1. Principal's News Week 8, Term 1 2022

 In Memory of Mrs Plieger

This morning our school celebrated a liturgy to give recognition to Mrs Jan Plieger and the work and love she has poured into St Joseph's school over many years.

Mrs Plieger has taught most of our students either as a reliever, or taking their class for a period of time.  Most of our present year 7s were taught by her when they started school.  She was also a proprietor's representative on our Board of Trustees.  

Mrs Plieger's particular passion was teaching English Language Learners and she did a lot at St Joseph's to help get good English Language Learning programs established.  She was also very involved with the Pasifika groups.

She was also very busy in the parish involved in many different aspects of parish life.

To celebrate Mrs Plieger's commitment to our multicultural community during our liturgy today, each of our students has made a flag of their place of origin and written a message to Mrs Plieger.  Each child presented their flag and we will display them in church tomorrow at the funeral which is at 11am.  

From some of our students:

Mrs Plieger was an extraordinary teacher and friend to our family.  We were lucky to have her teach my siblings and myself over the last ten years.

She was wonderful, she taught me a lot about being confident with my maths.  I loved her teaching me because she was kind and funny and interesting.  I will miss her reading stories and teaching us about her own family history.

She was nice to everyone, we can all be more like Mrs Plieger, she always made the classroom brighter with her knowledge and wise wisdom.

If I could tell Mrs Plieger just one more thing it would be to thank you Mrs Plieger very much for all the lessons.  I hope you know you have made a huge impact on each of our lives.

I would like to finish with an old Maori proverb:

He aha te mea nui o te ao

He Tangata, he tangata, he tangata

What is the most important thing in the world? 

It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.

Analiese

Dear Mrs Plieger

Bidding farewell is always tough.  

Words never prove to be enough.

Saying goodbye is never simple to a teacher like you,

Who is so special,

Now that you are a shining star in the sky,

Blessings on your family.

Molly O

Ma te Atua e manaaki a aroha,

(God bless, and love)

Lorraine

2. Special Character Week 8 Term 1 2022

Special Character:  Jesus' Parables

Teaching focus: Jesus came to teach us how to live

School and Family Zoom Mass:

Thank you to Ruma Hoiho year 5/6 for leading Mass last Thursday. 

This week Ruma Kakapo Year 4/5 was leading Mass. 

Next week's gospel presentation will be Ruma Kiwi Year 3 and the Mass will be live-streamed from the church. Ruma Kiwi and Ruma Hoiho will be at church and the rest of the school will be joining them via Livestream from St Patrick church at 9:15am. 

Today the 25th, we are celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation. Catholics in Aotearoa New Zealand are being asked to join Pope Francis in a special day of prayer for Ukraine. Pope Francis will consecrate Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary today Friday, 25 March, during a service he will preside over in St Peter's Basilica. Our parish- St Patrick will offer the special prayer and praying the Rosary for Ukraine on Sunday the 27th at 2pm. Today, Our school is offering a special liturgy of thanksgiving for Mrs Pleiger in the hall at 11am. 

Faith Facts: 

Week 8: Violet 21st - 25th March
3rd Week Lent
23^rd Saint Turibius de Mogrovejo
25^th Day of Prayer for Family Life
25^th THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD

The Annunciation celebrates the appearance of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Christ. Mary does not understand the announcement but has faith and accepts God’s trust in her and the difficult journey ahead. 

How often do we need to have faith and trust even though we may not completely understand? The Church recognises Mary’s courage in this feast. 

Ngā manaakitanga

Tua Misiloi Co DRS                                   

3. School Notices - Week 8, Term 1 2022

           

Sports Information

U12 Girls Opportunity

This opportunity is for any girl to wishes to try a new sport.  Sport Waitaki are holding a sports

afternoon for all girls aged 5 -12 years where they are offering 6 different sports for girls to have

a chance at a range of sports with no commitment.

Date: Friday 1st April 2022

Time: 4-6.30pm

Where: Centennial Park – meet on the hockey turf

Who will be there:  Rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, football and golf

What you need: Drink bottle, suitable covered shoes and a great attitude

 

There will be spot prizes and a lot of fun on your Friday evening. So please spread the word. 

Thank you Sport Waitaki

Touch Rugby

***COVID UPDATE 23/3/22***

Hi everyone!

With the latest announcement in regards to changes to the COVID traffic light system, Touch

will change for our last round of competition on Tuesday!

We are happy to say that we will be able to have all teams playing (Years 1-13) and that we

no longer have a limit for how many people can attend. You will no longer have to scan a QR

code, or come in through specific entryways.

This also means we can have spectators! The important thing to remember is that if you are

not playing or reffing touch, and you are 12 years 3 months (or older) then you will need to

show us your vaccine pass. Please have these ready, as you could be asked for them at any

point.

This means parents, grandparents, cousins, friends etc that are old enough will still need a

vaccine pass to attend.

Thank you for all your support, and compliance with the ever-changing rules!

North Otago Junior Touch.

The draw will come out on Monday.

