No 3 Friday 9 March 2018

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

Do you want to fast this Lent?

Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and trust in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen.
Pope Francis

Catholic Character Review 13 – 15 March 2018

All catholic schools are externally reviewed every four years. Next week it is the turn of our school and we will welcome our reviewers;  Linda McQuade – Vicar of Education, and from Catholic Education Services: Phil Mahoney – General Manager and Colleen Gleeson – Review & Development Officer and Michelle Jadoo, Principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Avondale.

Thank you to those of you who participated in the survey in preparation for this review, your responses have been sent to the reviewers. The team will visit classrooms, speak with small groups, review paperwork and generally have  a look at what we do. We are looking forward to showcasing all of the wonderful things that happen at our school. Similarly this review will provide some worthwhile reflections for our next steps. The BOT will receive a report in a few weeks, we will share the outcomes.

Sharing our cultural diversity

We have installed a large whiteboard on the wall of the admin building between the school patrol signs and our parent notice board. Our hope is that this board will be used by our family groups for communication in their home language. We are keen to share all of our events and happenings with our diverse communities. If you would like to place messages on this board could you please see myself, Carmel Platt or Sue Yandell.

Year 1 – 3 Reports

Milestone anniversary reports for students in Years 1- 3 will be published on the parent portal. Parents of students receiving a report will be advised by email with information on how to access their child’s report. Not all children will receive a report this term.

Easter 

The Easter holiday period is as follows:

HOLY THURSDAY    29 March (school closes at normal time 2.45 p.m.)

GOOD FRIDAY    30 March 2018  school closed
EASTER MONDAY  2 April 2018  school closed
EASTER TUESDAY  3 April  school closed
Wednesday 4 April    School resumes 

Catherine McAuley rsm

Carmel Platt

Principal

DRS Report

If we live the faith in our daily life, then our work too becomes a chance to spread the joy of being a Christian.    

Pope Francis

The theme for the fourth Sunday of Lent, this coming Sunday, is Joy. Joy of the Gospel, Joy of the upcoming Easter celebration, Joy in God’s love. During Lent the Church encourages us to focus on three key aspects of our faith, to pray, to share and to fast – that is to give up or go without something –  and to do this in Joy. With only two weeks to go, let us continue our lenten promises with a sense of ‘Joy’ in knowing God’s love for us is unconditional. Our children are a visible reminder to us of this.

Congratulations goes to the children who, through the ‘Just one thing for Tonga” focus, are trying to bring Joy to the lives of those devastated by Cyclone Gita. To date we have raised $295.00 . Please continue to encourage your children to give up a treat or do some extra jobs at home to raise money.  

On Friday 16 March the Liturgy Team is holding a mufti day to raise more money. Children can wear red and white clothing to school and bring a gold coin to donate to the Just one thing for Tonga fund

Thank you for support.

Manaakitia te katoa

Share your gifts with others

Prayer Intention :

E te ariki, we pray for the people of Tonga, may they find comfort and peace through our prayers and support as they seek to rebuild their homes and communities.

Detta Fairweather

DRS

PTA NEWS

PTA AGM Update

Elections were held on Monday 5 March where Michaela Telfer was re-elected as Chairperson, Nicole Kelly – Treasurer and Tina Moulynox was voted in as Secretary.

We would like to thank Misha Pieters and Cara McCarthy the outgoing office holders for all their hard work and dedication to the PTA.

FIRST DISCO FOR 2018

Disco for all Star of the Sea School students

Junior, Middle and Senior School are ALL welcome!

Date:  Friday 16^th March 2018

Time:  6.30pm until 8.00pm

Entry fee:  $3.00 per student – Parents are free!!!

 Rule for our school disco:

Any unaccompanied children being dropped off to the disco will need to be signed in and out by their parent/guardian

Glow Sticks – $2.00 each

Sausage Sizzle – $1.50

Drinks (Water/Juice)  – $1.50

Chocolate – $2.00 per bar

D.J. Mel will be there with everyone’s favourite songs to dance to

Spot prizes and tons of fun to be had

We’ll even ask the Coffee Guy to come along so that parents can buy a coffee or hot chocolate!

See you all there!

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

News from the Classroom

In Room 11 we created Shape Poems about Love.

Love looks like roast lamb on a Sunday night made by my uncle.

Love smells like bacon buttys on a Sunday morning from my dad.

Loves tastes like homemade fresh cake.

Love sounds like beautiful waves crashing

Love feels like my sister giving me a big juicy hug.

by Payton Williams

Love looks like sushi for a wonderful Saturday lunch.

Love smells like lollies at a birthday party.

Love tastes like hot sausages at camp.

Love sounds like my sisters laughing at each other.

Love feels like my dad giving me a hug.

by Cullen Chaytor

Love looks like lovely pink flowers just for me.

