Tēnā koutou katoa St Michael’s Catholic School Community, 

Last Friday we welcomed 26 of our ex pupils back to St Michael’s from Baradene. They were all so positive and helpful during their day with us. We really appreciate the jobs they completed, our sports shed has never looked so good!

Earlier this Term our school participated in the national earthquake drill, New Zealand ShakeOut. Each school that signs up is entered into the draw to win a Civil Defence Pack, stocked with a range of helpful emergency items to help our school keep people safe in an emergency. 

We have just been told that we are the winner of the ShakeOut Drill competition in the Primary School category. We look forward to receiving our prize!

Sadly we will be farewelling two of our staff at the end of this year. 

Joanna Petrie is leaving to move closer to home and work at a higher year level. 

“Firstly, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to work at St Michael’s, it was lovely to feel like part of the team and work with such a caring group of teachers and amazing students.” From Joanna  

Louise Spora is also leaving us to go to Baradene College as a Teacher of Religious Education. She has done an outstanding job as Director of Religious Education and she will be greatly missed. 

“I have had a wonderful 3 years at St Michael’s. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with and getting to know the children and community. There is something very special about being part of a community where you truly feel connected.  I will miss being here on a daily basis but look forward to still being a parent, and meeting the girls who move onto Baradene in years to come.” From Louise

Week Eight’s Principal’s Awards will be given out after Meditation on Monday 27th November due to Athletics Prize Giving being held on Wednesday afternoon (29.11).

St Michael’s Parish has organised an Advent Retreat on Saturday 2nd December from 8am to 2pm. The guest speaker is Robert Loretz. Please click on the following link: Advent Retreat 

This term we are reviewing Curriculum Student Achievement Policy; Student Achievement Information; Home Learning; Distance Learning; and Health Education

Please click on “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. 

Pasta Express will be providing Mac & cheese with bacon on Mondays. Order (or cancel) up to 9am on the day of lunch delivery. Available for the last three Mondays of the term commencing 27 November 2023. Note: in 2024 more pasta meals will be added to the menu.

Monday 27 November: Board of Trustees Meeting (7.00pm)

Tuesday 28 November: Remuera Zone Athletics Competition

Wednesday 29 November: Athletics Prize Giving (2.00pm)

Thursday 30 November: Jesse Tree Mass (9.15am)

Friday 1 December: Year 6 Graduation Dinner (5.00pm)

Thursday 7 December: Thanksgiving Mass (6.00pm)

Friday 8 December: Year 6 Rainbows End Trip

Wednesday 13 December: Academic Prize Giving (11.30am) and Christmas Concert (1.30pm)

Friday 15 December: Last day of Term 4 - End of Year Mass at 11am. (School closes at 12.30pm)

“It requires courage to maintain a truly Catholic environment when there are ressures to compromise with the culture of society. In recent years attempts to strengthen Catholic character have multiplied in an increasing number of schools. Yet what can be lacking among those who work in a school is a “clear realisation of the identity of a Catholic school and the courage to follow all the consequences of its uniqueness.”.” (Page 10, 43)

Week 8: Advent

Week 9 - 10: Christmas

Rosary Group Meet Every Friday at 1:15pm to 1:30pm at the Reflective Area (Church if raining)

Saturday 2nd December: Advent Retreat in the Church and Parish Centre

Mass times - Sunday 8am, 10am & 5pm; Monday - Friday 7am & 12noon; Saturday 8am.

Adoration: Monday - Friday 7.30am-8.30am

Rosary: Monday – Friday 8.30am & 12.30pm; Saturday 8.30am

School  Masses - Every Thursday at 9:15am (except Feast days) 

30/11/23 -  Jesse Tree Mass - Whole School Mass

07/12/23 - Thanksgiving Mass at 6pm 

15/12/23 - End of Year Mass at 11am

Manaaki ki te Atua,

Room 4 met with their pen pals from Edmund Hillary Retirement Village today. We performed a cultural dance and sung to our elders and then shared a delicious morning tea. We have been writing regularly throughout the year so it was nice to finally meet in person for the first time. Please view photos below.

A big thank you to our Room 4 parents who were able to bring baked goods,  help set up the Morning tea and volunteer their time. 

Enrolments for St Michael's Catholic Parish sacramental programme will open on Monday 20th November 2023.

Before you enrol, please review the dates of commitment and the FAQ sheet (on St Michael's Parish website).

All sessions must be attended to receive the sacraments. We encourage that you attend the information evening on the Tuesday 12th March 2024 as the programme has significantly changed from 2023 onwards.

Any questions, please email these to stmichaelsbecomingchurch@gmail.com 

The traditional giving tree will be set up after school on Friday 17 November in the church, near the Sacred Heart altar.

This is an excellent way for school families to show practical concern for the underprivileged. Christmas is always a difficult time for those who are out of work and unable to provide for their families.  As you shop for your own family Christmas why not put aside something for others, especially children, or even a special family gift.

The gifts you leave under the tree will be distributed to the needy by Monte Cecilia Housing Trust. Please take a card and give generously this year.

NB the last day for leaving your gifts is Sunday 10 December. Thank you 

The countdown to Christmas is officially on and with three more weeks until the end of term, it is time to start thinking about next year.

We are on the look out for CLASS REPS for next year. This is a very important position and one that is highly appreciated by parents and teachers.

As a class rep, your job is to be the liaison between teacher and parents, by keeping everyone informed and organising social events as possible.

Sounds like you? Send us an email ptasmcs@gmail.com and we will get in touch with you in January (once the classes have been assigned). 

Not interested in class repping, but willing to help somewhere else or have an idea? Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

We have a volunteer for this position. This is now closed.  

If you would like to know how you can help the PTA please contact ptasmcs@gmail.com

We are always looking for volunteers and ideas so please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Thanks to Room 7 for helping with pizza Friday on 24th November

 

Next Pizza Dates:

The uniform shop will be open on 1 December from 2:45pm to 3:30pm (the uniform shop is located across the senior playground) 

As we wrap up for 2023, you’re all probably wondering how you’ve supported the school and where these funds have gone. Please see the attached report.

 

Thank you for your continued support to the PTA, we love having your help and keen for new ideas, please email us if you want to help or have ideas. 

  

The Chasers (Y3 and Y4) 

Player of the Day - Ryder

Toucher of the Day - Ethan

The Saintz (Y1 and Y2)
Player of the Day - Hugo
Toucher of the Day - Albert

Top Tip:
A "touch" is contact with any part of the body, ball, clothing, or hair. A minimum of force is always to be used when making a touch. The team in possession is entitled to 6 touches.

The Yr 3/4 SMCS Aqua Heroes Flippaball team has made great progress this Term. They have won one game, drawn a couple and had some very close games where there were only a few points in it.

The Yr 5/6 SMCS AquaNauts have also done really well in the Mini Polo league at Sea Wolves.