Principal's News Term 4 Week 7 2020

Red Billed Gull Project

The year 4/5 class have engaged with the University of Otago in a scientific study around the red billed gulls who are endangered.  Last week Mrs Winders and Mrs Thomas attended training in the Otago Litter Education Program on the Otago Peninsula.  This also helped prepare for the Red Billed Gull Project.  We will have more information and updates on this next year. 

EOTC and Camps

Our year 6, 7 and 8 students are looking forward to camps and education outside the classroom next week.  The year 7 & 8s are going together to Wainui Camp near Akaroa.   While at camp they will go tramping, coasteering, orienteering, snorkelling, body boarding and search and rescue as well using the flying fox and giant swing.

The year 6s are staying locally and engaging in bushwalking, kayaking, rock climbing at elephant rocks, visiting the Vanished wold centre, biking and archery.  Here they are sorting their bikes out in preparation for a portion of the Alps to Ocean track.

Thank you to Mitre 10

Thank you to Mitre 10 who have provided free plants for our garden.

FOOD FOR FAITH FOR ADVENT – Father John O’Connor’s popular Food for Faith page will have daily reflections for Advent. Go to his site and sign up to get the reflections daily by email during December: www.foodforfaith.org.nz

A Warning about the Waitaki River Mouth

Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy from Oamaru Police has asked us to share a message in order to remain safe around the Waitaki River Mouth:

He is asking that people educate themselves on the river, particularly near the bar and that if they are boating or fishing on the river. They should check and service any equipment regularly, including life jackets and it is imperative that they have the ability to swim / tread water and wear their life jacket. A response to recover them after being swept out to sea will typically be around 30-50mins. If they are in a group, keep an eye on their mates and always be alert for changes in the water flows and weather conditions. Carrying a hand held marine radio and or GPS may prove valuable if they fall into the water and get into difficulty.

 

If they fall in, cold shock will hit them….they should stay calm, get onto their back and float until they regain composure and then try get themselves to shore.

Fr Wayne Away

Fr Wayne farewelled us for the year on Friday as he will be away until the new year.  Everyone got an ice cream.  We wish him all the best while he is away and will keep him in our prayers.

God Bless and Aroha

Lorraine Frances-Rees

2 Special Character Week 7 Term 4 2020

 Welcome/Kia Ora/Malo e Lelei

Faith Facts-23rd- 27th Nov

Sunday 22nd Feast of Christ the King

24th St Andrew Dung-Lac

Pope Francis on the feast of Christ the King 2018

 “Jesus wants to make it understood that above political power there is another greater one, which is not obtained with human means. He came on earth to exercise this power, which is love, “bearing witness to the truth (v. 37). It’s about divine truth that in the end is the essential message of the Gospel: “God is love: 1 John 4:8), and He wants to establish in the world His Kingdom

Special Character Focus

Religious Education: Our children's next Religious Education learning will be about 'Advent" Please go to this link to help you support your child/children during our teaching of this strand. parents-communion of saints.

 

The First Week of Advent

As we begin Advent, we light one candle in the midst of all the darkness in our lives and in the world.  It symbolizes our longing, our desire, our hope. We want to prepare for his coming to meet us at the end of our lives on this earth.

So, we begin with our longing, our desire and our hope.

“Lord, the light I choose to let into my life today is based on my trust in you.  It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today.  Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go to the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustration of some difficult relationships.  Let this candle be my reminder today of my hope in your coming.”

School and Family Mass- 

Thursday Mass

Presenting the Mass and Gospel is a service opportunity and Ministry for our children in spreading God’s word. Our children are proud of themselves every week either through singing, videoing and acting the gospel. It is a privilege for our children to serve and present the word of God. You are welcome to join us for Mass at 9:15 am on Thursday in the Basilica. 

Thank you to Year 5/6 Mrs Streat's class for the presentation of the gospel at Mass last Thursday. Today the Mass and Gospel presentation lead by Year 4/5 Mrs Winder's class.

Next Week Thursday Mass will be Year 3/4 Miss Sollano's class. 

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come and visit your people. 

We await your coming.  Come, O Lord.

