1. Principal's News Term 4 Week 5 2020

 Athletics

With a damp and overcast start to the day, it was touch and go whether athletics would be able to go ahead on Tuesday.  Apart from a 15 minute break due to rain, we managed to proceed as planned.  We are very lucky and grateful to have the expertise on staff to be able to set us up a day like we had at Centennial Park this week, sharing the day with North School which adds an extra competitive element.  The children all participated well, showed good sportsmanship and experienced the full range of track and field events, with the junior school having modified events.  I'm sure there were some tired children on Tuesday evening.  

There are lots more photos on our Facebook page.

School Production

It is a very strange year where the first real time our families come together is in November.  Nevertheless we managed to do it and it was fantastic to see our community gathering for the senior school production last week.  Every child had a part to play and those who particularly shine in the performing arts, all had an opportunity to show their own particular talents.  Our biannual production is an opportunity for our year 7 & 8s to step up into the leading roles and our intermediate students definitely shone whether in leading roles or in their class pieces.  Once again, a strong effort by the staff, supported by families and the willing participation of the children, led to an interesting production of a high standard.  Thank you to our senior school.  Again, there are lots more photos on the Facebook page.

Around the School

All senior classes have had First Aid training this week from St John's ambulance.  The students have shown a lot of interest in this.

The junior school are preparing for their nativity production at the end of year prize-giving and there is some angelic singing coming out of the junior area.

The year 7 & 8s are now starting to think about preparing for their formal at the end of the year and will be learning social dancing.

Preparations are well underway for camps and EOTC activities.

Reminders for the End of Year Diary Events

Fr Wayne will be on leave from 25th November until after Christmas.  He has invited the year 8s to share a mass with him and receive his gift of candles on Wednesday 18th November at 6.00 pm.  Invitations have been sent to year 8s and their families.  

Welcome Mass for new families:  Saturday 14th November, 5pm.

Reminder - Teacher Only day, school is closed this Monday 16th November.

Home and School: Junior Disco  - Friday 11th December, 6.30pm

Home and School: Year 7 & 8 formal - Monday 14th December, starting at 5.30pm with photos for the year 8s, meal at 6.00 pm and year 7s arrive, as year 8s guests, for more photos and dancing at 7.00 pm.

Junior Nativity and Senior Prize-giving - Tuesday 15th December, 6.00 pm all families are encouraged to come.  PLEASE NOTE: everything about this ceremony will be the same as our usual send off for our year 8s, the only thing different is we won't have a priest presiding as Fr Wayne is away and supply priests are limited.  Our parish/school will do a Eucharistic liturgy, as we have done during our school masses.  Apart from this everything else will remain the same.

Final Assembly -Wednesday 16th December, 11.30 am year 8 speeches, leaver's certificates and leaders for 2021 announced.

School ends 12.30 pm Wednesday 16th December

Start date for term 1 = Monday 1st February.

God Bless and Aroha

Lorraine Frances-Rees

  

2. Special Character Week 5 Term 4 2020

 WELCOME TO WEEK 5

Faith Facts: Week 5 9th - 13th Nov

10^th St Leo the Great
11^th St Martin of Tours
11^th Armistice or Remembrance Day
Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and the end of WWI
12^th St Josaphat
15^th Nov World Day of Poor

Pope Francis releases his message for the Fourth World Day of the Poor, observed on 15 November. The Pope calls on people to keep their gaze fixed on the poor, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and warns against succumbing to a “whirlwind of indifference.”

The theme for the Fourth World Day of the Poor is “Stretch forth your hand to the poor,” taken from the book of Sirach. “Generosity that supports the weak, consoles the afflicted, relieves suffering and restores dignity to those stripped of it, is a condition for a fully human life,” Pope Francis says.

Special Character Focus

Religious Education: Our children are continue learning about 'Communion of Saints-Te Kotahitanga O Te Hunga Tapu. Please go to this link  to help you support your child/children during our teaching of this strand. parents-communion of saints 

Recognising Mary's special closeness to God we ask her to pray for us:

"Hail Mary, Full of grace,

The Lord is with you,

Blessed are you among women,

And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,

Mother of God,

Pray for us sinners,

Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

School and Family 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 Kereru Year 1/2- Misiloi's class for the presentation of the gospel at Mass last Thursday. Today the Mass and Gospel presentation lead by Piwakawaka Year 7  Mrs Herbst's & Mrs Dooley's class. 

