1. Principal's News Term 2 Week 8 2021

Exploring our Past helps Determine Our Future 

Oral Language Celebration

Last year when we were considering the future of St Joseph's school the phrase, "Ka mua, ka muri," guided our thinking.  That means - we walk backwards into the future.  In te ao Maori the wisdom of the ancestors and all the knowledge of what has come before, leads us into the future, therefore we walk backwards with a view to the past.

Through our inquiry learning this year we have encouraged the children to look at our local history and how it has been curated and kept alive including the history of our local iwi, based in Moeraki.  We have considered that people have to make choices about what they keep and bring forward as their history.  This term the children have investigated their own personal histories.

Yesterday was the first stage of our celebration of the children's learning.  All children have had to write a speech about an aspect of their personal history.  The children had marking criteria and they were part of determining which speeches best met the criteria.  These were then selected for our Celebration of Oral Language.

This was an absolutely stunning celebration.  We know that our families come from a range of backgrounds and it was truly inspiring to hear the stories the children told indicating the depth of research they had undertaken, their skill in putting it together, and their confidence in presenting it.  I think one of the features of our school is how capable the children become at standing up and speaking.  They start this age 5 when they proclaim at our masses.  We are also lucky to Michele Fatafehi on staff who is a qualified speech and drama teacher.

There were some themes that went through all of the speeches and I think these really illustrate the people we are.  These themes were:

Christianity - the love and teaching of Jesus came through strongly.

Church - our families have come from all over the world and in the children's speeches, church was mentioned quite a few times.

Resilience

Courage

Adventure

Innovation

Standing up for justice

Love, and

Kindness

We are so proud to bring these qualities and stories together and know that we are winding them together to create a future here in St Joseph's and in our Catholic (and wider) community in North Otago.

There are more pictures on our Facebook page.

Dorothy wowed us with her confidence, humor, and personality

Children's Museum

On Thursday 8th July the children will be presenting the pieces they have curated in their own personal museum.  Please come and see it.  We will be open from 11.45-12.30pm. 

The junior school will be presenting in three classrooms in the juniors

Intermediate will be in the library and STEAM room (opposite the hall)

The seniors (years 4-6) will be in the hall.

Each child will have a desk where they will have their presentation and they will be ready to talk about it and explain it.  So please come and join us for this.

If you wish to bring your lunch and sit with your child to eat lunch afterwards, you are most welcome to do this.

Photography Competition

We would like to share Jessie's photos that she has entered into the Otago Museum photography competition 2021.  Her photos will be on display at the Otago Museum this Saturday.

From Jessie: "Hi, I'm Jessie, and have recently moved to Oamaru, I got into photography last year in 2020 when I was in year six. how I got interested in photography was actually because of my school teacher. She did this project with my class which was about taking photographs of different themes with an iPad, I really enjoyed doing that project, so afterwards I kept trying to get better, and I did. For my birthday this year, my parents got me photography lessons which I really enjoy. I don't have my own camera yet, but one of our neighbours is letting me borrow his for a while, anyway, that brings me to now. My next goal is to get my own camera and try different types of photography. Thanks."

Here are Jessie's pictures

Congratulations to Iverson

A piece of Iverson's artwork has been chosen to be the poster for the Forrester Gallery exhibition next term.  Well done to Iverson.

Teacher Only Days

Also please note the two TEACHER ONLY DAYS next term when school will be closed:

Monday 30th August, and Friday 10th September.

North Otago Music Festival

The intermediate department and the Dominican Choir are performing and they sound beautiful.

God Bless and Aroha

Lorraine

2. Special Character Week 8 Term 2 2021

 Special Character Focus

School Family Mass:
Thank you to Ruma Takahe-Year 7/8 for the presentation of the gospel last week. Today Ruma Hoiho-Year 5/6 was presenting the gospel at Mass. Next week's gospel presentation will be Ruma Kakapo- Year 4/5 . You are welcome to join us in celebrating Mass.

                                

Mass (Faith Facts)

More on the Mass....those assembled are now ready to listen attentively to God's Word and give thanks to God for all God has done for us. How do we do this? Well the priest says an Opening Prayer. This is called the Collect. The Collect of the Mass helps to bring together people of faith. It is called the Collect because it unites the minds and hearts of those who have come to celebrate in prayer. 

