Week 7, Term 2 Newsletter
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Tēnā koutou katoa! Greetings everyone!
This week started off quite slow and has built momentum as it progressed. We started off the week with whole assembly where we further explored ‘Gratitude’ and learning about the life of Nick Vujicich who was born with no limbs, yet he has no limits on himself. He is grateful for his life. He believes God created him as he did so he can capture audience attention and share the love of Jesus. My encouragement has been this week to show how grateful we are to God for what he has provided us with.
Secondary school had a powerful time of worship on Wednesday - this was incredible to be able to participate in and witness. Spending time with God each day helps to set us up for what is ahead. It is a blessing to be able to worship and pray freely in our school setting. We should not take this for granted nor should we think of it as something we have to do to tick the Christian education boxes. We worship because we want to, not because we have to.
It has been disheartening to hear accounts of a small group of students engaging in what has been concerning behaviour online and bringing the issues to school which as a result has caused incidences which teachers have to manage and deal with. This is not ok. Nor do we accept this type of behaviour at our school. School is to be a safe and supportive environment. Please make sure you are aware what your child is doing while they are online. Have open conversations about what they are doing, who they are talking to, about safe behaviour which is acceptable and highlight what is not.
Next week for the first time in history we will recognise Matariki as a celebration of the Māori new year and it will be a public holiday. Matariki is essentially a harvest festival – using the stars to determine the seasons and the timing for gathering, storing and planting. Harvest festivals of different kinds are celebrated in many cultures all over the world – including the Israelites in Biblical times. The festival of Sukkot (celebrated in the northern hemisphere midwinter) also used the ingathering of the harvest as a time to remember God’s faithfulness to their ancestors, His faithfulness in provision of the current harvest – and His promise of faithfulness for the future. Today, many churches still celebrate Harvest Festivals as part of their church calendar.
Like traditional Matariki celebrations, we can use this time to thank God for all He has given us – knowing we too can face the coming heart of winter with confidence in His provision. We can thank God for His care for our family over the generations – and give Him thanks for the ones we love who care for us. We can use Matariki as a time to consciously take from the abundance He has given us, and share with those who have less – teaching our children thankfulness and the joy of giving. We can use Matariki as a time to come together and feast, sing and celebrate family and whanau.
But more than all of this, we can come together at Matariki and rejoice in the grace and salvation given to us by Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Mrs. Tina Takimoana
Acting Principal
Verse for the week:
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness;
I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.”
- Psalm 7:17
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Northland Area Schools
Preparation for some of our students to represent the Northland Area Schools team at the National tournament in Whangarei is well and truly underway. Whaea Alice and Mr Wilkinson have been working hard on securing accommodation, transport, parent helpers and much more. Students are attending training sessions at Taipa Area School today and in another fortnight to prepare for their tournament.
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Congratulations Whaea Sarah Williams
Next week Whaea Sarah Williams, teacher of C4, will be attending her Graduation ceremony in Whangarei to acknowledge her hardwork and achievement to complete her Bachelor of Education through The University of Auckland at the Tai Tokerau campus. We are proud of her and wish her every blessing for this special day.
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Matariki message from Māmā Lorinda Pereira
This beautiful message from the Māmā of some of our tamariki at our kura - Mana, Izzy and Rosie. Lorinda shares her thoughts on Te Rongopai and Matariki, the meaning of Matariki for her and her whānau as Māori and believers of Christ. Titiro mai!
Picture Perfect - Prefects of 2022
Much like the teachers and staff, our Prefects are a key part of the running of our school. They lead with love and grace. Their duty of care are the students they lead and the staff they support. We have incredible leaders across our entire school - from our older students to the younger ones. Our Prefects are wonderful role models and examples for others to follow.
Since returning to school this term, they have worked incredibly hard. I thought it would be a great opportunity to re-introduce them.
They are as follows (from left to right):
Nalani Clark - Prefect (newly appointed)
Rylee Brown - Deputy Headgirl
Jahzara Takimoana - Headgirl
Ethan Walker - Headboy
David Vincent - Deputy Headboy
Makere-Rose Bridgford - Prefect
Lana Harrison - Prefect
(The little person in the photo is Silas Bacica-Hutchison from C2 - he is their biggest fan!)
Important Dates to Remember
- Friday 24th June - Matariki - Public Holiday
- Friday 8th July - Last Day Term 2
- Monday 25th July - First Day Term 3
A couple of house keeping reminders
As we move into our cooler months the winter cold/flu is around, if your child has any symptoms for the cold/flu please test (and advise if positive) and keep home till the symptoms are gone.
Please call, email or use the APP to notify all absences - Sick, appointments, holidays during term time, tangi/funeral etc.....
All students must hand their phones into the office at the start of the day if they bring them to school
If your child is not in the correct uniform, please send them with a note so a uniform pass can be issued
We have a large number of 2nd hand uniform options available from the school office (heaps & heaps of senior school sized jackets) for a koha, please see the office to see what is available
School App
If you haven’t already loaded our School App to your phone or mobile device - the instructions of what to do is in the poster provided. The App some very useful features such as notifying student absence, calendar events, notifications and more.
Netball practices:
Collegiate teams - Wednesday 3-4pm
Intermediate teams - Thursday Lunchtime & Friday Lunchtime & P5
Vocal coaching on a Thursday here at KALS with Lucy Houtas
KALS is excited to be able to offer Vocal Coaching from Lucy Houtas on a Thursday between 8.45am to 1.45pm.
Cost of lessons is $25 for a half hour one-on-one lesson, but she can take up to three pupils at a time if they want to share that cost.
Please contact Dr Sue Dow if you would like to register for lessons - s.dow@abundantlife.school.nz
Meet the Team - Miss Tamera Muller - Office Administration Assistant and Bus Controller
Bula Vinaka!
My name is Tamera. I am originally from the beautiful islands of Fiji. I work as the Assistant Office Administrator in the front office along with Bobbie. This is my first year working here at KALS and so far I am really enjoying it. I look forward to working with all of you. God Bless