Term 1 Week 3 15 February 2024 Newsletter #1
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Tena Koutou Katoa Talofa Lava Kamusta Malo e lelei Mauri Malo ni Faka talofa atu Namaste Greetings to all
Welcome to our Week 3 Newsletter.
Even though we are already in Week 3, realistically our tamariki have only been at school ten days but in that time we have been very busy. Last week, Mrs Burns, our new deputy principal, and I attended the powhiri on the opening day of St Ignatius of Loyola College and it was with pride that we saw our former pupils in their smart college uniforms arrive at school on their first day. It was a historical event as the long-awaited Catholic college in Southern Auckland/Franklin has finally come to fruition. I wish it had been there for my children who travelled each day into Auckland to attend their Catholic colleges.
This week, Mrs Gallagher (DRS), Mrs Burns and I attended the inaugural Mass for St Ignatius College. It was a huge celebration for the school, celebrated by six bishops (three from Australia) and many priests including Fr Robert, Fr Thomas and Fr James. That evening all of our teachers joined other teachers in our Auckland Diocese Catholic schools in a Teachers’ Dedication Mass once again concelebrated by Bishop Steve. We are truly blessed to be part of this shared faith community.
Yesterday, Ash Wednesday, was the beginning of Lent; 40 days of preparation before Easter. During Lent, we are reminded to pray more, share with people in need (give) and give something up (fast). Tomorrow we have our own School Dedication Mass where our staff and new Year 6 student leaders will be commissioned for 2024. It is also an opportunity to bring grocery items to contribute to our parish food bank. Any contribution/gift will be gratefully received.
I recently read an article on the value of sleep as part of the learning puzzle. It suggested that one of the factors for failing to make progress at school is sleep deprivation. Our 5 – 11-year-old children need 9 – 11 hours of sleep a night. That means they should be asleep in bed by 9 pm if they are to wake at 7 am. How are your bedtime routines? Children should not be sent to bed with devices as this makes them more alert rather than settling them to sleep. I hope you all have the time to read to your children each night and say a bedtime prayer before saying good night.
As I said in my week 1 community letter, this year our school newsletter will come out in weeks 3, 6 & 10. This week you would have also received your child’s term notice as well as our Term 1 key dates. These are subject to change so always go to our website for the most up-to-date information.
It is unfortunate our swimming pool is out of action; just when we would utilise it most. We are investigating why it is leaking and hopefully have a solution soon.
We look forward to seeing you at our Meet the Teacher/Whanau picnic next Tuesday evening starting at 6 pm. We will have open classrooms for the first half hour and then we will gather on the bottom field for fellowship.
This is a great opportunity to see where your child spends most of their day and meet family and friends on our school grounds.
Blessings to you and your whaanau always.
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Special Catholic Character
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We’re delighted to introduce “The Time is Now! Ko Tēnei tonu te Wā!” – a captivating tagline that encapsulates the essence of this year’s Caritas Lent lessons. Each week during Lent will be dedicated to exploring a unique aspect of time, perfectly aligned with the key themes from the Gospel of that week. The weekly Caritas stories will transport our tamariki to six remarkable focus countries: Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Pakistan, Timor Leste, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea. These narratives will breathe life into the weekly Gospel readings, showcasing the profound transformations unfolding in the lives of individuals and communities, all made possible through the unwavering support and partnerships forged by Caritas and our local partners. As part of this learning, there will be Caritas Koha boxes on classroom prayer tables where tamariki can donate to the Caritas Lent Appeal. To find out more visit:https://www.caritas.org.nz/lent
Over 8 Baptism & Sacramental Programme
We strongly encourage all students in Years 4-6 to receive their sacraments. There are two programmes running at St. Patrick’s Parish – Over 8’s Baptism and Sacramental Programme (for Sacraments of Initiation).
Please submit forms to the parish office as soon as possible, or send them to school with your child for us to pass on for you. Here are the links:
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME OVER 8 BAPTISM PROGRAMME
St. Pat’s Kids Choir 2024
Kids Choir practices will be on Wednesdays at 3pm – 3:30pm this term at the church, starting next week Wednesday 21 February. New members are welcome. Come along next week to sign up.Any whanau who would like to help with admin, AV or music accompaniment, please home along or email maireadg@stjosephs.co.nz
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Term 1 Key Dates
Please note these dates are subject to change For further dates see calendars on the website at: www.stjosephs.co.nz
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Welcome to the new school year.
Your School Board members for this year are: Denis Murphy (Presiding Member), Elvira Balle (Deputy Chair), Nicola Hewitt (Secretary), Ursula Hall (Principal), Father Robert Steele, Luke Kneebone, Mike Noble, Carla van Tiel, Losa Helu and Robin Burns (Staff Representative).
We hope all our staff and students find that this year is both stimulating and rewarding.
Our next Board meeting is on Wednesday 21 February.