    

Faith Facts: 21^st – 25^th June (Green)

                   21^st St Alousius Gonzaga

                   22^nd St John Fisher and John the Baptist

                   24^th The Nativity of John the Baptist

We celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Throughout the centuries, the Catholic church always remembers Saint John the Baptist's birthday. But why John the Baptist? Well, if you remember, Jesus said: "I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John" (Lk 7:28). Jesus honoured John above all other men and so it is fitting that we honour him too. 

We celebrate the Solemnity On the 24th June we recall the Nativity of John the Baptist, which is the Patronal Feast Day of Christchurch Diocese. John the Baptist is about 6 month older than Jesus, and he is the one baptizes Jesus in the River Jordan at the start of Jesus' ministry, John's father is Zacharias and his mother is Elizabeth, the sister of Mary. 

Malo 'Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi (Co DRS)

3. School Notices - Week 8, Term 2 2021

 QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

Altar Servers

Saturday 26th June - David Kilgour, Millie Fogarty and Hila'atu Leo

Sunday 27th June - no one from school

Birthday Greetings to

Jac Bradley, Ian Rosas Riquelme, Milah Anderson and Angelina Pardede

Brainwave Seminars

Two events are coming up on Monday 2nd August regarding "Unravelling the Adolescent Brain" and "What does your child really need?".

"What Does Your Child Really Need?"

A child needs consistent, responsive and loving care from parents or adults in their lives.  Come along to this talk for parents and whanau with a Brainwave Kaiako.  As a parent you may feel overwhelmed by advice.  In this talk, we will share some key things with you that can help your child to reach their potential.  You will leave with a clear understanding about what you can do to give your child the best start in life.

Topics include: 

-  How the brain grows and develops

-  Why children need to feel loved

-  Help children handle stress and feel safe

-  How experiences shape healthy development.

This talk will be held at the Oamaru Library from 12.30 to 2.30 pm on Monday 2nd August and the cost is free.  Please RSVP to Sue Dundass - sue@familycare.org.nz or phone 027 603 1145.

"Unravelling the Adolescent Brain"

To feel supported and informed as a parent while providing guidance and support through this transition from childhood to adulthood.

Topics include:

-  Recognising and enhancing adolescents' strengths

-  Positive and negative aspects of risk-taking

-  The increased importance of peers

-  Changes in sleep patterns

-  Exploring the potential influence of alcohol use

-  Benefits and risks associated with social media use

This event is held at Oamaru Intermediate School on Monday 2nd August from 6.00 to 8.00 pm and the cost is free.  Please RSVP to Rebecca Meek - rebeccam@oamaruint.school.nz or phone 021 0224 0008.

Food Fair

Our school's International Food Fair is on Sunday 26th September at our school grounds where we are celebrating the many cultures we have in our school community.  Gates open at 11.00 am and food is available from 11.30 am.  $5.00 per plate and eftpos is available.

The fair will have food from the following countries: American, Chinese, Dutch, Filipino, Indian, Kiwi BBQ, Malaysian, Mexican, Pasifika and Zimbabwean.

Ice Cream Containers Wanted

The Young Vinnies are cooking some meals for the parish freezer next Thursday and require ice cream containers to put the food in.  If you have some spare ones sitting in your cupboards, please bring them to the office.

North Otago Music Festival

Ticket sales closed today and we are still waiting for the tickets to be dropped off at school so we will give them to your children when they arrive.

Parish Welfare Freezer

During the year some of our school families experience times of need; like the death of a close family member, severe illness/injury or hardship, and during these times, our Home and School give meals to these families. If you wish to donate a meal for this worthwhile cause which any family in the school can donate too, please bring the meals to the office.   Thank you to the families who have already donated meals.

If you know of a family who may need some assistance, please let Rebecca Heffernan know on 027 432 4056 or contact the office.

Reminders

Friday 25th - Technology for Yr 7 & 8

Sport Fees

A reminder to pay your winter sport fees please.

Travelling to School in the Fog

This message is from the Waitaki District Council Road Safety Coordinator for children who either cycle or scooter to school regarding foggy and miserable days.

Last week when Oamaru had thick fog across the district, there were a number of cars and cyclists who had no lights on and were hardly visible.  If your child rides, please ask them to use both hands on the handle bars and not text and ride thanks.

Uniform Shop Hours

The uniform shop will open an extra quarter of an hour from 2.15 pm to 3.00 pm on Thursday afternoons.  The shop will close sharply at 3.00 pm as Mrs Whiston has to be somewhere else by 3.15 pm.

Community Notices 

• Come join us at the Oamaru Farmers Market

  Every Sunday from 9:30 am - 1 pm at the Harbour area

  • Come and pick up your weekly supplies - a great variety of locally grown fresh seasonal produce, artisan breads and pastries, delicious homemade preserves, amazing vegan and gluten free specialties, exquisite cakes and more.
  • Join us for espresso coffee and delicious warming breakfast treats, live music and great community and company.

4. Sports Draw - Week 8, Term 2 2021

 Netball - Saturday 26th June

**  North Otago Junior Netball Goal-a-thon / Dress Up Day 

Dress Up - as a team, decide on a theme your team would like to dress up as to play their game this Saturday.  This includes the Yr 1/2 players.

Intermediate Section 2

11.00 am - St Joseph's Gold v Kurow Red – Court 7 (Oamaru Physio)

Future Ferns Year 6 (7 a-side)

11.00 am - St Joseph’s v Te Pakihi o Maru Diamonds - Court 2 

Future Ferns Year 3 & 4

10.00 am – St Joseph’s Maroon v Fenwick Flames – court 5 (Darryn Stewart Painters) 

Yr 1/2 

Please meet on court 1 (Montessori Oamaru) at 9.50 am for a 10.00 am start.

Umpires

10.00 - Lilly Kelcher and St Joseph’s Gold

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Rugby - Saturday 26th June - Excelsior Club Day

**  The first team named provides the referee

** Note the times of the game as they different to what they usually are

5/6 yrs

11.00 am - St Joseph’s v Kurow Tuis - WCCP 8

9/10 yrs - note there is no buy for this team

11.20 am - St Joseph’s/Old Boys v Excelsior  - WCCP 3

EXCELSIOR (St Joseph’s)  RUGBY TEAMS

7/8 yrs 

10.25 am - Excelsior v Maheno - WCCP 2

11/12 yrs 

11.10 am  – 11/12 United v  Valley Gold - WCCP 2

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MINIBALL AND BASKETBALL INFORMATION

** North Otago Basketball U13 Trials

There are representative trials on Sunday 27th June at the Rec Centre.  1.00 pm for girls and 2.00 pm for boys.  To be eligible for these trials you need to be born in either 2009 or 2010.  Players just need to turn up at the Rec Centre on Sunday.

There is a tournament in the July school holidays in Oamaru and there is a boys tournament in Gore on the 14th/15th August and a girls tournament in Gore in the middle of September - dates to be advised.

**  Reminders from North Otago Basketball - coaches please pass onto your players

In the next round, the draw will be a bit different with some teams playing to go into a different grade. 

Please supervise children at the Rec Centre as unfortunately some of the toilets have been left in a bit of a mess after basketball nights.  Players are to be at the Rec Centre just before their games and either sitting watching upstairs on the front court or sitting watching on the back court.

Set up information is on the notice board and also the North Otago Basketball Facebook page.

Miniball - Tuesday 29th June

The draw was unavailable at the time the newsletter was sent.  An email will be sent to all families on Monday and a copy put on the notice board at school.

Score bench 

To be notified

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Basketball - Wednesday 30th June

The draw was unavailable at the time the newsletter was sent.  An email will be sent to all families on Monday and a copy put on the notice board at school.

Score bench - 

To be notified

 

5. Diary Dates - Week 8, Term 2 2021

 

JUNE Friday 25 JULY Thursday 1 Friday 2 Monday 5 Tuesday 6 Thursday 8 Friday 9 Monday 26 AUGUST Monday 9 Monday 16 Sunday 22 Friday 27 Monday 30 SEPTEMBER Monday 6 Friday 17 Sunday 26 OCTOBER Friday 1 Monday 18 Wednesday 20 Monday 25 NOVEMBER Friday 19 Monday 29 DECEMBER Tuesday 7 Wednesday 8 Thursday 9 Friday 10 Wednesday 15

Technology for Yr 7 & 8  Assembly at 2.30 pm School Mass at 9.15 am * Young  Vinnies for Yr 7 & 8 * Terrific Thursdays at 2.15 pm * Technology for Yr 7 & 8 * Rippa rugby sessions for the whole school * North Otago Musical Festival practice and event * School Mass at 9.15 am * Children’s Museum presentation  Technology for Yr 7 & 8 * School finishes for term 2  School starts for term 3  First Communion Parent meeting 1  First Communion Parent meeting 2  First Communion Mass  School Cross Country  Teacher Only Day - school closed  North Otago Cross Country  Teacher Only Day - school closed  St Joseph’s Food Festival  School finishes for term 3  School starts for term 4  St Mary’s Interschool in Mosgiel for Yr 7/8  Labour Day - school closed  School Athletics  North Otago Athletics  Yr 7 & 8 Camp  Yr 7 & 8 Camp  Yr 7 & 8 Camp  Yr 7 & 8 Camp  School finishes for term 4

1. Principal's News Term 2 Week 7 2021

Celebration of Oral Language - Come to Breakfast

We would like to invite you to come to our celebration of oral langauge next Wednesday starting in our hall at 9.15am.  Our community kitchen in the hall will be open from 8.30am and we encourage parents, family and friends to come and share breakfast with us.  Croissants, jam, marmalade, tea, coffee and Milo will be provided.  Please take the opportunity to have a sit down and a chat and meet other parents.

Learning

I have two short video clips that I took on our playground that I'd like to use to share some thoughts about learning.

Learning is natural.  It is not something we "do to" children through teaching.  I believe that teaching is about picking up specifics in a learning process and providing a bridge between what is already known and the next step.  At the same time as this though there is a whole range of new information and skills being taken on board all the time that we have no direct "control" over - and that is brilliant.  The way we are doing student reporting through Seesaw is moving us into a more narrative-type reporting.  We are trying to create rich learning experiences which give us opportunities for direct and targeted teaching but which, in themselves, are experiences of learning and growth.  

The questionings and wonderings that came through last term when we did our visits in our local area have deepened this term into questionings and wonderings about the children's own lives and their families.  All around the school, children are preparing for their "Children's Museum" and for their oral language presentations.  Children are walking around with cue cards, sitting in quiet places practicing and giving feedback to each other.  They are talking about their families, interesting things they never knew and about the places they have come from and who they are.  When learning is rich and natural it goes way beyond the classroom.

A lovely example of this is Milah here who sat me down in the playground at lunchtime to insist on sharing her speech.  

Another great example is this group of children playing "Buses."  I've done drama lessons in my time with learning intentions such as: the children will group together to create a representation of an object; the children will improvise how people might interact with this object; the children will collaborate so that they combine shared movements and voice; the children will work as a team so that each player has a role to play.  Now in this "Buses," example, the children grouped together using a piece of playground equipment to create a bus; children ran in and joined or left just as people might jump on and off a city bus; they collaborated without a team leader but nevertheless figured out where they were going with each verse and the combined actions, and they sang in tune.  I wouldn't add much more to this as an effective drama lesson that didn't need a teacher.  Well done to our clever children.

Rippa Tournament

I was very privileged to spend the day with our Rippa Team yesterday.    The year 5 and 6 Rippa team have had a great season.  They qualified from the North Otago tournament to represent North Otago and played teams from mid and South Canterbury in Timaru, winning two games, drawing two and losing one.  Lee Woodhouse coached them during lunchtimes and he and Paula Brien focused on them being a team.  There certainly was no "I' in this team.  Even though they are of different ages and from different classes, they worked as one.  Well done to the team and what a great experience they had!

