Newsletter – Week 4, Term 1 27 February 2018 Kia ora Whanau Our teachers have provided our children with some truly outstanding opportunities during EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) Week, not only in the form of exciting physical activites and outings but also in the form of personal challenges. It is so great to see our children having fun with their peers as they put up a tent on the field, participate in an outdoor treasure hunt, climb the rock wall at the Milliennum, squeal with laughter at Point Erin Pools or just simply roly poly down our hills. Our Year 6 children, along with their teachers and a great group of parent helpers have also had a wonderful week at Hunua Falls. Thankfully, the weather remained kind to us. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at camp. The camp concert was hilarious, particularly the parents performance, however, I am told that “what goes on camp, stays on camp” so enough said! I wish to thank all the parents who gave so willingly of their time to support our weeks activiites. This event would not happen without you! Catholic Schools Dedication Mass This evening, a large group of our staff will attend the Auckland Diocese Catholic Schools Dedication Mass at Christ the King Church in Owairaka. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Pat and a number of other Priests from the Auckland Diocese. This is a very special event for Catholic schools as we come together to ask for God’s blessing on the school year ahead. Mrs Baddeley, Mrs Ball and Mrs Zaisluik will receive classroom level RE certification and Mrs Harris will receive RE Leadership certification. We are very proud of the achievments of these teachers. Lent – A time to reflect on who and what we can be Lent isn’t, or at least shouldn’t be, an obstacle course we have to get over to make it to the rejoicing of Easter. It is an integral part of that rejoicing. Lent is our recognition that the wonder of God’s plan for us is so much greater than anything our own desires and efforts can bring about! ( Fr Chris Denham). The prayer at the bottom of this page from Pope Francis reminds us that fasting in the form of self-review is just as important as fasting from tangible options such as food, beverages and technology. Staff news At the end of Term 1 we will be losing two of our treasured teachers. Mrs Gisela Andre in Room 13 will be moving to the South Island with her family and Miss Lauren Spencer in Room 5 will be embarking on her ‘Big OE’. These teachers will be truly missed but great adventures lay ahead for them. We have been blessed to secure new teachers for these classes. Mrs Elizabeth Hames and Mrs Katrina Little will be teaching in Room 13 for three days and two days respectively. Mrs Hames is a highly experienced teacher who has taught a variety of year levels at St John’s over the past two years and is a valued member of our school community. Mrs Little and her family are also part of the St John’s community and she has played a significant role in the organisation of our school Basketball teams. Mrs Little brings a wealth of Junior experience to Room 13, in particular her extensive knowledge of play based learning, a very successful initiative currently being used in our junior classrooms. Mrs Caryn McInroy will be teaching in Room 5 from the beginning of Term 2. Caryn comes to us from St Marcelin Primary in Whanganui. Caryn and her family are returning to the North Shore after being away for several years. Sports Co-ordinator Mrs Karen Hulena-Dorrington will take up the role of Sports Co-ordinator later this term. Karen has a long standing relationship with St John’s and is very well connected with many sporting codes. I wish to thank Miss Spencer who is currently assisting with this role.
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Newsletter – Week 4, Term 1 27 February 2018
Kia ora Whanau Our teachers have provided our children with some truly outstanding opportunities during EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) Week, not only in the form of exciting physical activites and outings but also in the form of personal challenges.
It is so great to see our children having fun with their peers as they put up a tent on the field, participate in an outdoor treasure hunt, climb the rock wall at the Milliennum, squeal with laughter at Point Erin Pools or just simply roly poly down our hills.
Our Year 6 children, along with their teachers and a great group of parent helpers have also had a wonderful week at Hunua Falls. Thankfully, the weather remained kind to us. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at camp. The camp concert was hilarious, particularly the parents performance, however, I am told that “what goes on camp, stays on camp” so enough said!
I wish to thank all the parents who gave so willingly of their time to support our weeks activiites. This event would not happen without you!
Catholic Schools Dedication Mass This evening, a large group of our staff will attend the Auckland Diocese Catholic Schools Dedication Mass at Christ the King Church in Owairaka. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Pat and a number of other Priests from the Auckland Diocese. This is a very special event for Catholic schools as we come together to ask for God’s blessing on the school year ahead. Mrs Baddeley, Mrs Ball and Mrs Zaisluik will receive classroom level RE certification and Mrs Harris will receive RE Leadership certification. We are very proud of the achievments of these teachers.
