|
|
|
|
Newsletter Week 5, Term 2
St Michael's Catholic School, Wednesday 29 May
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,
|
|
We are already halfway through the term and have so much to celebrate. Our students have been actively involved in school liturgies and class Masses, STEM activities such as EPRO 8, sports training, and Saturday games. They have also participated in the Mini Marathon, the Redwood Cross Country with St Mary's School, and celebrated Galilee 1's victory in the Aquatic Centre competition, making them the first class to swim in the new pools.
|
|
Our school singing sessions with Bruce Norman and his team have been a hit, and our students have had the opportunity to learn the ukulele and marimba, thanks to our talented Mrs. Klostermann. Gymnastics has kicked off this term with Val Cooney, and our senior leaders are running lunchtime clubs like Coding, Art, and Young Vinnies.
|
|
Additionally, our teachers and support staff have participated in numerous professional learning days, ensuring we stay updated with the latest educational advancements.
|
It’s all go in Term 2! How lucky are our tamariki to have so many opportunities to excel at St Michael's Catholic School.
|
|
The second half of our term looks to be just as busy with the EPRO 8 interschool competition, where we have two teams competing this year.
|
|
Four staff members are traveling to Wellington to attend the NZ Catholic Convention in June.
|
|
We have a group of tamariki competing in the Interschool Cross Country.
|
|
We also have the Catholic Character Review team visiting us in week 9. Every three years, the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton undertakes a Catholic Character Review of all Catholic schools in the Diocese, similar to an ERO review. I am sure the review will be very affirming of our wonderful little school. We look forward to hosting Dianne Porter and Terry Consedine during their time in Rotorua.
|
In week 9, we will also be celebrating Matariki. Keep Thursday, 27 June, free to join us in the festivities. We will let you know closer to the time what our plans are for the day. We finish our term off with our Jump Rope for Heart day. Don't forget to register your child online to take part in this fun fundraising opportunity.
|
Have a great week whanau,
|
|
Te tumuaki o te kura Hato Mikaere
|
|
|
Newsletter Week 3, Term 2
St Michael's Catholic School, Thursday 16 May
|
|
|
|
|
Special Character
|
|
Weekly Scripture Reflections:
|
What Bible passages have you read or discussed with your child this week? How can you relate the week's Gospel reading to everyday life and Catholic values?
|
Gospel, Mark 2:23-3:6 It happened that one Sabbath day he was taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples began to make a path by plucking ears of corn. And the Pharisees said to him, 'Look, why are they doing something on the Sabbath day that is forbidden? And he replied, 'Have you never read what David did in his time of need when he and his followers were hungry-
|
how he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the loaves of the offering which only the priests are allowed to eat, and how he also gave some to the men with him?' And he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath; so the Son of man is master even of the Sabbath. 'Another time he went into the synagogue, and there was a man present whose hand was withered. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the Sabbath day, hoping for something to charge him with. He said to the man with the withered hand, 'Get up and stand in the middle!' Then he said to them, 'Is it permitted on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?' But they said nothing. Then he looked angrily round at them, grieved to find them so obstinate, and said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and began at once to plot with the Herodians against him, discussing how to destroy him.
|
Relating our School Values of service, tika (righteousness), aroha (love), and respect to the Gospel reading of Mark 2:23-3:6 involves understanding how Jesus exemplified these values in His actions and teachings:
|
Jesus served others by healing the man with the withered hand, demonstrating a selfless act of kindness and compassion. Relating to service, children can learn that helping others, like Jesus did, is an essential part of living out their faith and values.
|
Jesus challenged the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of Sabbath rules, emphasising the importance of righteousness over rigid adherence to laws. Through this, children can understand that doing what is right, just, and fair, even if it goes against societal norms or rules, aligns with Jesus’ teachings.
|
Jesus’ actions were motivated by love and compassion for others, as seen in His healing of the man’s withered hand. Children can learn that showing love and kindness to others, especially those in need, is central to following Jesus’ example.
|
Despite facing opposition from the Pharisees, Jesus treated them with respect, engaging in dialogue and offering opportunities for understanding. Children can understand that showing respect towards others, even those who may disagree with them, is a fundamental aspect of living out their values.
|
Our tamariki can learn from this Gospel reading that service, tika, aroha, and respect are not just abstract concepts but are demonstrated through concrete actions and attitudes. By following Jesus’ example, they can strive to embody these values in their daily lives, contributing to a more compassionate, just, and loving community.
|
Our STAR Values of Service, Tika, Aroha and Respect, reminds our school community of the way of Jesus.