Love smells like hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day.

Love tastes like ice cream on a Saturday after swimming.

Love sounds like Gianna and me laughing together.

Love feels like Gianna and me chilling out in the pool.

by Ariane Cordeiro

Year 5 and 6 Retreats

At the end of week 3 the Year 5 and 6 students took part in two separate retreats. The Year 6s headed into the Mercy Centre in Ponsonby to learn more about our mercy charism and discover ways we can show mercy in our own lives. The Year 5s went to our school site in Granger Road and spent their time looking at their own spirituality and ways they could develop their relationship with Jesus.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and every student took something away from the day to develop in their own lives. Back at school we have already seen some of the benefits of this day in the way the students are interacting with each, leading prayer and participating more fully in the prayer moments we have at school.

Our thanks goes out to all the parents that assisted us on the day, to Mrs Fairweather for her wisdom and guidance and all the Senior Team teachers who worked hard to make the day the special event that it was.

Year 6 Retreat Day

On Friday 16th February the Year 6 children went on a retreat to The Mercy Centre at St Mary’s College in Ponsonby to learn more about the Catholic history and being closer to God .  

When we got there Sister Teresa welcomed us. We followed her into the Cecilia Maher room. She talked to us for a few minutes then we had morning tea.

After morning tea we split into groups and went off to our activities. The first activity that we went to was with Mrs Brooke we were doing a walk in the garden.  We could draw a picture, write a poem or a prayer. I drew a picture and wrote a prayer.

Next my group went to Mrs Penny in the Cecilia Maher room.  She gave us small sentences with titles in a bag. My buddy was Carmen we worked together well.

After Mrs Penny we went to the Bishop Pompallier centre.  In the Bishop Pompallier Centre every door had a Bishop’s name on it.  There was one door that was locked and behind the door there were a lot of real books.  The Bishop Cleary Room had a sculpture of the Last Supper.

The Church was my favourite place because it was so quiet and we could talk to God without any noise and without people annoying you.

I really enjoyed my retreat and I would really like to do it again but this year is my last year so sadly I can’t.

By Summer Phipps

Senior Team Swimming Sports

The sun was shining and the weather was warm as the Senior Team headed to Shelly Park School for their annual swimming sports. It was great to see so many students participating at their level and giving it their best on the day. Our thanks to Mrs Penney who organised much of the day and to all our parents who helped out with various roles on the day.

Results are as follows:

      

Other Information

Walking School Bus Information

Just a reminder there are two Walking School Bus routes operating.

From Summermist Drive (entrance to Park) leaving 8.15 a.m.

From Kilimanjaro Drive (meeting at 8 a.m. and leaving at 8.10 a.m.)

If any child wishes to scooter on the Walking School Bus, for their own safety they must wear a helmet and stay close to the driver.

Attendance Dues

Current invoices/statements have been emailed out. Term 1 is due by 20 March 2018. A letter from your Board of Trustees explaining the amounts and methods of payment has been emailed separately.

PTA FUNDRAISER

2018-19 ENTERTAINMENT BOOK PRE-SALES (Early Bird Offers)

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS PRESALES

EARLY BIRD BONUS OFFERS UNTIL 13 APRIL 2018

The PTA are continuing their fundraising efforts with our annual Entertainment Book sales.   Funds will be used to acquire iPads for the Information Centre.  When you purchase an Entertainment Book, the school is given $14 per book from Entertainment Book Publications.

Last year we raised $2600 through this medium.

Presales of the Entertainment Book are now available to purchase either DIGITAL membership or an Entertainment BOOK.   Click on the link below and complete your details if you wish to purchase NOW –  Entertainment Online Order Page at https://www.entbook.co.nz/990f07

The Entertainment Book offers massive savings throughout the year  (don’t forget Easter is coming up)!!  LONE STAR, AUCKLAND ZOO, MCDONALDS,  KFC, FULLERS FERRIES, RAINBOWS END, SUSHI, EURO RESTAURANT, BADUZZI, EVENT CINEMAS, EMIRATES, HERTZ, HAWAIIAN AIRLINES AND SO SO SO  MANY MORE.

You can view the book online before purchasing at  www.entertainmentbook.co.nz

 By purchasing in the presales period there is an extra bonus offers sheet FREE.   Your advance purchase of the new Entertainment Book contributes to our fundraising and ensures you get your Book when they become available in early April 2018.  Thanks for your support, please enjoy these early bird offers that you can use straight away!!

COST OF THE BOOK IS $70 ($14 donation to school).   

REMINDERS:

Friendly Reminders of Term 1

Absences

If your child is absent from school for any reason you must email [email protected] or phone the office and leave a message or use the school website ‘Absence’ line. Please leave a specific reason for the absence i.e. if the child is sick please specify the sickness e.g. cold, vomiting etc. If the child is absent from school due to sickness for more than three days, a medical certificate is required. For any holiday or overseas travel please email our Principal Mrs Platt at [email protected]

Car parking

Please be considerate when street parking near the school. We have received complaints from neighbours regarding parking across driveways.

