SJS Newsletter Term 2 Week 10
Newsletter 6 July 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
Dear Family/Whānau
Today we have practiced our emergency readiness, twice! We have had a sensor that popped twice and I can advise that this has now been replaced. It was great excitement for the learners to see the fire truck. I congratulate staff and learners for their calmness in these situations as we are required to evacuate, take the rolls and account for all our learners, staff and visitors each time while we wait for Fire and Emergency to give us the All Clear to reenter.
What a wonderful celebration we had on June 23 for our Hato Hemi Matariki breakfast. It felt so good to have so many of our family and friends who were able to come, gather in our school hall. Thank you to all who purchased, provided, prepared and cooked this breakfast. It feels so good when we use opportunities to gather as a community.
Our vision states: We are a welcoming community who respond practically, with compassion, understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others.
At this time we were privileged to be part of the Hikoi Wairua of Te Ara a Maria – Mary’s Way Artwork. This artwork was commissioned by the NZ Catholic bishops to mark the re-dedication of New Zealand to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven. The precious artwork was still in the hall, which made the occasion even more special.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those members of our community who have been generously cooking and donating meals which we keep in the freezer and share with families affected by sickness at this time. If you know of a family who may be in need of some pastoral care please contact the school office.
Last week we had an ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) verification visit from the Ministry of Education. This is our first in my time and due to the fact that we are now lucky to have 31 beautiful learners from other cultures. We received extremely positive feedback and I would like to give thanks to our wonderful staff that support these learners.
Your children will be bringing home their mid year progress report this Friday the last day of term. You will then have an opportunity, if you wish, to discuss this report with your child’s teacher on Tuesday 26 July or Wednesday 27 July. See below for booking information.
Health and Safety - Thank you for your support as we encourage Year 4-6 learners to wear masks while indoors, this initiative is to keep us all safe, and learning to continue with well staff. We do have masks available for learners in learning spaces. We are asking that all adults wear masks while indoors. We are hoping that the term break is an opportunity for everyone to rest and recharge as it is likely that the Covid and flue infections within the community will be with us for the next while.
I would like you to give thought about the upcoming School Board Elections that will be taking place next term. At St James' we have been extremely blessed to have been governed by a committed group of Whanāu. I am aware some of our board members will not be seeking re-election. This provides openings and opportunities for others within our school community. As a member of your school's board, you will need to work well in a team and have good communication skills. It can help to have an understanding of the education sector. You may have financial skills, policy or health and safety , knowledge and understanding of particular communities within our school, or experience working within your school and wider communities. Every school board member is well-supported by NZSTA’s range of learning and development opportunities. Please come and talk to me if this is something you may be interested.
Living Life to the Full, this week we have had Naomi, Andrea and Amy attending this professional development offered by the Diocesan.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the staff at Hato Heemi, it has been a taxing term with many staff away with illness. I would especially like to acknowledge your flexibility, willingness to step in and work together for the common good. Together we do make a difference.
I wish you all a restful term break and we look forward to welcoming you all back to Term 3 on Monday 25 July.
E te Atua e manaaki ki a koutou katoa
May God Bless you all
Christine Cosgrove
Catholic Special Character
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
The Feast Day of St James the Greater is on the 25 July 2022. Here at St James’ we choose to combine this celebration with Grandparents Day for a very special reason. The day after the feast day, the 26th July, is the feast day of St Joachim and Anne, who were Jesus’ grandparents!
So we welcome you, our whanau and our Grandparents, to come into school to celebrate this special day.
Date: Tuesday 26th July
Time: 1:00pm we begin in the hall with a liturgy, followed by a shared lunch and some play at 1:30pm, followed by some in class
shared learning about St James the Greater at 2:15pm.
School then finishes at 2:50pm.
To bring: All learners are asked to bring some kai to share for lunch.
Celebrations - Celebrating Success
Farewell - This week we farewell Raphael, Michael and Elijah. We hope you have enjoyed your faith and learning journey at Te Kura Katorika o Hato Heemi.
We also farewell our cleaner Brooke who has accept a position in Taiwan teaching English. Thank you for sharing your talents with us all Brooke, safe travels and we wish you all the very best with your new position and move abroad.
We are excited to share that Mrs Sue Lewis will remain teaching LS6 until the end of this year.
News
Parent/Teacher Mid Year Interviews - On Tuesday 25 July and Wednesday 26 July you will have the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher for 10 minutes to talk about their progress. Bookings are available between 3.15 pm - 5.25 pm. LS6 Teacher Interviews will be held August 16 and 17 (Term 3 Week 4). We will open bookings up for this next term.
Bookings are NOW OPEN.
Log onto: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code
CODE if required: nyk7g
If you require assistance please phone the School Office. Tracey will be happy to book an appointment for you.
Part-Time Fixed Term School Cleaner - Brooke is moving abroad and we are looking for a cleaner to join our hard working and energetic team. This is a fixed term, part-time position, working 11 hours per week during school term time with extra hours during the school holidays for general term cleans while the school is closed.
Applications close: Friday 15 July 2022.
Please see TradeMe Listing #: 3666933662 for further information.
