Tēnā koutou katoa St Michael’s Catholic School Community,
‘Whakapāpaku i a koe, hei rangatiratanga mōu’ To humble yourself is the attribute of the truly noble.
I hope that you and your families are keeping safe and well during these winter months. We have had a number of staff off due to sickness and at times we have struggled to find relievers.
Over this week and next our students will be learning more about Saint Mary MacKillop. You are all invited to join us at Mass next week to celebrate her wonderful Feast Day (Thursday 8 August at 9:15am).
Cross Country
On Friday 23rd August 2024 ( Save date Monday 26th August) we will be celebrating our next full school sports event to be held at Monte Cecilia Park. The event runs from 9 am till 2pm. The children start racing from 10.15am. In order for this event to be a success, we need you to do your bit! Parent helpers are key to ensuring our tamariki can participate in events like this. If you can help in any way please email Miss Bagnall at c.bagnall@smcs.school.nz or pop into Room 3 for some additional information.
Running Club
Running club is back on for Term 3! It's a great way to get some running practice in before Cross Country. It will also count towards the kids run-a-thon kilometers.
We meet Friday mornings, 7:50am outside the office for an 8am start. We will run down Arney Rd and back - roughly the same distance the children will cover at cross country. Runners of all abilities are welcome. Junior kids will need to be accompanied by an adult runner please. Please come dressed in your P.E. gear.
Please contact Lucy Carter if you want to be added to the Whatsapp group 021 224 2502.
Unplugged Rebels NZ
St Michael's Catholic school supports the global parent-led movement to delay smartphones for children until at least the age of 14. For more information on the New Zealand based group aiming to support kiwi parents to navigate this challenging topic please visit www.unpluggedrebelsnz.com
Home | Unplugged Rebels NZ | Delay smartphone and social media Unplugged Rebels NZ was founded in early 2024 as a community of parents, guardians and educators supporting one another in delaying the age at which their children receive their first smartphone. The latest research shows that smartphones and social media have ill effects on our children, contributing to issues such as decreased attention spans, addiction, and higher levels of anxiety and depression. It's time to take a stand and prioritise the well-being of our children. www.unpluggedrebelsnz.com
Attendance Dues
Attendance Dues must be paid in full each year. Attendance Dues are compulsory and a condition of enrolment at a Catholic school. Attendance Dues are charged for all students who attend Catholic Schools in New Zealand. It is a legal charge and not a donation.
The compulsory Attendance Dues for 2024 are $516. Regular payments help to ensure that your children's fees are paid in full. $516 yearly or $129 termly. Thank you to our families who continue to make regular payments.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is available to assist families who may need financial support with the payment of Attendance Dues for preference students attending both primary and secondary Catholic schools in Auckland Diocese.
Families facing financial difficulties can contact their school office, their Parish Priest, or Auckland Common Fund Ltd at the Catholic Diocese of Auckland on (09) 360-3069 for further information.
Application forms for this assistance are available from school and parish offices, or can be downloaded from the Catholic Diocese of Auckland Website https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/catholic- schools
We would like to welcome the following families and students to our school: the Colombié Family (Emily), who is new to SMCS.
Friday 2 August - Second Hand Uniform Shop open (2:30pm - 3:15pm)
Thursday 8 August - Mass for the Feast of St Mary MacKillop (9.15am)
Sunday 11 August - St Michael’s Parish Council Meeting in the Hall (after the 10am Mass).