|
|
St Michael's Church Holy Mass Timetable
|
|
St Mary's Church Holy Mass Timetable
|
|
Community Masses -All Welcome
|
|
Miha Maori - First Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s.
|
|
Tokelauan Community - Third Saturday of the month, 5pm Vigil Mass at St Michael’s.
|
|
Filipino Community - Third Friday of the month, 6pm at St Michael’s.
|
|
|
|
Cross Country Results 2024
|
|
|
|
1st: Pamodya Jayawickrama Vithanage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you enrolled your year 6 student into John Paul College for 2025?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spotlight on learning
|
The Seven Kites of Matariki
|
|
By Kylan Knight, 7 years old
|
|
Once there were seven sisters and every year they would make kites. The youngest sister always needed help, but this year was different. She was old enough to make her own kite. Her sisters made cool kites, but the youngest sister’s kite was very unique and colourful.
|
|
No wind came, so they slept and slept. Then the East wind blew and blew to make the sisters play or else the kites would fly away, but they didn’t even notice. The kites flew away while the seven sisters soundly slept. When the seven sisters woke up, they realised that their kites had flown away. They all wanted to go home, then the youngest one said “Wait! Look at the seven stars. This means that the kites turned into stars!”
|
The Seven Kites of Matariki
|
|
By Lucah Williams, 7 years old
|
|
A long, long time ago in a valley full of laughing creeks and ancient trees there lived seven sisters. The seven sisters were making kites for Matariki. One sister made a rainbow kite, one kite was blue and one was purple. When the sisters were finished, they went to a hill where the wind blows. When they arrived, the sisters hung the kites up on a tree. One by one the sisters fell soundly asleep. While they were sleeping, the kites flew away and the seven sisters didn’t even notice. One sister woke up and got sad because the kites had flown away. The sisters were going home when they saw stars in a big group of seven. They knew it was their kites because it was in the same direction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Health & Safety
- Seasonal Clothing
- Ensure your child wears layers to adjust to changing weather.
- Label/name all clothing to prevent loss.
- As we enter the winter season, please remember that if your child is unwell or experiencing cold-like symptoms, it is important to keep them at home. This helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures the well-being of all our students and staff.
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming events for Term 2:
- Tuesday 4 June - Teacher Only Day
- Friday 7 June - EPRO8 Inter school event
- Tuesday 11 June - Cross Country - Central School Cluster
- Tuesday 18 June - PTA Meeting
- Tuesday 25 June BOT Meeting
- Thursday 27 June - Whole School Mass @ St Michael's Church
- Thursday 4 July - Speech Competition
- Friday 5 July - Last day of Term 2
- Monday 22 July - Start of Term 3
|
|
|
|
|
Sports News
Players of the Day
Maxi Team: Angelina Elliott
|
|
Jaguars - Ava Mose & Awatea Potae
|
|
Pumas - Mecah Petersen & Sukhnoor Kaur
|
Lions - Max Corbett 25/05/24
|
|
Jaguars - Peter Elliott & Mannat Kaur
|
|
Pumas - Kayden Petersen & Georgia Geyer
|
|
Congratulations to our Players of the Day! If you have photos from the games that you'd like to share in our newsletter, please send them to office@stmichaelsrotorua.school.nz.
|
|
Thank you for your support!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sausage Sizzle
|
Available on Fridays $2 . Orders taken in class at 9am
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board of Trustees
|
Next board meeting Date: Tuesday 25 June
|
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."
|
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 (Chair)
|
|
St Michael's School Board of Trustees
|
Joseph Assen(Chair/ Proprietors Rep), Rachael McLanachan (Principal) Nick Horton, Amiria Savea, Angela Smith-Bigwood, Shalya O'Neill (Staff Rep), Chris Hepi (Proprietors Rep)
|
|
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.
|
|
Log on to School Docs to have your say.
|
|
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.
|
|
To access SchoolDocs, please visit
|
|
schooldoc.co.nz and use the following login details:
|
Username: stmichaelsrotorua Password: community
|
|
|
|
|
|
PTA News
|
We are excited to inform you that the chocolates for the PTA Cadbury Chocolate Fundraiser have arrived and are now available for pick-up at the school office.
|
|
Please drop by the school office at your earliest convenience to collect your box of chocolates in time to sell some yummy chocolate over the long weekend!
|
Thank you for your support!
|
There will be a Disco at the end of term 2. Details to follow.
|
|
|
|
Bread on Wednesday
|
Bread will be available on Wednesday Mornings. Please collect your bread from outside the office.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|