The team enjoyed meeting Kendra Cocksedge, Black Ferns halfback

Learner Capabilities

As part of our Seesaw reporting, we are hoping you are becoming aware of the Learner Capabilities we are helping the children to grow.  For each stage of their school life, there are particular attitudes and skills which they need to develop.  These are based on the key competencies and principles of the New Zealand Curriculum and we have illustrated what they look like at St Joseph's School.  Please cross-reference these with the work your children are sharing through Seesaw and hopefully, you will be able to see them in action in your child.

Click on the link for a better view of the document.

We held two information sessions this week for parents to help understand our reporting and feedback was that sharing our learning progressions was useful and so I will email these out to families for those who would like to cross-reference further.

Reminders

Mufti Day and Sausage Sizzle

Our annual International Food Festival is Sunday 26th September at St Joseph's.  On Thursday, 24 June, we will be having a mufti day (please bring a gold coin donation) and a sausage sizzle for lunch.  The sausages will be $2 for sausage and bread.  Please bring the $2 on Tuesday 22nd and orders will be taken in the office before school.

Teacher Union Meetings

All teachers are attending a compulsory union meeting next Tuesday at 1.30pm.  They will be leaving school at lunchtime.  I will be on site with the support staff.  School is open but I recommend that you collect your child at lunchtime if you can.  Children who are at school in the afternoon will be supervised in the hall by myself and the support staff.  If you pick up at 12.30pm please go to the classroom verandahs and tell the class teacher you are picking up.  If it is after that please sign them out at the office. 

Also please note the two TEACHER ONLY DAYS next term when school will be closed:

Monday 30th August, and Friday 10th September.

God Bless and Aroha

Lorraine

2. 2. Special Character Week 7 Term 2 2021

Faith Facts

Week 7: 14^th- 18^th June (Green)

              19^th  June- Suzanne Aubert's Birthday

Suzanne Aubert, better known as Sister Mary Joseph and Mother Aubert, was a trail blazer in New Zealand; devoting her life to looking after our sick and poor at a time when social services didn't exist. She also published a key Maori text, broke in a hill farm, manufactured medicines and supported families through the Depression. 

                                              

Pope Francis Prayer Intention for June
The Beauty of Marriage: 
Let us pray for young people who are preparing for marriage with the support of a Christian Community: may they grow in love, with generosity, faithfulness and patience.

The Sign of the Cross is primarily a blessing. We use it to call God's blessing upon us. 

When we make the Sign of the Cross upon ourselves, we are also expressing our belief in God and the Trinity. Through it, we remind ourselves of God's love for us, of the sacrifice Jesus made to give us eternal life, and of the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.

The Sign of the Cross also gives us a way to express our belief in Jesus' death and our hope in the Resurrection.

So while making the Sign of the Cross may sometimes seem like a routine action, it is not. It marks us as Christians and is a visible expression of our belief and hope in God. 

(From https://stjoseph-marysville.org/faqsignofthecross.htm)

Special Character Focus

School Family Mass

Thank you to Ruma Kereru-Year 1/2 for the presentation of the gospel last week. Today Ruma Takahe-Year 7/8 was presenting the gospel at Mass. Next week's gospel presentation will be Ruma Hoiho-Year 5/6. You are welcome to join us in celebrating Mass.

Mass (Faith Facts)

The Gloria: The Gloria is prayed after the Penitential Act. It is an ancient hymn dating to the early Church. It is prayed every Sunday, except during Advent and Lent, as well as on solemnities and feasts of the Lord. The Gloria brings together images and phases from Scripture and Tradition. Do you realise that it begins with the words of the angels to the shepherds on the night of Christ's birth? 

Malo 'Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi (Co DRS)

3. School Notices - Week 7, Term 2 2021

 QUOTE FOR THE WEEK

" You don't get what you wish for, you get what
 you work for"

Altar Servers

Saturday 19th June - Isaiah Castro and King Melecio

Sunday 20th June - no one from school

Birthday Greetings to

Lydia Martin

Celebration of Oral Language

The four finalists from each class will present their speeches at 9.15 am in the hall.  Everyone is most welcome to attend.

