1. Principal News Week 1 Term 4

Pet Day
Welcome back to a new term and the final one for the year. There are many children looking forward to our Pet Day tomorrow and a big thank you to our School Council and Year 8 leaders who helped to make this School Council dream a reality. During my eight years as principal here, many children have asked to hold a Pet Day. This is the first year that a detailed action plan for the event was prepared on a google document and emailed to me. Such are the benefits of technology. A special thank you to our Year 8 School Councillor, Abigail Jenkinson, who was supported by Mekeisha Hurley in preparing the plans for the day. You can read more about the details for our Pet Day on this link. 
Thank you to Jeff Spillane and Veterinary Centre, Oamaru for organising the sponsored prizes for our inaugural Pet Day event.

Student Blogger of the Week

This week's student blogger is Joel Kunnethedan our Year 8 Head Boy. Joel captured my attention with this informative video he recently uploaded to his blog. He produced it together with fellow Year 8 leader Zach Dickie as part of their inquiry around environmental issues from last term. Well done Zach and Joel for this compelling video. You can also read about Joel's plans to be an aeronautical engineer and how to be a good peer mediator by going to this link.

Response to feedback

Thank you for the end of Term 3 survey information emailed to me about engagement in learning at St Joseph's. I will share our responses to your feedback in next week's newsblog.

Faith Refreshers

Unfortunately no-one from our school family has indicated an interest in attending any of these sessions that have been provided to update our understanding on what we believe and practise as Catholics.

Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, our school is part of our faith community and who we are reflects our beliefs.  It is not too late to register as it an opportunity to socially engage with others with a cup of tea afterwards.  Please contact Jocelyn Marsh on 434 8073 or Jan Plieger on 437 0077 if we can take you.

St Kevin's BYOD information session

We have received an invitation for our Year 8 parents or any families interested in learning about devices at St Kevin's. Unfortunately this date clashes with our Home & School ladies night and the Faith Refresher evening. However, there will be another opportunity to learn more about the use of devices and modern learning environments at St Kevin's College during the Year 8 Orientation Day on Tuesday 24th November.

Shake Out drill

Today we participated in the national earthquake drill. I am pleased to say that it went very well. Our next drill will be a Tsunami drill. We do a termly fire drill to ensure our children are well prepared for an emergency.

Every blessing for the final term as we continue to Reach for the Stars as Lifelong Learners in the Catholic faith.

2. Special Character - Week 1, Term 4

This year we have decided to support 'OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD'.  A note came home yesterday to explain how you can help. The link below will show you some of the places these boxes are sent to and how much they are appreciated.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

For parents of the children entering the Sacramental Programme in Term 4 (mainly Year 3 children) these talks will be invaluable. In particular, Catholic Essentials and Celebrating Sacraments. These talks are not only for Catholics but for all parents of children (both Catholic and Non-Catholic) who have recently been through the sacramental programme 2014-2015 and parents who are interested in the Catholic Faith. In fact these talks are invaluable to ALL of us who are on this faith journey together. 

October is the Month of 'The Holy Rosary'.  The Rosary is a special devotion to Mary. Many Catholics say the Rosary as a Weapon of Peace'. During prayers this week in classes and at Kotuitui we have been sharing prayers that we say during the Rosary. The display in the entrance foyer will explain what the Rosary means to us as Catholics.

How to say the Rosary.

Ann Dooley
Co/DRS

3. School Notices - Week 1, Term 4 2015

Altar Servers

Saturday 17th October - Joseph &  Sebastian Spillane, Maximus Fatafehi, and Vince Vidallon

Sunday 18th October - Cameron & Laura Mather, Antonia Black and Sebastian Whiston

Birthday Greetings to:

Mariah Cunningham, Corbin Fraser, Lavina Ma, Patrick Spillane, Chloe Bartley, Lincoln Davison, Levi Crowder and Samuel Plieger

School Athletics
A more detailed letter will be out next week in the blog and we require many parent helpers to help out.  Please let Mrs Souness know if you can help out and for how long as the senior athletics goes all day.

