St Mary's School
Friday 29th July 2022
We need social saints, open, normal, friends, cheerful companions - Pope Francis
Dear whānau,
The Welcome Liturgy this afternoon was a wonderful celebration; one that has been put on hold for the year due to Covid and other disruptions. Being a welcoming school is very, very important to us. Children do their best when they know they fit in. We really believe that we all belong to God, and all in us is His. The Liturgy reflects who we are, and what we want for our students and families here at St Mary's. Thank you to all the families who attended.
One of the boys welcomed is new to Room Kiwi is Jerome who is new to New Zealand, and new to St Mary's. You and your family are very welcome here. We also welcome Abbey Salvana and Ted Richardson - crazy I remember you both as tiny babies and you are here already!
Here's some news: I know that I have mentioned that there are a lot of new initiatives in education currently, one of the biggest, and most exciting, is the new New Zealand | Aotearoa Histories. I am really fortunate to have been invited to be seconded to the Ministry of Education to learn more about the changes that are coming in regard to curriculum and to help lead some of those changes. I have accepted the offer of a secondment for the next two terms and will start in a couple of weeks. For terms 3 and 4 Mallory Hood, supported by Paula Gray will be responsible for the day to day leadership of the school. They will be ably supported by the whole team. I won't be going far, so you will still see me around as St Mary's is still my home, the place I love.
Ngā manaakitanga (blessings)
Annie
WOWSERS
Introducing Lisa Sanson, the Learning Coordinator for St Peter's and St Mary's
"I am thrilled to be an official part of the St Mary's staff. Learning Support Coordinator is an exciting position that I feel I'm a good fit for. I have a passion for working with schools, families and other organisations to get the best for students. I am looking forward to working with our amazing teachers, our awesome students and their families across our schools. Our two local catholic schools are a really special community that I'm proud to be a part of."
Lisa will be attending our Individual Education Planning meetings with families and will introduce herself to you either at or before those meetings. We are very pleased to have her here.
Board elections
We have Brendan Terry (Presiding member), Fr Jaime, Catherine Sayer and Lisa Sanson who have been appointed by the Proprietor (Bishop Michael) and elected Tim Cruickshank, Hayden Byars, Aaron Stevenson, Vince Sharpe and Jeremy McPhail. The principal and one staff elected staff representative makes the complete set. If you wish to know how the board works please feel free to talk to any of these people. Our next meeting is Wednesday 3rd August at 7pm.
A reminder that nominations close on Wednesday 3rd August at 12 noon.
Commonwealth Games
How lucky are we to have a Commonwealth silver medalist in our school community! Donna Wilkins popped into school today so the children in Room Takehe and Kiwi could see the medals and hear a little bit more about what it is like to go to the Games. As Donna was leaving Di and I caught up with her too and I think we had more questions than the kids!
Parent teacher interviews 3rd August 2022 1-7pm
If you are unable to make this date please talk to your child's class teacher, I know they will be happy to catch up with you at a time that suits your family and the teacher.
Interviews are open, any problems give us a ring!
To book your interviews, go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code in your browser, and enter the event code 9sb8t then follow the three simple steps below.
When you have finished, your interview timetable will be emailed to you. And you can return to the site and enter the event code 9sb8t again to change or cancel your interviews.
There will be no parent-teacher interviews for Room Korimako.
If you don't have internet access, please call the school office (phone 2087733). Di will be able to make a booking for you.
Step 1
First enter your name, your student's name, and your email address. If you need to book for more than one student, change the “Book for x students” setting, and enter the other student's name.
Step 2
Step 3
Then you'll see a timetable showing when your chosen teachers are available. Simply click on the times that suit you.
Upcoming events
This term Class Masses begin. The Masses are at 2pm in the classroom that is responsible for Gospel and prayers that week
Week 2 1-5 August
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Kea, Mrs Butterfield
Tuesday and Wednesday SportsActivator in school (sports shoes will help)
Tuesday 2nd Year 5 and 6 netball festival, Invercargill
Wednesday Parent teacher interviews 1-7pm. If you know this date isn't a possibility for you please have a quick word with your child's class teacher.
Week 3 8 - 12 August
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Pūkeko, Mrs Cruickshank and Mrs Thacker
Maths week, all week
Tuesday - Years 5 and 6 Clued Up kids event
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Year 6 children away at camp
Week 4 15- 19 August
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Tūī, Miss Sutherland
Monday - whole school Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption 10am, Church
Wednesday to Friday Life Ed caravan here at school
Week 5 22- 26 August
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Piwakawaka, Mrs Christie
Monday and Tuesday Life Ed caravan here at school
Tuesday and Wednesday SportsActivator in school (sporty shoes will help)
Friday Daffodil Day mufti - gold coin donation
Week 6 29 August - 2 September
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Takahē, Miss Bond
Friday Father's Day breakfast at school
Sunday 4th - First Holy Communion - whole school celebrating at the Mass 10.00
Week 7 5-9 September
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Moa, Miss Hood
Social Justice Week
Thursday and Friday Teacher Only Days, no school (the ones that had to be abandoned last term!)
Week 8 12-16 September
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Kererū, Mrs Knowler
Tuesday and Wednesday SportsActivator in school (sporty shoes will help)
Wednesday Karla from Using Technology Better in to teach Year 6s about Microsoft 365 in preparation for St Peters
Wednesday 7pm Year 6 parent evening led by Karla to help parents understand Microsoft 365 and Teams in preparation for St Peter's
Week 9 19-23 September
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Ruru, Miss Smith
Monday and Tuesday Year 5 children at camp in Dunedin
Week 10 26-30 September
Prayers, Gospel and Class Mass - Room Kiwi, Mrs Gray and Mrs Hansen
Friday 30th September - watch this space :)
TEACHER ONLY DAYS CONFIRMED 8th and 9th September 2022.
Contact Us
Email: admin@stmarys.school.nz
Website: https://stmarys.school.nz/
Location: 14 Ardwick Street, Gore 9710, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3-208 7733
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1407464649522913