Newsletter Term 1 Week 4

Kia ora koutou Te Kura O Hato Mere whanau,

We are already at the end of week 4 and nearly half way through the term. By the next newsletter we will only have 4 weeks till the end of term. It always amazes me how swiftly the term goes and that so much is going on within our boundaries.

We had our first assembly this week. It was enlightening with great music and songs sung beautifully. Three year 8 boys took charge and organised and ran the assembly. Thank you to Rory, Cyrus and Jearld for the incredibly well organised, planned and executed assembly. What a wonderful way to shine your lights and live through the beatitudes. A sensational way to start the new year.

Mr Gerard Tully attended the assembly with me and really enjoyed the student agency and the fantastic joy filled singing.

Gerard has just been appointed the Education manager for the Archdiocese of Wellington. He is the former Principal of both St Pat’s Town and St Pat’s Silverstream Colleges. Two prestigious Catholic Boys schools in Wellington.

Gerard was with myself, Mrs Lamain, Miss McCone and Mrs Lee at the annual Commissioning Mass in Motueka on Friday last week. The commissioning masses occur right throughout the archdiocese of Wellington and are symbolic as the Cardinal leads the mass to not only welcome the schools but also bless them as we start a new school year.

It was a mass filled with the Joyof the Holy Spirit as each school in the South Island region of the Wellington diocese was represented by their Principals and staff members.

Each school was presented with candles that were blessed by the Cardinal and will be used throughout the year for staff and whole school prayer.

Following on from the first two incredible events we had Ash Wednesday this week as well. Thanks to Mrs Lamain for the wonderful service and thoughtful readings, songs and the homily which Rosie presented. Unfortunately we were not able to have Father Michael on the day, however it was a fantastic service with a lot of understanding as we start our Lenten journey.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Have fun in the sun while we still have it and make time to be with each other over the two days.

May God bless you all,

Yours ‘In Christ’s Light’

Paddy Dowling

On Monday I was met at the Stephenson Street gate with a bit of a surprise and shock. Mrs Sloan officially resigned which will be effective as of the end of Term 1. Mrs Sloan has been a teacher here at te Kura O Hato Mere for 18 years and has many great memories of her time here. She will still be available to us and Marlborough schools to cover in a relieving capacity. We wish Mrs Sloan all the best for her future endeavours.

We will be advertising for Mrs Sloans replacement next week and will keep you updated as to the appointment of the new teacher for Room 8

Parish Newsletter - No.4. 19th February 2023

Parish Newsletter - No.5. 26th February 2023

Newsletter - Issue No. 281 - 23rd February 2023

On Monday 13 February the Students of St Mary’s School celebrated their first school Mass for 2023.

All students played their part in contributing to the Mass; through song, psalms, gospel readings, prayers of the faithful, the offertory and liturgical movement. The Mass helped to set the scene for the school theme this year which is “Walking with two feet of Love” E haere ana me nga waewae e rua o te aroha.

Our hall was decorated with legs and hearts signs of our faith journey; walking, talking, living and loving in Christ’s Light. The Mass was led by Father Michael McCabe who gently reminded us through the Homily that we are all special with our own talents and characteristics. We are valued and needed and even in times of challenge we can find hope and joy in the knowledge that Jesus is always with us.

Our prayerful response was to whisper, shout, say and sing “Thank-You Jesus for Loving Me” many times before our Mass concluded.

A big shout out for all the Parents and whanau that joined us for the Mass. We love having you share these special occasions with us. Ka Pai tu Meke

Sacramental Programme 2023

Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation

The Sacramental Programme for Reconciliation will be run at St Mary’s Church from the beginning of March for 3 weeks.

Holy Communion and Confirmation will be scheduled in the following two terms.

The Parish programme is open to all baptised students from age 8 (Year 4) and up.

The facilitators will be Rosie Lamain and Lorraine Walker.

The sessions will be held on a Sunday morning at 9.15am before 10.00am Mass.

Parents and Caregivers are invited to join us for these sessions also.

If you are interested in having your child participate in the programme please register through email.

Ginetta office@staroftheseamarlb.co.nz

Rosie rosie@stmb.school.nz

• P.U.M. Paid Union Meeting (school will close at 12.30pm) - Monday 27th February.
• Year 3/4 Fundamental Skills - Monday 6th March - Friday 10th March
• 150th Jubilee - 30th June - 2nd July 2023

Sports for Term 1 2023

Sports Draws Term 1 2023

Have a look on the website for all information regarding the Weetbix TRYathlon

You can check out the Get Ready Guide which gives you information about the course for all age groups, training plan and training tips, along with the TRYathlon pack info!

Out of Hours music lessons and instrument hire available for Guitar, Violin, Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, and Brass. $25 per term (including instrument hire). Open to Primary School children (year 4 - 8).

No experience needed.

Limited number of vacancies. Lessons held in Blenheim out of school hours.

Email Christine Holdaway, Marlborough School of Instrumental Music. trombone@xtra.co.nz

If you would like to order SUBWAY, please order online Wednesday mornings

Orders must be done before 8.45am on Wednesday mornings.

Online order instructions here

Email: office@stmb.school.nz
Website: https://stmb.school.nz
Location: St Mary’s School Blenheim 3 Stephenson St, Blenheim, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 578 9494
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmarysschoolblenheim/