Kia Ora, Ni Hao, Malo e lelei, Kia Orana, Tālofa, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bonjour, Kumusta, and Bula Vinaka Whānau,

Happy Māori Language Week! This week we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. The theme for this year is ‘Ake ake ake – A forever language’. The week is dedicated to encouraging the use of the Māori language in all aspects of life.
Our Kapa Haka Rōpu presented at our Monday afternoon sharing assembly before Mrs Sentch lead the school in song, pronunciation activities and finished by sharing a Māori legend with the school – a great way to begin the week! Our classes have been singing, praying and sharing in Te Reo Māori throughout the week with Māori books having special emphasis in our Information Centre through library visits this week too.

Our Kapa Haka Rōpu also attended the SECKA Kapa Haka Festival yesterday evening which was held at Sancta Maria College. They did us so proud! Their ihi (excitement, thrill, power, charm, personal magnetism), was on full display, rousing the crowd and moving many members of the audience. We could not have done such a successful job at performing if it weren’t for Matua Hone who has volunteered his time every Tuesday morning all year in preparation. John-Henry, we are so grateful for all you do in sharing your passion for Te Reo Māori, Kapa Haka and performance with our students. We are also so grateful to Mrs. Pam Robertson who has supported with her amazing guitar skills. To Nadia Pou-Edwards and her amazing moko application skills and to all our whānau, a huge thank you for your ongoing support.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is the ultimate week to remind ourselves of the well-being model, Te Ware Tapa Whā, that we have adopted after extensive community consultation in 2023. The four dimensions of health and wellbeing are described in this model whereby Spiritual, (Te Taha Wairua), Mental and Emotional (Te Taha Hinengaro), Physical (Te Taha Tinana) and Family and Social (Te Taha Whānau) wellbeing are pivotal to a person’s overall wellbeing and connection to the land and their roots. If one of these cornerstones is missing or damaged a person may become unbalanced and subsequently unwell.  Throughout this, and all of our newsletters, you are challenged to identify each element of this well being model alive and well in practice at Our Lady Star of the Sea; through high expectations, rich spiritual experiences, classroom programmes that weave the Mitey mental health concepts throughout, multiple opportunities for physical activity, additional activities outside of the classroom and an open door policy to our community – all ways that we are supporting the growth and well being of the whole child.

Parish Update Please keep Fr John in your prayers as he makes his pilgrimage to Lourdes, as well as Fr Terry who is holding the fort, so to speak, while Fr John is away. This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of the importance of integrity and stewardship of resources. Lukes Gospel also prompts us to keep God’s will at the centre of our mission rather than prioritising other worldly gains.
Follow this link to read and discuss the messages of this Sunday’s Mass readings within your family.

Senior School Production: A Hint of Snow White What a triumph of a production produced by our Year 4-6 Team was on show last week – each performance, Tuesday night, Wednesday matinee and Thursday night was an absolute masterpiece! The costumes, sets, sound, lighting and makeup, contributed to an amazing show, however, the real stars were our Year 4, 5, and 6 students. Incredible acting, singing and dancing! None of this could happen without the thorough dedication of our Team Lead Denise Bailey, and her amazing team of teachers; Tracey Elder, Laura Bentley, Ailsa Thorpe, Maria Kelly and Pam Robertson. The extraordinary efforts of the team certainly paid off, as the children presented a show to truly be proud of. Thanks to all who assisted in any way to make the production a success! Please enjoy these images of the show.

Mercy Day On Wednesday of this week, our whole school mobilised to engage in acts of mercy as part of our Mercy Day celebrations. The day started with a beautiful liturgy lead by Rooms 7 and 8 and then, throughout the day, the school was a-buzz with classes performing acts of mercy – seeing a need and doing something about it. See later in this newsletter for more details and photos.

Mandarin Speech Competition Congratulations to Cara Lin who represented our school at the HPPA Mandarin Speech Competition this week. See later in the newsletter for more details.

