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Newsletter Week 2, Term 1
St Michael's Catholic School, Wednesday 12 February
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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,
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Welcome back to another exciting school year at St Michael’s Catholic School! 2024 was a hugely successful year for our school, with strong progress in literacy and numeracy, the development of our structured literacy approach, and the continued commitment of our dedicated staff to providing the best learning opportunities for our tamariki. Our students thrived academically, socially, and spiritually, and we are incredibly proud of everything we achieved as a school community.
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Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be another busy year. With significant changes to the New Zealand Curriculum, our teachers are undertaking extensive professional learning and development to ensure they are well-equipped to implement these updates effectively. Our staff have been deeply engaged in structured literacy PLD for the past four years, and they are more than ready to take on the challenges of the evolving curriculum.
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As part of these changes, you will notice updates in the way we assess and report student progress. We want to keep our whānau informed, so keep an eye out for details about our upcoming curriculum evening this term. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the changes, particularly in Literacy and Numeracy, and what they mean for your child’s learning journey.
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Attendance & End-of-Day Procedures
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Regular attendance is essential for your child’s learning and success. Our school day begins at 8:50 am and ends at 2:55 pm. We kindly ask parents to ensure their child arrives on time and attends school regularly. If your child is absent, please notify the school as soon as possible.
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To minimize disruptions at the end of the day, we ask that parents picking up children wait at the meeting area rather than outside classrooms. This helps students stay focused during pack-up time, particularly our younger learners. The final moments of the school day are important, as teachers often share notices and reminders. It is also a time for students to come together with their teacher and classmates for prayers, allowing them to finish their day in a calm and connected way.
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Thank you for your support in helping us create a focused and respectful learning environment for all students!
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With the warmer weather, we'd like to emphasise the importance of wearing the correct school uniform, including sunhats to keep our students protected. Safety and well-being are our top priorities.
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School Donations & Camp Update
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Our school has opted into the government’s donation scheme, meaning we will not be requesting additional payments for curriculum-related activities. However, please note that any sporting fees for teams your child opts into will still apply.
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This year our Year 5/6 students will be attending the MiCamp in Taupo in November. As camp is an extra-curricular activity, parents will be required to cover the cost, which will be approximately $250 per student. To make this more manageable, families are welcome to make payments throughout the year. More details about the camp will be shared closer to the time, but if you would like to start making payments or have any questions, please contact the school office.
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We appreciate your support and look forward to an amazing camp experience for our students!
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We look forward to another year of growth, learning, and success at St Michael’s. Thank you for your ongoing support. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings!
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Te tumuaki o te kura Hato Mikaere
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We are a Pause Breathe Smile school
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Pause Breathe Smile is a mind health programme designed to help tamariki learn essential skills to help them manage the ups and downs of life and set them up for a healthy future. It is delivered in schools, by our teachers, and is aligned to the New Zealand curriculum. Southern Cross funds Pause Breathe Smile which means our school can access the programme and resouces for free.
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Pause Breathe Smile is locally developed and is internationally recognised. Research results show that Pause Breathe Smile increases wellbeing, reduces stress, boosts conflict resolution skills and enhances self-awareness. You can find out more about Pause Breathe Smile at www.pausebreathesmile.nz
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Reminder: Transition to the New @school App
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Thank you to everyone who has already signed up for the @school app! So far, 46 parents/caregivers have signed in. This will be our new central hub for all communication and important updates about your child as we move away from Seesaw and The School App.
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If you haven’t logged in yet, please check your email for instructions sent earlier. Access has been sent to both parents/caregivers listed in our system, provided we have your email on file. If you have more than one child, please ensure you sign in for each of them individually, as they have separate logins.
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We encourage all families to complete the sign-in process as soon as possible to stay connected and receive important updates about your child’s learning and school activities. Let’s work together to make this transition smooth for everyone!
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School Uniform
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Our school uniform identifies us as being part of our special St Michael's community.
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All children must come to and from school in the correct uniform.
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Boys and Girls both wear: Navy Polar shirt and Polar Fleece with Navy/Gold School logo.
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In the summer they both wear black sandals (Velcro straps are a good idea for our younger children) and a Navy cap/bucket/ or Wide Brim hat. In the winter they both wear black leather shoes.
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Girls wear Blue/Yellow tartan Skort / skirt (in winter they wear navy stockings or ¾ navy socks).
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Boys wear Grey Shorts (in winter wear grey ¾ socks).
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Hair is required to be out of the eyes and tied up if it touches the collar.
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Hair ties or headbands should be in our school colours; blue, gold, black or white.
