEPH Rm5
26/02 Saturday
RUBY Rm4
27/02 Sunday
JAIRUS Rm3
IVANA Rm2
10/03 Thursday
CAMERON Rm4
NZ to move to Omicron Phase 3 Tonight
The Government announced New Zealand will move to phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm tonight.
- As a result of the jump in cases, NZ will move to phase 3 of the Omicron response at 11.59pm tonight.
- At Phase 3, only confirmed cases and their household contacts required to isolate.
- All other contacts now asked to monitor symptoms but do not have to isolate.
- Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will become the primary form of testing in the community with availability from thousands of sites around the country including pharmacies and GP practices over coming days.
- Approved RATs able to be sold to the public through retail outlets from March.
If you have a confirmed case in your household please contact Mr O'Neill to advise of the situation (office@stmaryschch.school.nz)
Miss Francis on Leave
Free School Swimming Lessons Mon 7th- Fri 18th March
Graham Condon Pool, Papanui
Swimming will begin on Monday 7th March for two weeks. This is a compulsory component of our school curriculum. If your child is unable to swim for any reason can you please inform us by emailing the school via our school app.
- Please note students aged 12 years and 3mths and over must have a Vaccine Pass to enter the pool.
- Students are required to arrive at the pool with their togs under their school uniform. Please ensure your child is wearing their togs to school under their uniform for the two weeks of swimming.
- Please make sure your child has underwear for when they get changed after swimming.
Graham Condon Pool have advised that spectators and parents are not permitted during school swimming lessons due to Covid restrictions.
Christchurch Earthquake 22nd February 2011- Remembrance at St Mary's School
Ash Wednesday - 2 March
- Give something up
- Give money to the poor
- Sacrifice our time for others e.g. helping whanau or other members of the community
- Pray for a set purpose or at a regular time each day/week
As a school each class will hold its own prayer service on Ash Wednesday. Due to covid restrictions we are unable to receive the ashes on this day.
First Holy Communion 2022 - Now Commencing Later
To register your child for First Holy Communion please click on this link to fill out the registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSft-yYB0OLO5DwFGv6mT8UPyVwBvHjzka8ULrOk4KPWabqRJw/viewform
TERM DATES and TEACHER ONLY DAYS -2022
Term 1: Wed 2 February - Thurs 14 April
Term 2: Mon 2 May – Fri 8 July
Term 3: Mon 25 July – Fri 30 Sept
Term 4: Mon 17 October – Friday 16 December
Teacher Only Days
Friday 25th March 2022
Thursday 23rd June 2022
Monday 14th November 2022
Do you or your child want to be baptised?
Our Catholic Faith Fact
Take steps to be environmentally conscious
This year, world leaders gathered in Glasgow to discuss climate change at COP26. While Pope Francis was unable to be there in person, he did share a message. And let’s just say this: He did not hold back.
If you want to do your part to protect the planet, here is the big takeaway from the pope’s words: You should start now. Francis wrote to the conference with a tone of great urgency, recommending courses of action for both leaders and civilians. If there are lifestyle changes you have wanted to make in an effort to be more environmentally conscious, now is the time to get around to them. If there are things you think political leaders could be doing to protect all of us from the climate crisis, make them known—through your voice and your vote. As the pope said, “there is no time to waste.”
Francis’ message also offered spiritual advice for a world struggling with the effects of climate change. “We need both hope and courage,” he wrote. “Humanity possesses the wherewithal to effect this change, which calls for a genuine conversion, individual as well as communitarian, and a decisive will to set out on this path.”
From: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/12/29/new-years-resolution-pope-francis-242050
COVID-19 -Please wear masks for pickup and drop off
Please remember that if you are entering the school grounds you need to scan the COVID tracer QR code at the entrance gate or on the office window. If you are staying in the school for more than a few minutes you must also sign in at the school office.
School Polar Fleece
Sunhats must be worn Term 1
School Sun hats are compulsory during Terms 1 and 4 and are available from the school office at a cost of $12.00.
Royal blue, Aussie style wide brimmed hat.
Please note payment may only be made by cash or internet banking. Our bank account number is:
03 0855 0436803 00
Pre Enrolment of Siblings
Closing of School Gate
Carpark Safety
Student Absence
Attendance Dues increase for 2022
Upcoming Events
MARCH 2022
- Ash Wednesday - Wednesday 2nd March
- Swimming Lessons begin - Monday 7th March
- Swimming Lessons conclude - Friday 18th March
APRIL 2022
- Last Day of Term 1 - Thursday 14th April
MAY 2022
- Term 2 Begins - Monday 2nd May
Lunchonline - Subway or Sushi on Fridays
School App
Please email the school office to obtain a secure link to download the app.