SJS Newsletter Term 1 Week 4
Newsletter 23 February 2022
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.
Tēnā tātou
On Monday we joined the Catholic Schools in our Community of Learning (Kāuhi Ako) by zoom to learn more about our Rangitane Iwi. We were fortunate to have key note addresses by Sir Mason Durie and Debbie Marshall Lobb and workshops with several presenters over the rest of the day. This symposium is the beginning of a two year professional learning package, designed by the Kāhui Ako, to support us with cultural responsiveness.
I wish to acknowledge the recent passing of Barry Melody. Barry and the Melody family have been extremely generous supporters of their community over many years, and St James’ Catholic School and many of our learners have benefited immensely. We send our heartfelt condolences to Joyce and the Melody family.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
And may perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Blessings on your week
Christine Cosgrove
Catholic Special Character - The Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday - Next Wednesday, the 2nd of March, is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting.
The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made us. As the priest applies the ashes to a person's forehead, he says: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." Alternatively, the priest may speak the words, "Repent and believe in the Gospel."
Priests administer ashes during Mass and all are invited to accept the ashes as a visible symbol of penance.
The ashes are made from blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year's palm Sunday Mass.
We will be preparing the Ashes on Tuesday 1st March with a burning of the palms liturgy at 12:00pm.
We will be celebrating Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent with an Ash Wednesday liturgy on Wednesday 2nd March at 12:00pm.
Lent - Lent is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday, 46 days, minus the 6 Sundays of Lent that are not included in the fasting season, equalling 40 days. 40 days of spiritual renewal in Christ. Lent is a time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
The Caritas Lenten Teaching and Learning Unit. This year the theme for Lent 2022 is Building Dreams Together: Called to be Peacemakers. In our changing world we need to come together and find ways of realising our dreams. There is always hope of transforming our world for the better when we are guided by peace, love and justice in our lives.
We look forward to exploring this unit and theme, and learning about it’s link to our Lenten Season and our lives today.
From our Parish Office
Link to Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Website
Link to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit mass times
Latest Kotahi Ano Parish Newsletter
Celebrations - Celebrating Success
Welcome - We extend a warm welcome to Jack Y who has recently started his faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi. We also extend a warm welcome to his family and whānau.
Farewell - We farewell Belinda. Belinda has been a Learning Assistant at Hato Heemi for the past four years. Belinda has embraced her position as a Learning Assistant and we acknowledge the contributions she has made to the many learners at Hato Heemi, whether they be providing literacy and numeracy support or supporting our High Needs Learners to have greater independence.
We value your contributions Belinda and wish you all the very best for your future endeavors.
22/02/22 Twosday - Yesterday a number of our learning spaces celebrated Twosday! This is a day to celebrate our unique date 22.2.22. Learning was all about the number 2 or 22, doubles and pairs. Some learning spaces even dressed up in tutus and wore clothes with the number two. We were so impressed with everyone's creativity.
News
Payment of 2022 School Donation - 2022 School Donation have been emailed out last week. If you did not receive this please contact the school office office@stjamescatholic.school.nz. We welcome automatic payments throughout the year. Your donations assist us in offering extracurricular opportunities for your children. The donation includes Science, Technology, Education Outside the classroom experiences (except for the Year 5 and 6 Senior Camp), visiting performers transport to sporting fixtures and Masses. Payments can be paid to ASB Bank account 12-3442-0052178-00. Please Reference your ‘child’s Surname’ and ‘Invoice Number’. Online payment is preferred as there are no EFTPOS facilities available at the Office. You are welcome to set up automatic or part payments throughout the School Year. School Donations are Tax deductible. You can claim back 33% of your school donations through IRD.
Thank You - As staff today we had the opportunity to farewell Meagan at morning tea. Thank you Meagan for your lovely donation to our school library. This will be such a resourceful book for our learners.
