Newsletter Week Three - Term Two
15 May 2024
Principal's Message
I hope all Mums, Grandmothers, and Aunties had a great Mother’s Day on Sunday. The children who bought gifts from the PTA Mother’s Day Shop had a lot of fun choosing gifts for their mums. Thanks to the PTA for giving children the opportunity to buy something affordable. I also saw some great cards and crafts going out the gate on Friday.
On Sunday two of our students Micah Abellanosa and Emily Rajapakse were Confirmed and made their first Holy Communion in our Parish church. Congratulations to both of you.
Sara Mines has invited parents of children who are seven years and under to participate in a Baptism Course. The course involves four lessons. If you want your child involved please send the invitation back to school by the end of the week.
Last week was another busy week, with three-way conferences. Thank you for making the time to meet with your child’s teacher.
This Friday, we have our Pentecost Mass at the church at 9:00 a.m. You are invited to join us.
It's truly inspiring to see the number of children actively participating in sports and the unwavering support they receive from our parents. We want to express our gratitude to our coaches and managers. We understand that it can sometimes be challenging to encourage the children to practise and play together harmoniously, but your efforts are commendable. Thank you for your exceptional work.
Our school is the duty club on Saturday at the football grounds. We will need your support with one of the jobs: field setup, sausage sizzle, or packing up the fields. We rely on everyone lending a hand to help with one of those jobs.
We have a Netsafe Meeting on the 21st May at 5.30 pm. We think it is really important you attend and hear some key messages about safety on the Internet.
This is a reminder that Tuesday, June 4th, the day after the King’s Birthday holiday, is a Teacher-Only Day.
We welcomed Shanelle back on Monday from her family holiday in Europe. I thank Kerry for doing an excellent job in Shanelle’s absence. The office ticked over beautifully, and all the sports started seamlessly last week. Thank you again, Kerry.
To the parents of Year 6 students who intend to go to John Paul College next year. The enrolments for your child at John Paul College are now open and can be accessed on the JPC website. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our school office.
Have a great week.
David Macmillan,
Principal.
Structured Literacy at St Mary's
This week we are starting a weekly information section in our newsletter so that you can learn a little more about Structured Literacy. As you no doubt may have read the Government has mandated the teaching of Structured Literacy in all schools. You will be pleased to know that we are well on our way with this journey having started moving toward a Structured Literacy approach to teaching several years ago. All of our teachers are trained.
Structured Literacy is based on the Science of Reading and how the brain learns. We have included an infographic of the building blocks to reading success. This infographic shows the skills which allows children to become successful readers.
Next week: Key Features of Structured Literacy Teaching.
Director of Religious Studies
This Friday, 17th May we have a whole school mass at 9 am, to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. You are all more than welcome to join us.
Pentecost means 50. Pentecost is a memorable day when the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples and Mary in the form of tongues of fire. The tongues are meant to represent the Apostles being able to speak in different languages and spread the good news of Jesus. Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus. Pentecost is the birthday of the Church that Jesus began over 2,000 years ago.
The main idea from the Gospel readings is that the Holy Spirit is for everyone, and is to be shared with others. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the courage and ability to spread the good news. The Holy Spirit is for us all to share the gifts that we have with others as well.
Here is Cardinal Newman’s favourite prayer about the Holy Spirit. ‘Come Holy Spirit.’ Come Holy Spirit, Make our ears to hear. Make our eyes to see. Make our mouths to speak. Make our hearts to seek. Make our hands to reach out and touch the world with your love. Amen.
Have a blessed week.
Lorna Dobson
DRS
Sylvie - blurb
School Uniform Payments
Just a reminder that payment for school uniforms from the Uniform Shop is required at the office without delay. If you cannot make payment immediately, we can hold your uniform until your payment goes through - either on line or via the office. Let the office know when and how payment will be received.
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.
Uniform Shop
The uniform shop hours are as follows:
Mondays: 8.30am - 9am
Wednesdays: 2.30pm - 3pm
Fridays: 8.30am - 9am
Uniform can also be purchased online: https://www.stmarysrotorua.school.nz/information/uniform/
After School Art Classes
After school art lessons with Janet Keen enrolling now. Drawing, painting, mosaics, over 30 lessons to choose from. Wednesdays 4.35pm to 5.35pm and Thursdays 4.35pm to 5.35pm
Enrolling for remainder of term, 2 3. And 4
Small classes, friendly, safe, quiet, organic environment
All Enquiries welcome. Text or Phone 027 351 3887 or email janet@jkeen.net. 374 Clayton Road, Rotorua.
Sports Notices
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
Chess
New information has been added to the school website. Please check under Our Sports - Chess.
Cross Country
All students in years 4-6 will be taking part in 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.
Team Photos
Please send through any team photos of your teams, or even of the kids playing, and would love to see them and use them for the end of year magazine.
Plunket
Plunket would love your support on 18 May : Shop for bargains, or have your own stall.