St Mary's School

Dear whānau,

A warm (and formal) welcome to Macy Butterfield who started school last week - she not only joins big brother Jack, but also her mum, Mrs Butterfield. You are very welcome to school Macy!

The art work I shared in last week's newsletter was inspired by the Rita Angus exhibition that is currently in Gore at the Eastern Southland Gallery. This could be a nice thing to walk through during the holidays, and if you are one of those children who created art work, you can show your work to your family and friends. Imagine being an exhibited artist at such a young age! It is free and a stunning exhibition from one of New Zealand’s most famous artists and runs until 17th July. There is also a competition that parents can enter to win two return flights to Singapore on Singapore airlines. See you there!

Wishing you all a wonderful two weeks with family and friends. I know many of you won't get time away from work but hopefully you can get some time to relax rather than make school lunches, wash and iron uniforms - and maybe beat the alarm clock a bit.

Ngā manaakitanga (blessings)

Annie

Ingoa - name

If you have been to one of our assemblies or morning prayers of late you may have heard the increase in the use of Te Reo Māori. In our staff meetings and in morning prayers the teachers and staff have been practising to ask and state their name - ingoa.

You may have also heard Ki te ingoa o te Matua, - "In the name of the Father "as we have begun our prayers.

To learn a little more, or to practise at home here's a song Ko wia tou ingoa? What is your name?

This is the Sacramental group from our school, and this term they have been preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Mrs Gray has taken them through the preparatory programme and Fr Jaime will hear their First Confessions this evening at a small shared liturgy. For adults wanting to know more about this sacrament have a look at this link

On the weekend of 11 & 12 June Gore Karate Club held their annual Winter Grading Camp. This involves a day and a half of full on training, kata competitions and games. Followed by half a day of testing/grading. This is when those that pass move up a kyu (grade)/ belt colour. For those of you that don't know you start ungraded ( white belt ) then move to 10th kyu, 9th kyu, 8th kyu etc. So the lower the number the higher the grade.

A big congratulations to all those who graded on the weekend including our Saint Marys' students:

10th kyu - white belt black tip

Myia Eichstead

Lleyton Eichstead

Quincey Conroy

8th kyu - blue belt

Alianne Delacruze

Ali Delacruze

7th kyu - yellow belt

Emma Kitto

Libby Richardson

6th kyu - yellow belt black tip

Eli Kitto

Well done guys you did us all proud!

Well done Heidi Byars on your excellent performance at the South Island Gymnastics Championship that was held in Timaru last Sunday (3rd July). This is the biggest event for Heidi's level. She had 2 first placings, 2 second placings and the total score placed her first overall for Step 3.

Heidi's team mate also got a podium finish which means that out of 60 competitors across the South Island means Southland smashed it! Well done!

Tomorrow, Friday 8th July St Mary's will be supporting Caritas with a new look Mufti day called YCC day. Together with all the other Catholic schools across New Zealand we will be raising funds for Laura Vicuna School in Bethlehem. Laura Vicuna School is a small school situated in the Holy Land. The school began in 1988 and is in dire need of support to fix and repair toilets, purchase a new laptop and projector as well as round tables for small group learning activities. Please bring a gold coin donation to help the children of Laura Vicuna School.

Thank you

https://www.caritas.org.nz/ycc-day

Week 10 starting 4th July

Prayers Room Piwakawaka and Room Ruru

Gospel on Friday, Annie Nelson

School finishes Friday 8th July at the usual time

Parent teacher interviews are in the second week of next term on Wednesday 3rd August from 1-7pm. If you know this date isn't a possibility for you please have a quick word with your child's class teacher. It will be a half day at school, but if this is difficult for you please let me know, Annie Nelson

TEACHER ONLY DAYS CONFIRMED 8th and 9th September 2022.

Next term class Masses return each class will celebrate Mass with Fr Jaime and families are welcome to join us for a shared afternoon tea following the Mass.

Email: admin@stmarys.school.nz
Website: https://stmarys.school.nz/
Location: 14 Ardwick Street, Gore 9710, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3-208 7733
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1407464649522913

Annie isn't very good at bragging, so I'll happily do it for her. Just so you know how massive receiving this award is, I'll tell you this ... Adele and Ed Sheeran have both recently received an MBE from the Queen. An OBE is a whole step up from that. David Beckham has one. I think that's all I need to say about that. 🤩