Tēnā koutou katoa St Michael’s Catholic School Community,
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-40
This week's Gospel from Matthew reminds us of a simple but powerful message: when we help others, we are helping Jesus himself. The reading talks about how Jesus will one day recognise those who showed kindness to people who were hungry, thirsty, or lonely. It’s a good reminder that every act of kindness no matter how small makes a big difference. This also links into our Mary MacKillop value for the year “Do your bit”
How can we see Jesus in the people around us?
What small actions can we take this week to live out this message?
What a fantastic couple of weeks it has been here at our school! It is wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate our diverse cultures and to support our students in so many ways.
During our Monday morning meditation, Fr Tony blessed two new children and their families to our school, namely: the Pagtalunan family (Nick), who has two older siblings at SMCS and the Brannam-Gates family (Isla), whose older sister is a SMCS ex Alumni student and currently attends Baradene College.
We hope your time here is filled with joy, growth, and wonderful experiences. Welcome to our school family!
Celebrating Tongan Language Week
Last week, we celebrated Tongan Language Week within our classrooms. Our teachers have incorporated lessons and activities to help students learn about the importance of family, culture, and community in Tongan traditions. It has been great to see our students embrace these lessons with enthusiasm. We are committed to fostering an appreciation for all the cultures within our school community.
Remuera Literacy Quiz Champions
A huge congratulations to our students Veronique Itoh, Ella Ambrosio, and Andrew Strevens for their outstanding 1st place achievement at the recent Remuera Literacy Quiz. The hard work and dedication of both our A and B teams were on full display. Our A team's victory is a fantastic accomplishment, and we are equally proud of our B team, who came in an amazing 4th place out of 26 teams.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Ambrosio and Mrs. Capon for their guidance and support in preparing the students for the quiz. Their commitment played a vital role in our students' success. We are incredibly proud of all their efforts and this remarkable achievement for our school.
Confirmation
On Tuesday night, a number of our SMCS students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a lovely ceremony with Bishop Stephen Marmion Lowe.
We are so proud of all the students who completed this significant step in their faith journey.
We are so proud of all the students who completed this significant step in their faith journey.
- Rosslyn Isidro
- Bea Reyes
- Ava Spora
- Lorenza Rodrigues Cunha
- Cooper Hibberd
- Sophie O'Grady
- Avril Kumar
- Reuben Lee
- Jack Amundson
- Ian Nawulla
- Harper O'Brien
- Alexander Bonus
- Amadeo Suryadi
- Coco Zazulak-Baker
- Reign Calapuz
- Mia Fernando
- Hugo Hale
- Connor van Oijen
- Grace Kerr
- Ava Hardingham
- Astrid Linares Alvarado
- Cameron Malcolm-Green
- Esther Recordon
- Joshua Waalkens
- Ruri Lee
- Riley Liava'a
- Albert Waalkens
- Pierre Lambert
- Joanna Tan
Sister of St Joseph’s- Mary Mackillop Pilgrimage
On Saturday, 16 August, I had the privilege of participating in a deeply moving Mary MacKillop Pilgrimage across Auckland, retracing the footsteps of Saint Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of St Joseph. This journey offered a unique opportunity to connect with the rich history and spiritual legacy of Mary MacKillop, whose dedication to education and service continues to inspire.
Our day began at the serene Mission Bay, where we paused to imagine the moment the Sisters first arrived on New Zealand shores. Standing there, looking out over the water, it was humbling to reflect on their courage and commitment. From there, we visited the former convent in Grey Lynn now transformed into a boutique hotel which once served as a hub for the Sisters’ work and community life.
Next, we made our way to St Benedict’s in Newton, a site steeped in history and devotion. We continued on to Middleton Road in Newmarket, another significant location in Mary MacKillop’s journey, before concluding at our very own St Michael’s in Remuera. Each stop along the way offered a glimpse into the life and mission of Mary MacKillop and the enduring impact of the Josephite Charism.
This pilgrimage was not only a historical exploration but also a spiritual renewal. It allowed me to deepen my understanding of the Charism that underpins our school’s values and mission. As a leader, it reaffirmed my commitment to fostering a community grounded in compassion, service, and faith principles that Mary MacKillop lived so fully.
School Docs Policies to Review - Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy
In term 2 we are reviewing policies in the Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy section.
- Go to https://smcs.schooldocs.co.nz/
- Click Search for your school.
- Start typing the school name and then select from the dropdown list.
- Enter the community username and password: Username: smcs, Password: mackillop
Please click on the current review and then click on and read the policies. Next you click on under review and complete the survey. Your feedback would be appreciated.
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.
As you’re aware, remedial works are currently being undertaken on the church tower. As the contractors have come across further issues in the tower top, scaffolding will be in place for an additional five weeks.
As you’re aware, remedial works are currently being undertaken on the church tower. As the contractors have come across further issues in the tower top, scaffolding will be in place for an additional five weeks.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and respectful parking process for everyone.
Upcoming Events
PTA Neon Disco
A reminder that the PTA is hosting a Neon Disco on Friday, September 5. A huge thank you to our hardworking and dedicated PTA especially Gio Penna, who has spent countless hours planning and preparing for this fun-filled event. The PTA works tirelessly to not only bring our community together but also to raise valuable funds for our school, which directly benefits our students. Let's show our support for their incredible efforts and make this a night to remember!
Wig Wednesday – Wednesday 10th September
On Wednesday 10th September, St Michael’s will be taking part in Wig Wednesday, a nationwide event that raises awareness and funds for children living with cancer in New Zealand. Students are invited to come to school wearing a wig, colourful hair, or fun headwear to show their support.
We encourage a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going directly to the Child Cancer Foundation to help support children and their families.
Let’s come together as a school community to brighten the day, celebrate kindness, and make a difference for others.
Culture Week: September 8-12
In Week 9, we will be holding a School Cultural Week to celebrate the rich diversity of our community. We need your help to make this a wonderful experience for our students.
We are looking for parent volunteers who can assist with art projects in classroom or if you just want to come and support during this week with activities. If you have a skill or craft you'd like to share, please contact your child's classroom teacher directly.
If you have ideas for showcasing your culture or would like to contribute in another way, please reach out to Rebekah Capon on r.capon@smcs.school.nz
Your support helps us create a vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone.
Important dates for your Calendar:
- Monday 1st September: Year 5 Parent meeting
- Friday 5th September: PTA 'Neon' Disco
- Monday 8th September - Friday 12 September: SMCS - School Cultural Week
- Wednesday 10 September: 'Wig Wednesday' Child Cancer Foundation (gold coin donation)
- Thursday 11 September: Whole School Cultural Mass
- Tuesday 16 September: SMCS Cultural Art Exhibition 3pm-5pm
- Friday 19th September: End of Term Principal Assembly (All Welcome)
God Bless,
Vincenza Golding
Principal Tumuaki
