St Mary's School Term 1 Week 4
TE KURA O HATO MERE
Newsletter 25 February 2021
PRINCIPAL'S VIEW
Tena koutou, kumusta, talofa lava
This week we have been very privileged to have the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) at our school for a residency week. This is funded by the Ministry of Education and encompasses the Arts Curriculum. The aim is to develop practical knowledge, develop ideas in music, communicate and interpret in music and understand music in context. The CSO instructors have been amazed at the high levels of excitement and engagement that our students have demonstrated so far this week. They have also commented on our students ability to listen and follow instructions and the respect they constantly demonstrate. Each day this week around 40 students have chosen to spend the play portion of their lunch break learning the violin. This shows you how keen our students have been to learn music and try something new. At lunchtime today our Room 1, and some Room 2, students performed an item for the residents of Maryville Retirement Village. The residents were enthralled and entertained by our students and loved their performance.
This has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to be exposed to orchestral instruments and music and we are very grateful to the CSO musicians for sharing their time and expertise with us.
Mā te Atua koe e manaaki, e tiaki
May God bless you and protect you
David O’Neill
Principal
Principal's Awards 15 Feb
Principal's Awards 15 Feb
Principal's Awards 15 Feb
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra Residency Programme
Concert Invitation - Friday 26 February at 11.15am
WELCOME TO ST MARY'S
We would like to welcome the following students to St Mary’s School:
Ailsa - R1
Kaya - R2
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS
25/02 Thursday, JOSEPH Rm5
26/02 Friday, RUBY Rm4
27/02 Saturday, JAIRUS Rm3, IVANA Rm2
07/03 Sunday, TRISHA Rm4
10/03 Wednesday, CAMERON Rm4
Religious Education Newsletter
Christchurch Earthquake Remembrance
Swimming - Monday 8 March - Friday 19 March
Graham Condon Pool, Papanui
Swimming will begin on Monday 8 March for two weeks. This is a compulsory component of our school curriculum. If your child is unable to swim for any reason can you please inform us by emailing the school via our school app.
Please make sure your child has their togs, towel and goggles each day during the two weeks of swimming.
Faith Fact
St Polycarp’s feast day is on Tuesday 23 February, Rātu Hui-tanguru. Polycarp learnt directly from St John. He knew that passing on the teachings of Jesus would be a challenge, so he wrote these teachings down. Many of his writings still survive today.
In Patris Corde Pope Francis says:
Saint Joseph has always been venerated as a father by the Christian people. This is shown by the countless churches dedicated to him worldwide, the numerous religious Institutes, Confraternities and ecclesial groups inspired by his spirituality and bearing his name, and the many traditional expressions of piety in his honour. Innumerable holy men and women were passionately devoted to him. Among them was Teresa of Avila...Encouraged by her own experience, Teresa persuaded others to cultivate devotion to Joseph. Every prayer book contains prayers to Saint Joseph. Special prayers are offered to him each Wednesday and especially during the month of March, which is traditionally dedicated to him.
Perhaps you and your family could offer prayers to St Joseph each Wednesday before your evening meal.
Pray one of these prayers together as a family.
Piano/Keyboard Tuition
Pre Enrolment of Siblings
Closing of School Gate
Carpark Safety
Student Absence
Attendance Dues
Attendance dues are compulsory for all students who attend catholic schools in NZ. For 2021 attendance dues have been set at $412 per year or $103 per term. For budgeting purposes families are welcome to pay weekly or monthly.
First Holy Communion Programme for 2021 Begins in Early March.
Parents and Caregivers with children in Year 4 and above who would like their children to make their First Holy Communion this year, please fill in this First Communion Registration. before Friday 26th February to express interest. This programme is for children from both our Parish schools plus those in our Parish who do not attend our Parish schools.
The programme will start in the week beginning March 1st. First Holy Communion Day will be Sunday June 13th. Louise will be in touch with you regarding what the programme involves. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Louise MacKay using louise.mackay@stfrancischch.school.nzUpcoming Events
- CSO RESIDENCY WEEK - Monday 22 - Friday 26 February
MARCH
- ARATAKI TEAM MASS - Thursday 4 March 9.15am
- SWIMMING - Monday 8 March - Friday 19 March
- KOTAHITANGA TEAM MASS - Thursday 18 March 9.15am
- BENEDICTION - Tuesday 23 March 2.30pm
- LIBRARY VAN - Wednesday 24 March
APRIL
- KOTAHITANGA TEAM MASS - Thursday 1 April 9.15am
- GOOD FRIDAY - NO SCHOOL - Friday 2 April
- EASTER MONDAY - NO SCHOOL - Monday 5 April
- EASTER TUESDAY - NO SCHOOL - Tuesday 6 April
- SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY - Tuesday 13 April
- LIBRARY VAN - Wednesday 14 April
- ARATAKI TEAM MASS - Thursday 15 April 9.15am
- LAST DAY OF TERM 1 - Friday 16 April
MAY
- FIRST DAY OF TERM 2 - Monday 3 May