Monday 12 August - School Board Meeting (7.00pm)
Wednesday 14 August - ICAS Exam (English)
Wednesday 14 August - Room 8 and Room 9 Assembly
Thursday 15 August - Mass for the Feast of the Assumption (9.15am)
Monday 19 August - PTA Meeting (7.00pm)
Wednesday 21 August - ICAS Exam (Science)
Friday 23 August - SMCS Cross Country (Monte Cecilia Park)
Saturday 24 August - Sacrament of Reconciliation
Monday 26 August - Save day (if wet on 23 August) SMCS Cross Country
Wednesday 28 August - ICAS Exam (Mathematics)
Wednesday 28 August - Keeping Ourselves Safe Parent Meeting with Constable Gordon (2pm) in the Staffroom
Thursday 29 August - Class and sibling Photos by Photolife (in the Hall)
Friday 30 August - Sports Team photos
Friday 30 August - Daffodil Day
Monday 2 September - Friday 6 September - Tongan Language Week and Keeping Ourselves Safe Week
Wednesday 4 September - Room 2 and Room 10 Assembly
Wednesday 5 September - SMCS School Tour for new families (10am - 11am)
Friday 6 September - School Disco (5pm - 7pm)
Sunday 8 September - Parish/School Mass (10am) and Morning Tea afterwards
Monday 9 September - Friday 13 September - Māori Language Week and Social Justice Week
Tuesday 10 September - Confirmation Service (6pm - 7pm)
Wednesday 11 September - Catholic Cross Country at Monte Cecilia
Monday 16 September to Friday 20 September - Chinese Language Week
Monday 16 September - School Board Meeting (7pm)
Wednesday 18 September - Cross Country Prizegiving
Saturday 21 September - SMCS First Holy Communion Mass (6pm)
Sunday 22 September - Parish First Holy Communion (12pm) and at 1pm Parish and SMCS First Holy Communion Celebration in the Hall
Monday 23 September to Friday 27 September - Cultural Week
Wednesday 25 September - Rooms 4 and 5 Assembly
Thursday 26 September - Cultural Mass
Friday 27 September - End of Term 3
The Catholic Education of School-Age ChildrenThis document of the NZ Catholic Bishop’s Conference is to guide those involved in the work of Catholic Education. Each week we will place excerpts of this book.
Catholic Schools in Aotearoa New Zealand
“From 1877 onwards, for just over a century, the building and operation of Catholic schools across the country was funded solely by the efforts of the Catholic community. Providing a place in a Catholic school for every Catholic child was the ideal for all involved. The schools were only able to exist because of the selfless service and work of religious who worked for a small stipend, but even so, the schools severely strained the limited financial resources of the Catholic community.” (p6).
St Michael’s Parish Website – Mass times - Sunday 8am, 10am & 5pm; Monday - Friday 7am & 12noon; Saturday 8am.
PARISH ANNUAL MEETING This will take place on Sunday 11 August in the St Mary MacKillop Hall. The special guest speaker will be Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Reports will be presented by the parish Pastoral and Finance Councils. There will be an Open Forum where parishioners can raise their comments and questions. The meeting will be followed by the parish Winter Lunch. Register via the Parish newsletter All welcome.
Special Mass for Loss of a Child
A Mass will be offered for those who have experienced loss of a child. Spiritual healing is necessary after the loss of a child. The Catholic Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist help facilitate healing through fully knowing God’s love and mercy.
Where: St Michael’s Catholic Church, Beatrice Ave, Remuera
When: Saturday 7th September 5.00pm
Reconciliation and Adoration from 4.30pm
Along with the healing process, counselling is often necessary. You may want to address grief at some stage. Father Tony Dunn can refer you to an experienced counsellor if you wish.
School Rosary: Fridays at 1:15pm at the reflective area (Church if wet).
School Masses - Every Thursday at 9:15am (except Feast days)
25/07/24 - Rooms 5 & 8; 01/08/24 - Rooms 6 & 9; 08/08/24 - Feast of Mary MacKillop; 15/08/24 - Feast of the Assumption; 22/08/24 - Rooms 4 & 10; 05/09/24 - Rooms 2 & 7;
08/09/24 - School and Parish Mass - Sunday at 10am (Compulsory attendance)
26/09/24 - Whole School Cultural Mass
Religious Education Term 3 Overview
For Year 3-6
Week 1- 4: Strand - Church
Week 4-10: Strand - Sacrament
The themes in our Religious Education Programme are broad categories of knowledge and learning that overlap, weave together and build upon each other.
