IN THIS WEEK’S NEWSLETTER
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NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
This second newsletter of the year comes after further school closures due to the recent Cyclone. I wish to extend my gratitude to our Board and the team at Our Lady Star of the Sea who responded quickly to the changing situation, always working with the health and safety of our school learners and staff at the forefront of their minds. We were closed for two days at the beginning of last week and were pleased with how well our school stood up to the winds and rain over those two days during Cyclone Gabrielle. Unfortunately, we needed to postpone Camp 2 due to the loss of power up on Kawau Island, however we have been fortunate to secure a date later in the year so our students in Rooms 19, 22, and half of 21 will still get the fabulous camp experience that is such a highlight for our senior students.
Our hearts are full of prayers and love for the victims of the past two severe weather events in the space of 4 weeks, both here in Auckland and in the Hawkes Bay. We pray eternal rest for those who have lost their lives and seek that our loving Lord wraps his healing hands around those who are and will struggle for a long time to rebuild their lives after this tragedy. We also keep in our prayers the victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Siria, knowing the impact of such a devastating natural event on the lives of those who are affected.
Parish Connect – we are very much looking forward to joining our parish in a year of celebrations as we mark 175 years since Fr Garin established our parish and school here in Howick. The first celebration event is a combined school and parish Mass on Sunday 12th March at 10am held in our school hall. Following this Mass, where our Year 6 school leaders will be commissioned for their year as servant leaders, we will have a picnic up on our school field. We will have the waterslide out as entertainment for the children. Please put this important date in your diary and come along to celebrate being part of one of the oldest established schools and parishes in New Zealand.
Ash Wednesday On Wednesday we celebrated the start of Lent with the liturgy of Ash Wednesday where we receive the ashes on our foreheads and hear the words ‘turn away from sin and be true to the Gospel’. This celebration reminds us that in 40 days we celebrate Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is timely to take these 40 days of Lent to contemplate, pray, slow down and undertake actions that reflect and return us to our faith in God.
This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent. We hear these words repeated in the Gospel reading from Matthew: ‘Scripture Says…’ Perhaps this is a call to us to take time to study scripture as a Lantern exercise this year! Click here for this Sunday’s readings.
Refreshed Strategic Direction 2023-2025 We are so proud to share with you, on behalf of our Board, our refreshed Strategic Direction for the next three years. Those of you who came along to our Community Dreaming Day and participated in our subsequent consultation period from September of last year, will see the connection between what was shared and contributed as a community to the three goals that we have established to guide our work over the next three years. Last night over 80 families visited our Information Centre when they came in for Parent/Teacher/Student Goal Setting Conferences to see and hear about the journey. We shared how the information from our extensive community consultation led to the establishment of each goal, how we are going to operationalise these goals over the next three years and details about our plans for this year in particular. Over the next few newsletters, it is my pleasure to share this detail for those who were unable to make it in to see and hear this information face to face.
Our three goals draw directly from our School Vision; Confidently living, learning and serving with Jesus as our Guide. The detail beneath each goal is formulated in understand, know and do statements aligning our work with the Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum which is being rolled out in stages over the next few years.
Goal 1, The first of our revised Strategic Goals is focused on how we Confidently LIVE with Jesus as our Guide. This goal focuses us on developing an understanding of the importance of well-being, knowing what impacts well-being and building strategies to support well-being in our community.
Through the community consultation last year, our community identified the Maori model of well-being called Te Whare Tapa Whā as the model that best suited our school. Undoubtedly this is due to the fact that the model has the important element of spiritual well-being built into it which resonated strongly with our Catholic community.
This year, we have launched Te Whare Tapa Whā as a framework for discussions about well-being in our classrooms. It is intended that the elements of the model can also be used at home when having discussions. For example, when you pray as a family or head to Mass on a Sunday you can say to your children we are growing our Spiritual Wellbeing, or, when you talk with your child/ren about the purpose of the physical activity you can say we are growing our Physical Wellbeing, or, if their friendships are challenging or there is sibling upsets you can say you are supporting them in their Emotional and Mental Wellbeing by helping them through the challenging time. With home and school using this as a tool when supporting our children, it is intended that over time they will grow a strong awareness and grounding in all of the elements that make up a strong sense of well-being.
Looking Back Our staff attended the Dedication Mass for all teachers in the Diocese of Auckland last Wednesday, a lovely opportunity to celebrate Catholic Education with our Bishop. This week the Life Education Van has been at school with specially designed Health lessons for our tamariki. Our Middle Team had a fabulous time at their Swimming Carnival on Tuesday. Our celebration of Ash Wednesday this week was a solemn and special celebration marking the beginning of Lent.
