4. Diary Dates - Week 9, Term 4 2017

DECEMBER

Thursday 14              -  End of Year Mass at 6.00 pm – meet at school at 5.45 pm – note new time again  

Friday 15                   -  Last day of school for Yr 7 & 8 children

                                  -  Celebration assembly starts at 2.00 pm with announcement of 2018 

                                         leaders, Yr 8  Leaver’s certificates and speeches

Saturday 16               -  Last day of cricket for the year

Monday 18                -  School closes at 12.30 pm and you can wear Christmas themed mufti *

JANUARY 2018

Friday 26                  -  Uniform Shop open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Monday 29               -  Uniform Shop open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Tuesday 30               -  School starts for term 1

                                    -  Uniform Shop open from 8.30 to 9.00 am *                      

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 6                 -  Waitangi Day (holiday)

Sunday 11                 -  Commitment Mass at 9.30 am

Monday 12               -  Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Wednesday 14          -  Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Thursday 15             - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Friday 16                  -  Commissioning Mass at 11.00 am

Tuesday 20               - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Wednesday 21          - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

                                  -  Cricket Shield competition for Yr 7/8 team

Tuesday 27                - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

MARCH

Friday 2                     -  Senior school swimming sports from 9.00 to 12.00

                                   -  Cricket Shield quarter final if qualified

Sunday 11                  -  Reconciliation at Mass at 9.30 am

Monday 19                -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Wednesday 21           -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm                                  

Monday 26                -  Otago Anniversary Day (holiday)

Tuesday 27                -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Wednesday 28           -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Friday 30                   -  Good Friday

APRIL

Monday 2                  -  Easter Monday

Tuesday 3                  -  Easter Tuesday

Wednesday 4             -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Thursday 5                -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Friday 13                   -  Term 1 finishes today

Wednesday 25           -  ANZAC Day

Monday 30                -  Term 2 starts today

JUNE

Monday 4                  -  Queens Birthday (holiday)

JULY

Friday 6                     -  Term 2 finishes today

Monday 23                -  Term 3 starts today

SEPTEMBER

Friday 28                   - Term 3 finishes today

OCTOBER

Monday 15                 -  Term 4 starts today

Monday 22                 -  Labour Day (holiday)

DECEMBER

Tuesday 19                 -  Term 4 finishes today

1. Principal's News - Term 4, Week 8 2017

Junior Hub 1 Advent presentation

Class Lists
Thank you for your patience with these - this has given parents the time to consider and have conversations with me to clarify their children's needs.  Its been a useful opportunity.

The class lists go out tomorrow, Friday.  So if there's anything you need me to consider the last chance is today.  There have been 5 weeks now of options for discussion.

Reports
Reports and stationery lists for juniors with interim or anniversary reports due and all the year 4s will go home this Friday.  So please check bags.

Reports and stationery lists for years 5-8 will go home next Tuesday - again please check bags.

Nativity Pageant and End of Year Prizegiving
Please check bags for a full outline of this as this involves the whole school.

Our apologies that the date for the junior pageant was left on the calendar for this week which was confusing.

We aim is to bring our whole community together in a shared celebration and thanksgiving to end the year together on Thursday 14 December.  The junior nativity pageant will be presented in this celebration as part of our end of year mass, followed by prize-giving.  We have trimmed absolutely everything else out of though to keep it to the point.

I have moved the time from 6.30 pm to 6.00 pm in order to better accommodate the juniors.  We hope this time will work for families and allow working parents to attend.

Check bags for more details.

Well done Mrs Jones-Hogan on completing the Kepler Challenge Mountain run last weekend.

Thanks Year 8s for organising a fun water fight.

Home and School Junior Disco

Thank you to the Home and School who ran a very cool junior disco last Friday evening.   There was some enthusiastic dancing and it was really enjoyable for everyone.

Our Home and School are presently planning our year 7 & 8 social for Friday night, and the Mud Run for next year - they are amazingly organised and passionate people.

