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Newsletter Week 10, Term 3
St Michael's Catholic School, Wednesday 23 September
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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Celebrating a Wonderful Term 3
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As Term 3 draws to a close, we can look back with pride on an exceptionally busy and rewarding term at St Michael’s.
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Our tamariki have embraced many opportunities to learn, grow, serve, perform and represent our school.
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Our students participated in the MIGS Interschool Gymnastics Competition, Tough Kid Challenge, Rip, Grip & Whip biking event, CBOP Amazing Race and CBOP Interschool Winter Sports Day. Our hockey, football and basketball teams also represented St Michael’s with enthusiasm, teamwork and pride throughout the winter sports season.
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We also enjoyed Wig Wednesday, Grandparents’ Day and a visit from the Fire Service for our junior classes.
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The Keeping Ourselves Safe programme, delivered with the support of NZ Police, helped our children develop important skills for keeping themselves safe.
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Our Catholic character continued to shine through Masses and liturgies, weekly Rosary, visits to the JPC Chapel, Young Vinnies and Faith in Action activities.
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A huge thank you to our PTA for organising the school disco and Father’s Day Stall. These events created wonderful memories for our children and helped strengthen the sense of community that makes St Michael’s so special.
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Across our classrooms, students have continued making progress through BSLA, Oxford Maths, Maths-Whizz and our knowledge-rich, localised curriculum.
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We were also proud to welcome ERO and share the learning, relationships, Catholic identity and strong sense of belonging within our school.
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Thank you to our dedicated staff, whānau, PTA, parish community, coaches, volunteers and everyone who provided transport or supported our activities. Your contribution makes these rich experiences possible for our tamariki.
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We wish all our students and whānau a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 4.
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Christ be my Light – Ko te Karaiti tōku marama.
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Te tumuaki o te kura Hato Mikaere
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A Warm Welcome!
Welcome to our new student and her family! We are absolutely delighted to welcome a new face to our school community. Please join us in giving a warm welcome to:
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Patrizia Cacatian ( Galilee 1)
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It is wonderful to have you here with us. We know our current students and families will make our newest member feel right at home!
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Message from the DRS
What do we stand for?
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A few days ago, I watched a small moment unfold in the classroom. One child noticed another was upset and crying, and, without being asked, quietly moved over and gave them a comforting hug. It lasted only a few seconds. Nobody applauded, and the moment was quickly forgotten. But I noticed it.
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It made me think about St Michael, whose feast we celebrate on 29 September. St Michael is traditionally remembered as a protector; someone who stood firmly for what was good and right.
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We often imagine courage as something big and dramatic, but perhaps the courage we most need in our schools and communities is much quieter. It is choosing kindness when it would be easier to join in with the crowd, speaking up when something isn't fair, including someone who is being left out, or simply noticing that someone needs a little help.
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Our children are growing up in a world of strong opinions, social media and constant pressure to fit in. Knowing what we stand for matters. And perhaps that is one of the gifts of having St Michael as our patron: a reminder that strength is not about being the loudest or most powerful. Sometimes it is simply having the courage to do the right thing.
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As we celebrate our Feast Day, may we remember that the name St Michael's is more than the name of our school. It represents the kind of community we are trying to build - one where we look out for each other, stand up for what is good, and make room for those who need us.
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Director of Religious Studies
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St Michael's Church Holy Mass Timetable
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St Mary's Church Holy Mass Timetable
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Community Masses -All Welcome
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Miha Maori - First Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s.
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Tokelauan Community - Third Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s.
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Filipino Community - Third Friday of the month, 6pm at St Michael’s.
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𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲’𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡!
Is your child in Year 4 or above and has received their First Holy Communion? St. Mary’s Parish warmly invites them to become an Altar Server!
It is a wonderful way for young people to build confidence, make friends, and serve our community. Training is completely flexible and done by appointment to suit your family's schedule.
To register your interest, simply scan the QR code on the attached poster, or contact our coordinator, Kyree Catena, directly at altarserverrotorua@gmail.com or 027 618 4885.
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Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College is now accepting enrolments for Semester One 2027. If you are a Catholic school teacher, preparing for ministry, seeking academic formation, or wanting to grow in understanding of the Catholic faith, CTC offers opportunities to learn and engage with Theology in a supportive environment. Go to www.ctc.ac.nz for more information.
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Young Vinnies Commissioning Mass
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Congratulations to our newly commissioned Young Vinnies, who were officially recognized during the 10am Mass on Sunday morning at Saint Mary's Church.
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Our student leadership team is already doing a wonderful job leading various fundraisers, and they are excited to put the funds raised to good use in our local community.
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Congratulations to our Young Vinnies Executive Team:
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Wig Wednesday – Supporting Kids with Cancer
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A huge thank you to our amazing school community for supporting Wig Wednesday! The hall was filled with bright colors, wild wigs, and big smiles as students and staff dressed up to raise awareness<!-->. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised just over $200.00 for Child Cancer Foundation--><!-->! Your contributions will go a long way in supporting children and families navigating childhood cancer.
