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Newsletter Week 7, Term 4
St Michael's Catholic School, Wednesday 27 November
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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Tēnā koutou kātoa e te whānau,
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With just over two weeks left in the school year, things are ramping up! Teachers are hard at work testing, writing reports, and creating special memories for our students, especially our departing Year 6s.
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A huge congratulations to our Kapa Haka roopu for their outstanding performance at the Rotorua Primary Schools Ahurei last night. We are immensely proud of how they took the stage with confidence and showcased their leadership, performing beautifully without adult direction. Ngā mihi nui to Whaea Kelly for her dedication and expertise in training our roopu, and to Whaea Ra, Jo Paget, Tracey Goodrick, and Toni Waerea for their backstage support in preparing our tamariki for this special event.
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We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ngāti Whakaue for supporting the introduction of Maths Whizz to our senior students, which has offered invaluable learning opportunities for our tamariki.
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Looking ahead to 2025, Ngāti Whakaue funding will focus on supporting Numeracy Projects. To qualify for these funds, our project needed to include the Maths Whizz Resource alongside the Enhanced Professional Learning Development support component.
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We are deeply grateful to the Ngāti Whakaue Endowment Trust for their continued commitment to supporting our students' educational success.
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We are thrilled to announce our teaching team for 2025!
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- The Ark Year 0/1: Edith Klostermann, who will also serve as our Director of Religious Studies (DRS).
- Eden - Year 2/3: Shayla O'Neill (DP, SENCO) and Adrienne Smith will be teaching collaboratively.
- Galilee 2 - Year 4/5: We warmly welcome Ruth O'Leary back to St. Michael's as a permanent teacher.
- Galilee 1 - Year 5/6: Jo Paget will be leading this class and will be released on Friday's by Christina Clark
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Marion Brits will continue in her role as Literacy Specialist. Zenobia Knox has chosen to reduce her hours and will take on a part-time role, releasing Ruth O'Leary on Fridays and providing Classroom Teacher Release.
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Additionally, we are delighted to have Whaea Kelly returning as our Te Reo Māori and Kapa Haka Kaiako.
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Our wonderful support staff, Cristy Tucker (Office Admin), Bruce Patrick (Caretaker), Tracey Goodrick, Ra Ward and Tina Hetherington, will all be returning in 2025. Their dedication and care play an integral role in supporting our tamariki in their learning journeys, and we are so grateful for their continued commitment to our school community.
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With our staffing team in place, we are excited about the year ahead and look forward to a vibrant and busy 2025!
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- Athletics Day: This Friday, 29 November. Whānau, come along and cheer on your tamariki!
- Sunday School Mass: Join us at St. Michael’s Church on 1 December as we celebrate the beginning of Advent. It was wonderful seeing so many students at our last Mass, and we’d love to see even more this Sunday!
- Year 6 Adventure Day: On Friday, 6 December, our Year 6 students will enjoy an exciting ziplining experience.
- Final School Mass & Candle Ceremony: Thursday, 12 December, at St. Michael’s Church. This will be a special and meaningful farewell for our Year 6 students.
- Blue Lake Picnic: Monday, 16 December – a fun day out to celebrate the end of the year.
- Prizegiving: Tuesday, 17 December at 10:30am – a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to sharing these wonderful events with you and your tamariki as we wrap up an incredible school year!
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Ma te Atua koe e manaaki,
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Te tumuaki o te kura Hato Mikaere
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Our Amazing Kapa Haka Group
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Special Character
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Advent begins on Sunday 1 December - Advent starts the season for preparing for the coming of the Messiah and the celebration of Christmas with the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent always commences on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Day.
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Weekly Scripture Reflections:
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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?
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Gospel for Sunday 1 December: Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
"There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
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"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
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Key Messages for Children:
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God is Always in Control:
Even when things in the world seem scary or confusing, like big storms or tough times, Jesus reminds us that God is always with us and has a plan to keep us safe.
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Look to Jesus with Hope:
Jesus tells us to stand tall and look to Him when things are hard because He is our friend, our helper, and our savior. We don’t need to be afraid because God loves us and is there to guide us.
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Be Ready by Living Kindly:
Jesus says it’s important not to get too distracted by the world—like worrying too much or making unkind choices. Instead, we can prepare for His love by being kind, praying, and helping others.
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Pray and Watch for Goodness:
Just like we get ready for something exciting, like Christmas, we can pray and watch for signs of Jesus' love in our lives. When we see goodness in others or feel peace in our hearts, it’s a reminder that Jesus is near.
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By sharing these ideas, children can see this Gospel as a message of hope, love, and a reminder to trust in God’s care during the season of Advent.