Footwear

As we get more into the winter months and the grounds are getting muddier, we are asking the children to bring another pair of shoes which they can wear on the grass to save their school shoes.  The school shoes can then be worn inside or they can bring a pair of slippers to wear inside if their school shoes get muddy.

Junior School Swimming Dates

The junior school is booked in for their annual swimming lessons in the last two weeks of term 3.  This is a heads up for the families who will be booking their lessons for next term. The dates are:

Tuesday 21st September

Wednesday 22nd September

Thursday 23rd September

Tuesday 28th September

Wednesday 29th September

Thursday 30th September

North Otago Music Festival Tickets

This festival is on Tuesday 6th July at 7.00 pm in the Oamaru Opera House.  This is a ticketed event and St Joseph's school has been allocated 2 tickets per family of the children singing at this festival.  The tickets are $10.00 each and can be bought from the school office or online.  Please reference it as music tickets. Tickets need to be bought before Friday 25th June as any unsold tickets after that date will be given to schools who have waiting lists.  A paper notice has already gone home with your child.

Reminders

Friday 18 - technology for Yr 7 & 8

Tuesday 22 - money in for sausage sizzle

                   - teacher's union meeting - children can be collected from 12.30 pm

                   - board of trustee meeting

Wednesday 23 - pie and milo day

                         - celebration of oral language at 9.15 am

Thursday 24 - sausage sizzle and mufti day

Sport

The weekly sports draw is further down the blog.  There are still some sport fees outstanding which need to be paid as soon as possible.

Rugby - Yr 7/8 rugby camp held at Waitaki Boys High School in the July school holidays.  A flyer regarding this is attached to the email.

Winter Sports Fees

There are some winter sports fees that are still outstanding.  Please ensure they are paid asap or there is a prepayment plan in place.

Community Notices

• Come join us at the Oamaru Farmers Market

  Every Sunday from 9:30 am - 1 pm at the Harbour area

  • Come and pick up your weekly supplies - a great variety of locally grown fresh seasonal produce, artisan breads and pastries, delicious homemade preserves, amazing vegan and gluten free specialties, exquisite cakes and more.
  • Join us for espresso coffee and delicious warming breakfast treats, live music and great community and company.

  
  

Photos of  last week's Junior Quads of netball and futsal

4. Sports Draw - Week 7, Term 2 2021

 Netball - Saturday 19th June

**  North Otago Junior Netball Goal-a-thon / Dress Up Day - Saturday 19th June 

Dress Up - as a team, decide on a theme your team would like to dress up as to play their game this Saturday.  This includes the Yr 1/2 players.

Intermediate Section 2

9.00 am - St Joseph's Gold v OIS Stars– Court 8 (Oamaru Sport & Outdoors)

Future Ferns Year 6 (7 a-side)

10.00 am - St Joseph’s v Kurow White - Court 2 

Future Ferns Year 3 & 4

10.00 am – St Joseph’s Maroon v Pembroke Strikers – court 6 (LJ Hooker) 

Yr 1/2 

Please meet on court 1 (Montessori Oamaru) at 9.50 am for a 10.00 am start.

Umpires

There were no umpires at the time the sports draw was typed.  Please check the North Otago Netball Facebook page.

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Rugby - Saturday 19th June

**  The first team named provides the referee

5/6 yrs

10.00 am - Valley Gold v St Joseph’s - Weston

9/10 yrs 

10.00 am - St Joseph’s/Old Boys v Union Maheno  - WCCP 5

EXCELSIOR (St Joseph’s)  RUGBY TEAMS

7/8 yrs 

Excelsior has the bye

11/12 yrs 

11.00 am  – Valley Blue v 11/12 United - Weston

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MINIBALL AND BASKETBALL INFORMATION

Please ensure you do your score bench duty otherwise the teams lose their competition points and there has to be an adult sitting at the score bench.

Miniball - Tuesday 22nd June

5.45 pm - St Joseph’s Breakers v Ardgowan Black - back court

6.15 pm - St Joseph’s Rebels v Pembroke Rockets - back court

Score bench 

no score bench duty this week

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Basketball - Wednesday 23rd June

St Joseph’s Cavaliers have the bye this week

Score bench - 

no score bench duty this week