God Bless and Aroha
Lorraine Frances-Rees

2. Special Character - Week 8 - Term 4 2017

Commitment Sunday Mass 
February 11th @ 9.30 am
Families with children who will be participating in the Sacramental Programme next year from Year 4 -8 are asked to attend a Mass where parents pledge to support their child during the year. These Sacraments of Initiation include:- Reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist; becoming a full member of the Church and carrying out the mission of Christ.

First week of Advent

Advent is the period before the Christmas season. It begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle.  

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle (symbolising hope) on the advent wreath is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ.

This coming Friday we commemorate the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception probably began in the Eastern Church as a celebration of St. Anne, Mary's mother, a feast that is still kept in the East. Since at least the seventh century in the west we've made St. Anne's feast into a celebration of Mary's conception. Find out out more about the Immaculate Conception here. 

God Bless 
Nicola Winders

3. School Notices - Week 8, Term 4 2017

QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Altar Servers
Saturday 9th December - Kristiana Whiston, Nye Jones-Hogan, Samuel Plieger and Michael Woodhouse
Sunday 10th December - Daniel & Jonathan Jorgensen and Henry Robinson

Birthday Greetings
Xanthea Moore and Christopher Jorgensen

Athletic Champions
Congratulations to our athletic champions for 2017.  They were presented with their trophies and certificates at assembly last week.  We are still awaiting the results back for North Otago Athletics.

8 years    -  Mya Robinson and Kenton Tokai
9 years    -  Eva Keno and Michael Woodhouse
10 years  -  Jada-Rose Keno and Levi Heffernan
11 years  -  Indya Cunningham and Jacob Robinson
12 years  -  Elenoa Asi and Corbin Fraser
13 years  -  Georgia Fox and Lucas Shaw

Cricket Draw - Saturday 9th December 
The last game of cricket for the year is next Saturday 16th December.

Intermediate A - start at 8.45 am - St Joseph's/Union v Albion - Centennial Park Outer Oval
Intermediate B - start at 9.00 am - St Joseph's v Eastern - SKC Artificial 2
Primary - start at 9.00 am - St Joseph's v Albion - SKC Artificial 1
Super Star - start at 9.30 am - St Joseph's has the bye

Lost Property
Please check the lost property for your child's clothing because anything after next Friday will either be given to the Uniform Shop or the St Vincent de Paul.

Netball South
Are starting their Steel Club on Friday 16th February to Friday 13th April at the Waitaki Rec Centre from 4.00-5.00 pm/5.00-6.00 pm for any girls aged 8-14 years who are wanting to improve their netball skills.  For further information, please see their website http://www.sporty.co.nz/netballsouth/home  This notice will be sent out again at the beginning of next term.

Newsletter 
Next week our last school newsletter will be sent out on Thursday morning as Mrs Brien is away at 10.00 am.  If you have any information required for the newsletter please send it in by next Wednesday otherwise it may not be printed thanks.

Reminders
Friday 8th - Assembly at normal time tomorrow at 2.30 pm
                  - Yr 3 & 4 reward at the swimming pool and shared lunch
                  - Yr 7 & 8 social
Tuesday 12th - Touch Rugby finals night and prize giving
Wednesday 13th - Yr 8 Intermediate Reward in Dunedin
                           -  All information in for the newsletter
Thursday 14th - End of Year Mass and Nativity starting at 6.00 pm

St Joseph's Uniform Shop
Our uniform shop will be open on the following dates:
Friday 26th January from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
Monday 29th January from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
Tuesday 30th January from 8.30 am to 9.00 am

St Kevin's College Uniform Shop
The St Kevin's College Uniform Shop will be open on the following dates during the holidays.
Wednesday 24th January - 2.00 to 6.00 pm
Friday 26th January - 2.00 to 4.00 pm
Sunday 28th January - 2.00 to 4.00 pm