Looking Ahead The Life Education Van and specialist teacher continue to deliver specially designed Health lessons for our tamariki. On Monday our Teaching staff are attending a Paid Union Meeting so formal lessons will finish at 12.30pm. If you are able to collect your children at that time it would be greatly appreciated as many of our staff are off-site. Leadership will look after our remaining students for the afternoon and they can be collected in the usual way at the end of the school day. We have the Massey University Team in on Tuesday and the following Thursday supporting us in the delivery of a Structured Approach to Literacy throughout the school. Our Senior Team Swimming Sports will take place on Wednesday morning of next week at Lloyd Elsmore pools. On Thursday Bernard Mangakahia will present a Well-being based performance to our students, furthering our strategic goal as mentioned above. The following week we look forward to Blessing our newly upgraded Mud Kitchen area with Fr John on Tuesday 7th March at 2.20pm – all welcome to attend. Our Travelwise Students Leaders have a leadership training day on the Wednesday.
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
NEWS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In 1848, Fr Garin, our first parish priest, worked with the Fencibles and settlers along with the local iwi to build a school room / chapel. This was the first of our three schools over the 175 years.Garin stayed in the parish for two years and was then moved to Nelson. The school room was used as a temporary chapel from 1848 – 1854 while the first Church was being built. The Catholic settlers kept the school running. In 1849, the school had 137 pupils. Between 1886 and 1908 both Fr Walter MacDonald and Father O’Hara appealed for religious Sisters to come and teach at the school.
Lent has begun. During Lent we are encouraged to ‘Pray, Share and Fast.’ Often the fasting we do is of no benefit to anyone else and can make us grumpy. Not ideal! Pope Francis challenges us to take a different approach to fasting. His suggestions will benefit others as well as ourselves.
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 pressures and be prayerful
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Our annual Lenten Challenge this year is to FLOOD the FOODBANK with FOOD. This is one of our major outreach activities for the year where we can put our faith into action. Throughout the weeks of Lent we are collecting donations for our parish foodbank. Through the small action of donating an item of food our young learners come to know more about two of the corporal works of Mercy – feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty. Each week representatives from the class with the most donations will help to deliver the food to the foodbank, learn about the work of the foodbank and pack parcels to be distributed within the community. Thank you for your support with this.
Stations of the Cross.
At school each Friday before lunch begins, the Liturgy Team will lead the school in the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross is a form of prayer used traditionally in Lent. Each of the 14 Stations retells part of Jesus’ Passion (his suffering and death) through images and words. These Stations of the Cross introduce our young learners to Jesus’ Passion, breaking it down into stages that they can reflect upon and remember. The Stations are more than the retelling of a story: they are a prayerful participation in the event that lies at the heart of Christianity – Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. At the parish each Friday at 7pm, the school community is invited to gather together and pray the Stations of the Cross in our parish church.
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.
NEWS FROM THE BOARD
Your Board would like to thank, and acknowledge all the hard work that Karen Noble-Campbell, Heather Collins, the Senior Team teachers and all the fantastic parent helpers who together made a wonderful camp experience for our senior students earlier this month. In addition the Board would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to reschedule the second camp until the later in the year, due to the unsafe weather conditions. A whole lot of hard work and planning goes into these camps before they even start, so the rescheduling of camp is no easy task, and your Board is very grateful that all senior students will have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful camp experience.
Your 2023 Board is meeting for the first time, next Tuesday the 28th of February. As in the past, we will continue to share with you updates of matters discussed in this fortnightly newsletter. You’re of course welcome to attend these meetings in person if you wish to – and the meeting commences at 6.30 in the staff room.
Just a reminder of the Parish Connect event celebrating 175 years since the Parish and the School began. A celebration Mass and picnic with our Parish will take place on Sunday 12th March at the school. We are looking forward to seeing many of you there!
Sharon Yeh and Alina Hooper
On behalf of your Board
NEWS FROM THE PTA
Over the unusual last couple of years, your P.T.A. has been unable to organise many of the fun times we had planned. The Welcome Picnic we had organised for the first week of this term was also cancelled due to the current weather storms.
However, we are keen to be up and running again just as soon as we can. Please do look out in these fortnightly newsletters for upcoming events. We will be organising our Annual General Meeting in the very near future and you are invited to come along to hear about the great ideas we aim to undertake in 2023. Help is always needed for events but there is no pressure to attend monthly meetings. If you have any ideas or can help on a casual basis, please do contact the school office and leave details, or have a chat to us in the office for more information.
