Dear Families,

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2023, the year that we celebrate 175 Years since the first opening of this special school. What a start to the year we have had so far! Thank you all so much for your unending patience as we were directed by the Secretary of Education to close the school the day before we were due to open. This was due to the State of Emergency that was declared because of the unprecedented recent weather event. Thank you also for the quick response when 48 hours later we were informed that we were able to reopen. Needless to say, there were plenty of very happy children returning to school last Thursday for their first day (and lots of smiling parents too).

Waitangi Day
We commemorated Waitangi Day with a national holiday on Monday of this week and a special assembly on Tuesday when we gathered back together as a school; remembering our commitment to our bi-cultural partnership in our multicultural society. I heard a prominent Maori speaker recently comment that we are a country filled with people who have rich cultural backgrounds from across the globe. Each cultural background is held dear and safeguarded in their own home country. It is important to have people from all cultural backgrounds feel welcome and a sense of connection here in Aotearoa, however, it is vital we keep the Maori culture and language alive here because this is the only place in the world from which the Maori culture originates – we are all responsible for safeguarding the indigenous culture of New Zealand in order for our and future generations to understand, respect and share this unique and special culture with the world.

Celebrating Chinese Luna New Year
We are most grateful to our Chinese Parent Group, the Jia Group for decorating our school with beautiful Chinese lanterns and decorations marking the Chinese Luna New Year, a truly festive start to school!

Connected Curriculum 2023 You will have noticed our connected curriculum statement as you enter the school for 2023. The theme of our year is Mission. This theme connects us to the journey of our school over 175 years as well as looks at present and future actions to support wellbeing and positive contributions to God’s world.

Parish Connect – celebrating 175 years We are very much looking forward to joining our parish in the celebration of 175 years since the parish and school began at the hands of Fr Antoine Garin. A celebration of Mass with our Parish on Sunday 12th March held here at our school will be the first in a series of celebrations that extend across the year. We will commission our Year 6 leaders at this Mass followed by a picnic up on the school field. We will have the waterslide in operation for the children. Please mark this date in your diary as an important school and parish event to attend. More details to come closer to the time.

Year 5/6 Camp Kawau Island
On a rather damp Waitangi Day Monday Room 18, Room 23 and half of Room 21 set off with their teachers and parent helpers on a bus bound for Sandspit. In drizzle, they loaded their bags onto the ferry to head to Kawau Island. On arrival, the rain stopped and the fun began! Our intrepid campers have enjoyed bivouac building, orienteering, confidence course, archery, kayaking, sailing, fishing, games and much more while away at camp for the week. This is an organisational marathon for our teachers, and a mammoth task for our parent and teacher helpers, but the benefits for our students cannot be overstated. The growth in confidence, resilience, friendships, independence, bravery, support for others, and school spirit is just wonderful to witness. All Year 5 or 6 students should be able to make a bed, put a pillow slip on a pillow, locate a lost item of clothing, and get themselves ready for any activity from now on as they have done it all and done so with a smile and with great success at camp! We are very proud of them and I know we will also be very proud of the Room 19, 22 and other half of Room 21 who are heading out to camp next week albeit delayed by a couple of days due to the impending bad weather.
I wish to sincerely thank Karen Noble Campbell for her amazing organisational skills and leadership as well as Heather Collins who has also done a phenomenal leadership job, both of them working across both camps. These committed staff alongside Tracey Elder and Rebecca Sentch (first camp) and Helen Burger and Jesy Griffin (second camp) have left their own family lives for their time at camp in 24 hour care and support of our senior school learners. This is true commitment to our learners and on behalf of our families, I would like to extend our gratitude to them.
We are also so fortunate to have an amazing group of committed parents along for the journey both this week and looking into next week. Camp cannot be successful without the support of these able-bodied, enthusiastic (and exhausted by the end!) parent helpers who support groups on activities and run activities too – what a team we are at OLSOS, working for the benefit of the students in our care – thanks one and all!