Community Notices

• St Patrick's Scout Group - is in the process of rebuilding and are looking to recruit boys and girls in the Kea and Cub Pack.  Keas are aged 5 1/2 to 8 years and Cubs are aged 8 to 11 years.  years.  The 2018 year will start the second week of the school year. They meet at the Fleet Street scout hall in the North End of Oamaru.  Adults wishing to help or become leaders are also welcome.  For further information, contact Graham Keep on 027 434 4947.
• International Christmas Dinner - held on Saturday 9th December at 6.00 pm at Pembroke School Hall, Raglan St, Oamaru.  Entry is a plate of food to share.  There will be raffles, music, food from around the world.  All are welcome and bring your family and friends.  Organised by the Waitaki Multicultural Council.
• Fotographix & Lagonda Tearooms Santa Photos - will be held at Lagonda Tearooms from Monday 18th December to Saturday 23rd December from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm and Saturday is 10.00 to 1.00 pm.  Costs $5.00 each.
• Oamaru Farmers Market Spud - Tacular - held on Sunday 17th December between 9.30 am to 1.00 pm at the corner of Wansbeck and Tyne Street.  There will be rare earth potatoes, hot food and curly fries, live music and fresh produce.  It is judging day for spud in a bag competition.
• 2017 Twilight Christmas Market - held at the Victorian Precinct on Friday 22nd December from 4.30 to 7.30 pm.  There will be live music, Christmas carols, hot food, local produce, face painting, kids activities, craft stalls and gourmet gifts.
• Forrester Gallery Holiday Programme - Monday 22nd to Thursday 25th January from 11.00 am to 3.00 pm at the Forrester Gallery.  $2.00 per child and no bookings required.
• Weetbix Kids Tryathlon - held in Christchurch on Sunday 25th February or Dunedin on Sunday 11th March.

4. Diary Dates - Week 8, Term 4 2017

DECEMBER

Friday 8                    -  Yr 3 & 4 reward at the swimming pool and shared lunch

                                 -   Yr 7 & 8 Social – Yr 8 start at 6.00 pm and Yr 7 start at 7.00 pm

Tuesday 12               -  Touch Rugby finals night and prize giving

Wednesday 13          -  Yr 8 Intermediate Reward – Dunedin

Thursday 14              -  End of Year Mass at 6.00 pm – meet at school at 5.45 pm – note new time 

                                     again * 

Friday 15                  -  Last day of school for Yr 7 & 8 children

                                 -  Celebration assembly starts at 2.00 pm with announcement of 2018 leaders,

                                       Yr 8  Leaver’s certificates and speeches

Saturday 16              -  Last day of cricket for the year

Monday 18               -  School closes for term 4 at 12.30 pm

JANUARY 2018

Friday 26                   -  Uniform Shop open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm *
Monday 29                -  Uniform Shop open from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm *
Tuesday 30                -  School starts for term 1
                                  -  Uniform Shop open from 8.30 to 9.00 am *

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 6                 -  Waitangi Day (holiday)
Sunday 11                -  Commitment Mass at 9.30 am *

Monday 12               -  Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Wednesday 14          -  Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Thursday 15              - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Friday 16                  -  Commissioning Mass at 11.00 am *

Tuesday 20               - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

Wednesday 21          - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

                                 -  Cricket Shield competition for Yr 7/8 team

Tuesday 27               - Swimming lessons for Yr 4-8 at 1.00 – 2.00 pm

MARCH

Friday 2                    -  Senior school swimming sports from 9.00 to 12.00

                                 -  Cricket Shield quarter final if qualified

Sunday 11                -  Reconciliation at Mass at 9.30 am

Monday 19               -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Wednesday 21          -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm                                  

Monday 26               -  Otago Anniversary Day (holiday)

Tuesday 27               -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Wednesday 28          -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Friday 30                  -  Good Friday

APRIL

Monday 2                 -  Easter Monday

Tuesday 3                 -  Easter Tuesday

Wednesday 4            -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Thursday 5               -  Swimming lessons for NE  to Yr 3 from 1.00 0 2.00 pm

Friday 13                  -  Term 1 finishes today

Wednesday 25          -  ANZAC Day

Monday 30               -  Term 2 starts today

JUNE

Monday 4                   -  Queens Birthday (holiday)

JULY

Friday 6                      -  Term 2 finishes today

Monday 23                 -  Term 3 starts today

SEPTEMBER

Friday 28                   - Term 3 finishes today

OCTOBER

Monday 15                 -  Term 4 starts today

Monday 22                 -  Labour Day (holiday)

DECEMBER

Tuesday 19                -  Term 4 finishes today