Newsletter Week One - Term Two
1 May 2024
Principal's Message
Welcome back to Term 2. The weather was great over the holidays, and students returned refreshed and ready to go for a great term of learning. Thank you for having your children in their winter uniforms. They all look very smart.
The grounds and gardens look fantastic, and the lawns have been given their autumn renovations. Thanks to Richard and Deb for their hard work with this.
I am pleased to announce that Sara Mines has been appointed Deputy Principal. Sara has been doing a great job in the acting role since the beginning of the year. Congratulations Sara.
During the holidays, a group of students represented the school at the ANZAC Parade and Civic Ceremony. I was very impressed with the number of students who participated in the parade and how well they behaved. Thanks to James and Victoria, who laid the wreath at the ceremony on behalf of the school.
It looks like a busy start to the term. Three-way conferences are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. You will need to make an appointment via “School Interviews.”
Bookings are now open for our Goal-Setting Conferences on May 7th and 8th. Please use the following link to make a booking with your child's teacher.
https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/ga9uq
I hope children have been reading over the holidays. Students are to bring back their Holiday Reading Logs by this Friday so we can have the draw at Friday’s assembly. There will be three draws for Class Pizza lunches.
Tomorrow, we have our Anzac Liturgy at 12.15 in the hall. You are all invited to attend.
The Mini Marathon is being held on Friday. We have a large group of children participating in this. The weather looks good and I hope our children have lots of fun running in this event.
Have a great week everyone.
David Macmillan,
Principal.
Director of Religious Studies
We had a large number of students receive the Sacraments on the 14th of April. It was an extra special occasion with Bishop Richard joining us to administer the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. We will congratulate our children in Week 2’s Assembly.
- There is an ANZAC Liturgy tomorrow at 12:15 pm to remember the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs). You are most welcome to join us.
- Next week we will have a Liturgy for the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, on Thursday 9th May at 12:15 pm. Please join us.
- In Week 3 we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. There will be a whole school Mass on Friday 17th May. It would be wonderful to see you there.
Have a blessed week.
Lorna Dobson DRS
Altar Servers
If you have a child who has been Confirmed and received First Holy Communion and would like
to serve at the Sunday Masses, please contact Andrea at the Church Office : 07 348 0289. Details required are phone numbers and email addresses. James Kilkelly will be in charge of training these children . Training will commence Friday 10 May, 3.30pm
Camp Donations Reminder
Camp Donations Reminder:
Thank you to those who have paid their camp fees - it was certainly an awesome experience for all the children.
Just a reminder that if you are paying off the camp fees, they are claimable in your tax return. We appreciate your contributions.
Hot Chocolate
Thursday 9 May from 8.15am
Bring a can for the St Vinnies Food Bank
Will be available Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8 and Week 10.
Sports Notices
Mini Marathon
The Mini Marathon is this Friday (3rd May). We have 119 children registered.
- For those who have registered for the bus to the event, you can come to school at normal time, the bus will leave at 9am.
- Those meeting there, look for the school flag outside the Energy Events Centre on Queens Drive. Mrs Dinniss will be there from 8.30am. You must be there by 9.15am.
- Children getting picked up after the event will need to be collected by 11.30am.
- Participants will need to wear the school PE uniform and good shoes for running.
All fees need to be paid before Friday!
Winter Sports
Football, Miniball and Hockey all start this term. Teams are full. Thank you to all the coaches, referees, managers and other volunteers who make sports happen for our tamariki. If you haven’t heard from your coach manager yet regarding games/practices please let the office know. schooloffice@stmarysrotorua.school.nz
ALL SPORTS FEES ARE NOW DUE, PLEASE PAY ASAP
Cross Country
All students in Years 4-6 will be taking part in the cross country on Wednesday 22nd May from 12.30pm - 2.30pm. All parents need to fill out the permission and transport form.
Cultural Day
Year 5 & 6 students need to keep Friday 31st May in their calendar for the Kahui Ako Sport and Cultural Day in Tauranga.
Golf
Thanks Mr G for organising a great fluro golf day last term. We had 15 teams taking part. Thank you to the parents who helped on the day. Golf is now officially finished until term 4. However, there may be some limited opportunities over terms 2 and 3 so watch this space.