St. Michaels Catholic School Rotorua

I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our tamariki for their outstanding performance at this year’s Rotorua School’s Kapa Haka Festival.  Their performance reflected their dedication and hard work.  Seeing and hearing their items truly reinforced the importance of being proud of who we are as a school community.

On behalf of the staff at St Michael’s Catholic School I trust that everyone has had an enjoyable holiday. Term 4 begins on Tuesday 25 of October. We look forward to seeing all the children back at school.

The school received the report on the ’special character’ of St Michael’ Catholic School that was held earlier this term. The review team were impressed with the culture of St Michael’s Catholic School.  This is evident in the report that praises the positive relationships that exist in the school.  Every three years the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton reviews all the Catholic Schools in this region.  As a staff we are proud of the review as the findings reflect the dedication of the staff and the values that are evident in the school.

The high turnout at the parent interviews shows the positive relationships that exist between the school and parents. All parties are committed to ensuring that the children receive the best possible education. By working together the foundation is built strongly. Success builds upon success.

Just a reminder that the parent – teacher interviews are being held next week.  Historically we have close to 95% of our parents attend the meetings.  Please return the forms so that times can be arranged.   We look forward to meeting everyone next Tuesday.

On behalf of the school community I would like to congratulate Fr Mark on his appointment as the new Parish Priest for the Rotorua Parishes.

We appreciate the support that Fr Mark has provided to our school and community in the past and we recognise and look forward to the bright future that lies in front of us.

We were fortunate in that yesterday’s cross country was held in fine weather.  We have some very fast runners in the school and I am sure that they will succeed at the interschool event.  On behalf of the staff I would like to thank the parents for their support at the Redwoods.

Marion and I were privileged to attend the annual Principal / DRS Conference a couple of weeks ago.  The conference focused on ways of enhancing the school’s special character, to grow the Catholic flavour.  There were a number of presenters to shared different approaches, ranging from different ways of praying, different types of faith-based songs and ways of relating to people within a Catholic framework.   In a recent article in a national paper the reporter noted how more people are choosing to send their children to faith-based schools (Catholic and Christian being the main types) than 10 years ago.  There is a demand for education that focuses on values along with educational excellence.

The first term has finished and I would like to thank everyone for their input and the successful outcomes for the children.  Our sports teams competed in a number of grades and achieved at a high level.  The first major assessment for the year were also completed.  Out school results are very pleasing and show that the vast majority of the children here at achieving at or above the standards.  Success is important.  The teachers really appreciate the support of the wider community.  It is this support that makes St Michael’s Catholic School a successful school.

I would like to thank Fr Mark for today’s Mass.  The children always enjoy the opportunity to visit our Parish as part of the wider Rotorua Catholic community.  The special character of St Michael’s Catholic School involves the daily prayers and religious education.  Because our school is not on the Parish grounds, to attend a Parish Mass is all the more special.