Home and School
Raffle - Can all families who have not yet brought in their donation for the Christmas themed raffle which was due at the end of last term please do so by tomorrow.  The raffle prizes go in the box outside the office and the $10 goes into the office.  Less than half the school have donated so far and we need the prizes/money to make decent raffle prizes.  Thank you to the families who have already donated their prizes or money.

Ladies Night - a reminder that the St Joseph's Home & School Ladies Night will be held next Thursday 22nd October at The Last Post restaurant at 7.30 pm.  Every mum at school is welcome to come along and receive a complimentary glass of wine and some nibbles and meet other mums in a social atmosphere.  Please RSVP your invite to Adele Whiston by either emailing her at gaswhiston@xtra.co.nz or text your name to 027 434 3338 by Monday 19th October.

Congratulations
To all students who participated in various sports throughout the holidays.  We would love to have a photo or two and a note to say how they got on to share with our school community.

Welcome

Lester Cavinta

Xiaohui Li

We warmly welcome Lester Cavinta to our Yr 6 class and Xiaohui Li, Georgia Thornley and Iverson Wylie-Taukolo to our new entrants class.

Georgia Thornley

Iverson Wylie-Taukolo

Parish Christmas Float
The parish are inviting people who would like to be on a committee to organise a float portraying the real image of Christmas at this years Christmas parade. If you are interested in helping out and your child is able to attend the parade, please contact Maurice on 027 519 9123.

Summer Sport
Touch Rugby - the draw for Touch Rugby was unavailable the time the news blog went to print. Please check the notice board or the North Otago Junior Touch Facebook page for the draw.

Cricket
In an attempt to get more children (including girls) playing cricket, there will be 3 different grades this year.

1.  Super Star Cricket - aimed at Yr 1-3 children
     -  plastic bat and ball
     -  held at Weston Park on Thursdays at either 4.00 or 4.30 pm and will go for an hour
     -  will be 8 aside
     -  Mr Fowler is happy to coach this team and will drive the children out to Weston if they need a
        ride.
     -  Starting day is Thursday 29th October.

2.  5th Grade - aimed at Yr 4-6 children
     -  20/20 cricket
     -  playing Saturday mornings
     -  8 aside
     -  wooden bat and composite ball
     -  training on Wednesdays at 3.30 pm at St Kevin's
     -  Mr Fowler is happy to coach this team
     -  Starting day is Saturday 24th October (Labour Weekend) if players are available otherwise it
        will start Saturday 31st October.

3.  4th Grade - aimed at Yr 7-8 children
     -  25 overs an innings
     -  playing Saturday mornings
     -  10/11 aside
     -  wooden bat and cricket ball
     -  Glyn Cameron is happy to coach this team
     -  training on Wednesdays at 3.30 pm at St Kevin's
     -  Starting day is Saturday 24th October (Labour Weekend) if players are available otherwise it
        will start Saturday 31st October.

Mr Fowler is overseeing the cricket and would like to put the children in a team based on their age in an attempt to get more children playing with their friends if possible. The Super Star cricket requires another 4-5 players, the 5th Grade requires another 2-3 players and the 4th Grade requires another 3-4 players.  Please let Mrs Souness know if your child is interested in playing cricket this term.

Gardening in Schools
Bianca MacNeill is the Waitaki Community Gardens gardener and helps out with the school gardens including St Joseph's.  She has a school gardens blog which can be accessed by http://waitakischoolgardens.blogspot.co.nz/