Lent – A time to reflect on who and what we can be Lent isn’t, or at least shouldn’t be, an obstacle course we have to get over to make it to the rejoicing of Easter. It is an integral part of that rejoicing. Lent is our recognition that the wonder of God’s plan for us is so much greater than anything our own desires and efforts can bring about! (Fr Chris Denham). The prayer at the bottom of this page from Pope Francis reminds us that fasting in the form of self-review is just as important as fasting from tangible options such as food, beverages and technology.
Staff news At the end of Term 1 we will be losing two of our treasured teachers. Mrs Gisela Andre in Room 13 will be moving to the South Island with her family and Miss Lauren Spencer in Room 5 will be embarking on her ‘Big OE’. These teachers will be truly missed but great adventures lay ahead for them. We have been blessed to secure new teachers for these classes.
Mrs Elizabeth Hames and Mrs Katrina Little will be teaching in Room 13 for three days and two days respectively. Mrs Hames is a highly experienced teacher who has taught a variety of year levels at St John’s over the past two years and is a valued member of our school community. Mrs Little and her family are also part of the St John’s community and she has played a significant role in the organisation of our school Basketball teams. Mrs Little brings a wealth of Junior experience to Room 13, in particular her extensive knowledge of play based learning, a very successful initiative currently being used in our junior classrooms. Mrs Caryn McInroy will be teaching in Room 5 from the beginning of Term 2. Caryn comes to us from St Marcelin Primary in Whanganui. Caryn and her family are returning to the North Shore after being away for several years.
Sports Co-ordinator Mrs Karen Hulena-Dorrington will take up the role of Sports Co-ordinator later this term. Karen has a long standing relationship with St John’s and is very well connected with many sporting codes. I wish to thank Miss Spencer who is currently assisting with this role.
Mandarin Learning Assistant It is my great pleasure to welcome Shuang Yang, a teacher from China, to our school. Shuang will be visiting our school each Tuesday. She will share her knowledge of Mandarin culture and language with some of our children. We share the skills of Shuang with our other Catholic Community of Learning Schools. Mrs Zaisluik will be the support teacher for Shuang while she is at St John’s. I look forward to the exciting learning that will happen as a result of having Shuang as part of the St John’s family this year. Viki Trainor – Principal PTFA MEETING Tuesday, 6th March in the staffroom at 7pm. All welcome. BOT MEETING Thursday, 1st March, 6.30pm PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Prior notice that conferences will be held on Tuesday, 13th March with school closing at 12.00noon. Further information regarding booking a conference time will be in next week’s newsletter. PARENTS PRAYER GROUP We invite you to join us on Monday mornings to our Parent Prayer group beginning at 8.50am. This initiative has been set up by one of our lovely parents, Elizabeth Hames. This special Prayer group will meet weekly in St John’s Church in the main area of the church near to the statue of Our Lady and will be relaxed, informal and non-committal. It will be an opportunity for parents to get together and pray as a group for any special intentions within our Parish, school and wider community. Our first Parent Prayer group will be on:
Monday, 5th March at 8.50am in St John’s Church. We look forward to seeing you there. With God’s Blessings, Laura Baddeley (DRS) HEARING & VISION TECHNICIANS A Hearing and Vision Technician will be at school on Monday, 5th March. Children eligible to be tested include our New Entrants who have not had a B4 School Hearing and Vision test at Pre-school, children who need rescreening or were absent from previous testing and children new to the school who have not been tested in New Zealand. SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE We are well stocked with good quality items if anyone is in need of additional uniform. The next sale will be held on Thursday, 1st March in the school hall between 2.30 and 3.00pm. For urgent requests please contact Biddy Wild, Tel: 021 336 200 or Gill Watson, Tel: 021 809 373 PARKING NOTICE There is a funeral mass being held at St John’s Church this Friday, 2nd March it would be appreciated if you could park elsewhere if you will be on site after 10.00am. With thanks from the Parish for your co-operation. CONGRATULATIONS