Newsletter Week 7, Term 3 2021
St Joseph's Catholic School Morrinsville September 7th 2021
Principal's Message
We hope you had a lovely Father's Day during level 3. We want to thank our amazing dads, step dads, granddads, soon to be dads, should be dads, those without dads and our mums who are also being dads. We are so blessed to have you in our lives.
Our Bubble School has been up and running over the past week. It has been open for children of essential workers who needed support with childcare. We would like to thank our essential workers for everything they have done over the lockdown period. We would also like to thank you as I know many families made alternative arrangements for childcare as well. We know the children have really enjoyed bubble School and will look forward to seeing more of their friends this week.
As you know, we are moving into Alert Level 2 as of Wednesdays. Schools will be open for all students on Thursday. We so look forward to seeing everyone back in school. We know that some of our children and families may be a little anxious to return, but we've got this! The great news is that we have worked in and out of level 2 multiple times, so we want to reassure you that our school is safe and procedures are strong. Our school has been thoroughly cleaned and we are awaiting your return.
We have re juggled our term planner and are only rescheduling events/activities that need to be in there. We will keep you updated with the changes. Thanks so much for your support everyone. Take care.
God Bless you and your whānau.
Andrea Colebourn, Principal
Hockey Update: There will be no hockey held this week. Hoping to recommence games next week under restrictions. The planned Hockey Tournament will now take place in Term 4. Please watch out for more information. Thank you
Welcome to Alert Level 2
For us, all the required safety precautions for Alert Level 2 will be in place which include following all the recommendations from the public health experts. This means we will regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, encourage everyone to frequently wash their hands and cough and sneeze into their elbow.
While physical distancing is not a requirement in schools, we will be doing our best to keep students from congregating in very large numbers and keeping spaces well-ventilated. At the moment we will not be holding assemblies and liturgies as a whole school.
Coming on school grounds
Parents/caregivers are able to come onsite to drop off and pick up children. Please use the QR code at the entrance way to scan in. We ask that wherever possible, please do not enter the classroom areas (unless this is prearranged or you need to go into the class for a particular reason.) If you do enter the classroom, you MUST sign in at the office. If you are picking up your child throughout the school day, please come to the school office and we will organise to collect your child for you.
Face coverings
Face coverings are not required to be worn in school. The Director General of Health has recommended that children 12 years+ wear a face covering at school – just as older children are required to wear face coverings in some other places. The decision to wear a face covering is up to you and your whānau, whatever your decision it will be respected. Our students are not required to wear facemasks on the school buses. This is for public transport only.
Support
If there is something you feel that our school needs to know to help support the return to school, please indicate on this form https://forms.gle/GfMh3g37AaphjSwH7
House Challenges
Wig Wednesday Wednesday, POSTPONED DATE NOW WILL BE ON September 15th
Lets Have Some Fun In Support !
Show us your craziest Wig or Funkiest Hairdo on
Wednesday, September 15th in support of Kiwi Kids with cancer.
The sadness and struggles that surrounds a child with cancer has probably touched every family in New Zealand at some point.
Let us show our support by sending a contribution to school or follow the links below to make a direct donation. Remember every bit helps to support these strong children fighting the battle of cancer. Thank You. Can't wait to see your creations on Wednesday.
https://wigwednesday.org.nz/dashboard?access_token=afd59385562ea0f0226048d2fbe82a68
Livestock Day 2021
LAST CALL FOR ENTRY FORMS I
A digital Entry Form has been shared on Seesaw. Alternatively follow the link below or email Robyn on admin@stjoes.school.nz
Entries must be in no later than September 10th.
We look forward to a great turnout and lots of fun at St Josephs this year. Thanks.
NO Sausage Sizzle This Week
We will resume Sausage Sizzle from
Week 8: Thursday, September 16th ...... Week 9: Thursday, September 23rd
Week 10: Pizza Day Thursday, September 30th
Prayer Spaces
Our Parish
An Important Message From Bishop Steve
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Pastoral Letter in Response to Revised Level 2 Restrictions
Yesterday the Prime Minister announced new changes to the Level 2 restrictions as we work together as a community to overcome the threat of this Delta outbreak. The new restriction of gatherings being limited to 50 people is understandable to offset the new clusters for outbreaks of Covid. For our parishes, however, it is problematic as they consider how to manage the new restrictions.
In light of this I have made the difficult decision to continue the suspension of public Masses in the Diocese for the next eight days. I have made an exception for funerals and already arranged weddings. These will have to adhere to the Government restrictions. In the next eight days I will be consulting with my staff, priests and parish staff, to consider how we might move Together, on this Journey, towards being reunited at Mass safely. Already your local priests have been given protocols regarding other sacramental care and this will be conveyed to you by your parish.
I have asked that our churches be open from tomorrow for individual prayer. In this Delta world visiting the churches will bring new challenges. People will be required to sign in. People will be required to wear masks. Please be gracious in accepting these requirements as a sign of your love and concern for your brothers and sisters in your parish community. And please, at this time, remember Auckland and other parts of the world that remain in strict lockdown.
Did You Know?
The Catholic Women’s League is a long established faith based organization that speaks out on educational and social concerns and has a particular interest in the education of young people.
The Parish branch has adopted the school as their ‘Mission at Home’. (They have an overseas Mission Station in the South Pacific) This means that the CWL supports the school in any way they can. Currently making financial contributions, (from income earned from ‘Everybody’s Shop) assisting with teaching the children to pray the Rosary in the months of May and October and supplying the wool and knitting the beanies and slippers (in school colours) that the children wear at school.
In its 81st year of valuable service to the Parish, School and Society the CWL continue to be a wonderful example of living the faith and contrary to popular belief you don’t need grey hair to be a member!. ☺
Reflection
Love starts in our own homes.
Yesterday was the feast day of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta - may she pray for us!
Upcoming Events - All to be confirmed
- Monday, September 13th - Whole School Photo's
- Postponed to Wednesday, September 15th - Wig Wednesday Mufti Day
- Thursday, September 16th - Sausage Sizzle
- Tuesday, September 21st-School Speech Festival under covid restrictions
Proudly Sponsored by
Contact Us
Email: admin@stjoes.school.nz
Website: https://www.stjoes.school.nz/
Location: St Joseph's Catholic School - Morrinsville 11 Linden Street, Morrinsville, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 8895306
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StJosephsMorrinsville/