Looking Ahead Our staff head out to Christ the King Parish Church to join educators across the Diocese for the annual Dedication Mass next Wednesday evening. The following week we look forward to the Life Education Van delivering Health based lessons to our students. Our Middle Team swimming carnival is on Tuesday 21st February and we celebrate the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday on Wednesday 22nd February with a liturgy at 10am – all families are welcome to come along and join us. We have Meet the Teacher/Goal setting conferences on Thursday 23rd February – bookings for these important parent/student/teacher meetings will be done through our Skool Loop App – please follow the instructions to join the app detailed later in this newsletter if you have not already done so.

Holiday Property Work You will be as excited as we are that our Mud Kitchen area has undergone a face-lift over the holidays – you will now see this area has four distinct new areas;  a gathering/korero space, a river-bed water space, an upgraded mud kitchen with clay pit and a dedicated space for the loose parts to be enjoyed which also doubles as an outdoor classroom complete with mini stage/presentation platform for class performances. There are several entrances to the space between gorgeous planter beds including a special slide entrance in the corner closest to Room 17. Within this revitalised play space you will find water pumps, an insect hotel, beautiful planting and much more. Staff will be on duty in this area as our students learn how to enjoy the spaces whilst looking after them too. We are so grateful to our community, who, over the last three OLSOS Galas have raised the money in order for this much-anticipated upgrade to go ahead. We will look to a date in the near future when we can have the space blessed by Fr John and let you all know when this is going to take place.

Staffing Update Over the school holidays our Room 7 teacher Brooke Curtain got married and is now known by her married name Mrs Crowe. We wish Brooke huge congratulations!
We welcome Mrs Cindy Stewart to full-time work in Room 14 for the first part of this year. Cindy usually works part-time for us, so we are grateful that she has stepped into full-time work at a time when this was needed.
We welcome Mrs Jesy Griffin into our senior school and Mrs Shelley Arnott into our junior school. See below for an introduction message from these two new staff to our school.

My name is Jesy Griffin and I am so excited to be the new teacher in Room 22. I completed my teacher training at the University of Auckland in 2020 and have been teaching in New Zealand for the past couple of years. I grew up in the Philippines and prior to moving to New Zealand, I spent many years overseas studying and working as an ESOL Teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting Auckland beaches and parks with my husband and dog. I already feel so warmly welcomed into the Our Lady Star of the Sea family and I am looking forward to meeting everyone around in the school community.

My name is Shelley Arnott and I am the new teacher in Room 9. This is my first year at Our Lady Star of the Sea School and I am looking forward to working in this community. I was born in South Africa and have been in New Zealand for 21 years. I am married and live with my husband and 2 boys. They are 14 and 6 years old. I have been warmly welcomed and I am looking forward to being part of the Our Lady Star of the Sea family and meeting everyone.

A note from Fr. John
CARITAS APPEAL FOR TURKEY AND SYRIA- we have all been shocked by the destruction to life and property caused by the recent earthquakes on the border of Turkey and Syria.  The whole Church is mobilising along with many others in the world to provide practical assistance.  Our NZ Catholic Church Aid Agency- known as CARITAS- has also opened an Appeal and if you would like to contribute here is how you do so:- https://www.caritas.org.nz/donate-online.
This message was shared today in Fr. John’s regular parish email today. If you do not receive these, please be in touch with the parish office 5348710 to add your email address to the database.

A Couple Of Reminders at the Start of our School Year
Annual Consent Form Please Return as soon as possible. Your child/ren will have brought home our annual consent form for trips and visits across our school year as well as other critical consent elements. Your child/ren will not be able to leave the school for any trips or events until we have this form back to school (including Field of Dreams swimming for Year 3-6 students next week). Please bring your annual consent form back to your class teacher by Monday 20th February.
Updating Contact Details If any of your contact details have recently changed, (phone numbers, address, email address or emergency contact details), please be in touch with our school office to let them know, or, you are welcome to make changes through the parent portal.
Uniform Please ensure your child/ren has the correct uniform including a school hat. The uniform shop is open on Thursdays from 8.15 am to 8.45 am and again from 2.30 pm – 3.00 pm.  Uniform orders can be placed online by completing an order form, paying online and emailing the order to [email protected].  An order form can be found on the school website under the School Information tab, then select School Uniform.  Orders must be in by Wednesday for delivery to your child’s classroom on Thursday.  For any size exchanges please return to the office and we will action.   The new sports uniform will be available later this month.  If using an online order, please remember to circle the colour sleeve band for your school house.
Safety around the school gates With all the congestion we experience before and after school, we are very mindful of keeping our tamariki, students, safe. There are a few things you can do to help us make sure that no child gets hurt, or worse, coming to and leaving school.
1. Make sure all children get out of or into the car on the curbside
2. Always use the marked crossing areas at the front or the back of the school to cross the road as these have the most visibility for drivers
3. Make sure your child/ren do not run between parked cars to get into or out of the car or across the road
4. When the road patrols are operating at the pedestrian crossing please always use these
5. Demonstrate to your children safe ways to cross the road
Thank you for your support. We know it often means walking a little bit further but it is worth it to avoid a tragedy.

