Tēnā koutou katoa St Michael’s Catholic School Community,
Welcome back to Term 2 everyone, It was with deep sadness during the holidays when I heard of the passing of Pope Francis. As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis inspired millions around the world with his kindness, humility, and strong message of love, peace, and care for the poor and the environment. On Monday as a school, we took time to remember Pope Francis in our prayers and reflected on his teachings about compassion, respect, and helping others.
We are excited with the news that Cardinal Robert Prevost is our new Pope, Pope Leo XIV
We are excited with the news that Cardinal Robert Prevost is our new Pope, Pope Leo XIV
He was born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Prevost served as an altar boy and was ordained as a priest in 1982. He has Peruvian nationality and is fondly remembered as a figure who worked with marginalised communities and helped build bridges. He spent 10 years as a local parish pastor and as a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru.
Kathy Harding
Thank you to all the parents who attended the Kathy Harding presentation on Monday, 5 May. As I mentioned in my introduction, she is a dedicated advocate for wellbeing and resilience within the education sector in New Zealand. In the afternoon, she conducted a workshop with our staff, providing examples and support on how they can build resilience in their classrooms and take care of their own wellbeing by "filling their tanks."
One key message she shared with both staff and parents was the importance of children moving every day, maintaining a healthy gut (the second brain) with non-processed foods, and getting sufficient sleep. These elements are crucial for children to be at their best for learning. Kathy shared many more valuable insights to support our parents and staff for building physical relseience, emotional and mindfulness.
Enrichment Programme Year 4-Year 6
Last week, Mrs Fala kicked off the Enrichment Programme for three senior groups, involving a total of 20 selected children. She introduced the term's topic, "Save the Bees," and began by gathering the children's prior knowledge and asking what they would like to learn about bees.
The children investigated whether bees were already present in our school and explored the best location for our upcoming beehive, which will arrive later in the term. They sketched and studied bee anatomy, sampled some manuka honey, and used it to make Rice Bubble Slice. During this activity, they discussed concepts such as solids, liquids, caramelisation, and used kitchen science terminology where possible.
In the coming weeks, students will explore the various uses of honey through activities like the Milk and Honey experiment, creating beeswax wraps, organizing and planting a bee garden, and presenting their learning to the school to educate others about bees and the importance of protecting them.
We have converted one of the breakout classrooms off the hall into an enrichment room with a STEM focus. We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the beehive on Monday, 19 May, when the whole school will have a talk with the beekeeper during mediation time, you are also welcome to attend.
If you would still like to donate or support this project please email me directly or Clare Fala c.fala@smcs.school.nz
Māori Football Aotearoa- Kotuitui
On Monday 5 May SMCS started the Kotuitui programme with Year 4-6. This programme is designed for primary and intermediate aged children, where children develop their cultural intelligence skills, enable them to better connect with others, and to celebrate our bicultural roots and the ever growing landscape of Aotearoa.
Kotuitui presents a new and exciting way to engage with children through fun bicultural and multicultural football/futsal games developed by Māori Football Aotearoa and New Zealand Football. This programme will run every Monday for the remainder of the Term.
New Email for Student Absences
For all student absences going forward please use the online absence form on our school website and through Skool loop as per normal or email attendance@smcs.school.nz.
School Parking
For school drop-off and pick-up, the preferred parking area is Bassett Road. Thankyou for all caregivers who have been respectful to our neighbours by avoiding parking across their driveways.
A reminder that the Parish carpark is for drop-off only—please do not park and walk your child into school from this area or park and collect your child at the end of the day.
It becomes very congested, and is currently a safety issue. Please note the Parish has now installed cameras in this area.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and respectful parking process for everyone.
Happy Mothers Day
Manaaki ki te Atua,
Vincenza Golding
Principal Tumuaki
