IN THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
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NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
Welcome to our first newsletter of Term 3.
The term has started off with plenty of activity for both families and students.
Connected Curriculum Focus for Term 3 This term our school is focussing on the concept of Possibilities with an emphasis on the technology curriculum. After exploring the taonga (gifts) of God’s world with a social studies lens in Term 1 and then connecting these taonga to scientific systems in Term 2, the students are now exploring the possibilities within the technology curriculum to support God’s earth systems. The Year 1 and 2 team are looking at the taonga of our natural world such as the bugs, insects and creatures of New Zealand and ways we can help protect these. This follows on from their trip to the Botanical Gardens in Term 2. The Year 3 and 4 team are exploring the multiple ways we can adapt and improve basic food recipes using the seasonal food resources that are readily available just as the early settlers did when they arrived in New Zealand. The Year 5 and 6 team are exploring possibilities to nurture and protect the native birds of New Zealand aligning with their upcoming production near the end of the term. A great combination of technology and the arts.
All teams will be using the design thinking process to develop their thinking and understanding.
Take some time to chat with your child about their learning. There are plenty of opportunities to enhance their learning through discussions and exploring our natural world at home.
Parish | School Connect When you go into the Church foyer you will notice that our school features prominently on the notice board with current school activities. You will also notice slides on the data projector before each Mass on the weekend containing highlights of school activity. Although separated by distance, our school is very much an integral part of our Parish community and our combined participation in Parish life brings this connect even more to the forefront. It is great to see so many families returning to Mass as their children prepare for Confirmation and First Eucharist. May this connection continue. Click here to see the readings for this Sunday.
Blessing of our Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) Many of you will have noticed the front page of the Howick and Pakuranga Times featuring an article about last Friday’s opening and blessing of our new COLA. The ceremony was a beautiful occasion with thanks to Detta Fairweather, the Liturgy Team and Fr John for organising and officiating the ceremony.
Congratulations On Sunday evening at 5.30pm Mass 11 of our students and 6 of their siblings were Baptised by Fr John and Fr Terry. See the DRS section of this newsletter for more details.
Book Week Last week our term kicked off with the celebration of all things books and reading related at our annual Book Week. Our librarian Bronwyn Bell and her co-organiser Karen Waters did a phenomenal job of setting the tone for the week, organising engaging visiting authors to inspire our students as well as organising our book fair which many families made the most of. The book character parade was a real highlight of the week. Thank you to all families for getting involved, to our teachers and support staff for getting behind the events and to our organisers Bronwyn and Karen. See later in this newsletter for further details and photos.
Student Parent Teacher Conferences Last Thursday was an opportunity for families to discuss learning and progress to date with their children and teacher at our mid year conferences. These conferences are a valuable tool for sharing learning and resetting goals for the next two terms of work.
We are grateful to the 90+ families who visited the information centre either before or after their conference and engaged with the curriculum information on offer. We shared information about the new Religious Education Curriculum and our learnings as a pilot school. We shared more detail about the maths curriculum and building academic success with examples of mathematical problems shared in class. We also shared information about the Structured Literacy programme which is being implemented across the school to build further academic success in reading and writing.
With thanks to Detta Fairweather and Karen Noble Campbell who set up this important sharing opportunity and engaged with families as they visited, answering many questions and sharing their wisdom on the topics covered.
Catholic Caring Foundation Mass Last week our Liturgy Team was acknowledged alongside other nominated students from Catholic Schools in Auckland by the Bishop for their efforts in supporting those in need. Their ongoing work in collecting, boxing and taking foodbank donations to the parish foodbank is a clear example of servant leadership.
Leah did a fabulous job of representing our school in reading a prayer of the faithful at the Mass. We were proud of the way she read alongside students from other secondary schools in Auckland.
OLSOS Cross Country Wednesday saw our annual school cross country go ahead in beautiful mid-winter weather. Our students did themselves proud with the way they challenged themselves to do their very best and supported one another. House cheers could be heard around the neighbourhood as houses cheered on their runners. The parents got involved with a hotly contested parent race too! Congratulations to all competitors and to those mentioned later in this newsletter as placegetters in our year level races. The top 8 runners in Years 4, 5 and 6 will represent our school at the HPPA Interschool Cross Country event being held in two weeks time. We wish them well in their continued preparation for this event.