Wishing you all a happy, safe and blessed fortnight ahead until we next communicate via our school newsletter.

Ngā mihi nui and cǐ zhì jìng lǐ,

Louise Campbell
Principal

Eight years after the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Fr Antoine Garin – Garin House Patron –  arrived in Howick. Garin was a Marist priest who first set foot in New Zealand in 1841. His initial time in our beautiful country was spent establishing Catholic MIssions in the Northland districts of Mangakahia, Kaipara and Hokianga. He was an extraordinary man with a heart of gold, full of charity and benevolence for all. Garin’s reputation preceded him and the Ngai Tai, Chief Otara Te Irirangi, was impressed with what he had heard about this man. Together the Fencibles and settlers along with the local iwi supported Father Garin to build a chapel / school room which was Blessed by Bishop Viard in 1848. ( Footsteps of Faith, ps 23 & 24).

Parish Sacramental Programme

Enrolment for this year’s parish sacramental programme close  Sunday 19 February. The programme is for children in year 4 and above. More information is on the parish website and our school website.

Parish Children’s Choir

A new children’s choir will commence in February. Rehearsals will be during term time only on Saturdays from 4 – 5pm in the parish centre, Parkhill Road. The intention is to have a lot of fun and sing at Mass a few times per year. Jennifer Maybee will be leading this new initiative. Jennifer is currently teaching singing and taking choir at St Cuthbert’s college. She has a wealth of experience having been involved with music for much of the past 35 years. Please contact Jennifer 022 1691030 or [email protected] for more information or to register your interest. 

Dedication Mass 

Bishop Steve will be celebrating Mass, Wednesday 15 February at 7pm for all teachers involved in Catholic Education across the Auckland Diocese. All teachers in Catholic schools are expected to be involved in ongoing Religious Education Professional Development and during this Mass teachers who have completed a qualification will be acknowledged. We congratulate Tracey Elder, Heather Collins and Rebecca Sentch for their respective certificates. 

Ash Wednesday 

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is a time for us to stop and reflect on where we are in our walk with God. It helps us to identify areas in our life which are in need of change. As the ashes are placed on our forehead, in the sign of Christ’s cross, we are encouraged to turn away from sin and turn towards God. The ashes are an external sign of our desire to do that. Our school will gather as a faith community on Wednesday 22 February for the distribution of ashes. All are welcome to attend.

Annual Lenten Outreach 

The recent flooding across Auckland presents us with the opportunity to reach out and support those in need. Many thanks to those of you who were able to support the parish St Vincent de Paul Society’s (SVDP)  recent request for bedding. It took two van loads to transport the donations across to the community support groups across the region. Our parish SVDP group has requested our support with donations to the parish foodbank. This year our Lenten outreach plan is to FLOOD the FOODBANK with FOOD. More information will be shared closer to the time. 

Alpha

The parish Alpha course beings Tuesday 28 February. Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that explore the basics of the Christian faith and meaning. The talks are designed to encourage conversation and explore the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. The Course covers topics such as  – Who is Jesus?  Why did Jesus die? How can I have faith? Why and how should I read the bible? Does God heal today? How do I make the most of my life?                                                                                                                       For more information contact the parish office 5348710.