Next Week Thursday Mass will be Year 6 Mrs Streat's class.

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God,

the constant gladness of being devoted to you,

for it is full and lasting happiness

to serve with constancy

the author of all that is good.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Thank you/Malo Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi Co DRS

3. School Notices - Week 5, Term 4 2020

 QUOTE FOR THE DAY

Altar Servers

Saturday 14th November - Paddy Spillane, David Kilgour and Isaiah Castro

Sunday 15th November - Ivy-Belle Mestrom

Athletics

As mentioned in the Principal's post, we were very lucky with the weather on Tuesday and that we were able to go ahead with the day.  Some of the children were unable to complete their high jump due to the slippery conditions and these will be finished at school next week.  A massive thank you to our amazing parent and grandparent helpers who helped out with our rotations and looked after some of our age groups.  Thank you so much for kindly giving up your time which is very much appreciated.  It was great to see parents from both schools come and support your children.

North Otago Athletics - children will be notified next week if they have qualified for this event on Monday 23rd November.  

Otago Primary School Athletics - this is on next Tuesday in Dunedin.  We have 4 children competing at this event and we wish you good luck.

Birthday Greetings to

Luke Bremner and Larnik Vincent

Cricket - Intermediate A and Superstar

Intermediate A

There is no cricket practice this afternoon as the team has a bye tomorrow night.

Superstar for Years 3-8

This is for any children from years 3-8 who would like learn how to play cricket.  There are 10 sessions of skilled fun games and a change to progress to club cricket. It costs $20.00 for the 10 weeks starting tonight on Thursday 12th November. There are 3 venues which are all played on a different day so children can go to a venue near you or a day that suits.

The days and venues are:

- Weston Fields starting Thursday 12th November from 3.30 to 4.15 pm.

-  Centennial Park starting Saturday 14th November from 9.30 to 10.15 am

-  Fenwick Primary School starting Monday 16th November from 3.30 to 4.15 pm

If you can please register your child's name at https://registrations.crichq.com/register259578

or you can register on the day.  

Mrs Brien can register you if are unable to do so. please let her know.

Found

After the school production last Thursday two items have been left behind.  A green Kathmandu jacket which is at the St Kevin's office and a black size 16 suede Pagani jacket which is at our school office.

Hungry Horse Cafe

Thanks again to the wonderful families who have offered to help with our major fundraiser for the year.

Our last one for the year is on Saturday 21st November and dates to consider for early next year are:

Wednesday 10th February - races start at 2.00 pm

Sunday 28th February - races start at 12.00 pm

Wednesday 10th March - races start at 2.00 pm

Sunday 28th March - races start at 12.00 pm

Lost Property

There is a huge amount of clothing in our lost property box.  Please come and see if any of it belongs to your child as we will get rid of it at the end of the year.

Reminders for the coming week

Friday 13th - Orientation Day for Yr 8 children going to St Kevin's College

                    - Technology Day for Yr 7 students

Saturday 14th - Welcome Mass at 5.00 pm

Monday 16th - SCHOOL CLOSED - Teacher Only Day

Wednesday 18th - Yr 8 Mass at 6.00 pm

Community Notices

• Music Lessons with Jenna Madden.  District owner for the New Zealand Modern School of music.  Ukulele – 6yrs+, Guitar and Piano – 7yrs+, course set through the NZMSM books both practical and theory lessons provided.  Bookings Email – musicalmadden@gmail.com Phone – 0273764826.  Limited spaces available for 2021.

4. Diary Dates - Week 5, Term 4 2020

 

NOVEMBER Friday 13 Saturday 14 Monday 16 Tuesday 17 Wednesday 18 Thursday 19 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

Orientation Day for Yr 8 at St Kevin’s College from 9.00 to 3.00 pm  Technology for Yr 7  Welcome Mass at 5.00 pm  Teacher Only Day - school closed  School athletics postponement date - note new date  Yr 8 Leaver’s Mass  School Mass at 9.15 am * Yr 7 & 8 Technology  Celebration assembly at 2.15 pm * Hungry Horse Cafe  North Otago Athletics  HPV visit for Yr 8 students  Intermediate Camps Parent Helper Meeting at 6.00 pm * 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

1. Principal's News Week 4 Term 4 2020

 That's How it Happened - Senior Production

The seniors have had a dress rehearsal this morning.  The juniors are now busing out to St Kevin's to enjoy a matinee performance.  We look forward to seeing families this evening for the evening performance.  The Home and School are once more kindly selling ice blocks so please bring change if you want one.