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Our STAR Values of Service, Tika, Aroha and Respect, reminds our school community of the way of Jesus.
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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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School Resources
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As the school year draws to a close, we kindly ask for your help in locating and returning any school journals, library books, or sports uniforms that may still be at home.
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Returning these resources promptly ensures they are ready for use next year and supports our ability to provide quality learning opportunities for all students.
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Please have your child bring these items back to school and hand them to their teacher. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we wrap up another fantastic year!
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Health & Safety
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This week is expected to be a scorcher, so please ensure your child comes to school each day with a sunhat and sunscreen already applied. Staying hydrated is essential, so we encourage you to send a water bottle with your child.
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We also remind families of our No Hat, No Play policy. Students without a sunhat will be required to stay under the play shade during their morning tea and lunchtime playtimes.
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Spotlight on Learning
🌸 Amazing artwork from The Ark 8! These stunning paper mache flowers showcase creativity and craftsmanship at its finest. 🌟
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Upcoming events for Term 4:
- Friday 29 November - Fun Athletics
- Tuesday 3 December - Board Meeting
- Wednesday 4 December - Central Athletics
- Thursday 5 December - The Ark 8 / Galilee 4 Class Mass
- Tuesday 10 December -Year 6 Big Day In @ St Mary's
- Wednesday 11 December - Year 6 Retreat
- Thursday 12 December - Final School Mass 6pm
- Monday 16 December- Blue Lake Picnic
- Prizegiving/Term 4 Ends Tuesday 17th December
- Term 1 2025 start date: Wednesday 5th February
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Sports News
Player Of The day
Defenders: Mecah Petersen, Fauma Lomi, and Milan Geyer
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Defenders: Jean Whiteside-Hewitt, Faith Wilson, Finau Stokes
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Many thanks to those families who have returned their sports uniforms, it has been most appreciated. There are still a few who have not returned their uniforms, parents please have a good look at home and return these as soon as possible. For any outstanding uniforms that have not been returned, families will be invoiced the cost to replace these.
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Pictured above: Defenders Players of the day: Milan Geyer, Mecah Petersen and Fauma Lomi.
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Georgia Sprints, Throws, and Shines at Tauranga!
Congratulations to Georgia for her outstanding achievements at her first competition with the Lake City Athletics Club! Competing at Tauranga Domain, Georgia brought home 1st place in the 100m, 2nd place in the 60m, and 2nd place in discus. What an amazing effort! 🌟👏
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Board of Trustees
Next board meeting Date: Tuesday 3rd December , at 6pm. 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 (Chair)
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St Michael's School Board of Trustees
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Joseph Assen(Chair/ Proprietors Rep), Rachael McLanachan (Principal) Nick Horton, Angela Smith-Bigwood, Shalya O'Neill (Staff Rep)
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We are seeking additional parent representatives to join our School Board! If you’re interested in making a difference in our school community, please feel free to reach out and chat with Rachael.
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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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Juicies on Friday
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During Term 4 the children will be able to purchase a nice cold juicie for $2.
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All orders will be taken in the classroom at 9am.
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Pita Pit Lunches available every Wednesday @ School
Cut off time for ordering is 8:45 am on Wednesday
It’s simple; all you need to do is register at www.lunchonline.co.nz
and follow 4 easy steps to get started
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1. Register an account
2. Add member/s including your name and delivery location
3. Make a payment to have funds in your account before you order
4. Select your lunch and place an order
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PTA News
Garage Sale Items
We’ve left a range of items (from the garage sale) in the hall and invite you to pop in between 2 pm and 3 pm to see if there’s anything you’d like. It’s a great opportunity to grab some useful items while supporting the school. Here’s how it works: $1 per item for most items $1 per bedding set $5 to fill 2–3 bags of clothing Thank you for your ongoing support – we hope you find something useful!
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PTA Basecamp Salami Fundraiser
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Please support our PTA Basecamp Salami Fundraiser, all funds raised will go towards upgrading our schools facilities. All orders to be placed before 09 December 2024.
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Bread on Wednesday
Friendly Reminder: Bread Distribution
To ensure fairness and benefit all members of our St. Michael’s community, we kindly ask that bread distribution be limited to two loaves per family. Please collect your bread from outside the office. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
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Community News
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Beginners After school Art Classes with Janet Keen enrolling NOW for Term 4 and Term 1 2025
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Drawing, Painting, Mosaics.
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Tuesdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm
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Wednesdays and Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30 pm 4.35 pm to 5.35 pm
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Small classes, friendly, safe, quiet, organic environment.
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374 Clayton Road, Rotorua.
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