Principal's News Term 1 Week 1 2021

A warm welcome back to school and to our new students and their families

We welcomed our students to our first whole school prayers on Monday morning by giving each child a shell or stone from the beach.  They reflected on how even though these look similar, they are all unique and different and you cannot compare one to another.  It is the same for the children, they all have gifts and talents and each is unique and perfect in their own way.  We encouraged the children to feel gratitude for their many blessings and reminded them that God loved them and knew them intimately even before they were born.

We also considered how lucky we are that we can read and speak the Word of God in our school and that we through being called to God's family we are also prophets to the nations:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5).

Family and parish Mass

Fr Wayne is back from health leave and we would like to start the year with a special mass for our school community and parish.  It would be fantastic if all families could join us for this.  It is on Sunday 14th February at 9.30am in the Basilica.  Afterwards we will have a sausage sizzle at St Joseph's.  If the weather is half way fine we will have some water play for children so please bring togs. 

Year 8 Leadership Assembly

The year 8s will have a blessing from Fr Wayne at school/parish mass next Thursday (11th) before heading off to a two day leadership retreat.  They will share some of their leadership work and receive their leadership badges in Friday 19th assembly which will be an extended assembly starting at 2pm

Here are a selection of images from our first week back.

Lilly and her technology team set up the audio visual system at mass for the first time

Our year 8 leaders led our first mass

Everyone is wearing sunhats

Enjoying carpentry

and water play

Before School Care
We have before school care available from 8am each morning in the library.  Please let the office know if you wish your child to attend Before School Care.  It has been some time since there has been a price increase and Before School Care now costs $10 for the week or $3 a day.  

School Website
A reminder that our school website can be found by Googling "St Joseph's Oamaru."  It has links to our curriculum, this newsblog, uniform, stationary, enrolments, and any other main information you might need about the school.

Concerns and Complaints
We try to resolve any concerns at the lowest level by having a conversation with the person.  We have an open door policy and encourage you to let us know if you are concerned about anything and are always happy to have a conversation.  Our concerns and complaints procedure is on the school website at this link.

International Food Fair
Is there anyone who would like to step forward as a volunteer for the Home and School to coordinate our International Food Fair this year?  It requires good organisation and communication and is a very rewarding experience.  It could suit someone who would like to update their CV or anyone who would enjoy networking in the community and organising a valuable school fund-raiser and community gathering.

Goal Setting Meetings

Please note all teachers would like to meet with the parents of all the children for a 10 minute conversation about your child as a learner and setting up for success in 2021.  The meetings are scheduled for 23 and 24 February.

To book your time go to: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/

and use event code: cwrq7

Please keep a check on the swimming dates so that your child does not miss out on swimming and thank you to the parents who have volunteered to walk with classes.

Aroha and God Bless

Lorraine Frances-Rees