Newsletter 29 June, 2022
Marian Catholic School
Principal's Reflection
I hope you all enjoyed the first official public holiday for Matariki - “Ngā mata a te Ariki Tawhirimātea – the eyes of the God Tawhirimātea”. Friday was an historic day for New Zealand, being our first public holiday celebrating and commemorating the Maori New Year. I hope you took time to reflect on the past, join your wider whānau and reconnect and celebrate.
Over the past few years there has certainly been a significant number of events and change that today's students will forever remember. The past few years have taught us all how to live in an environment that needs us to be responsive to change and the rapid pace in which this can happen. Education, as with all other industries, has shifted swiftly so we continue to operate in a way that accommodates working in a more adaptive, hybrid type of model.
There are signs that we are now starting to see some movement towards what I call a more “normal” world. One move towards this is the new government focus on looking at the impact of low attendance on students in New Zealand schools. Living in the Covid world, has seen schools experience extreme levels of low attendance rates (for both students and staff). On the 9th of June the Government released a media statement that said it is taking action to turn around declining school attendance, with Attendance Targets being set to get New Zealand students back in class. We are seeing a clear shift now to ensure that as we get through the pandemic, students are encouraged to return to school and there is a call for communities to support them to do that.
Unfortunately here at Marian we are presently continuing to see a high level of absences due to inevitable winter sicknesses, including severe flu and stomach bugs across staff and students.
Ironically, to help reduce the spread of those viruses we are still asking you to keep your children home when they first present symptoms. It is also very important that students keep warm during the day, please insist your child is wearing their school jersey. Staying well is certainly one of the most important ingredients that is needed to keep student attendance high and our children learning.
He hauora te taonga — health is wealth
Kia manaaki te Atua koutou katoa
Louise Graafhuis
Acting Principal
Gospel Reflection - Welcoming Jesus
Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Luke 9: 51-62
Sunday’s gospel reading marks the beginning of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem with his disciples. Jesus was calling those who would give up everything - family, friends, even their job, to follow him. What he got instead was excuses.
We are also invited to walk this journey today. We are encouraged to look around at our fellow travellers to make sure they are not neglected-the struggling poor, the forgotten elderly and the alienated in our society. The journey is long and difficult with many obstacles along the way. Hope is sustained by the belief that the end of the journey is life with God.
Jesus wanted to share His love and his message with anyone who welcomes Him into their lives. He said, ”Whatever you do to others you do to me.” As we travel on our journey towards God and we treat other people with love and kindness and make them feel welcome then we are not making excuses but living the life Jesus asks us to lead.
Charism Focus
Our Charism focus for this term is LIVE Community. This week we are focusing on acknowledging that we are children of God. Being bold and brave in yourself will build our Community of Faith.
Being part of a community means we need to think of others. Thinking and acting as Jesus would -doing what is good for all of us - not just thinking of ourselves. Is an important part of being in community. When you're thinking of other people you think less about yourself, and more about others.
Jesus taught us how to love one another- we are learning to follow his example. We are never alone - God is always with us. The bible quote that we are learning this term on Live Community comes from the gospel of Matthew chapter 18 verse 20…
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.'
What does this mean for us at Marian Catholic School? Using the model that Jesus has given us we need to act with kindness and care for those around us. Remember that God is present - through us and the people we meet. How are you being the hands, face and voice of Jesus today?
DRS news
SCHOOL MASS:
Next Thursday, 7th July we have our End of Term Mass at 9.15am in the Cathedral. We will be celebrating our HERITAGE as part of this Mass. Parents and whanau are very welcome to join us for this celebration as are members of our Parish community.
For this Heritage Mass, students are invited to wear clothing to show their Cultural heritage. However, the students will need to change back into their school uniform after Mass to protect their Cultural outfit. If students do not have a cultural outfit they are asked to wear their school uniforms to school and Mass.
Grocery Item
Students are asked to bring an item of non-perishable grocery for Mass next Thursday. This grocery item will be given to the Hamilton Combined Christian Food bank to be distributed to the needy in our community.
God Bless
Nicki Whyte DRS
Welcome
We warmly welcome into our school community the following children and their families; Angelo Aquino (Rm4), Gracie Caringal (Rm13), Adelaide Graham (Rm18), Kayleigh Graham (Rm13), Ivanna Joji (Rm1), Sofia Sing (Rm5) and Elyse Washer (Rm1)
Bereavement
We offer our deepest sympathy to Stuart and Jardine McIntyre and children; Caitlin, Bree, Caleb and Nathan on the loss of a much loved father, father-in-law and grandfather.