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Spotlight On Learning
Fire Safety & Fire Engine Visit
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Our students had an exciting and educational visit from the local Fire Emergency team! The firefighters spent time sharing important fire safety tips, showing our classes how to stay safe in an emergency, and letting the kids get an up-close look at a real fire engine<!-->. It was a fantastic experience full of great questions and valuable lessons for everyone
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Rip, Whip & Grip Mountain Bike Event
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Our young riders represented St Michaels with pride yesterday at the Rip, Whip & Grip bike event! This event was all about participation, having fun, and getting out on the trails. Our students tackled the tracks with grit, energy, and fantastic team spirit. A huge congratulations to all our kids who took part and gave it their all—great job getting out there, team!
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School lunches available on Wednesday each week
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You can order lunch by 8.30am on Wednesday morning and this will be delivered to the office for your child.
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🌭 Friday Lunch Special: American Hot Dogs
We are having an American Hot Dog lunch this Friday !
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How to order: Orders are taken in class.
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Deadline: Must be ordered by 9:00 AM.
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Please remind your child to get their order in with their teacher as soon as they arrive. We unfortunately cannot fill any orders placed after 9:00 AM!
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Next term we will be back to Juicies!
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Upcoming events for Term 3:
- Friday 25 September - Term 3 Ends
- Monday 12th October - Start of Term 4
- Board Meeting - Monday November 2 at 5:30pm
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Sports News
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That’s a wrap on another fantastic soccer season! Our young players showed brilliant effort, determination, and teamwork out on the pitch every single week.
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We gathered together to celebrate all our teams at our end-of-season prize giving. A huge congratulations to all our players for their hard work and sportsmanship, and a big thank you to our coaches, managers, and parents who supported the teams throughout the season!
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A huge round of applause for Zaria Sleet! Look at all those well-earned horse show ribbons. Fantastic work!
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PTA News
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Get Ready: School Colour Fun Run Coming Next Term!
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Change of plans! We won't be having our Tomato Seedling Sale this year, but we have something even more exciting lined up for next term—the School Colour Fun Run!
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Keep an eye on school bags this week as information booklets will be sent home with every child. Once yours arrives, you can set up your student profile and start getting ready for the big event!
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Board of Trustees
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Next board meeting Date: Monday November 2nd at 5:30pm
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At each BOT meeting - twice a term - policies are reviewed. If you would like to communicate with the BOT, you are welcome to email our board e-mail address; smcsboard@stmichaelsrotorua.school.nz or alternatively, send letters to the school in an envelope marked "Board of Trustees."
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St Michaels School Board of Trustees
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Angela Smith-Bigwood (Chair), Damian Flynn, Joseph Hewlett, Shania Howe (Parent Reps), Bernadette Fredrickson (Proprietor Rep), Nicky Curran (Proprietor Rep) Gary Dender (Proprietor Rep)
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You are also welcome to attend any meeting, however, if you would like to have speaking rights, you need to request this from the chair using the email address. This email address can be accessed by Angela Smith-Bigwood (Presiding Member)
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Each term, the whole school community is invited to review and comment on specific policies and procedures. This feedback is captured using the review button on topics that are under review.
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Log on to School Docs to have your say.
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SchoolDocs is an online platform that provides access to our school policies, procedures, and guidelines. It serves as a valuable tool for staying informed and ensuring that we are all on the same page.
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To access SchoolDocs, please visit
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schooldoc.co.nz and use the following login details:
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Username: stmichaelsrotorua
Password: community
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St Michael’s Catholic School Rotorua
School Board Elections
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Nominations are open for the election of 1 parent representative to the school board.
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All eligible voters will receive a nomination form. Use this form to nominate yourself or someone in your community. You will also receive a nomination cover letter calling for nominations. Information on who is not eligible to be a board member is provided with the nomination form.
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If you need more nomination forms, contact the school office.
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Nominations close at noon on Wednesday 7th of October 2026. You may provide a signed candidate statement and photograph with your nomination.
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The electoral roll is held at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.
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As nominations are received, there will be a list of candidates’ names kept at the school up until election day, which you can view.
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Voting closes at 4pm on Wednesday 11th November.
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Community News
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St. Marys Primary School. Heated Pool.
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Learn to swim recommences Monday 19th October 2026
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Non Confident - to- Confident Swimming and Water safety
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email: boiellem3@gmail.com
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Please include your phone number with an email.
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Beginners After School Art Classes with Janet Keen enrolling NOW for remainer of Term 3 & 4
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Drawing, Painting, Mosaics.
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Tuesdays, Wednesdays , Thursdays
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3.30pm to 4.30pm and 4.35pm to 5.35pm
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Small classes, friendly, safe, quiet, environment.
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From ages from aged 5 and upwards Enquiries welcome:
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374 Clayton Road, Rotorua.
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