Scholastic Book Fair - Eeeeekkkk!!!! We missed out on last year’s one because of Covid and have been eagerly awaiting in anticipation for this one… we have a date locked in for early September for our annual Scholastic Book Fair. More info to come!
The St James' robotics team took part in their first VexIQ scrimmage of the year on Saturday, where they got to test out the robot they have built!
Ka mahi Ronan, Jasper, Alex and Zavier! Such great teamwork, problem solving and collaboration with teams from other schools. And a lot of fun had too!
Learning spaces have also be doing enquiry and art. Matariki Southern Lights Art created using chalk pastels, paint and black paper by Learning Space 1.
Reminders
School Assembly - All family/whānau are invited to attend the school assembly this Friday, please be seated in the school hall by 1.45pm. We look forward to celebrating and sharing our learning with our community.
Library Books - reminders of any overdue library books will be coming home today. Please assist your child/ren in returning these before the end of term.
Are your contact details correct? If you have moved recently, please contact us to update your details.
Lost Property - There has been a number of named uniform items misplaced this term. It is a timely reminder to please look at your child/ren's items of uniform and check to ensure that it is in fact their uniform, and that ALL uniform items are clearly labelled. If you find any uniform items that don't belong to you can you please hand these into the School Office. Lost Property is located outside the School staffroom on the clothing rack, we encourage you to take the time to look through this. Any items remaining at the end of the term will be donated to charity.
Toys and Sports Equipment - Just a reminder that bringing toys and sports equipment to school is discouraged and staff take no responsibility for their loss or damage. There is a variety of sports equipment offered to learners on the sports trolley during each break.
Nippers Out of School Care and Holiday Programme - Need care during the school holidays?
Nippers operates out of our St James’ Catholic School Hall, contact 356 7926, 021 645 806 or nippers@inspire.net.nz for more information.
St James' School PTFA - Parent and Teachers and Friends Association
The next PTFA (Parent, Teacher and Friends Association) meeting will be held in the staffroom on Wednesday 3 August 2022 at 6.30-8.00 pm. Do you wish to get involved and assist with fundraising initiates? Together we make a difference and we invite you to come along to this meeting with ideas, new families welcome. It would be great to see some families from each learning space.
Pastoral Care Baking - We are continuing to support our school community when required through this pandemic by way of pastoral care, this may be 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 22 August 2022 at 6.00 pm. All welcome.
Principal Appointment: The board has appointed an advisor and sub committee and they will shortly be sending out a request for Parent and Learner, Parish Community and Staff Voice.
Policies for Community Consultation
The following Policies are out for community consultation. Comments are due back to the School Office before 24 July 2022 to office@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
DRAFT Policy - Administration of Medication
DRAFT Policy - Providing Care for Sick or Injured Children
DRAFT Policy - Surrender and Retention
Triennial School Board Elections are coming up next term. Elections will take place 5-23 September 2022. All of New Zealand's state and state-integrated schools have a school board which is the Crown entity responsible for the governance of the school. School board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievements of students.
The board:
- ensures every student can reach their highest possible standard in student achievement
- is the employer of all staff in the school
- sets the school's strategic direction in consultation with parents, whānau, staff, students and the wider school community
- is responsible for overseeing the management of personnel, curriculum, property, finance and administration.
St James' Catholic School Board consists of Parent Representatives, Proprietor Appointees, Staff Representative and the Principal.
More information on Becoming a Board Member.
NZSTA hosts a series Kōrari Workshops throughout New Zealand to help people understand the role of school board members and inspire them to get involved – either by standing for election or voting in the mid-terms. Find out more about Kōrari here.
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 2
Week 10
Friday 8 July - School Assembly, please be seated by 1.45pm (Masks to be worn indoors)
Mid Year Reports coming home this Friday 8 July
Friday 8 July - Last Day of Term 2
TERM 3
Week 1
Monday 25 July - First day of Term 3
Tuesday 26 July The Feast Day of St James the Greater/ Grandparents Day
Tuesday 26 July or Wednesday 27 July - School Interviews
Week 2
Wednesday 3 August - PTFA Meeting, 6.30pm in the Staffroom
Week 3
SLANZA School Library Week
Thursday 11 August - St Peter's Open Night
Friday 12 August - Mathex Competition
Sunday 14 August - Feast of the Assumption
Week 4
Monday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption
Tuesday 16 August - Learning Space 6 Mid Year Teacher Interviews
Staff Only Day - Monday 5 September 2022
SAVE THE DATE: Whānau Wellbeing Hui Wednesday 28 September 3-5pm
Getting Involved
Please send photos of activities to Amy Cousins a.cousins@stjamescatholic.school.nz.
Courses available in Term 3:
Blended Families - August 13
Parenting though Separation - July 18 and 19
Small Changes, Big Differences - July 25
Triple P Discussion (for parents/caregivers of children aged 3-10 years) - August 10
Yummy Apple stickers - Please continue to collect these throughout the year. Collection sheets are also available from the school office.
Cut out Label Collection Sheet
New Variety Sticker Collection
Sticker Collection Sheet
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