For Year 1-2
Over the last 4 years , a new Religious Education Curriculum, To Tātou Whakapono Our Faith, has been developed. Level 1 ( Year 1 & 2) students will be learning from the new Curriculum from this year. The term 3 Theme is - Ā Tātou Whakapapa Our Story. This theme focuses on the Church.
Prayer of St. Ignatius Loyola - Feast Day 31 July
“Dearest Lord, teach me to be generous; teach me to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for reward save that of knowing I am doing Your Will.”(https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=59)
Annual Reports Catholic Diocese of Auckland Annual Reports 2023 CDA Annual Report 2022 CDA Annual Report 2021 CDA Annual Report Auckland Common Fund Ltd (ACFL) Annual Reports 2023 ACFL Annual ... Read More about Annual Report. www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz
Situations Vacant
Accountant – Fixed Term 1 year Parental Leave Cover
We are looking for a CA qualified Accountant to provide full-time parental leave cover for a fixed term period of one year. The role will assist the Diocesan Accounting Manager with operational leadership for the financial management of various entities under the Catholic Diocese of Auckland. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring all financial reporting requirements, imperatives are delivered accurately and add value to the organisation. You will provide accurate, timely and relevant statutory and management reporting information for entities which ensures the Diocese both fully meets its statutory requirements and to support the Diocese in the achievement of its strategic goals.
To view the full advert and the position description please go to our website www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz under Diocesan Services and Staff Vacancies.
Applications close 12 August 24.
PTA NEWS
We have many events this term and we need help to bring them to life! Please see information for our dads night out and parish-school morning tea below.
We have started organising our school disco and the kids will vote for their favourite theme from tomorrow. If you want be part of the organising committee for the disco please get in touch by emailing us at ptasmcs@gmail.com.
Dads Night Out
Attention all dads! Our 'Dads Night Out' event is back on the 21 August. Join us for pizza and some friendly competitive pool!
This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, meet other dads and show off your pool skills. Arrive at 6:30 for a 7pm start.
Spots are limited to the first 30 dads, so RSVP quickly to secure your place!
School/Parish Mass and Morning Tea – 8 September
The parish is organising a morning tea after our School/Parish Mass on 8 September. Please come on down to the hall for a cuppa, a slice and a chat after mass.
We are also looking for 18 volunteers to help us on the day. Check what is needed and sign in to help: https://volunteersignup.org/B3W3L
Scholastic Book Club
Last week to order from the new issue of the Scholastic book club – orders close next Thursday 8 August.
Books are delivered to the school the week after orders close and will be handed out to your children in their classrooms once they have been sorted.
Unsure how to order?
Ordering from the brochures is easy, it is all done online via LOOP (the Linked Online Ordering and Payment platform for parents). There are two ways you can order online:
Each year remember to log on to your account and update your Child/Children's Year Level and Classroom to ensure that ordered books will be delivered to the correct place!
Please do not hand in any orders or money to the Office, all orders must be placed online via the website, or through the LOOP App.
Any questions please feel free to contact our Book Club Team on ptasmcs@gmail.com.
Second-Hand School Uniform Shop
The Second-Hand School Uniform Shop will be open next week, Friday 2 August from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
Preferred payment methods are via myKindo or bank transfer to the PTA bank account 12-3075-0199134-00.
Uniform Donations are always welcome! Please drop off uniform items (cleaned/washed) with Genevieve at the school Reception.
To make the uniform shop a success we rely on parents volunteering a bit of their time to help us run the shop, so if you have any spare time at school pick up, pop by, say ‘Hi’ and please lend us a hand.
Pizza Fridays
Thank you to Room 4 for helping with Pizza this week. We really appreciate your help.