Kia hari koa, ka uru tera wairua ki tena ki tena 

Be cheerful and happy, generating life in those around you

Prayer Intention: That we extend the Marist  pillar of presence by being open to the needs of others and sharing what we have with others within  our school, parish and wider community.

Happy New Year, it’s great to see everyone back healthy and happy after a long break.  Your board will have its first meeting of the year on 28 February, and we are all looking forward to the year ahead.

We would like to acknowledge again the incredible work Vaughan has done as board member over the past 5 yeras and our presiding member for the past three years.  He has done an excellent job as seen in many exciting changes for the school, including the COLA.  It’s very sad to see you go Vaughan, and we hope to see you around!

As the Senior teams are attending their school camp both this week and next we hope you all have a fantastic time!

Finally, we are looking forward to seeing many of you at our Parish/School Mass and picnic on Sunday 12 March in the school grounds.

Alina Hooper
On Behalf of Your Board

The Auckland Catholic Diocese have advised us of an increase to the compulsory Attendance Dues for 2023. These will increase to $488 per year for Primary Schools, which is an additional $20 per child per year. Both Special Character and Proprietors Contribution will remain the same as 2022.
Keeping in mind the increasing costs of living we are all experiencing your Board will keep the General Purpose fees the same as 2022.
A full letter of explanation will come home next week, however we wish to advise the fees for 2023 will be increasing by $20 to $1028.00 per child i.e. $257.00 per term.

As usual financial assistance is available if required, by contacting us in confidence.

Skool Loop

We use Skool Loop as a further communication tool for notices.  Skool Loop will also be used for parents to book appointment times for the upcoming Parent Meetings.

If you are not connected, please download the App ready to book appointment times.

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After School Tutor Classes

Tutor Classes Term 1

Here is our list of classes for Term1! If you wish to sign up your child, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/hiBx4rZyods3uNTd8

Read the full After School Tutor Classes newsletter here – Admin-Newsletter-T1_2023-Tutor-Classes

Classes will run from week 3 (week beginning Monday 13th of January). Classes run until week 10 (starting Monday 3rd of April).

ALL CLASSES START WEEK THREE OF TERM 1. PAYMENT FOR CLASSES ARE DUE TO INDIVIDUAL TUTORS BEFORE 17^th FEBRUARY 2023.

Tutors will send bank account details to parents once your child is confirmed in their class.

MUSIC LESSONS AT SCHOOL IN 2023

We are now accepting new enrolments for keyboard, guitar, and ukulele lessons at your school on THURSDAYS with for a Term 1 start (week commencing 7 February).

Term fees (based on a 10-week term): Individual lessons $400, Group lessons $175.

Complete our online enrolment form today at https://bit.ly/LEMSMusicLessons and begin your music journey with Lewis Eady Music School!

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lewiseady.co.nz/music-school

Rubbish free lunches

It takes a while to change old habits, but as a school community we have made great steps towards being rubbish free.  It has been pleasing to see many families are doing their bit to care for the precious environment that God gifted us and continuing to bring in rubbish free lunches each day.  Here are some simple ways you can help. Please keep up the mahi.  2023 – Star of the Sea is rubbish free!

Here are some simple ways you can help. Please keep up the mahi.  2023 – Star of the Sea is rubbish free!

It has been so lovely to welcome classes and students back to our Information Centre!

Summer reading was a hit, with many children taking the opportunity to borrow some of our wonderful books over the holidays.

Classes visit the Information Centre weekly and it is also open every lunchtime for borrowing and lots of fun activities such as reading, chess, lego, jigsaws, board games, and drawing!

Borrowing details:

Juniors: one book for one week

Middle: two books for one week

Seniors: three books for two weeks

BARADENE COLLEGE – OPEN DAY TOURS – Wednesday 1 March and Thursday 2 March 2023 

BOOKINGS online REQUIRED (opening 9.00am Monday 20 Feb)

Tour times: 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.30am

Book at www.baradene.school.nz/enrol

Book your time by 3.00pm Monday 27 Feb

Enrolments for Year 7, 2024 and for limited places in other Year levels are being accepted now and will close at 3pm on Friday 17 March, 2023.