May he rest in peace.
We also offer condolences to Dael Cullingworth and her family for the passing of her mother-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May she rest in peace.
PTFA Mufti Day
On Friday 8 July (the last day of term) we will be having a mufti day. The students don't have to wear uniform on this day and we ask for a gold coin donation.
The PTFA are raising money for upgrading the playground equipment.
Reporting to Parents / Sharing Learning
Mid year reports will be published on Hero during next week. You will receive an email or notification a post has been made.
A copy of the report will be sent home in paper copy on Wednesday 6 July.
If you any queries about your child's report please contact your child's teacher or discuss at your Learning Discussions in Week 2 next term.
Heritage learning posts will also be shared during next week on Hero.
Learning Discussions - Term 3
Learning Discussions will be held in Term 3, Week 2.
The dates for this is Wed 3 August and Thursday 4 August.
Please book on line at the following address
www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
The school code is yjftj
If you are unable to attend in person and would like a zoom meeting, please email each teacher to send you a link.
Room 25 starting in the Hall
The children from Room 2 were very excited on Tuesday to move into their new learning space in the Hall and After School Lounge. They will now be known as Room 25. This is to make way for another New Entrant class starting in Term 3.
The current Room 3 class will be moving over the next few days into Room 2, a larger space, and the new New Entrant class will be in Room 3.
Before School and After School Care will continue as normal in the Hall.
Board of Trustee Elections
Elections to the Board of Trustees will take place in Term 3.
Please consider putting your name forward for this.
Nominations will be asked for next term.
Kia ora parents and whānau
The winter season for Netball and Hockey is already half way through. The rain hasn’t stopped our teams from continuing playing and the children enjoying the games.
Thank you again to all coaches, managers, children and parents who made this possible. Keep the energy up!!!
Please follow the link to online registration through the Marian School Website. Sports-Basketball-Term 3
Adriana Cubillos
Sports Coordinator Years 1-6
Sportscoordinator@marian.school.nz
Absentees
If your child is going to be absent from school please notify the school office before 9am each day. You can leave a message on the answer phone 856 7515 or send us a message on the School App.
With winter hitting hard we are seeing more children absent from school. Unfortunately we are having large numbers of parents not contacting the school office for absentees. If we do not have a reason for your child being absent then they are recorded as Truant to the Ministry of Education.
Marian PE Uniforms - Back in stock!!
We have finally received our new Marian PE tops. We now have 9-10 years, 11-12 years, X-Small and Small. Sorry still waiting for the 13-14 years size - hopefully soon. They are in the office for $35.00 each.
Dates to Remember
Whole School Assembly - 30 June 1.30pm in the Cathedral
End of Term Mass - 7 July
Term 3 starts - Monday 25 July
Teacher Only Day - Monday 29 August and Monday 21 November
Marian School Holiday Programme
The holiday programme will be running from the 11th - 15th July, 8am to 5pm. Morning tea and afternoon tea provided , please bring your own lunch.
Please enrol through… asc@marian.school.nz.
Cost is $35.00 per day
Time: 8am to 5pm
Before School and After School Care
Before School Care: bsc@marian.school.nz If you are wishing to enrol your child at Before School Care please use the email above.
After school Care : asc@marian.school.nz For casual bookings please email the Friday before the following week. This is essential for our planning.
Lost Property
There are A LOT of items both named and unnamed in our lost property. If your child is missing some uniform please come and check to see if it may be there.
Lost property is kept in the large cupboard under the stairs heading up to Room 14 (next to the Hall).
Any items not named will be washed and taken to the Secondhand shop at the end of this term.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Open 2.00pm - 2.45pm Friday afternoons in the Whare.
If you have any unwanted articles at home, please drop them into the school office. All donations of uniform are much appreciated.
Drifters Rock 'n' Roll Club
Ever Thought you’d like to learn more about the 50’s & Rock ’n’ Roll dancing?
Drifters Rock ’n’ Roll club is offering 7 - 17 year olds 2 free beginner lessons during the school holidays. 12th & 19th July 6 - 6.30pm
Vardon School Hall, Cunningham Rd, Te Rapa
For further info email …. info@drifters.org.nz
Free Rock ’n’ Roll - Beginners Class
Neighbourhood Art Classes
