Dear whānau,

Another short week down with plenty happening around the place. Room Kiwi helped us start the week beautifully with their prayers focusing on our values of faith, hope and love and the ways they will show their chosen value around the school this year as our awesome year 5 and 6 leaders.

We also had Jack from Southland Cricket in on Tuesday to play some fun cricket games with all the classes and, of course, try and convince them to join Superstar and Girls Smash Cricket ... beware, I have a list of kids he thinks are keen to play and I've again been given the job to persuade you to let them play - so look out for a tag on our Facebook page (there's no pressure of course).

The junior and senior students have been out each afternoon getting their run, jump and throw on in preparation for our whole school Athletics Day on Tuesday February 21st (more info closer to the date).

Speaking of dates, we have one to put in your diary for early term 2. 'Significant changes are occurring to strengthen our schooling curriculum and assessment systems'. To support these changes, the Ministry have given us two additonal teacher only days this year. We've been given a specific timeframe in which we need to take these days and we have confirmed that our first ToD will be on Friday 5th of May to work in with the opening of Duckshooting.

I realise that other schools are taking their ToD on the first day back in term 2, Monday 24th of April and you may be wondering why we're going with a different date. Well, we're going with a different date because our school has a strong connection with the Gore RSA and NZDF Veterans and Servicemen who, each year for at least the last ten years, have gone out of their way to take the day off work to come and teach our kids about ANZAC Day.

They even joined us in 2015 for a WW1, 100 year anniversary, all day battle (photos below in case you don't believe me - and if you love them, there are more on our Facebook page) in what is now the front car park. We've been very blessed for our kids to have a connection with such great role models. This year is the first year in many where ANZAC Day hasn't fallen in the holidays and they will have the opportunity to share their stories and knowledge with our kids at a time that is more relevant and meaningful, something they've been hanging out for - so we're taking it, it's the least we can do.

'When you go home, tell them of us and say. For your tomorrow, we gave our today.'

If you've got something exciting to share, feel free to email me a photo(s) and a short blurb by Thursday 9am each week and I'll pop in the newsletter for us all to celebrate together - mallory.hood@stmarys.school.nz

God bless.

Cheers,

Mallory

Acting Principal

We are very excited to have Poppy McRae teaching in Room Ruru this year. Rather than me write a fluffy blurb about her ... I thought I'd ask her 5 quick questions so you can get to know her a wee bit better ...

1. What is your favourite thing about being a primary teacher?

My favourite thing about being a primary teacher is that I get to form relationships with all the children not only in my class but in the school. I enjoy chatting to the children at break times and hearing about what is important to them. Children's humour is great and I love to have a laugh with them!

2. Why were you so keen to work in a catholic school?

I think that catholic schools are so special. After teaching at non-catholic schools I think that the special character that catholic schools have is something that is so important and valued. You can tell that there is a real sense of belonging and everyone is so happy, respectful and living out the school's values in everyday life.

3. You were a student at St Mary's, what made you so keen to come back as a teacher?

Easy, I love St. Marys!! I loved it when I went here, and the awesome teachers that taught me (and still teach here) impacted my life and is a huge part of why I wanted to be a teacher. All throughout university I said that I wanted to come back and teach here so to be here this year is a full circle moment and something that I am so grateful for!

4. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Reading, cooking, bush/beach walks, shopping, spending time with family and friends.

5. Cats or dogs?

Dogs

Can you see why she got the job? What lucky kids we have.