Dear whānau, tamariki and parishioners,

This week we welcome Tanya Tallafer to Room Bellbird. Tanya is the first child in her family to come to school and we wish her Happy School Days!

This term we have a lot planned that we want to celebrate as we do at the end of every year. It would be easy to focus on what we can't do, and how we will just have to miss out. However, that's not what we do is it? It is our job to ensure that the children don't miss out on leading Mission Day, performing in their production, celebrating their Holy Communion and the Junior Nativity.

Just like everyone else we have restrictions to work around which means that whilst we can do all these things we will have to make adjustments. Unfortunately it will mean not inviting parents and families in, but it also means our children won't miss out.

The first three events that are coming up that will be Mission Day (this Friday), Holy Communion Mass (31st October) and the production (3rd and 4th November). All of these will be going ahead but will certainly look different. This Friday's Mission Day will be the first one that we will not have parents at. Look out for how you can support from home - we will still be taking goods for the white elephant stall.

We have to carry on, focusing on what's important and it's time for us to get creative so our children enjoy a fabulous term 4.

God bless, kia kaha, Annie

PS Hot off the press - an alert went out over the holidays advising families that we had 4 cases of chickenpox in the school community. We now have a case of shingles too. Please be vigilant, and let me know if there are any health complications for your family that we may not already be aware of.

Thanks to Fr Jaime we have come up with way to celebrate our children receiving their First Holy Communion.

Fr Jaime will offer an 8.30 Mass for the Holy Communion families on Sunday 31st October. This will not be a whole school Mass because we would have too many people there. The usual parish Mass will remain at 10.00am.

8.30 is early in the morning but gives the families the whole day to celebrate together. If every family choses 8.30 then each child can have two people attend the Mass with them. However, if that's not enough space for your family or it is too early Fr Jaime is very happy to work wth individual families and your child(ren) can receive their First Holy Communion at any Mass.

Please complete this form indicating your preference.

This community has a proven record of working together for the best outcome for our children. This doesn't happen by accident but comes from our shared understandings, values and taking action - and in this case, it is "ACTION" for a movie. Not having a live production gives us more confidence that our tamariki (children) are preparing for a show, and better than that everyone can buy a movie rather than miss out on a socially distanced seat.

So, get your popcorn ready for a night in, more information to come.