Thank you/Malo 'Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi Co DRS

3. School Notices - Week 7, Term 4 2020

 QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Altar Servers

Saturday 28th November - Clarence and Rheanna Coscos and Luse Asi

Sunday 29th November - Lilly Kelcher and two others

Birthday Greetings to

Molly O'Neill and Evan Soane

Athletics

Certificate and Trophy presentation - these will be presented at assembly tomorrow starting at 2.15 pm.  All parents welcome to attend.

North Otago Athletes - on Monday we had approximately 30 children compete at the North Otago Athletics where they competed against the best from the other schools.  One thing that stood out at the athletics this year was the support and sportmanship of all athletes from all schools including our own. All children were excited to go and compete at a North Otago event this year since the swimming and cross country were cancelled due to Covid.  

Certificates will be awarded at assembly tomorrow.

Otago Athletics - last week, we had 4 children compete at the Otago Primary Schools Athletic Competition in Dunedin. Congratulations to Mya Robinson who got 2nd in the long jump, 5th place to Lisiate Hausia in the long jump and 5th place to Tadiwanashe Mandiwona in the high jump.  Thanks to Lee Woodhouse for being their manager on the day. 

This is a huge achievement to be in the top 6 placings at these athletics.

Buses - End of Year

• All buses will be running up to Friday 11th December.
• The Tokarahi driver will continue driving his run until (& including) Wednesday 16^th December. This will cater for all those St Joe’s children + any OIS students who use this bus route, out as far as whoever is the student who lives the furthest away on that route. This will also cater for any students that live in the Weston area that would normally catch the Airedale or Clifton Falls buses: dropping the students off at either Weston or at any point along the Weston-Ngapara Rd out of Weston township.
• The Maheno Bus will continue driving for those same 3 days  catering for OIS and St Joe’s students that are normally on that bus + it will be able to deliver the children that would normally travel on the Hampden or Herbert buses out as far as Maheno township.  This then will allow parents the option of only having to come that far towards Oamaru to meet up with their children, either in the morning or afternoon.
• The Maheno bus departs from outside the Bowling Club in the morning at 7.30 am for those 3 mornings and should get back to that location at approx 4.15 pm every afternoon.
• These directions represent the areas with the bulk of OIS and St Joe’s students that catch the country buses.  All others would be required to make their way to and from school via private means for those last 2-3 days of the school year.
• RE 2021: As the first high schools back next year (WGHS & SKC) return on the 1^st February 2021, the buses will start running again that day, even though WBHS does not return for another 2 days.

Camp and EOTC Fees

Please ensure these are paid before next week.

Cricket Draw - Friday 27th November

St Joseph's Intermediate A v Albion Gold at SKC 1

Connecting Coaches Conference - 27th/28th November

This a message forward from Sport Waitaki regarding an opportunity to do an online coaching conference where you get to hear from some NZ top coaches about how to 'connect, create and communicate' with your teams. There is a conference which you can attend but if you register for it, coaches, sports coordinators and club administrators will automatically get access to all presentations for up to 12 months if they register. They will therefore be able to watch/re-watch the presentations at their leisure whenever it suits.

The conference is for the 27/28th November which is tomorrow and unfortunately it was missed going in the newsletter last week. If you are interested, please register today. Further information is attached to the email.

The link to register is https://conference.oas.org.nz/

Filipino Variety Show

This variety show is on Saturday 5th December from 7.00 to 9.00 am at the Oamaru Opera House and showcases some of our students talents. The Filipino Waitaki Incorporated variety show will entertain and captivate you with rich and colourful Filipino culture, full of story, dances and music, amazing costumes and everything fascinating from the Filipino tradition.

Tickets can be purchased from the Oamaru Opera House.

Hungry Horse Cafe

A huge shout out to all our helpers who volunteered their time to help out with the Hungry Horse Cafe, especially the families who helped out multiple times.  As this year was a strange year due to Covid disruptions, the Home and School still managed to raise $7820 even though they missed 3 race meetings.  Massive thanks to Rebecca Heffernan and her team for coordinating this worthwhile fundraiser.

The 2021 dates for the first part of the year are below and if you can help out, please leave your name at the office or contact Rebecca Heffernan. There are usually about 10-12 race meetings a year and each family is expected to take one turn at helping out.

-  Wednesday 10th February

-  Sunday 28th February 

-  Wednesday 10th March

-  Sunday 28th March

Junior Nativity

A notice has been emailed to all junior parents regarding the Junior Nativity.  The children are preparing their Nativity presentation for the Prize Giving Liturgy on December 15th at the Basilica at 6.00 pm.  (All junior school children are required to be at school in their classrooms by 5.40 pm in order to be dressed in their costumes).