If you would like to contact the Board directly at any time, please do so through our new email address schoolboard@stjosephs.co.nz
Introducing our 2024 School Staff
Ursula Hall – Principal/Tumuaki Robin Burns – Deputy Principal/SENCo
Mairead Gallagher – Director of Religious Studies
Ārahi Roopu Y4-6:
Kerri Egelmeer – Lead Teacher, Mairead Gallagher, Tiana Farrell,
Nicole Sarginson, Samantha Tino, and Trisha Kenny & Jillian Saia (CRT)
Ako Roopu Y1-3
Linda Sokimi – Lead Teacher, Kelly McArthur, Jenni Logan/Morgan Jones (CRT)
Aroha Roopu Y0-1
Lesley Wallace – Lead Teacher Transition, Jo Wilcox, Suit-Keen Waru and Fleur de Farias (CRT)
Kaimahi Tari
Helen Farrell and Nia Afoa – Administration, Fiona Marlow – Financial Officer
Tautoko Kaimahi
Deborah Chapman (Librarian), Patricia Roberts (DT), Joan Murphy, Jeannette Irwin, Rachel Dickson, Helen Farrell, Nia Afoa, Peter Jones (Caretaker), Tariangi Ruben (Cleaner)
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School Notices / Upcoming Events
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Meet the Teacher & Fun Family Picnic
Parent Communication
This year we are moving to the eTap parent app as our primary communication point. This will enable you to report absences directly through the app, keep track of your child’s attendance rates, receive newsletters, access your school financial account, view their learning through the classroom blog and much more. You will receive an email on Monday next week with instructions on how to download the app. If you have any questions or do not receive the email please contact the school office or talk to one of the teachers at our Meet the Teacher evening on Tuesday 20 February. Please note the Skool Loop app will be discontinued from the 30th March.
Phones Away during the School Day
The Ministry of Education has brought in new regulations that “schools must ensure students do not use or access a phone while they are attending school, including during lunch time and breaks. This includes students who are on a school course or visit outside the school grounds.” This aligns with our school policy in that if a student needs to bring a phone to school they must hand it in to their Kaitiaki teacher. The teacher will put it away for the day and will be given back to the student at the end of the day. Students are not to use their phone until they have left school grounds.
Second Hand Uniforms
The second-hand uniform shop is open on Mondays and Thursdays 2.30 – 3:00 pm..
2024 Road Patrol Parent Helpers
We are looking for parents to help on Morning Road Patrol for 2024.
You will need to supervise our trained Year 6’s from 8.15am till 8.45am.
If you can help in some capacity please email Kelly McArthur on kellym@stjosephs.co.nz
2024 Road Safety
Please encourage and support your children to use our two crossings on Seddon and Dublin St. It is very dangerous to cross right opposite both our small gates. Please be good role models to our tamariki and use the crossings during school drop off and pick up.
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Aroha
Ako
Ako has had a wonderful start to the year with a few short weeks to phase back into our learning. While it is a shame the pool is out of action we have been able to have lots of summer fun by getting outside in the sunshine and playing get to know you and team building games.
Arahi
It’s been a busy two weeks here in Arahi, with our Y4-6 students being the leaders of our school, there has been plenty of opportunities to lead. Especially this week, with our Year 4’s leading the first liturgy of the year, Ash Wednesday, and doing an amazing job of it. With 126 students in Arahi, we always find time to meet together on a Monday for whole team prayer, a wonderful way to all start the week together. On Friday at 9 am, our Year 5 & 6 students will lead our School Dedication Mass. You are all welcome to join us. Yesterday, marked the start of Lent, our students are choosing weekly pledges to accomplish. You’ll hear all about it I’m sure.
Next Tuesday is our Meet the Teacher Evening, we look forward to connecting with our school whānau, returning and new. The evening starts at 6pm.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Arizona Leger, former pupil and school captain of St Joseph’s School. Arizona is joining the NZ Team as a Content Creator for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Arizona was semi-finalist for the 2021 Young New Zealander of the Year and has a number of Ted Talks. You might like to find out more about her.
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Scholastic Book Club Issue 1
Ordering books through Book Club is the easiest and most affordable way to offer students the best in children’s books for the home and to encourage independent reading for fun. To order simply fill out the ‘Student Order Form’ at the back of the brochure and return to school, or online at scholastic.co.nz/LOOP, or download the LOOP app. Orders are due by Monday 19 February. Books will be delivered to the school where they will be distributed to students. Every purchase you make earns our school Scholastic Rewards that we can use to purchase valuable educational resources that benefit your child. Thank you for your support.
Music Lessons
My name is Cornea De Jager and I have been teaching piano at St Joseph’s for the past six years. I am affiliated with the New Zealand Modern School of Music and this year we’ll have our 45th annual competition. Students of NZMSM have the opportunity to take practical examinations, write theory examinations and take part in our competitions. Due to the opening of St Ignatius this year, spaces have opened up for new Piano/Keyboard students at school for 2024. These lessons are at St Joseph’s School during the school day. Please send email to cornea.dejager@gmail.com for an enrollment form or more information.
Young at Art offers Children, Teens & Adult Art classes in Pukekohe. Our Term 1 ART ADVENTURES classes are now open for booking. Classes are based on age groups for children aged 6-9yrs, 9-12 yrs and 13 yrs. Term 1 also offers a specialist 4x week DYNAMIC DRAWING Course for Tweens & Teens. This course is only offered once a year so we recommend booking early so as not to miss out. If there is no space in your chosen class, please email Anna to join the waiting list. We often have an odd spot come up at the beginning of term. Adult workshops include Resin Art & Resin Cheeseboards, Mixed Media and Painting (full programme to be released soon). For more information or to book please check out: http://www.youngatart.co.nz/ / email: admin@youngatart.co.nz.
Bookings are essential as places are limited’.
BARADENE COLLEGE – OPEN DAY TOURS – Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 February 2024
BOOKINGS online REQUIRED (bookings open 9.00am Tuesday 20 Feb)
Tour times: 9am and 10 am each day
Book at www.baradene.school.nz – 2024 Open Day Tours
Book your time by 3.00pm Monday 26 Feb
Enrolments for Year 7, 2025 and for limited places in other Year levels are being accepted now and will close at 3pm on Friday 15 March, 2024.
Pukekohe Central Kindergarten
70th Birthday Celebration
Saturday 16th March 2024
10am – 1pm
Inviting all past and present students, staff, committee members and whanau.
Light refreshments provided.
Please email pukekohecentral@cmka.org.nz by Friday 5 March to register your attendance.
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