TO… Players of the Day… Shaun Perera, James Vaughan (cricket), also to Oscar Reade (surf lifesaving), Alora Francis (swimming), Kelvin Goldstein (Albany Lakes running) and Daniel Buckley (Xrace), Ethan D’Souza (Respect badge, Tae Kwon Do), Mr Paul Dixon (golf) COMMUNITY NOTICES… Mairangi Bay Playcentre Annual Fair 17th March, 1 – 1pm, 112 Kowhai Road Hilton Brown Swimming One free trial lesson for new customers www.hiltonbrownswimming.co.nz North Harbour Rugby Girls only Club Rippa, Saturdays 9.30am, May – August contact Sarah Mcllroy [email protected], Tel: 021 193 8716 Kidslink Seminars Growing Resilient and Capable Kids, Waitakere School, Wednesday 14th March 7-9pm. Building Resilient and Confident Kids Windy Ridge School, Wednesday 21st March 7-9pm, Strictly ticket only $20 booking at www.kidslink.co.nz/events East Coast Bays Assn Football Club welcomes girls, boys, ladies and men. Register via our website www.ecbafc.co.nz Milford Scottish Country Dance, 7 to 12 years old, Thursday 4.45 to 5.30pm, Milford Senior Citizen’s Hall (behind New World), $25 per term includes shoe hire. Contact: Lois, Tel: 09 440 5568 or Liz, Tel: 027 405 3415
The week long Year 6 Camp to Hunua Falls was another great school camp. The children performed with distinction and feedback from them would indicate a high level of enjoyment. We are very proud of you all. Highlights from Camp will feature in the Newsletter in coming weeks. Congratulations to the teachers and the Camp Parent Helpers.
Below are pictures of our Year 1 and 2 children farewelling our Year 6 children as they left for camp at Hunua Falls; enjoying a day at Long Bay reserve and ‘Camping’ on the school field themselves.
Pictures below show Year 3 and 4 children at Point Erin Pools
As part of the EOTC Programme, Year 5 children spent two days at the AUT Millennium Institute. The children went kayaking, snorkelling and rock climbing, played Flippaball, and also took part in water safety, athletics and team building activities. The nature of the activities provided the children with both enjoyment and challenge. We would like to thank all the parents and grandparents who assisted on the trip. Your generosity allows us to continue to offer the children these valuable opportunities.
SPORTS Inter-School Swimming Trials Time trials for children aged 8 years and older at 12th April 2018 to take part in the North Shore Primary School Swimming Championships will be held on Thursday, 8th March at the AUT Millennium Pool. All forms must be returned by Wednesday, 28th February. For further information and permission slips please see the school website Sports page. Senior Netball A reminder that trials for Years 5 & 6 being held this Thursday, 1st March at school, during school time. Your child will need to trial in their school PE uniform wearing sports shoes, and to bring a large bottle of water.
If you have yet to return the registration form with payment to the school office please do as soon as possible as this was due Friday, 23rd February. Copies are available on the school website. Please note: There are NO netball trials for Year 4 Junior Netball Year 1 to 4 Registration letters went home yesterday, please return by Friday, 2nd March to secure your place. The Winter League is played at Pinehurst and will run on Saturdays between 12th May and 30th June (excluding 2nd June which is Queen’s Birthday weekend) and from 28th July to 8th September (14 weeks). If your daughter did not bring home a form please collect from the office. Copies are also available on the school website. Winter Hockey Registration letters went home yesterday please return by Friday, 9th March to secure your place. The Winter League is run by North Harbour Hockey during Terms 2 and 3 starting Monday, 7th May, finishing on Monday, 3rd September. For further information and permission slips please see the school website Sports page.
SCHOOL SWIMMING SPORTS will be held on
Thursday, 15th March - 9.30am start.
More information will follow next week
MATHS E-LEARNING
We would like to announce the opportunity for our school community to use MathsBuddy and Mathletics. Both of these online learning tools enable students to control the pace of their own learning and further assists teachers to ensure that no-one misses out. This is because the key feature of this programme is that there is a
MATHS BUDDY Years 3 – 6
To see what your child will experience go to www.mathsbuddy.co.nz
Then ask for your child’s login details and insert them here
Now you will have access to every lesson in the NZ curriculum from year 1 to 13 by selecting
