Newsletter Week Seven Term Two
12 June 2024
Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
In chess news, Mr G took a team to a tournament in Hamilton last week. While the team did not gain a placing it was an enjoyable experience and our players learned a lot. On Monday this week, we were excited to host the Rotorua Regional chess tournament, involving approximately 140 competitors from schools all over the district. The tournament was well organised, and players managed to play several sessions. A team from St Mary’s gained second place. Thanks to Mr G for hosting the tournament and to the parents who came in to help with the hospitality. Unfortunately the Chess Tournament scheduled for Thursday in Tauranga has been cancelled.
Our Cross-Country team competed in the Rotorua Interschool Competition on Tuesday at the Springfield Golf Course. Our team ran well, with Mateo Parra Rodriguez placed first in the 10-year-old boys' race , David Stahlhut placed 3rd in the 9-year-old event, and Jack Fraser placed 3rd in the 8 year-old boys group. Congratulations to these podium winners. Well done to all our runners.
We had the Mass of the Sacred Heart on Friday. It was a wonderful celebration. Thanks to the parents who joined us for Mass. We learnt this weekend that Father Thomas is moving to Opotiki Parish at the end of July. In the four years Father Thomas has been our parish priest he has taken an active interest in our school and been a valued member of our St Mary’s School Board of Trustees. We will certainly miss him.
This weekend, the Super Rugby semi-finals are happening, and the Hurricanes are playing the Chiefs for the third time this season. I'm not boasting, but the Hurricanes have won the previous two matches and they say that good things come in threes. The senior students have asked if we could have a mufti day on Friday where children can come to school in mufti wearing colours that support their team—no cost, except perhaps a tissue that we give out to Chief’s supporters on Monday. No, I was just joking: children can come in mufti, and there is no charge, no tissues. Students from Room 1 have made the poster below to help children choose the colours they might like to wear on Friday.
Director of Religious Studies
It was wonderful to see our whanau joining us to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus last Friday. Fr. Thomas gave a wonderful sermon about the love of Jesus and how we can display this in our everyday lives with one another. Our children read and sang beautifully.
Last Saturday was the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary’s Heart is essentially concerned with the love that she has for Jesus. Her heart is meant to be a model of how we should love God. Honouring Mary’s Immaculate Heart is just another way that we can admire Mary as the person chosen to be the Mother of God. The Immaculate heart of Mary refers to her internal heart, which remained sinless and devoted to God. Pope Paul VI called it “the model of perfect love toward God and toward our fellow beings.” The Immaculate Heart of Mary remains an important devotion to many, as it leads us to God through Mary.
Mrs Mines and I enjoyed working alongside the children preparing for Baptism on Sunday. Thank you, Fr. Thomas for making them feel welcome and praying for them during the 10 am Mass.
This week the RE and Young Vinnie Leaders packed food and supplies to bring to Church for the food bank. Thanks so much to everyone who has helped make the can drive a huge success.
I hope you have a wonderful week.
God bless
Lorna Dobson, DRS
Structured Literacy
Helping at home when your child is reading decodable readers.
In the inside of the book is a ‘roll and read’ game. This is a simple game, whereby, you roll a dice and read the word. You could take turns with your child to make it into a family game. If you don’t have a dice at home, ask your teacher for one. They’ll have plenty to spare.
Filipino Society
The Bay of Plenty Filipino Society is holding a get-together to welcome new Filipino families. The event will include a shared lunch, games, and information about immigration. All Filipino families are welcome to attend.
Hot Chocolate
Thursday 20 June from 8.15am
Bring a can for the St Vinnies Food Bank
Will be available Week 4, Week 6, Week 8 and Week 10.
SPORTS NOTICES
ALL SPORTS FEES ARE NOW DUE, PLEASE PAY ASAP
Netball Dresses - Please have these returned by 14th June.
FOOTBALL DUTY - 22nd June is our next duty day. We require a lot of help this weekend either with BBQ set up or cooking/Setting up nets and packing down. Please let me know if you are able to help and if you have a truck or trailer we could use to help set up all the goals and pack down.
Photos - Please if you have photos of your sports teams we would love to see them. We use these for our end of year magazine and web pages.
Interschool Cross Country - Well done to all those who competed in the interschool cross country. Big shout out to Mateo Parra-Rodriguez (1st in 9yr old boys), David Stahlhut (3rd 9yr old boys) and Jack Fraser (3rd 8yr old boys) who placed and will now be going forward to compete in the BOP Cross Country Competition.
Rats Junior Duathlon Series - Not a school event but if you would like to register see details below:
Special Mentions
Last weekend Arabella won a gold medal in Jiu Jitsu Bay of Plenty competition. Well done Arabella