Gala – let the fun begin! Thank you for your support of the Chocolate Mufti Day today. This kicks off our preparations for our Gala in October. Next week we will be sharing when the containers are open to drop items for the white elephant, clothing, toys and books stalls.
We will also be sharing how we plan to gather the other items needed to make this day a successful community event.
OLSOS 175 Years Old In 2023 our school will be celebrating 175 years of existence alongside our Parish. Fr Garin established the parish and school in 1848, making Our Lady Star of the Sea School and Parish one of the oldest in New Zealand. If you are interested in local history and have some time to help source and curate school photos and memorabilia in preparation for the celebrations next year we would love to hear from you as we begin preparations. We are very much looking forward to celebrating such an auspicious milestone.
Lewis Eady Music Lessons at OLSOS from Term 3 We are very much looking forward to partnering with Lewis Eady to deliver Music lessons this term. We need to get to a critical number of enrolments before these lessons can proceed, so if you are thinking of taking advantage of this service please be in touch with Lewis Eady. See later in this newsletter for details of how to do so.
Staffing Update This week we welcome Mrs Tarryn Norman who has started as our new Office Administrator. Tarryn works alongside Sanny Wirinata and Sue Yandell and is quickly picking up our school systems and practices. She is an experienced school administrator so we are very fortunate to have her join our team. We know you will all make her feel welcome as you encounter her either face to face in the office or over the phone. Welcome Tarryn!
Looking Ahead Next Monday sees our first PTA meeting in quite some time. This is held in our staffroom at 7pm. All welcome. Tuesday evening Year 5 and 6 parents are invited to a presentation entitled ‘Positive Puberty’ at 6.30pm in the staffroom ahead of students beginning lessons on this topic later in the week. Our series of ICAS assessments commence for families who have registered their children. On Tuesday students will represent us at the HPPA football field day. Our Year 5 and 6 students have their speech finals. The following week on Monday 15th August we celebrate our Feast Day (The Feast of the Assumption of Mary) with Mass at our Parish Church, Tapawae finals and Star Idol.
Wishing you all a safe and happy fortnight ahead.
Be safe and God bless.
Ngā mihi nui and cǐ zhì jìng lǐ,
Louise Campbell
Principal
NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Many thanks to those of you who took the time to find out more about the new Religious Education curriculum while parent conferences were on. It is an exciting journey. ‘Being Church’ is the theme for this term. I encourage you to chat with your children and ask them what they think Being Church means. The Year 1 and 2 team will be visiting the parish Church on Thursday 11 August to explore the taonga it is. Information about the stained glass windows, the Baptism font, the Sanctuary and other areas of the Church will be shared with them. You are welcome to join us. The Year 3 and 4 team are unpacking the 7 Sacraments. Taking your child to Mass over the next few weeks and talking to them about the importance of the Sacraments in your own life will support the teaching and learning at school. The Year 5 and 6 team are looking into Catholic Social Teaching. Talk with your child about examples of social justice you see and read about in the news both locally, nationally and internationally. This will help them to understand your family’s approach to social justice and help them make connections in their learning. The team from Caritas NZ will be working with our staff next week to help further our own knowledge of the work they do to support those in need, upholding our Catholic Christian faith
Congratulations to the following students who received the Sacrament of Baptism last weekend. It was a joy filled celebration for all present. The students were presented with a Miraculous Medal at the school assembly.
Noah Orange, Caleb Hooper, Jacob Faulkner, Isla Robb, Sofia Fowlie, Isabella Fowlie, Louis Orange, Harrison Yandell, Marcelene Hooper. (Absent Briella Roberts, Josh Song).
Feast of the Assumption is our school and parish Patronal Feast. It is the day we honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mother of us all, as we remember how she was assumed into heaven, body and soul. Pope John Paul II presented Mary as a model of what it means to be a faithful disciple. She heard the word of God and acted on it. We too are called to do this as followers of Jesus. Her life would not have been an easy one. Like many today she knew hardship, poverty and heartbreak. Yet she also knew love, joy and peace. Her life story is a model for us of maia, manaaki, tika, awhina, and ngawari. We will reflect on the many aspects of Mary’s life at our school mass, Monday 15 August, 11:15 am in the parish Church. Join us if you can.