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No jewellery is allowed with the exception of a watch and/or religious or cultural pendants.
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For safety reasons, only stud earrings are allowed at school.
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No coloured nail-polish is to be worn.
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Thermal shirts or singlets may be worn under the school uniform shirt but these must be black, white or navy blue.
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The sports uniform is compulsory from Years 4 to 6 and children are expected to wear this uniform for PE lessons and sports events.
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We have a small number of secondhand uniform items available at the school office.
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2024 Prizegiving Awards
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Congratulations to all our students who received awards at Prizegiving last year! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and achievements.
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Diligence Awards
- The Ark (Year 0): Maisie Watson, Manu Westcott
- The Ark Jo F (Year 1): Izel Shelin, Aimee Rutene
- The Ark Edith (Year 2): Teaghan Morta, Jessica Van Duyn
- The Ark Edith (Year 3): Joey Hewlett, Ethan Carruthers
- Galilee (Year 4): Sukhnoor Kaur, Milan Geyer
- Galilee (Year 5): Travis Encabo, Vasa Wallace, Pamodya Jayawickrama Vithanage, Makanaka Gozo
- Galilee (Year 6): Gia Geyer, Ella Burton
Academic Awards
- The Ark (Year 1): Ambrose Assen, Encio Catena
- The Ark (Year 2): Kaela Catena, Ayva Mose
- The Ark (Year 3): Bethany Assen, Elias Martinez Karaka
- Galilee (Year 4): Billie Tucker, Angelina Elliot
- Galilee (Year 5): Alida Assen, Esmee Brooks
- Galilee (Year 6): Jerome Assen, Luckyna Sang
Kapa Haka Awards (Trophies)
- Male Leader: Jerome Assen
- Female Leader: Luckyna Sang
- Most Improved Senior: Hunter Hughes & Tamia Petersen
- Most Improved Junior: Kylan Knight
Values Awards (Trophies)
- Service: Elora Encabo
- Tika: Sonia Wilson
- Aroha: Mannat Kaur
- Respect: Devam Narotam
Performance Awards (Trophies)
- Commitment & Performance in the Arts (Year 5 & 6): Elora Encabo
- Commitment & Performance in Dance (Year 5 & 6): Eden Tucker
Sports Awards (Trophies & Certificates)
- Commitment & Performance in Sports (Year 6):
- Boys: Hunter Hughes & Eli Hughes
- Girls: Tamia Petersen
- Hopcroft Hockey Trophy (Senior): Jerome Assen
- Hockey Awards:
- Most Valuable Senior: Eden Tucker
- Most Improved Senior: Abigail Horton
- Most Valuable Junior: Yuana Mehta
- Most Improved Junior: Heidi Garmonsway
- Miniball Awards:
- Junior Team:
- Most Valuable: Georgia Geyer
- Most Improved: Kayden Petersen
- Senior Team:
- Most Valuable: Eli Hughes, Hunter Hughes
- Senior Team 2:
- Most Valuable: Ricoh Amotawa
- Most Improved: Sonia Wilson
- Netball Awards:
- Middle Team:
- Most Valuable: Georgia Geyer
- Most Improved: Faith Wilson / Thiseni Bokalagama Achari Vidanalage
- Senior Team:
- Most Valuable: Sonia Wilson
- Most Improved: Scott Pheasant
- Soccer Awards:
- Junior Team:
- Most Valuable: Kawana Phillips
- Most Improved: Ava Mose
- Middle Team:
- Most Valuable: Mecah Petersen
- Most Improved: Kayden Petersen
- Senior Team:
- Most Valuable: Tamia Petersen
- Most Improved: Max Corbett
- Touch Awards:
- Junior Team:
- Most Valuable: Georgia Geyer
- Most Improved: Lucah Williams
- Senior Team:
- Most Valuable: Tamia Petersen
- Most Improved: Jordan Hingston
- Gymnastics Awards:
- Fliers:
- Most Valuable: Esmee Brooks
- Most Improved: Luckyna Sang
- Springers:
- Most Valuable: Alida Assen
- Most Improved: Elora Encabo
Speech Awards (Trophies)
- Junior Shield: Kaela Catena
- Middle Shield: Billie Tucker
- Senior Shield: Jerome Assen
Special Character Awards (Certificates & Trophy)
- Junior School (Year 1/2): Kaela Catena
- Middle School (Year 3/4): Mecah Petersen
- Senior School (Year 5/6 - Wooden Bible Trophy): Abigail Horton
Altar Server Award (Trophy)
School Spirit Award (Trophy)
Mercy Scholarship (Certificates)
- Recipients (Year 5 students receiving Diocese fee sponsorship):
- Amelia Knight
- Fauma Lomi
- Jean Whiteside Hewitt
- Alida Assen
- Finau Stokes-Kaukau
Highest Attendance (Certificates)
- Recipients: Cyndanyza Lim & Trevor Encabo
Music Awards (Certificates)
- Ukulele: Ricoh Amotawa
- Marimba: Travis Encabo
- Overall Music Award: Jerome Assen
STEM Awards (Certificates)
- Recipients: Ricoh Amotawa, Jerome Assen, Scott Pheasant, Luckyna Sang
Reading Recovery Awards (Certificates)
- Recipients: Teaghan Morta, Jessica Van Duyn
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Congratulations once again to all our students for their hard work and achievements! We look forward to another great year in 2025.