From Zimbabwe to New Zealand and a few other countries I've visited - The World is a Wonderful Place! A little part of my life journey was here at St James Catholic School, Palmerston North. To the wonderful children who I had the privilege to teach and the staff I have the honor to call my friends - Thank You! Until we see each other again. Meagan
Reminders
Covid Response - Your child/ren will bring home a spare exercise book and pencil tomorrow. This is to keep at home to supplement the Seesaw online learning, should this be required.
Uniform - A reminder that the PE uniform is to be worn to and from school on Fridays. School Uniform is to be worn Monday - Thursday. We also recommend that the PE uniform comes to school each day in your child's bag.
Nippers - Out of School Care and Holiday Programme. Nippers operates out of the St James' Catholic School Hall. If you require this service please contact Nippers: 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz.
Sport
Netball Years - 5 and 6 - Enrolments close 14 March 2022.
Swimming Pool - Thank you to our Caretaker Glenn and his team of helpers who keep our pool operational. It has been challenging with the recent weather elements however this is a wonderful resource for our community and the children are enjoying swimming on these warm days.
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
PTFA (Parent, Teacher and Friends Association) Meeting, St James' School Staffroom, Wednesday 23 February, 6.30-8pm.
This is a great opportunity to meet new families and make your connection with the community. It's a wonderful way to find out how the PTFA works and supports the school and our children. We will be discussing our Activity Plan for 2022, ways to assist the school community and current vacancies in our committee. Please join us and bring your ideas. We look forward to seeing you there.
Contacts:
Lisa Quinn: ptfasecretary@stjamescatholic.school.nz
Kelly Hoskins: ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz
Pastoral Care - We are so lucky to be part of loving a caring community here at St James'.
As part of caring for our new mothers, those who have experienced bereavement, those who have a sick loved one at home to name a few, we offer pastoral care in the form of a meal or baking. If this sounds like something you might be interested in supporting please contact t.gunn@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
Kelly Hoskins
PTFA Chairperson
ptfachairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz
Serving Our Saints with Faith and Enthusiasm
St James' Catholic School Board Update
The next BOT meeting will be held in the staffroom on Monday 8 March 2022 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Michael Fennessy
Chairperson (boardchairperson@stjamescatholic.school.nz)
Dates for Your Diary
Please keep checking the Events Calendar on the school website or school App as we are updating this should events be cancelled/postponed. All coming events will continue to be updated here. Add to my Calendar.
2022 Term Dates & Holidays. Please add these to your diary, in particular the Staff Only Days.
TERM 1
Week 5
Tuesday 1 March - Shrove Tuesday and Burning of the Palms Liturgy
Wednesday 2 March - Ash Wednesday
Week 6
Monday 7 March - School Board Meeting
Tuesday 8 March - LS5 Trip to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Wednesday 9 March - LS7 Trip to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Week 7
Monday 14 March - Year 5 and 6 Netball Registrations Close
Tuesday 15 March - LS1 Trip to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Thursday 17 March - LS10 Trip to the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Week 8
Monday 21 March - World Down Syndrome Day and World Poetry Day
Week 9
Friday 1 April - World Autism Day
Saturday 2 April - Children’s Book Day
Week 10
Tuesday 5 April - School Photos
Sunday 10 April - Palm Sunday
Week 11
Thursday 14 April - Holy Thursday
Last day of Term 1
Getting Involved
Vacancy - The Diocese of Palmerston North is looking for an experienced Accounts Administrator to work with the team in the collection of attendance dues for Catholic schools in the region. For a job description email Mary Sutton on msutton@pndiocese.org.nz or for more information please contact Mary on 06 354 1780
ext 849.
One small way we can make life easier for others which costs us nothing, is to collect stamps, can tabs, and wine bottle tops!
You will find collection boxes for these in the School Office foyer. If, as a family you don't already set these items aside for Kidney Kids at Starship and the Missions, you may like to start, as a very visible witness to demonstrating Jesus' example of LOVE. Encourage neighbours and family to do the same. There is no deadline.
School App Advertising - If you are interested in advertising on our School App please make an enquiry to office@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
Please support our sponsors
Cloud9 Trampoline Park
Ace Electrics
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