Below is a description of what the children require for costuming and if you can help in any way with items of clothing it would be greatly appreciated.

• all children are to wear bare feet
• all girls to wear a white singlet and pe shorts with hair tied up
• all boys to wear a black singlet and pe shorts

We are hoping to borrow theses costumes - animal onesies e.g. sheep, cow, dog bunny etc and white angel wings.

• All 6 year old boys and Mele, Ayla, Ivan, Molly M and Molly O need to bring a tea towel and a mans tie.
• Aria, Sephrin, Siale, Hila'atu, Manu, Roger, Zachary, Nehusita, Sesilia, Emily, Taylor, Olivia, Emma, Alexander and Dihviyn - personal cultural costumes please.
• Other costumes will be provided for.  Many thanks Junior School Team.

Reminders

Friday 26 - Technology for Yr 7 & 8

                -  Athletic trophies and certificates presented

                -  Scholastic Book Club orders due back

                -  All library books due back 

Wednesday 2 - school camps for Yr 7 & 8

                      -  EOTC for Yr 6

Thursday 3  - school camps for Yr 7 & 8

                    -  EOTC for Yr 6

Road Patrol

All children who did road patrol have been given a notice regarding a school patrol reward happening on Monday 7th December (week 9).  Please return the permission slip to the office.

School Photos

Tomorrow the children will be given a notice and proofs about how to order your school photos online through PhotoLife. The online system means parents can access, view and order their child's photos online.  The Online system works off each student's name giving them an individual Photo Access Key to view and order their photographs.  

St Joseph's free delivery period expires at midnight on Sunday 6th December, after that you will have to pay for the delivery charge.

Thank You

A big thank you to Oamaru Shingle Supplies who kindly donated the sand for our long jump pit.  This kind donation enabled the children to practice their long jumping for their sports day.

Winter Sports Uniforms

Please return all winter sports uniforms by tomorrow otherwise you may be charged for them.  These were supposed to be returned in the first two weeks of this term.

Community Notices

• OSCAR Summer Holiday Programme: 
  17th-23rd December – Christmas crafts and activities.
  11th-29th January.  Come and enjoy the fun of the Fair at our Carnival themed programme – Bouncy castle, carnival activities and games, trips, baking, swimming, water sliding, grass-sliding and more.  To book google Enrolmy Oamaru and follow the link.

4. Diary Dates - Week 7, Term 4 2020

 

NOVEMBER Friday 27 DECEMBER Tuesday 1 Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 Friday 4 Monday 7 Tuesday 8 Thursday 10 Friday 11 Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 FEBRUARY Monday 1

Scholastic Book Club orders due back today  All library books due back today  Athletic trophies presented at 2.15 pm assembly  Technology for Yr 7 & 8  Intermediate school camp  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Road Patrol reward * Board of Trustee meeting at 6.00 pm  Multicultural Day  Junior Disco  Yr 7 & 8 Formal  Junior Nativity & Senior Prize-giving  Yr 8 speeches * Yr 8 leaders for 2021 announced * School finishes at 12.30 pm for term 4  School starts for term 1

1. Principal's News Term 4 Week 6 2020

 St Joseph's School

The big news this week is that Bishop Michael has made his decision about the future location of the school.  The school is to stay at our present location and have significant upgrades.  This is very exciting for us as we can now start planning for our future in earnest.  

Enviroschools Update

Last week St Joseph's hosted other Enviroschools from North Otago.  Last year we did a vision map of the school grounds but our uncertainty around location has held things back.  Now we can start applying for funding and taking steps to make some of our dreams reality.  Our visitors gave positive feedback about the development and location of our gardens, particularly that they are so close to classrooms thus bringing the learning into the environment and the environment into the learning.  

The other schools also liked our logs.  Our caretaker Mr Jergelsma cut them up and the children can use them in creative play.  These pictures show some earnest house-building.

Welcome Mass

We had a lovely welcome mass on Saturday welcoming new families from all over the world and some not so new.  Ann McGeown (Mrs Dooley's Mum) recalled how she arrived 50 years ago on a boat from Ireland with 6 children.  Her children went through St Joseph's, and her grandchildren and now her first great grandchild, Lydia.  Her story was met with resounding applause in the church.