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Shrove Tuesday is a day of feasting and celebration before the period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. It's an opportunity for us to come together as a community and enjoy each other's company over a tasty breakfast. This year we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday 4 March.
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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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Welcome to New Families
A very warm welcome to the following new families. We hope you will enjoy your time with us at St Michael's School.
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Vihari & Viteesh De Zilwa ( Galilee 4 & 1)
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Morgan Love - (The Ark 8)
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Liam & Starla Nairn ( Eden 6 & Galilee 4)
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Upcoming events for Term 1:
- Tuesday 4 March - Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day
- Friday 11 April - Last Day of Term 1
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Lucky Book Club Orders Issue 1
Booklets will have gone home. All orders must be handed into the school office or done online via the loop app or website by Thursday the 22nd of February.
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PTA News
How can you help…
There are no obligations to join or commit to anything, we strive to make it all about what suits the reality of everyone’s busy lives. Come along to a meeting next year and join a lovely group of parents / grandparents and see for yourself. There are many ways that you could help the PTA:
Help selling gifts at our stalls (Mother’s Day, Father's Day & Christmas stall)
Supplying baking if required
Helping at events
Helping on the BBQ
Donating vouchers, we could use at events if you are a business owner or know any
businesses that could help
Please share any fundraising ideas, we are always open for options
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If you are considering joining the PTA, please come along and join us we would love to have you on board. All are welcome. Have a Blessed Christmas & a Prosperous New Year
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Board of Trustees
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Next board meeting Date: Wednesday 21st February
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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 independent e-mail address; botstmichaels@gmail.com or alternatively, send letters to the school in an envelope marked "Board of Trustees."
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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 Joseph Assen (Presiding Member)
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We currently have a Parent rep position and a Proprietors rep position available. If you are feel that you can contribute to our school board, please contact Joseph Assen or Rachael McLanachan.
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St Michael's School Board of Trustees
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Joseph Assen (Presiding Member), Rachael McLanachan(Principal) Nick Horton, Shalya O'Neill (Staff Rep), Ange Smith - Bigwood (Parent Rep), Bernadette Fredericksen (Proprietor Rep)
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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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Community News
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ST VINCENT DE PAUL URGENTLY NEEDS NEW MEMBERS
“The Society of St Vincent de Paul is the largest Catholic lay organisation in the Church. Our members take seriously the commands of the Gospel to serve others and work for justice. We
work in a caring and practical manner to promote human dignity and justice through personal contact with those in need.” (Mission Statement) https://www.svdp.org.nz/
In Rotorua our St Michael's Conference (committee) runs a food bank and two op shops (the money raised buys food) and home visitations. We have general volunteers who help us but urgently need more people willing to commit time to being members. Members meet once a fortnight at 10am on a Monday at St Mary’s Church for an hour of prayer, spiritual reading and
committee business as well as committing to a few hours a week of practical voluntary work. One of our members, Sarah, is about to retire after 8 years of dedicated service. Currently, she is filling the roles of three people: Treasurer, Coordinator of the Foodbank and Manager of the Westend Shop. Sarah is willing to train people to take her place in each of these roles. We only have five other conference members who are busy with other roles. Without members we cannot keep open our two St Vincent de Paul Centres at Te Ngae and Westend; their leases are up for renewal this year. If we are unsuccessful in gaining new members, then we will have to make the tough decision not to renew the leases and close both shops and possibly the food
bank for good. If you are interested in becoming a member and/or would like more information please contact me, Steve McLeod (President) 027 766 7626 or email
svdpthermallands@protonmail.com
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Beginners After school Art Classes with Janet Keen
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enrolling NOW for Term 1, 2025
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Drawing, Painting, Mosaics.
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Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm and 4.35pm to 5.35pm
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Small classes, friendly, safe, quiet, organic environment.
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