Basketball/Miniball

The season usually starts on week 2 of term 2 with these dates to be confirmed. 

Basketball - we are entering a boys basketball team made up of Yr 6/7/8 boys.  We require a coach for this team because the person who was possibly coaching this team is now unable to coach them.  If you know of anyone who would like to coach, please let Mrs Brien know.

St Joseph's Cavaliers - Jac B, Marc M, Lincoln M, James L, Tevita L, Liam L, Soa M and Tendayi R.

Miniball - we are entering two teams in this competition, a yr 3/4 mixed team and a yr 5/6 mixed team.  We require a coach for the Yr 5/6 team.

Teams are:

St Joseph's Breakers - Yr 3/4 mixed - Hunter F, Emma H, Ellie J, Emere & Taera K and Mark L.  The coach is Victoria Forrest and practice days are Monday afternoons from 3.15 to 4.00 pm.

St Joseph's Rebels - Yr 5/6 mixed - Manu & Mele A, Milah A, Luke L,  Molly M, Theo M, Sephrin S and Analiese W.  Hila'atu will be a fill in.  Coach required for this team.

Out Door Sports

Due to the latest government announcement, all outside sport from tomorrow can be played with no limit on numbers at the grounds/courts/fields whether it is players, spectators or volunteers.  

Netball

The season starts on Friday 6th May for years 5-8 and Friday 12th May for years 1-4.  Players in Yr 3-8 will play at the Taward Street Netball Courts and Yr 1/2 players will play at the Waitaki Rec Centre from 4.00 to 5.00 pm on a Friday. 

We are entering 2 teams this season. 

St Joseph's Gold - Yr 6/7/8 team  - Emily C, Rheanna C, Kaycee-Mae G, Jasmine & Michael M, King M, Patricia M, Millie F, Sephrin S and Hila'atu L.  This team will play in the intermediate 2 section.  The coach is Paula Brien and practice days are either Tuesday or Thursday afternoon from 3.15 to 4.30 pm.  Day to be confirmed.

St Joseph's Maroon - Yr 2/3/4 team - Taylor & Manaia D, Amy C, Maria H, Lydia M, Honey-Belle R, Tala T, Jane V and Michaela C.  The coach is Katiana Taiti and practice days are Thursdays after school.

Rugby

The season starts early term 2.  St Joseph's is entering one team this year in the 5/6-year-old grade as we do not have enough players to make up the teams in the other grades.

St Joseph's 5/6 team is: Carter F, Jayden H, Laken N, Zion L and Gavin P.  We ideally would like another 1-2 players for this team.  The coach is Victoria Forrest and practice days are Friday lunchtimes at school.

Due to low numbers in the  7/8, 9/10 and 11/12 year old rugby teams, we are unable to field teams in these grades. 

Children who would like to play rugby in the other grades are encouraged to sign up with the Excelsior Rugby Club.  If you do decide to play for Excelsior, can you please let me know so we can pass any messages on to your child re cancellations, change of practice times etc and we can put the draw in our newsletter.

Their registration details are:

Excelsior Rugby Junior Registrations

• registrations must be in by April 2nd
• $30 per child or $50 per family
• Register here at www.sporty.co.nz/viewform174261
• If you have any questions, please message Vanessa on 021 150 4083 or through the Excelsior Junior All Black Rugby Club Facebook page. 
• Once teams are organised, they will be in contact with practice times and jersey information

Football

For any child wishing to play football this year, Awamoa Football Club has sent their registration details:

Please find below the links for players aged 5-12 to register for the upcoming junior football season for Awamoa Football Club.

Can you please include these links or the general information that states 'Registrations are open for Awamoa FC. Due 7^th April. Contact club at awamoasoccer@hotmail.com for the registration link or further information' in your next school newsletter?

Thank you for your assistance.

Take care.

Twyla Kingan

Awamoa FC President

For First Kicks. For players born in 2016, 2017. Registrations due by 7^th April 2022. 

 

https://mycomet-oceania.analyticom.de/my-comet/itemDetails/2051239881  

 

 

For 7-8th grade. For players born in 2014, 2015. Registrations due by 7^th April 2022. 

 

https://mycomet-oceania.analyticom.de/my-comet/itemDetails/2051239878  

 

 

For 9-10th grade. For players born in 2012, 2013. Registrations due by 7^th April 2022. 

 

https://mycomet-oceania.analyticom.de/my-comet/itemDetails/2051264338  

 

 

For 11-13th grade. For players born in 2009, 2010, 2011. Registrations due by 7^th April 2022. 

 

https://mycomet-oceania.analyticom.de/my-comet/itemDetails/2051227217  

Hockey

If your child wishes to play hockey this season, we can forward their name to North Otago Hockey who can put them into a team.  The season starts on Tuesday 10th May for the Yr 7/8 (Kwiksticks) and on Wednesday 11th May for the Year 1 & 2 (Funsticks), Year 3 & 4 (Ministicks) and Year 5 & 6 (Kiwisticks).

