Nau mai, haere mai St Joseph’s Whanau

Caritas - Social Justice Week - Te Wiki o Te Whai Tika. The theme for this week across all Catholic Schools is a focus on Social Justice, "Say 'No' to racism, we are one in Christ". Our model for this week is Jesus Christ himself - who held values different to those of the world around Him. As part of this week, children will be looking at how they can be 'one in Christ' and live out the challenge of Jesus' example, and be a 'Good Samaritan' to our neighbours.

Celebrating who we are: I was very proud of our students this last week in the way they conducted themselves at the Whole School Mass on Sunday. They participated with polite confidence, sure of themselves and the routines and rituals of the Mass service. Those who had special roles carried them out in a non-assuming way, so that the focus on the Mass was maintained and enhanced. The value of a Special Character education at St Joseph’s Catholic School was definitely highlighted and on show for all.

Also evident to me was the warm and supportive relationship St Joseph’s School has with the parish. I wish to say congratulations and a special thank you to all children, parents, teachers and parish members, what I witnessed was the very best of a community of faith in practice.

Photo Day: Thank you so much for ensuring your children were prepared for our formal school photos yesterday. We got through the schedule quick smart, with the photographers sharing very positive feedback about how co-operative our students were. Great feedback.

CIS Cross Country: Last week our team of Year 7/8 representatives took part in the Catholic Inter-school Cross Country held at Kihikihi Domain. This event involved students from 11 schools from around the Waikato. We are very proud of their training ethics, commitment and focus put in preparation for this event.

Their running on the day was exceptional and they should all be very proud of their results, as we are. A special thank you to Jeff Bennett, Meredith Vowles and those parents that kindly provided transport.

Wig Wednesday and Mufti Day: We are all looking forward to tomorrow’s Wacky Wig Wednesday to support Kiwi Kids with cancer. Do come to school with your gold coin donation and wearing your favourite mufti outfit and a wig or crazy hair.

Next Week: Week 8

• Tuesday - Super Cricket Smash - representatives from Northern Districts will be here at St Joseph's leading skills development

Further ahead:

Week 9

… Poetry Recital Years 1 and 2 - Parents please support your child practicing at home

... Kaimai Catholic Schools Speech Competition Yrs 6 to 8

A prayer for the coming week:

Dear Lord,

Give us eyes to see the world as you see it.

Give us a compassionate heart for all people.

Help us to speak kindly to all.

Help us to treat others fairly and as You would want us to.

Amen

Every blessing and have a great week.

Paul Cooper

Relieving Principal

Welcome to Our School:

Eli Cowan has joined our school this week and is joining Whakatipu Hub.

A special welcome Eli and to his family as they join the St Josephs Community. Welcome.

Well done on your outstanding performance at the Catholic Interschool Cross Country recently...

Year 7 Girls: Emma Butler 2nd - Mila Williams 4th

Year 7 Boys: Tobias Hotene-Wilson 1st - Ben Livingstone 8th - Thomas Van Leeuwen 13th - Landen Williams 26th

Year 8 Girls: Carla Roskam 3rd - Bailee Horan 8th - Kate Mourits 11th

Year 8 Boys: Charlie Vowles 2nd - Alex Maddever 5th - Jaxon Chase 18th

This week our focus is on Social Justice with the theme of - Say no to Racism - We are one in Christ.

This follows on perfectly from our focus last week on kindness and I know that our students are great role models in making room for all no matter their differences.

The key messages that we will be focusing on this week

• We are all part of the one global human family.

• We are one in Christ Jesus and our differences only bring us closer together.

• It is important to respect everyone and treat them as the treasures they are – Children of God.

• Discrimination of any kind, including based on race or ethnicity, only causes division.

• Racism is never acceptable and is the opposite of how we are called to treat others.

• Racism exists in our world for many reasons including selfishness, fear, power, ignorance and the desire to maintain unjust structures.

• Often racist attitudes can be hidden below the surface and emerge in the form of quick judgements, generalisations and stereotypes.

• Jesus Christ is the best role model to follow, he displayed love, acceptance and peace towards others especially those who society had rejected.

• We can follow Christ’s example and bring love and peace through the words and actions we choose.

• We should always celebrate our differences.

You may like to reflect on the Scripture of Luke 10:25-37, the story of the Good Samaritan with your child this week.

Possible reflections could be - how you can look after and love your neighbour as yourself. How can we be more like Christ in our daily lives? How can we be a good Samaritan?

God of love,

You created all human beings in your image and likeness, and you call on us to reflect your goodness, justice, and love to all the world. Remind us of our call to follow your Son and to speak out for justice, mercy, and compassion. As we come before you in prayer, teach us to respect your image in all human beings, and help us to defend your image in all human beings, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

May you all have a safe and blessed week

Aroha Mai