Year 8s informal mass

The year 8s and their families celebrated an informal mass with Fr Wayne last night.   Fr Wayne is leaving us next week to have an operation and will not be back before the end of term. 

God Bless and Aroha

Lorraine Frances-Rees

2. Special Character Week 6 Term 4 2020

Welcome/Kia Ora/Malo e Lelei

Faith Facts

Week 6 16th - 20th Nov

17^th St Elizabeth of Hungary

21^st Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Sunday 22nd Feast of Christ the King

Pope Francis said that November 21 is the date upon which we celebrate Pro Orantibus Day (for those who pray) marking the liturgical feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Temple.

The day is dedicated to those who belong to contemplative religious orders, and the Pope said It’s a good opportunity to thank the Lord for the gift of so many people who, in monasteries and hermitages, dedicate themselves to God in prayer and silent work”.
“Let us give thanks to the Lord – he added for their testimonies of cloistered life and he urged the faithful to lend their spiritual and material support to these brothers and sisters of ours so that they can carry out their important mission”.

Special Character Focus

Religious Education: Our children next Religious Education learning will be about 'Advent" Please go to this link  to help you support your child/children during our teaching of this strand. parents-communion of saints 

Gospel Reflection-The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King

Ezekiel:34:11-12, 15-7

Psalm: 23:1-2, 2-3. 5-6

Matthew 25:3-46

Today’s responsorial psalm reminds me of the Sunday School teacher who decided to have her young class memorize Psalm 23 and gave them a month to do so. Little Rick, one the boys in the class, was very excited about the task but he just couldn’t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the whole congregation, Rick was very nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped to the microphone and said proudly, “The Lord is my shepherd, and that’s all I need to know.”

In many respects, Rick got it. All we really need to know is that the Lord is our shepherd. And that he cares for us. The first reading from Ezekiel is filled with words and phrases that exhibit this care: “look after”; “tend”; “rescue”; “pasture”; “give them rest”; “seek out”; “bring back”; “bind up the injured”; “heal the sick”.

The kingship of Christ that we celebrate today is a kingship of care. Care for all but particularly for the least ones: the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, the ones in prison. The disciples are invited to care for these because in doing so they care for Jesus who identifies with these least ones. Today’s feast both consoles as well as challenges us. We are consoled by the Lord’s care for us, which is indeed comforting during these days of the pandemic. At the same time, we are reminded that we are called to care for one another, particularly the least among us.   by Nicky Santos S,J.

School and Family Mass- 

Last Saturday we celebrated Mass for our new families and presented them bibles donated by Home and School. Thank you for all our families who attended and celebrated with us in this holy Eucharist.

Last Night- 18/11 the year 8 had their leavers mass with Fr Wayne teachers and families. They were  presented with the candles which are a personal gift from Fr Wayne before he goes on medical leave.

Thursday Mass

Presenting the Mass and Gospel is a service opportunity and Ministry for our children in spreading God’s word. Our children are proud of themselves every week either through singing, videoing and acting the gospel. It is a privilege for our children to serve and present the word of God. You are welcome to join us for Mass at 9:15 am on Thursday in the Basilica. 

Thank you to Piwakawaka Year 7 Mrs Herbst and Mrs Dooley's class for the presentation of the gospel at Mass last Thursday. Today the Mass and Gospel presentation lead by Year 6 Mrs Streat's class.

Next Week Thursday Mass will be Year 4/5 Mrs Winders' class. 

Thank you/Malo 'Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi Co DRS

3. School Notices - Week 6, Term 4 2020

 QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Altar Servers

Sunday 22nd November - Lachie & Mikayla Criddle and Serah Staju

Saturday 21st November - Alexie Phillips and Indeg Jones-Hogan

Birthday Greetings to

Luse Asi and Stirling Heffernan

Buses

All the buses will be running till Friday 11th December and the Maheno, Tokarahi and Town buses will run to Wednesday 16th December.  If you live further south than Maheno, you are able to travel to Maheno and catch the bus from there.

Stolen Tennis Net

Last Sunday, some despicable low life people stole the black tennis net from our court which they had to cut down from the poles.  It was stolen between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm. If anybody comes across any information regarding the missing net, please contact the school.