1. Principal's News Week 7, Term 1 2022

Healthy Active Learning

We have signed up for a three year contract with the Ministry of Education to promote Healthy Active Learning in our school.  One of the first things we are looking at is active, creative and resilient play.  Play is the basis of learning and the skills learnt through free play transfer into good learning skills.

INVITATION TO YOU:

On Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th March we have the play trailer visiting St Joseph's.  This will give us some good ideas of things we could introduce into our playground.  We would like to invite parents and caregivers to come to school on Tuesday 29th March during lunchtime (12.40-1.30pm).  Our facilitator is Ellen McAtameny who is a former intermediate pupil of St Joseph's.  I will see if we can get the Coffee Cart in to offer coffee for sale.  It is a chance to have a cuppa, reconnect and chat with other parents and to have a good look at the play trailer.  I imagine there are bits and pieces around many people's houses or garages that would be great for creative play, once we get the idea about it.

So please come in and see the trailer, see the children at play, have a chance to connect with other parents and a cup of coffee.  If you can slip away from work at lunchtime it would be awesome to see you!

Foot it Friday Competition

Thank you to Miss Sollano who organised our walking and wheeling week last week.  It culminated in a house competition on "Foot it Friday" where the students decorated shoes in their house groups.  They really enjoyed the experience and it was well run by our house captains who were very pleased to say all the children had been respectful to them.

Here are the winners: 1st place - Chelsea, 2nd place - David, 3rd place - Angelina.  These children won house points for their house.

Forgiveness

Last week's prayer focus was the parable of the Prodigal Son.  The son who left his father, took his share of the money, wasted it all and came home humbled and was forgiven by his father.  The children were focusing on forgiveness and letting go of grudges.  I didn't give a principal's award as I didn't want to spotlight the things that happen during the week that we need to forgive.  But we talked about it.  Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools we have.  It can create beauty, harmony and peace.  Both giving and receiving forgiveness are extremely liberating and refreshing feelings and it's something we need to actively practice and look for.  

House Rippa Rugby

This week the house leaders took all the classes for Rippa skills and drills in preparation for the house tournament in week 11.  Once again the children enjoyed the opportunity to get to know other children in their house group, to learn something new and to collaborate across the age groups.

Extension Tutoring at St Kevin's

Through our Community of Learning, St Kevin's is now offering maths extension tutoring to our intermediate students and a group of students is taking advantage of this opportunity after their technology classes at St Kevin's.  The beauty about being in a Community of Learning with our sister school, St Kevin's, is that the way we teach, particularly around the curriculum capabilities, is the exact same language they will be using when they move through to high school.  This cuts weeks and maybe months out of resettling into a new school, and the learning is ready to go straight away because it is already familiar.

Caritas Justice Chat

Our year 8s have participated in the Caritas Justice Chat via Zoom.  Now they are figuring out what they would like to do to contribute to Caritas for Lent.  Watch this space.

Ma te Atua e manaaki a aroha,

(God bless, and love)

Lorraine

2. Special Character Week 7 Term 1 2022

Special Character Focus -Jesus

Our children are now focussing on learning about Jesus' Parables. Key Ideas number 2

• Jesus came to show us how to live and to save us.

How will our children show this? The children learned about a Parable or Parables and then write an explanation using the stories to explain how Jesus teaches/shows us how to live and to save us. Children are also being taught and scaffolded to think about this (Parables) deeper. How the parables speak to them personally, and their effects on their lives. What are the gospel readings telling them and what do they look like in action? 

If your child talks about one of the Parables at home please support your child by having them talk or read about the story at your family evening prayer or family gathering. This will support your child to extend his or her thinking about our R.E teaching - Jesus. Not only that but to connect and build strong relationships between home and school when children bring their learning from school to home. Thank you parents for your ongoing support of our children's learning and school.  

School and Family Zoom Mass

Thank you for Ruma Takahe year 7/8 for leading Mass last Thursday. This week Ruma Hoiho Year 5/6 was leading Mass. Next week's gospel presentation will be Ruma Kakapo Year 4/5. Next week the Mass will be live-streamed from the church. Ruma Kakapo and Ruma Takahe will be at church and the rest of the school will be joining them via Livestream from St Patrick church at 9:15am. 

Tomorrow Saturday the 19th we are thinking about St Joseph, the Saint of our School. Let us pray today, that like St Joseph, we can bring the love of Jesus to others. and with God's help, we will try always to make our school a place of peace, faith, and excellent learning. 

Prayer to Saint Joseph 

"O Saint Joseph do assist us by your powerful intercession and obtain for us from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power. We may offer our thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers." Amen.

Faith Facts: 

Week 7: 14th- 18th March- Violet

2nd Week of Lent

13th Anniversary of Election of Pope Francis, 2013

17th SAINT PATRICK

18th Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

19th SAINT JOSEPH

This is a big week. The 2^nd Week of Lent, Patricks' Day, Saint Joseph’s Day, and the anniversary of Pope Francis’ election as Pope. Lots of things to remember and celebrate                      

                     

Ngā manaakitanga

Tua Misiloi Co DRS