Lunches

When ordering online please make sure your child’s order has the correct room number as  a few lunches have gone to incorrect rooms.

Lost Property

The lost property cupboard is by Room 1 entrance. You are welcome to check this at any time as it is open all day.

Uniform shop

Open every Thursday 8.30 – 9.00 a.m. and 2.30-3 p.m. (during school term)

Bizzybodz

Before and Afterschool care – 021837977 for bookings

New Lunch Menu Update – Tuckshop

For our updated Lunch Menus for the tuckshop. Please see LUNCHES under the Parent Information tab on website.

Head Held High Speech and Drama

Some spaces still available for this term. Classes run for 30 minutes during the school day. Come and try a class, see what you think.

Contact: [email protected] or ring Del on 0275 959707

ENROL NOW SPEECH & DRAMA 2018  LESSONS: + PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS + ACTING SKILLS + POETRY RECITAL + READING ALOUD + SPEECH WRITING + BODY LANGUAGE (POSTURE, EYE CONTACT) + VOCAL SKILLS (ARTICULATION, GRAMMAR) + MANNERS (TELEPHONE, TABLE, INTERPERSONAL) + BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE Lessons.  Lessons are held during school on Wednesdays at Our Lady Star of the Sea School. Fees $220 group lessons | $290 pair lessons | $410 private lessons Examinations We offer professional qualifications through our association with NZ Speech Board and Trinity College of London. Testimony Emmeline loves her lessons! We have seen her grow in confidence, she can now speak publically and very ably with people of all ages. And there is nothing better than being complemented on your child’s good manners! I can wholeheartedly recommend Head Held High to any parent, for any child. Melinda Gardnerrdner. To enrol email: [email protected] or visit our website: www.headheldhigh.co.nz

Community Notices

Staff Vacancy – Pompallier Diocesan Centre

Coordinator, Pastoral Office

The Pastoral Office seeks an enthusiastic committed person to work as Coordinator to provide administrative support to specified Diocesan groups and working parties, and to provide formation, resources and advice to pastoral councils in parishes and chaplaincies and clergy throughout the Diocese.  This is a full time position of 40 hours a week

You will need to be committed to the ministry of the Catholic Church with an understanding of its teachings and structures; have extensive management and leadership skills in planning, assessment, goal setting and evaluation; an excellent communicator; a people person, able to relate, work and communicate effectively and warmly with others; be available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

A qualification in Theology or Religious Education is desired.  Some theological formation is essential, if a degree is not held.  Experience on a parish pastoral council is also desirable.

For full details please visit the Diocesan website www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz, go to Quicklinks and Staff vacancies.

Applications close midday Friday 6 April 2018

Loreto Hall Teachers Training College Reunion

Are you able to help?

Susan Ross, rscj and Christina Neunzerling, rsj  are hoping to find as many interested men and woman who fit the 1969-1973 year group at Loreto Hall Teachers’ Training College in Auckland.

A reunion is being planned for June 2^nd 2018, in Auckland.

We would be most grateful:

• to receive email addresses for anyone you know who fits this timeline.
• if you could find the time to ‘like’ and ‘share’ our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/loretohallnz/

Please forward any contact details to Sue Ross [email protected] so they can be added to the list for further information.

____________________________________________________

Baradene College Enrolments for Year 7
Enrolments for Year 7, 2019 are presently being accepted and will close on Thursday 22 March, 2018.

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Rotary Club of Howick FUN RUN/WALK for all the family  –  FUNDRAISING TO support HOWICK COASTGUARD

SUNDAY 18 March 2018   

The Rotary Fun Run on Sunday 18th March will start and finish at Stockade Hill, Howick.

This is a community event and all proceeds go to our local Coastguard.

Further information is on the website howickfunwalkrun.co.nz

There are different courses for primary and Intermediate Schools.

Many thanks again for your fantastic support, parents are very welcome to enter as well either to walk or to run.

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       Companion Training Workshop

Seasons for Growth is a peer support program which assists people of all ages to understand and manage the changes they experience when a significant loss occurs.

We are looking for volunteer Companions (adult facilitators) who would be willing to assist in the delivery of this program in schools and the community

          A 2 day Companion Workshop will be held on

Monday 9th and Tuesday, 10th April, 2018

at St Columba Centre

40 Vermont Street, Ponsonby

 10.00 ~ 4.00pm

(morning tea will be provided)

REGISTRATION IS ESSENTIAL by Thursday, 5th April

To register or find out more about this program,

contact:                    

Delia 09-360 3027, or [email protected]

www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/religious-education/seasons-for-growth/

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