We are midway through the term and it is flying by! The teachers are busy behind the scenes writing end of year reports and collating learning data. Our students are very busy with their learning and play. At this time of year, often niggles arise in the playground and classroom. It is really important that if you have any concerns, please make a time to chat with the class teacher. There are often lots of versions of events so we really appreciate that you talk with the school directly. This can save a lot of time and extra worry. Thank you.

As of tomorrow, the Waikato region will be in level 2. We are very excited to welcome back some of our families that have had to stay in the level 3 zone. We finally have our school back together. As always, we following the Ministry of Health guidelines. Here is a link for you to view.

https://www.education.govt.nz/covid-19/advice-for-schoolskura/guidance-for-schools-for-alert-levels-1-4/#public-health-measures

We are looking forward to Athletics Day on Thursday. The students have been practising so hard for this event. We will post photos and races on our facebook page for you to view. We know it is difficult not being able to attend, but we thank you for your continued support with this.

Have a great week everyone. Take care and look after yourselves.

God Bless you and your whānau.

Andrea Colebourn, Principal

Our School is obliged to meet the Public Health Order Requirement regarding Mandatory Covid -19 Vaccinations.

As of Monday 15 November 2021, all persons who volunteer to assist with any school activities both inside and outside of the classroom (reading with children, school trips, school camps, sausage sizzle helpers, class helpers, sports coaches etc) are required to have their first Covid-19 vaccination. As of 1 January 2022, all school volunteers are to be fully vaccinated.

Evidence of your vaccination status can be provided to the school at any time.

A copy of such evidence can be uploaded to this google form https://forms.gle/FhZxEMGv87FvJoeM8, emailed to admin@stjoes.school.nz, cited at the school office, or a copy placed in a sealed envelope sent to the school office. This must be provided prior to school activities taking place.

If you wish, you can request the school keep a copy of the record so that you can maintain ongoing access to volunteer for school activities.

All information is treated as confidential and retained according to the Privacy Act 2020 and the School's Information and Privacy Policy.

If a parent/caregiver is awaiting a result from a Covid-19 test, they must inform the school prior to participating in any school activity.

If you have been granted an exemption, please provide proof of the same.

Nga mihi

Andrea Colebourn

Principal

Our Grotto recreating the scene of Our Lady’s visitation to St Bernadette at Lourdes was the inspiration and handiwork of Father Jelo and some very talented Parishioners.

We are very fortunate to have such a beautiful space available to us for reflection, contemplation and prayer (few churches in New Zealand are as lucky as we are!).

Restful for adults (there’s seats!) and enchanting to children the Grotto is for everyone. So you are invited to take a break from the business of life and spend a moment in this peaceful haven.

The stained glass overlay windows depicting our Native forest and wildlife along with the plantings ensures we feel at home here.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life

And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.