Around 50 of our young learners will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion over the weekend of the 20 / 21 August. Please keep them in your prayers Bishop Steve Lowe will preside at both the 8am and 10am Parish Masses as well as the Friday night celebration of Confirmation.
Ko te aroha o te Atua kua whiwhi whanau a tatou Katoa
The tender mercy of God has given us one another
Prayer Intention : We pray that we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit’s gift of courage, give witness to the Gospel and share our faith with others.
Detta Fairweather
Deputy Principal / Director of Religious Studies
NEWS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Kia-ora, my name is Anil D’Silva and I am one of the Bishop’s Appointees on your school board.
I live in Cockle Bay with my wife Joanne and two children Andrew and Roseanne. Andrew was a student at Star of the Sea and is now in year eight at Sacred Heart College and Roseanne is in year two at our school. I am humbled, honoured and privileged to represent the Special Character of the school on your Board.
Your Board would like to welcome you back to school for term three after the school holidays.
On Friday, 28 July we had a wonderful Blessing and opening of the COLA by Father John. There was a beautiful service led by the students. It was good to have past and present board members, PTA members and parents. Our children will be able to enjoy covered all-weather play throughout the year.
Your Board would like to acknowledge Father Terry on his 80th birthday and 56 years of ordination and service to the Catholic Church. Your Board would also like to congratulate those who have been recently baptised. Those baptised are pupils and younger family members of our school. Several of our school children are also preparing to receive their Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
At our July Board meeting, your Board was presented with the Mid-year progress data for 2022 on Reading, Writing and Maths. This was also further broken down based on the ethnicity of Māori, Pacific, Asian, Middle Eastern / Latin America/ African, NZ European and other ethnicities. The Board is pleased to note the progress across the school and celebrate the effort of our teaching and support staff as well as families in support of the learning journey of each student. We are well aware of the impact of Covid over the past two years and are confident that the school know the learning needs of students throughout the school and have systems and programmes in place to support as needed.
Your Board is going to be holding a Community Dreaming day on the 10th of September this year. It will be a great opportunity to come and have your say and play an active role in shaping the future of our special school. We are really looking forward to seeing you all there.
Your Board was also presented with an update of the new Religious Education (RE) curriculum – Tō Tātou Whakapono OUR FAITH – for students from Years 1 – 13. Our Lady Star of the Sea school was accepted as a trial school Term 1 2021. Each term, teachers plan the following terms’ RE focus which involves interpreting the relevant theme and the Catholic teaching behind it. This is helping the staff to understand what to place emphasis on as they design the learning programme. The DRS meets with the teaching teams twice per term or more, if needed, to review the programme and support with next steps. Student voice is also gathered towards the end of each term to monitor student engagement, knowledge, understanding and transference of learning. This then feeds into the planning of subsequent themes. The Board is heartened to receive and understand the positive impact the trial of the new RE Curriculum is having on teaching and learning programmes.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our school.
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
Parent Election Results Declaration (no voting election required)
At the close of nominations, as the number of valid nominations was equal to the number of vacancies required to be filled, I hereby declare the following duly elected:
Vaughan FRASER
Alina HOOPER
Lucy ROGERS
David WU
Sharon YEH
Signed: Sue Yandell
Returning Officer
WORKING FOR BETTER CONDITIONS FOR OUR TEACHERS
Learning support has been underfunded for many many years. The Covid pandemic has highlighted the inequities in our education system. NZEI Te Riu Roa Primary Teachers Union feels strongly that outcomes for students would increase especially if the government were to centrally fund a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) at each school as well a Learning Assistant in each classroom supporting learners who do not attract funding to meet their needs. Having a Learning Assistant in each classroom would provide support with
- small group activities,
- the social and emotional well being of each child in the room
- extra opportunities for gifted and talented programmes to operate
- literacy and numeracy programmes
- creating and storing classroom resources
- oral language and communication skills of young learners
- social, emotional and holistic needs of students
- student behaviour and self management skills
- collecting student voice and recording responses
- assisting with lower level and higher level learners
A Learning Assistant in every classroom for at least half a day every day will allow more opportunities for students to have their individual needs met and for teachers to be less stretched trying to cater for the wide variety of differentiation in every room. The Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement is up for negotiation. Often people think the Teacher Unions are purely focussed on pay increases. NZEI Te Riu Roa Primary Teachers Union sees the Collective Agreement in a much broader sense and feel strongly that learning support should be funded more equitably providing a centrally funded SENCO for all schools and centrally funded learning assistants in every classroom. For further information feel free to talk to your child’s class teacher.