Pasifika Awards

Congratulations to Lisiate Hausia and Kacymea Tahitu'a who won awards for being all round outstanding Pasifika students.  They are pictured here with members of their families and councillor Hane Halalele who presented their awards.

End of Year Events

Fr Wayne will be on leave from 25th November until after Christmas.  He has invited the year 8s to share a mass with him and receive his gift of candles on Wednesday 18th November at 6.00 pm.  Invitations will be sent to year 8s and their families.  

Welcome Mass for new families:  Saturday 14th November, 5pm.

Home and School: Junior Disco  - Friday 11th December, 6.30pm

Home and School: Year 7 & 8 formal - Monday 14th December, starting at 5.30pm with photos for the year 8s, meal at 6.00 pm and year 7s arrive, as year 8s guests, for more photos and dancing at 7.00 pm.

Junior Nativity and Senior Prize-giving - Tuesday 15th December, 6.00 pm all families are encouraged to come.  PLEASE NOTE: everything about this ceremony will be the same as our usual send off for our year 8s, the only thing different is we won't have a priest presiding as Fr Wayne is away and supply priests are limited.  Our parish/school will do a Eucharistic liturgy, as we have done during our school masses.  Apart from this everything else will remain the same.

Final Assembly -Wednesday 16th December, 11.30 am year 8 speeches, leaver's certificates and leaders for 2021 announced.

School ends 12.30 pm Wednesday 16th December

Reminder - Teacher Only day, school is closed Monday 16th November.

Start date for term 1 = Monday 1st February.

Note for 2021

Congratulations to Sara Jones-Hogan who has secured the deputy principal at North School.  We are recruiting for a new staff member.

At the moment, there are many changes happening with people leaving and coming into our community which is making it very difficult to finalise classes for 2021.  We will publish stationary lists by year level so you will know what to purchase for your child based on their year but it is unlikely we will be able to finalise classes until the end of the Summer holidays.

We look forward to seeing you this evening at St Kevin's auditorium, 5.30 pm for actors, start at 6.00 pm, doors shut at 6.15 pm.  The performance should take about an hour and a half with an interval break in the middle.

Aroha and God Bless

Lorraine Frances-Rees

2. Special Character Week 4 Term 4 2020

 WELCOME TO WEEK 4

Faith Facts: Week 4 2nd - 6th Nov

Pope Francis November prayer intention ‐ Artificial Intelligence We pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.

1st All Saints
2nd All Souls
4th St Charles Borromeo

5 Nov Parahaka Day

PRAYER FOR PARIHAKA AND FOR NON-VIOLENCE IN OUR COUNTRY
“Parihaka speaks to us of peace, A new way of seeing justice. It opens up the horizon of hope to bring glory to God Peace on Earth and goodwill to all people”.

We remember the choices made by the people of Parihaka. They chose to act with dignity at a time when aggression was met with aggression. Their leaders acted to restore well-being among their people traumatised by violent confrontation. May we respond with dignity to any form of aggression we meet in our lives.

Special Character Focus

Religious Education: Our Religious Education teaching, is the 'Communion of Saints' Strand. Please go to this link parents-communion of saints to help you support your child/children during our teaching of this strand.

Key Ideas

1. Mary is Jesus’ mother and first disciple and model to all Christians

2. Communion of Saints is all the souls in heaven, purgatory and God's family - the church on earth.

3. Our choices affect the type of person we become and what happens to us after we die

School and Family 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 8- Mrs Jones Hogan's class for the presentation of the gospel at Mass last Thursday. Today the Mass and Gospel presentation lead by Kereru Year 1/2  Mrs Misiloi's class. 

Next Week Thursday Mass will be Piwakawaka Year 7 Mrs Herbst's class.

Almighty and merciful God,

graciously keep from us all adversity,

so that, unhindered in mind and body alike,

we may pursue in freedom of heart

the things that are yours.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Thank you/Malo 'Aupito

God Bless

Tua Misiloi Co DRS