Kate Smeath and Catherine Min
Current P.T.A. members
ATTENDANCE DUES
Along with a letter from your Board, you will have received your accounts for school fees for 2023. There are several options for payment. If you need support please contact Sue Yandell to set up your payment plan.
Due Dates for the year are:
Term 1 – Due by 10.03.2023
Term 2 – Due by 10.06.2023
Term 3 – Due by 30.08.2023
Term 4 – Due by 20.11.20232
Donation Tax Receipts – for the financial year 01.04.2022 – 31.03.2023 will be emailed as soon as possible after 1st April 2023.
NEWS FROM THE CLASSROOM
Notice Think Wonder
The senior students are thinking like a scientist by undertaking some simple science experiences across the cohort. The students are noticing, thinking and wondering about;
- the affects of oil on water,
- discovering about bottles, balloons and air
- investigating the combination of mentos lollies and fizzy drinks
- observing the chemical mixtures of milk, food colouring and detergent
- crafting balloon rockets
Please encourage these discoveries as we begin our mission to stand tall and proud in 2023.
NEWS FROM OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Camp Bentzon 2023
Here are 3 reflections from students who were at Camp 1. They captured the discoveries that they made about themselves.
When I arrived at school, I was nervous but then my dad told me not to be nervous and enjoy camp. When I arrived at camp I saw a weka. When I saw the weka, it looked like a kiwi. After camp, I chose my bunk bed. It had an awesome view and the creatures that lived there were weka, tui, wood pigeons, fantails and monarch butterflies. At camp what I found easy was kayaking. What I liked about kayaking was that it was about independence and the things I found hard were the Burma trail and the confidence course. When I finished the Burma trail I was proud that I tried and finished.
Then at fishing, the fish kept nibbling on my bait but then I had to be patient. I felt a powerful pull on my fishing hook then I pulled my fish up and then I let it swim away.
At the end of camp, I was really proud of myself because I was strong, resilient, confident and brave. After the bus drive I was happy and joyful.
By Luke Maqbool
I was excited for camp. It was my first school camp. There are lots of good activities. I gave them all a go. I was proud of myself because of the activities. The food was yummy. I had chicken burgers, it was tasty.
I helped Mrs Campbell to fish because she wasn’t catching anything. She did not kiss a fish! I like kayaking because I paddled to the other side of the bay. I was happy.
By Louis Orange
I was scared when I went to camp because my family wasn’t coming. I shared a room with four other kids and me. I was scared of the confidence course but when I gave it a try and it became my favourite activity. It was a big challenge and I knew that I didn’t need to be scared and I did the whole thing.
By Kobi Corlett
NEWS FROM THE INFORMATION CENTRE
Hi everyone! We are so excited to be working in the library this year. If you have any questions or are struggling to find a book that suits you, don’t hesitate to come see one of the student librarians. I know that we all have some great recommendations for you to explore. We will do our best to support you so that you can enjoy our beautiful library and read some awesome books. We cannot wait to meet you all!
Olivia Min ( Rm 22 ) Mia Yandell ( Rm 22 ) Bryn Laird ( Rm 22)
KEY DATES
TERM DATES
Term 1 Starts | Tuesday, 31 January 2023 |
Term 1 Finishes | Thursday, 6 April 2023 |
Term 2 Starts | Monday, 24 April 2023 |
Term 2 Finishes | Friday, 30 June 2023 |
Term 3 Starts | Monday, 17 July 2023 |
Term 3 Finishes | Friday, 22 September 2023 |
Term 4 Starts | Monday, 9 October 2023 |
Term 4 Finishes | Friday, 15 December 2023 |
TEACHER ONLY DAY | Monday, 13 November 2023 |
COMMUNITY NOTICES
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.

Sacred Heart Enrolment Applications for Year 7 and Year 9 for 2024 are now open
A Sacred Heart education provides a foundation of faith and aspiration to succeed at the highest level in personal and professional life. Places are available in Years 7 and 9 in 2024, with Boarding available from Year 9. Applications are prioritised in accordance with our Enrolment Scheme. Scholarships are available.
Join us for our Open Day on Wednesday, 8 March 2023. Two sessions are being held, 10am and 1pm in our Auditorium, followed by tours of the College. Parking will be available at Gates 3 & 4, West Tamaki Road, Glendowie.
Applications for enrolment close Friday 31 March 2023. Apply online here. Visit www.sacredheart.school.nz for more information.
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