1. Principals News - Week 1, Term 3 2023

Dear Parents and Whanau

Our term has got off to a very spring-like start but the last couple of days has just reminded us that winter is not over yet

A reminder that children are busy practicing for our school cross country being held in week 5.  We have whole school practices most afternoons.  It would be helpful if students had their sports uniform and shoes suitable for running.

We will have more information on our school event, North Otago and Otago cross country over the coming weeks.

School Development

While very disappointed that the school is not getting the full rebuild that it anticipated, we are getting some quite sizable renovations.  The Steam room, Library and passageway adjacent to these rooms are having a refresh that will see repainting of this area, sound absorbing fabric on the walls, and in some cases the ceilings, new carpet, drapes, blinds and lighting.

This will certainly lift the useability and decor of these areas.  The cost of this is met by the Catholic Education Office through your attendance dues.  We are still receiving quotes but indications are that the budget will be between $60,000 to $70,000.

Fiefia and Polyfest

We have had our first Fiefia and Polyfest practice this week involving over 25 of our students.  We are very grateful for all the support of Christina Tofilau who is assisting Tua Misiloi in preparing this group.

Generous Sponsorship

We are very lucky in Oamaru and the Waitaki District to be supported by so many generous groups.

Network Waitaki

Last term and then again yesterday, we received $200 in total from Chris Heywood, an agent at LJ Hooker and Stephen Robertson their Principal.  This donation is from the recent house sales within our school zone.  This funding will go towards playground sports equipment for all our children.

Oamaru Vincentian Trust

This trust has generously given us $1500 towards supporting children experiencing hardship.  This helps us subsidise many children's school trips, uniforms, school fees, lunches and stationery.

School Community Family

We have had a further generous donation of $1500 from a school community member to support our school in the delivery of our Religious Education programme and to support students in need.

To all these extremely generous sponsors, we are truly appreciative of their kindness and support of St Joseph's School and our students.

Fundraiser

We are operating a Whittakers Chocolate fundraiser.  The funds from the sales of our chocolate will go towards our uniforms for our Pasifika and Kapa Haka kits and a proportion supporting our Young Vinnies Programmes.

We anticipate this being distributed to families next week.  Each family will be given one box of chocolates to sell but if you wish to sell more, please contact the school office.  Information about the price of the chocolates will be included in the boxes. We trust that we can count on your support in this school-wide fundraiser.  

Have a great weekend and many thanks for all the support you offer the school and your students learning.

God Bless

Allan Mitchell

Acting Principal