New Jia Group Liaise For the past 9 years we have been so greatly supported by Mr David Wu as liaise with our Asian community. David translates newsletters and communication for us as well as helps with the connection of our Asian families with our school. As his second son is finishing at the end of this year, we are very fortunate that Angela Wang has offered her service to step into this very important role. We thank David for his years of service, and we welcome Angela – please read a little bit about Angela here by way of introduction.
My name is Angela, and I am a parent with three children currently attending Our Lady Star of the Sea School in Year 6, Year 3, and Year 0. I am honoured to support the school in continuing to strengthen its communication with the Chinese community. With a strong appreciation of both English and Chinese language and culture, I am well placed to assist in bridging communication gaps and ensuring that key information is conveyed with clarity and accuracy. I believe this role helps foster strong engagement with Chinese families and also enhance the inclusive and collaborative spirit of Our Lady Star of the Sea School. My aim is to contribute meaningfully to the school’s efforts in building strong relationships with all families.

Twilight Market We are very much looking forward to the upcoming Twilight Market on Friday 17th October. If you haven’t put your name on the sign up sheet yet, please do so – many hands make fun and light work!!! Follow this link to the sign up sheet.

As you go into the Term 3/4 school holidays, I wish you a safe and blessed holiday period. School resumes for a busy Term 4 on Monday 6th October.

Arohanui, Zhù hǎo, ‘Ofa lahi atu,  Tōfa soifua, Cordialement, Loloma levu, Fakaue lahi, 안부 인사를 전합니다 , salamat po,

Louise Campbell
Tumuaki/Principal

                                                                          JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE

Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.  Pope Francis.

Our school Pilgrims of Hope Cross has begun spending time in classrooms. If your family would like to host this  special taonga at some point please contact me to arrange. [email protected]

Encounter with Christ:

October is the month of the Rosary. The Rosary is a simple prayer, a prayer we say together with Our Lady. It tells the story of Jesus’ life in four parts:
The Joyful Mysteries focus on Jesus’ birth and early life;
The Sorrowful Mysteries focus on His suffering and death;
The Glorious Mysteries focus on Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of heaven;
The Luminous Mysteries focus on His ministry here on earth. 

Many Catholics have memories of saying the Rosary as a family during their childhood. Gifting children with memories of family prayer time is a beautiful thing. It is a strong sign of faith and hope. Throughout October we will gather in the school hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings, to pray together one decade of the Rosary. All are welcome. Why not encourage your children to lead family prayer with a decade of the Rosary.

Alpha is a gentle introduction to Christianity; it has helped many people as they think about life, faith, God.  Next Parish programme starts on 14 September at 7pm. Starts with a nice dinner, an introductory video and discussion. All welcome.

Enquiries to Father Terry – [email protected] – or the website: howickcatholic.org.nz/alpha-course  or scan the QR below for more information:

Growth and Development:
Thank you for taking the time to go through your child’s Religious Education book this week AND getting them back to school promptly. The feedback from our young learners about the experience of sharing the learning with whanau was very positive. We will continue with this practise of sending their RE books home at the end of each theme, as part of the reporting to parents process. 

Christian Witness:

Mercy Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm this week. All classes were involved in activities and the school was a hive of activity. We discussed the way we can all share Mercy through our words and actions. Simple things such as saying please, thank you and I am sorry as well as praying for and helping others goes along way to be mercy to those we met each day.

Our parish foodbank is up and running again. The St Vincent de Paul group are very thankful for any donations. Times are tough for many people. Your donations go along way to help those in need and model two of the Corporal Works of Mercy.  ‘Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty.’  Recently the Liturgy Team picked the fruit from the school mandarin bushes and Mr Campbell took it all to the foodbank. On Mercy Day, one of the actions that took place was to plant veggie seedlings in the school veggie gardens for the benefit of the parish foodbank. We look forward to watching them all grow.

