Well the announcement of the new Covid Traffic Light System was yesterday. Although the orange level for our region comes into effect this Friday 3 December, schools retain the level status until the end of the school year. Our procedures will remain at level 2.

There is lots to do over the next couple of weeks as we prepare for the end of the term. Our class programmes are buzzing and we are organising the last few events to take place. Over the Christmas holidays we are getting a brand new sports shed. It will be almost twice the size of the one we have now. Peter, our caretaker designed this for us and we can't wait until it arrives. A huge thank you to our amazing PFC who have donated the funds for the long overdue shed. We think that the current shed is about 35 years old (give or take).

We are really excited to be able to have parents/caregivers attend our School Prizegiving. To make this work so that you are able to come, we are splitting Prizegiving into three different ceremonies. Year 1 - 6 will be on Monday 6 December 2 pm for Room 4 and Whakatipu Hub and 2.30 pm for Akonga Hub, Room 5 and Room 6. Our seniors Year 7 and 8 will be holding a special Mass followed by Prizegiving on Wednesday 8 December at 11: 15 am. Scroll through our newsletter for more details. Yay! Please make sure that you wear a mask and social distancing rules apply.

Thank you so much for the incredible donations to Community House last Friday. They were overwhelmed with our fantastic response. It is just so lovely to be able to give back to our community.

A special thank you to Madeleine from our Parish who writes the Parish updates for us every fortnight. She has done a great job at keeping us informed. Thanks Madeleine!

Have a great week everyone. Our final newsletter for 2022 will be on Thursday 9 December.

God Bless you and your whānau. Andrea Colebourn, Principal

Year 7 and 8... Mr Jeff Bennett and Supporting person Room 3 and Room 11 space combined

Year 5 and 6... Mrs Kerry Horan and Mrs Emma Hyde Whakatipu Hub

Year 4 and 5... Mrs Jemma Van Eijk. Room 6

Year 3 and 4... Mrs Lee White Room 5

Year 2 and 3... Mrs Chris Follett and Mrs Simone Campbell. Room 4

Year 1 and 2... Mrs Courtney Thomson, Whaia Kirstin Marsh, Mrs Jeanette Lalich Akonga Hub

Release teacher : Mrs Maree Nicholson

Support staff across spaces : Toyah Irwin, Renee Teague, Cathie Peddie and Meredith Vowles

Letters will be coming home tomorrow to inform you of which class space and teacher/s your children will have for next year.

The children and teachers are able to have some time with their new class space and class mates on Thursday 9 December from 10:15 am - 11:00 am.

Our School is obliged to meet the Public Health Order Requirement regarding Mandatory Covid -19 Vaccinations.

As of Monday 15 November 2021, all persons who volunteer to assist with any school activities both inside and outside of the classroom (reading with children, school trips, school camps, sausage sizzle helpers, class helpers, sports coaches etc) are required to have their first Covid-19 vaccination. As of 1 January 2022, all school volunteers are to be fully vaccinated.

Evidence of your vaccination status can be provided to the school at any time.

A copy of such evidence can be uploaded to this google form https://forms.gle/FhZxEMGv87FvJoeM8, emailed to admin@stjoes.school.nz, cited at the school office, or a copy placed in a sealed envelope sent to the school office. This must be provided prior to school activities taking place.

If you wish, you can request the school keep a copy of the record so that you can maintain ongoing access to volunteer for school activities.

All information is treated as confidential and retained according to the Privacy Act 2020 and the School's Information and Privacy Policy.

If a parent/caregiver is awaiting a result from a Covid-19 test, they must inform the school prior to participating in any school activity.

If you have been granted an exemption, please provide proof of the same.

Nga mihi

Andrea Colebourn, Principal

The Advent season is our special countdown to Christmas where we are invited to take time from what can be a frenzied period of functions, (maybe not so many this year☹) shopping and cooking to include spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas.

One way to keep Advent alive in our homes is with an Advent Wreath. A great family activity, something that can be created together and shared in each week as the candles, for Hope, Love, Joy and Peace are lit.

However we choose to observe this season let’s take time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

How to light your Advent Wreath:

In the first week, light one purple candle.

In the second week, light two purple candles.

In the third week, light two purple candles and the rose candle.

In the fourth week, light all four candles.