1. Principal's News, Week 9 Term 2 2017

Staff Versus School Council Basketball Game
We had a very enjoyable basketball game yesterday against our school councillors.  The school council organised a sports-themed mufti day to raise money to buy new basketball nets in which we raised $164.90.  I am very impressed with the School Council as they have tackled something realistic that they can actually do something about and they've done it.  Thank you school council.  We won't go into who won.  There are more photos further on the blog.

Next Friday's Celebration Assembly

Assembly on the last day will be at 11am.

Reports
Children's reports for years 4-8 are coming home on Friday.  Children in years 1-3 who are due an interim or anniversary report will also be receiving their's.  Please check your child's bag. Parent/student interviews for years 4-8 are next week, please make sure you've made a booking.  The parent voice is an important part of our assessment information.  We use what you tell us and what you want, to form the goals for your children.

I've written last week about how I think we can do a better more holistic report - which will take time to do right, but we're working on it.  The judgements given this time about where your children are in relation to national standards are a prediction to the end of the year as there is no mid year national standard.

NZ Catholic Principal's Conference
Last week I attended the NZ Catholic Principal's Conference.  I was representing the Dunedin Diocese speaking about how we have developed Religious Education at St Joseph's.  I was surprised to be given the big conference room as my speaking venue, so our word was well and truly spread.

This is a selection of my colleagues with Pope Francis:

God bless

and Aroha

Lorraine Frances-Rees

2. Special Character Week 9, Term 2 2017

 Confirmation Mass 
This Sunday at 9.30 am. All families are warmly welcomed to join the celebratory Mass.
We send prayers to the following candidates on this special occasion where they confirm their baptismal promises and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. 

Willow Bartlett Lachlan Criddle Eva Keno Thomas McGeown Ivy-Belle Mestrom Alexie Phillips Cushla Bridges Lewis Gough  Eva Harrex-Adams Michael Woodhouse Cooper Jones Jack O'Neill Riley McLaren Nye Jones Hogan Taine Dyson Lilly Kelcher Chloe Bartley

FAITH FACT FOR WEEK 9

The First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. A martyr is someone who sacrifices their life for their faith or a something they believe. This day remembers the early Christians who will killed by emperor Nero in Rome in the year 64. Pope Francis in the last school holidays travelled to Egypt and visited a church where Christian’s had been killed while worshiping. He called for peace and tolerance saying that violence cannot be committed in the name of God. Tragically Christians are killed in many places of the world even today. We pray for them and their communities.

God Bless

Nicola Winders

3. School Notices - Week 9 Term 2 2017

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Altar Servers
Saturday 1st July - Indya Cunningham, Mariah Cunningham and Samuel Plieger
Sunday 2nd July - Daniel & Jonathan Jorgensen and Molly-May Mestrom

Birthday Greetings to:
Alexie Phillips, Mya Lindsay, Mikayla Criddle, Anthony Chen, Kaycee-Mae Gibbins and Fitu Tuuefiafi

Congratulations
Well done to Elenoa Asi and Tessa Souness who have made the North Otago Yr 7 Rep netball team. Elenoa along with Grace Keno (Oamaru Intermediate) made the squad and Tessa made the non-travelling reserve.

Cover Ups
A reminder to wear cover ups when playing on the field at break and lunch times.

Found
There is a collection of children's watches and glasses that have been handed into the office over time.  Please come and have a look to see if anything belongs to you.

Music Festival Notice
This Sunday, July 2nd the Dominican Choir are leading the singing at our Confirmation Celebration.  Could the children please be at Mass by 9.15 am.  They can wear good tidy clothes (no hats).
This coming evening on Wednesday 5th July, the children are performing at the North Otago Music Festival.  By now you will have bought tickets which cost $8.00 from the school office.  Children are to wear their winter uniform.  They will be dropped off at the side entrance of the Opera House at 6.30 -6.40 pm and picked up after the performance on the Countdown side of the Opera House. Children will not require jerseys, jackets or drink bottles.  Thank you Leanne Brookes.

Reminders
-  Library books to be returned by tomorrow Friday 30th June
-  Parent Teacher Interviews next Wednesday and Thursday
-  St Kevin's College Enrolment forms for Yr 8 students need to be returned immediately

School Council Basketball Game
Well done to our school councillors who participated in the staff v students basketball game yesterday.  Even though there was a bit of height difference between the two teams, the students gave the teachers a good run for their money!!


Young Vinnies Award
Our Yr 8 Young Vinnies had the pleasure of attending the Trustpower Awards for Volunteer Community Service last Thursday evening.  Jacqui Malcom was the St Kevin's College recipient for the Youth Spirit Award and as such she was able to nominate St Vincent de Paul as the charity of choice for the $250 donation that accompanied her award.  Our Young Vinnie's representatives Ash McFarlane and Kaliopeta Katoa accepted this donation on behalf of St Vincent de Paul.

Yr 6 Class Rock Discovery Day
A notice has been sent home to all Yr 6 children regarding this Education Outside the Classroom trip on Monday 3rd July.  Please check your child's bag for this notice.

Community Notices

• Waitaki Aquatic Centre Public Registration Day - will be held on Saturday 1st July from 9.30 am to 12.00 pm.  You must bring your child's togs with you at this time as an assessment to find your child's swim level will be done in the water.
• Active Kids Waitaki Holiday Programme - held at the Waitaki Rec Centre from Monday 17th to Friday 21st July from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.  This is based for primary and intermediate aged children which cost $6.00 per day or $25 per week.  Registrations are open now by going to www.sporty.co.nz/waitakicrc or phoning the Rec Centre on 434 6932.
• Forrester Gallery Winter Holiday Fun - held at the Forrester Gallery from Monday 17th to Friday 21st July from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm. OamaruRocks at the Wonderlab and Necktie World Record.  Costs $2 per child.