Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,

Welcome to the 2023 school year. I trust you have all had a wonderfully, restful summer break with your whānau. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the new children and their whanau, we hope you enjoy your time at St Michael's Catholic School.

How Can Parents Be Involved?

Your child will do better in their education if there are strong connections between home and school. As a parent, you can provide that connection by being actively involved in your child's school. Being interested in your child's education and involved in their school shows them that their education is important to you, and it becomes more important to them as well.

Ask what your child is learning at school and what they’re finding easy or hard. Knowing what they’re learning will give you clues about extending their learning beyond school.

You can volunteer to help in the classroom, at events, with sports, or on school trips and camps.

We have a small but active PTA who are always looking for new members. Our PTA is a group of parents just like yourself who want to support the running of our school in practical ways. They co-ordinate parent helpers, organise school events, fundraise and help create a strong school community. If you are interested in joining our PTA, please contact Cristy at the office or email pta@stmichaelsrotorua.school.nz for more information.

Building Projects

Over the summer break we have had several building projects take place. The replacement roof has finally been completed after so many interruptions due to the weather. The main block and the Ark have had a fresh coat of paint. The toilets and the kitchen in the Mercy Hall have been gutted and the builders are currently onsite completing that project. This term the netball courts will be turfed and the Mercy Hall is due to be painted this year.

Please be sure to follow safely guidelines while these projects are completed.

We currently have a small number of non preference spaces available for this year and we always welcome Catholic families to our wonderful little school. If you know of families who wish to enrol their children at St Michael's please send them to the school office for an enrolment pack.

Our teachers have planned a busy term of learning for your children. Make sure to keep an eye on Seesaw and the School App for upcoming events and activities.

Rachael McLanachan

Te tumuaki o te kura Hato Mikaere

St Michael's Church Holy Mass Timetable

Holy Mass

Saturday Vigil 5pm

Sunday 8am

Tuesday 5:30pm

Thursday 9am

St Mary's Church Holy Mass Timetable

Holy Mass

Sunday 10am & 5pm

Monday 9am

Wednesday 12:05pm

Friday 9am

Saturday 9am

COMMUNITY MASSES

MIHA MAORI - First Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s. All are welcome.

TOKELAUAN COMMUNITY - Third Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s. All are welcome.

FILIPINO COMMUNITY - Third Friday of the month, 6pm at St Michael’s. All are welcome. INDIAN COMMUNITY - Fourth Friday of the month, 6pm at St Michael’s. All are welcome

Parish Priest: Fr. Thomas Thanniyanickal cmf

Email: kunjcmf1986@gmail.com Phone: 022 565 9017

Assistant Priest: Fr. Prakash Somu cmf

Email: prakashreddycmf@gmail.com

Secretary: Andrea Tuki

Office Hours: Monday: Closed - Tues. - Friday.: 8am - 2.30pm

Phone: (07) 348 0289 ext. 2

Email: catholicrotorua@xtra.co.nz

Face Book: Saint Mary of the Cross Mackillop, Rotorua

Postal Address: 40-44 Seddon St, Glenholme, Rotorua 3010

A very warm welcome to the following new families. We hope you will enjoy your time with us at St Michael's School.

Aleeza Patel (The Ark)

Tairawhiti Potae (Galilee)

Kaitlyn Seng (Galilee)

Heavenly Seng (The Ark)

Jessica Van Duyn (The Ark)

Next board meeting Date: Thursday 16th February

At each BOT meeting - twice a term - policies are reviewed. If you would like to communicate with the BOT, you are welcome to email our independent e-mail address; botstmichaels@gmail.com or alternatively, send letters to the school in an envelope marked "Board of Trustees."

You are also welcome to attend any meeting, however, if you would like to have speaking rights, you need to request this from the chair using the email address. This email address can be accessed by Alistair Burns (Chair)