There has been quite vandalism to our netball and basketball courts during the last couple of years with trespasses coming in out of school hours and swinging on the hoops and bending them.  Again if anyone sees anything, please let the school know.

Athletic Trophies and Certificates

These will be presented at assembly next Friday at 2.15 pm.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Bikes

The year 6 EOTC has a cycle activity planned for one of its days where they will be biking on part of the Alps to Ocean bike track.  Unfortunately they are short of a few bikes with gears and wondered if anyone was able to kindly lend them for the day and a practice run beforehand.  They would only be used during school time.  Please contact either the office or Mrs Streat.

Choir Luncheon

This luncheon is for all choir members on Thursday 26th November from 12.40 to 1.00 pm.  Please bring a gold coin donation to help cover costs.

Cricket - Friday 20th November

St Joseph's v Albion Brothers at SKC 1

House Sale Donation

Teagan O'Connell (mum of Ellie and Nilah Clark) from PGG Wrightson will donate $500 to our school if you sole list and sell your house with her before 31st May 2021.  Please see the flyer at the bottom of the page.

Library Books

All library books have to be returned to the box outside the office by Friday 27th November.

Lost Property

There is a huge amount of lost property in the foyer.  Please come and claim what is yours and if it is unnamed, your are welcome to take it. Any unclaimed items will be disposed of at the end of the year.

Mandarin Awards

These were presented to children from the Yr 4-8 classes at assembly last week in recognition of excellence learning in Mandarin. One child was selected from each class.

Excellence Learner

Yr 4/5 - Lincoln Mandiwona

Yr 5/6 - Kaycee-Mae Gibbins

Yr 7 - Lachlan Criddle

Yr 8 - Hannah Fowler

These children entered the 11th New Zealand Chinese Calligraphy Competition and were awarded the following awards:-

Second prize - Xanthe Clarke

Merit - Mariah Cunnigham, Jana Gulinao, Eli Herbst, Aaliyah Meikle, Niki Zeng, Indeg Jones-Hogan, Warren Pardede and King Melecio.

North Otago Athletics

All the children who have qualified for the North Otago Athletics on Monday have been notified.  Permission slips have been emailed and a hard copy given out to the children.  Please either email your reply or sign the paper version to confirm if your child is attending by tomorrow.

Reminders

Friday 20th - Technology for Yr 7 & 8

                   -  Assembly starts at 2.20 pm because of ice blocks been given from Fr Wayne

Saturday 21st - Hungry Horse Cafe Fundraiser

Monday 23rd - North Otago Athletics

Tuesday 24th - HPV visits for Yr 8 students

Thursday 26th - Choir Luncheon

                        - Intermediate Camp meeting at 6.00 pm

Scholastic Book Club

All book club orders are due in by Friday 27th November.

Community Notices

• The Filipino Waitaki Incorporated presents "Kultura" - held on Saturday 5th December from 7.00 to 9.00 pm at the Oamaru Opera House.  Tickets costs $10.00 for an adult and $5.00 per child.  These can be purchased from the Oamaru Opera House. This is a variety show which is bigger, brighter and more fabulous.  Be entertained and captivated with rich and colourful Filipino culture, full of story, dances and music, amazing costumes and everything fascinating from the Filipino tradition.  

• 
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4. Diary Dates - Week 6, Term 4 2020

 

NOVEMBER Friday 20 Saturday 21 Monday 23 Tuesday 24 Thursday 26 Friday 27 DECEMBER Tuesday 1 Wednesday 2 Thursday 3 Friday 4 Tuesday 8 Thursday 10 Friday 11 Monday 14 Tuesday 15 Wednesday 16 FEBRUARY Monday 1

Yr 7 & 8 Technology  Celebration assembly at 2.15 pm  Hungry Horse Cafe  North Otago Athletics  HPV visit for Yr 8 students  Choir members lunch * Intermediate Camps Parent Helper Meeting at 6.00 pm  Scholastic Book Club orders due back today * All library books due back today * Athletic trophies presented at 2.15 pm assembly * Technology for Yr 7 & 8  Intermediate school camp  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Intermediate school camp  Yr 6 EOTC  Board of Trustee meeting at 6.00 pm  Multicultural Day  Junior Disco  Yr 7 & 8 Formal  Junior Navity & Senior Prize-giving  School finishes at 12.30 pm for term 4  School starts for term 1