Community Notices

• North Otago Tennis - following are the details for the start of the season.  Juniors - this Friday at Waitaki Girls High School (WGHS) courts.  This is an opportunity to have a hit and get put into your team for the season.  Seniors - this Thursday at WGHS courts.  Hot Shots - will start Friday 30th October at WGHS courts.  Don't forget to register and pay online at www.northotagotennis.com so you don't miss out on yet another great season.
• Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser - held at the Aoraki Polytechnic Campus on Thursday 22nd October from 9.00 am to 2.30 pm.  This is a Beauty Therapy Treatment where you can receive a La Clinica Facial for $30 for 1 hour or Mini Manicures for $10 for 30 minutes.  Bookings are essential and $5 deposit is required to secure the booking.  For further information or reservations contact Ruth or Kellie on 0800 426 725 ext 715.
• North Otago A & P Pet Day - being held on Sunday 1st November at the showgrounds.  All animals catered for.  There will be fancy dress, lamb drinking race, a great family day out and lunch will be available to purchase. More information on Facebook or email oamarushow@xtra.co.nz
• Weston School Fireworks - held on Friday 6th November at the Weston Sports Domain, Oamaru at 7.00 pm.  Tickets for adults and high school children cost $10, primary school children $5 and pre-schoolers are free.  Tickets available from Brackens Print, TK Hire, Weston school office or at the gate.  Flyer attached.
• Schola Cantorum of Christchurch - sing Early Renaissance sacred music in the magical soundspace of St Patrick's Basilica, Oamaru on Sunday 15th November at 1.30 pm.  Entry is $15 or $10 (senior/unwaged student) and children under 14 are free.
• Altrusa Christmas Extravaganza - held on Wednesday 25th November at 7.00 pm  at the Oamaru Club.  Tickets cost $15 and are available from Tangibles and Neet Feet.  Flyer attached.

4. Sunsmart Schools Update

SunSmart message in your Newsletter/Website

In Term 1 & 4 its important to remind staff, students and your school community to be SunSmart. 
That means wear a wide-brimmed or bucket hat, sunscreen and seek shade.
When the Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) level is 3+ you can burn easily. Sunburn = skin damage! 



For more information on skin cancer prevention please visit http://www.sunsmartschools.org.nz/  

UV App for Android to download (free)

The Cancer Society has supported this new App that uses data from the weather experts at NIWA. The App shows you the UV level throughout the day in your location, and recommends the time you need to seek shade and wear sunscreen and protective clothing like a hat and long sleeved shirts. An iPhone version is in development....
A useful learning tool for older students perhaps?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jgrburke.uv_forecasts&hl=en 

5. Diary Dates - Week 1, Term 4 2015

OCTOBER

Friday 16                   -  Pet Day

Thursday 22             -  Open Morning from 11.00 am to 12.00 pm

                                      -  Young Vinnies – Yr 8

                                      -  Yr 8 parent helper meeting for camp from 6.30 to 7.30 pm

                                      -  Pasifika Success FIAFIA  EVENING

Monday 26                 -  Labour Day

Tuesday 27                -  Home & School raffle cards to be sent home to each family

                                      -  Keeping Ourselves Safe programme for Yr 7 & 8 *

                                      -  Board of Trustees meeting *

Thursday 29              -  Yr 7 Early Childhood Buddies and Young Vinnies *

Saturday 31               -  Filipino Mass at Glenavy at 7.00 pm *

NOVEMBER

Tuesday 3                  -  Senior school athletics

Wednesday 4            -  Yr 8 parent helpers meeting for camp from 6.30 to 7.30 pm

Thursday 5                -  Yr 8 Young Vinnies *

Friday 6                      -  Multicultural Celebration Day

Monday 9                  -  Yr 8 Camp to  Staveley

                                     -  Home and School Raffle Cards due back today
                                     -  Junior School Athletics *

Tuesday 10               -  Yr 8 Camp to Staveley

                                     -  Sacramental Programme in Ruma Koru from 7.00 to 8.00 pm *

Wednesday 11         -  Yr 8 Camp to Staveley

Thursday 12             -  Yr 8 Camp to Staveley

                                      -  Yr 7 Early Childhood Buddies and Young Vinnies *

Friday 13                   -  Yr 8 campers arrive back in Oamaru

Tuesday 17                -  Yr 7 Camp to IONA

Wednesday 18          -  Yr 7 Camp to IONA

                                       -  Pasifika Fono from 6.00 to 7.00 pm

Thursday 19              -  Yr 7 Camp to IONA

                                      -  Yr 8 Young Vinnies *

Friday 20                    -  Yr 7 Camp to IONA

Monday 23                 -  North Otago Athletics

                                       -  Sacramental Programme in Ruma Koru from 7.00 to 8.00 pm *

Tuesday 24                -  Yr 8 Orientation Day at St Kevin’s *

Wednesday 25          -  Family Learning Hui from 6.00 to 7.00 pm

                                      -  Pagsasama from 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Thursday 26              -  Technology for Yr 7 & 8 at St Kevin’s College