“We are a Christ centred community
fostering belonging (whanaungatanga)
and outreach
through selfless giving (manaakitanga)
in Mary’s Way”.

We can’t believe Term 3 has come to an end already! A huge thank you for all your support, especially around the Senior Production. If you had the chance to see it, we’re sure you’ll agree – it was absolutely awesome. A fantastic and rewarding effort by the cast and the amazing teachers behind the scenes. Well done, everyone!

Frozen Fridays Are Back in Term 4
Lemonade ice blocks will be delivered on Friday’s at lunch starting on 24th October. The cut off date for ordering is 20th October. Please place your order here: https://forms.gle/t7dfrohUwNdUvLm8A
If you’d like your child to participate but are unable to make a contribution, simply fill out the form and we’ll make sure they’re included.

Twilight Market – Help Needed
The Twilight Market is coming up soon! If you are able to assist with sliced bread and burger buns we’d really appreciate it. Please reach out to us [email protected].

Santa Parade
Planning is well underway for our walking float in the Howick Santa Parade. If you’re keen to help out with costumes, banner painting, or organising, please reach out to [email protected].

Next PTA Meeting – 6th October, 7pm in the staff room
Everyone is welcome – come along and get involved in Term 4 fun!

Wishing all our families a safe, happy and refreshing holiday – see you in Term 4!

Twilight Market raffle tickets – please have money & stubs returned by 10th October. There are still a few tickets left at the school office. First prize is $1000 and the highest seller gets to be Principal for the day !!!!

Poetry from Room 20 

Green 

Groups of glad, green grass whistle in the warm summer breeze
Rich, ripe green pears dangle on all the farmers trees.
Emeralds light up the cave like small, green stars
Green could be the colour of fast racing cars.
Sour grape bombs explode in your mouth
Green is the top colour of a yummy, rainbow trout.

Ayrton

Red

As red as flames that scorch everything in sight.
As red as a beautiful rose on an autumn morning.
As red and as fresh as a strawberry on a summer afternoon.
As frustrated as a lion that lost its prey.
An apple, sweet, sour, and flavourful that can make anyone happy.

Arthur

Mandarin Speech Competition

Last week, our school proudly hosted the annual Mandarin Speech Competition, bringing together talented students from Years 5 and 6 to showcase their language skills. The students  delivered thoughtful, well-prepared speeches in Mandarin. Each student showed confidence and courage in their presentation. 

A special thank you goes to Mrs Sophia Xia, who generously served as our guest judge. 

Congratulations to:
1st Place – Cara Lin
2nd Place – Ola Ou
3rd Place – Mason Tsao

Well done to all who participated — you should be proud of yourselves. 

Cara represented our school at the HPPA Mandarin Speech competition and she did so with pride and confidence. Well done Cara – we are proud of you.

Mercy Day Celebrations

Room 9 showed Mercy to the other classes in the school by cleaning their whiteboard sets. We practiced our teamwork and problem solving skills as we worked in groups and had to agree on how best to keep track of the clean and dirty whiteboards and how to keep each class’ set of whiteboards together. Ka pai Room 9!

Room 18 planted veggies in the school Community Garden for produce to be given to the Food Bank. We planted and will look after cherry tomatoes and peas.

We wish to congratulate Anya on her outstanding achievements. This past weekend she attended the end of season prizegiving for Auckland Athletics, Cross Country & Road Running section.

It’s been a busy time of performances for Cara!  At our school production, Cara played the role of Queen Grimelda. She also performed in the play Peter Pan with HCYT playing the part of Michael. They had a show Friday night, Saturday and Sunday last weekend. This is a production that they have worked on for the last term to bring together, all the kids did amazingly well! Well done Cara!

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Tuesday After School Art Class

Drawing, Oil pastel, Sketching, Painting…

Classroom – Room 14

Time: 2.50 pm— 3.50pm

Fee: $12.00 per lesson, pay per term

And School Holiday art program

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