NEWS FROM THE PTA
ATTENDANCE DUES
ATTENDANCE DUES
Statements for Term 3 will be emailed early next week. Payment will be due on 01.09.2022. If you have not started payments for 2022, please contact Sue Yandell in strictest confidence, either by phone or email to: [email protected]. We will work with you to set up a payment plan to suit your budget.
NEWS FROM OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
| SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS
Year 1 Boys 1st Gabriel Kettoola |
Year 4 Boys
1st Jack Hunter |
| Year 1 Girls
1st Doria Han |
Year 4 Girls
1st Maddy Rodgers |
| Year 2 Boys
1st Jensen O’Meara |
Year 5 Boys
1st Matthew Bastian |
| Year 2 Girls
1st Marceline Hooper |
Year 5 Girls
1st Isobella Evans |
| Year 3 Boys
1st Mason Tsao |
Year 6 Boys
1st Luke McLaughlin |
| Year 3 Girls
1st Mya Hillerby |
Year 6 Girls
1st Chloe Kendrick-Jones |
Congratulations to Luke Maqbool from R22 who was recently recognised as the July member spotlight in the Parfed newsletter. Luke has been participating in the Swimming programme at CLM The Bays and has loved improving his swimming skills. 
Luke has also formed friendships with others in his groups!
Amazing work Luke, we can’t wait to see what else you achieve!
MUSIC CLASSES (DURING SCHOOL TIME) – Minimum numbers required to go ahead
Learn music at school from Term 3 with Lewis Eady!
Enrol for weekly music lessons at school with friendly, qualified, and motivated tutors: Yook Hui (Violin) and Ellen (Piano/Keyboard).
Fees (based on a 10-week term): $175 group lessons, $400 individual lesson
ENROL ONLINE TODAY FOR A TERM 3 START: https://bit.ly/LEMSMusicLessons
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly or our team at [email protected].
- Emily Jeong – piano/keyboard
- Yook Hui Ong – violin
You can also read their bios on our website at https://www.lewiseady.co.nz/tutors
NEWS FROM THE INFORMATION CENTRE
We had so much fun celebrating books and reading during our Book Week last week. Our highlights were the visiting authors, fun competitions, and our book character costume parade.
Many thanks to the parents who helped out during the week or to anyone who made a purchase at the Scholastic Book Fair, we really appreciate your support!
KEY DATES
TERM DATES
| Term 1 Starts | |
| Term 1 Finishes | |
| Term 2 Starts | |
| Term 2 Finishes | |
| Term 3 Starts | |
| Term 3 Finishes | |
| Term 4 Starts | |
| Term 4 Finishes |
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Tutor Classes 2022
What are tutor classes?
They are classes that are run after school that provide an affordable and fun way for your child to explore areas they may be passionate about. Classes range from 30 minutes to 1 hour and range from musical, art and language.
Who are the tutors?
All tutor profiles are listed below. Each tutor has a particular passion and skill in the field that they teach. All our tutors are police checked through the school.
How do I sign my child up to a class?
Follow the link here to sign up your child to a class. Your tutor will be in touch if they have available space. Children who have already been in the tutor’s class get first pick and then new students get any spare spaces.
I would like to become a tutor, who do I talk to?
Do you have the ability to teach a musical instrument, or dance or even a class that you have in mind that could be beneficial to our tutor program? Contact Ashley at [email protected]
Tutor Classes Term 3
Here is our list of classes for Term 3! If you wish to sign up your child, please click the link at the bottom of this page. Or you can email Ashley at [email protected]. Your child is welcome to join the class from Week 3 (starting Monday of 8th of August) and finish in the last week of the term.