Friday 27                    -  Technology for Yr 7 & 8 at St Kevin’s College

DECEMBER

Thursday 3                -  Technology for Yr 7 & 8 at St Kevin’s College *

Friday 4                      -  Technology for Yr 7 & 8 at St Kevin’s College *

1. Principal's news, week 10 Term 3

Student slideshow of the week
This week I would like to share a slideshow. Last week, I came across a group of boys working diligently on a project in the corridor outside Senior Hub 1. I was impressed with the way they were collaborating and sourcing information to put into their own words. These students were in Year 4. Here is a link to their very informative slideshow entitled "The Ozone". I asked Liam to share the slideshow with me so I could read it in more detail and decided to share their learning with you this week. Thanks for sharing this informative slideshow Liam Cameron, Magnus Heaphy and Cody Marshall.

Singing Cup

Thanks Mrs Brookes for organising this year's Singing Cup and for the teachers and Year 8 leaders for supporting the awesome house choirs. Congratulations to Guzman for being the winners. Although Mrs Frances-Rees expressed her impartiality, I am sure she used to be a Guzman girl ! It was lovely to see Lorraine and her boys back in Oamaru for the Singing Cup. Thanks to Mrs Barbara O'Brien who judged the soloists and duets this year. All of the children were outstanding and shared their gifts and talents with us today.

Guzman House Choir

Siena House Choir

Lima House Choir

Staff news for 2016

At the end of the year we will farewell Mr Moore and Miss Huls. Mr Moore is spreading his wings and moving to Wanaka to teach at Wanaka Primary School. It is a big school with 650 students. Miss Huls is spreading her wings even further and is utilising her leadership opportunities in her new position as principal at Barrytown school on the West Coast. 

As a result, there will be some staffing changes for 2016. Our DP, Mr Paul Cartlidge is going to move upstairs and become the Year 8 teacher in 2016. Miss Morgan Tangney will reman as our Year 7 teacher. We will advertise the vacancies and will let you know more early in Term 4.

We farewell and thank Mrs Jen Gower for her work with science and maths in Term 2 and 3 in Senior Hub 2 and in Mr Cartlidge's class. This was an extra enrichment opportunity for the two terms but we have changes in place for Term 4. I know many budding scientists appreciated the rich learning Mrs Gower gave the children during her time in Senior Hubs 1 & 2.

Hub developments 

We will be making some slight changes to Senior Hub 2 and will commence this next term. 

In Term 4, as I mentioned last week, Year 8 will become a single class for their final term and prepare for the transition to high school. This means that Year 6 and 7 will operate as a two class hub for Term 4 2015.

In 2016, for term 1 and 2, Year 6 will operate as an independent class while they spend the time learning and adapting. During this time, Year 7 & 8 will work as a 2 class hub. In term 3 and 4, Year 6 & 7 will operate as a hub with Year 8 spending the final two terms as an independent class. It will look like this:

Term 1 & 2                  Yr 6 independent class                 Yr 7 & 8 Senior Hub 2

Term 3 & 4                  Yr 8 independent class                 Yr 6 & 7 Senior Hub 2

Film Group
A huge congratulations to our film making group who received 4 awards at the film festival on Monday night at the Opera House!!!  Our film - 'Lord of the Swings" achieved 2nd place out of 10 schools.  Laura won best actress, Sebastian won the best actor categories and Niveek runner up best actress.  We are so proud of you all and special thanks to Maddie Maxwell and Bridget Ellis for their work with our film group.  Thanks to Creative Communities funding for making this project possible for our school.

End of Term 3 feedback
Thanks to the four families who have responded with feedback about their children's learning opportunities so far. I am continuing to interview children and will collate and respond to your feedback in the new term. Here is the link to the feedback questions.

On behalf of the staff, we wish you and your families a wonderful term break. We thank the hardworking Home & School parents, our board of trustees, parent helpers and staff for their support for our students and look forward to welcoming you all back in summer uniform for Term 4 on Monday 12th October. Every blessing for a safe and relaxing break and savour every precious moment with your children.