Please note: due to the term calendar the Art Class will not be running on Friday 30th September (last day of the term).
Tuesday
Art: Explore
Tutor: Janet Olmstead
$80 for 8 weeks
2:50-3:50pm
Year 2-6
Come along and learn to speak Chinese. Great for beginners and more fluent speakers.
Chinese
Tutor: Janet Olmstead
$72 for 8 weeks
3:55-4:40pm
Come and explore art!
Wednesday
Ukulele: Beginners
Tutor: Nathan Bird
2:45-3:15pm
$70 (8 weeks)
Guitar: Beginners
Tutor: Nathan Bird
3:15-3:45pm
$70 (8 weeks)
Singing: Explore
Tutor: Ashley Bird
2:45-3:30pm
$70 (8 weeks)
Thursday
Drama
Tutor: Rebecca Gladstone
2:45-3:30pm
$70 (8 weeks)
Friday
Art: Realism and Abstract
Tutor: Britney Saywell
2:45-3:45pm (1 hour)
$88.00 (includes materials, 7 weeks)
To sign your child up to a lesson, please click here and fill in the form.
Please note that classes will only go ahead if we have enough interest.
ALL CLASSES START WEEK ONE OF TERM 3. PAYMENT FOR CLASSES ARE DUE TO INDIVIDUAL TUTORS BEFORE 12th AUGUST 2022.
Tutors will send bank account details to parents once your child is confirmed in their class.
DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES
Art: Explore
Tuesday 2:50-3:50pm
$80 (8 weeks, includes materials)
Tutor: Janet Olmstead
Janet has been a long time tutor at Star of the Sea and excited to offer this art class for our students!
Chinese: Beginners
Tuesday 3:55-4:40pm
$72 (8 weeks)
Tutor: Janet Olmstead
Janet has been a long time tutor at Star of the Sea and excited to offer this Chinese class again for our students!
Singing Lessons
Wednesday 2:45-3:30pm
$70.00 (8 weeks)
Tutor: Ashley Bird
In this class, I aim to give students the opportunity to explore the world of singing. Together we will learn singing techniques, how to best take care of our voices, and develop our stage presence, all while we sing some fun songs. I can’t wait to help your children find their inner superstar!
Ukulele Lessons
Wednesday 2:45-3:15pm
$70.00 (8 weeks)
Tutor: Nathan Bird
Each child must have their own instrument.
Guitar Lessons
Wednesday 23:15-3:45pm
$70.00 (8 weeks)
Tutor: Nathan Bird
Each child must have their own instrument.
Sign up for ukulele and guitar lessons with Nathan! A fun and great opportunity to learn these musical instruments!
Drama Class
Thursday 2:45-3:30pm
$70.00 (8 weeks)
Tutor: Rebecca Gladstone
Students will learn the foundational skills for acting and performing: Voice, movement, narrative, character and confidence. All activities will be group based, game-oriented and fun, meaning that even the shyest of actors will have a safe place to communicate, grow and improve in their drama and social skills. In later sessions we will explore different performance genres and stories, such a mime, musical theatre, comedy and fables. Each session will include a warm-up game, a learning time and a short student-directed skit.
Art Class: Realism & Abstract
Friday (excluding 30th September) 2:45-3:45pm (1 hour)
$88.00 (includes materials, 7 weeks)
Tutor: Britney Saywell
Students will explore styles of Realism and Abstract art, looking at subject matter from 2 different perspectives to optimise creative thinking and art problem solving. Materials are provided.
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Unfortunately, some boys do not have a father or other male role model present in their lives. Big Buddy finds these boys a well- screened volunteer male mentor, fostering a long-term relationship similar to that of an uncle.
It is as simple as a good man turning up regularly in a boy’s life, going out into the world and doing activities together, being available to listen to him, modelling what it means to be a good man. The boy’s sense of self develops; he does better at school and is less inclined to crime and abuse. The statistics on positive mentoring are clear and compelling.
If you are interested in this for your boy, contact Martin Hosking – 027 207 8662 or email, [email protected]
More information and stories are available on our media sites: www.bigbuddy.org.nz and Facebook
Thanks
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