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Dear Parents and St Mary’s Community,
Today we held our annual community picnic, a chance to bring together each part and person that together are the essence of St Mary’s. Our PTFA have embraced this idea and I want to thank them for bringing us together today.
Church and community are of course inseparable – Church’s aren’t buildings, but communities of faith, and our shared Catholic faith is the rock on which all parts of our school are centred. It is from that base that our community and families enable our children to achieve, both academically, and to achieve Hauora for one and all, our Mercy goal for this year.
We are committed to continually strengthening the bonds with our wider St Mary’s community, because we know it is an essential component of everything we do. This is a foundation stone of our Charter and our Annual Plan.
Remember the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. This is so true of school communities. This requires us all to be on the same page and have the same high expectations.
It seems we are not all in the same page yet about punctuality. Each day this week there have been between 40 and 60 students late to school. The impact of this ripples throughout our community – from the office staff, to the teachers and on to other students. And ultimately it effects learning. Occasionally there is a justifiable explanation. But getting hot chocolate from the café, or heading up to the shops after being delivered to schools are certainly not justified.
The most common excuse is traffic. “My bus came late... The motorway was busy” and so on. We know there is a traffic problem in Auckland, but if you can get to work on time, your daughter can get to school on time – here each day by 8.20am for an 8.40am start. If you are not sure if your daughter is arriving on time, just check the Kamar portal for attendance and look for L that will be entered if a student is late.
Let’s get this right for the welfare of our community. Punctuality is an important part of self-management, and shows respect for the teaching and learning opportunities we provide.
Yours in Mercy
Bernadette Stockman
Principal |
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ST MARY'S COLLEGE - 2017- MERCY VALUE
EXCELLENCE - creating Hauora for one and all
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"The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, and better tomorrow" - Catherine McAuley
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Prayer for Lent
E te Ariki, we pray for Your guidance during our Lenten journey.
May these times of reflection and prayer help us
to more clearly see your face – the face of mercy.
Provide us with the strength to be Your voice
and to make good choices.
Help us to help others face the tests that challenge them.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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Thursday 9 March - 8BWL is organising the class Mass this week.
Marianne Bray,
Director of Religious Studies
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“Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart”
Joel 2:12
On Wednesday your daughters all received their ashes during a full school liturgy.
Historically called the Day of Ashes, this special Christian day stems from the Old Testament where the Hebrews wore sack cloth and covered themselves with ashes as a way to show humility and repentance. Today, we come together like the people of the Old Testament to remind ourselves that we don’t always follow God’s ways and need to ask God for His mercy and forgiveness. We wear ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, and to have a change of heart.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. During the next forty days as we journey towards Easter, we are challenged to pray more, give more and go without. It is a time where we try to make daily sacrifices or take on something extra to show gratitude and work towards increasing our love for Jesus. For Christians, Lent is a time of reflection, repentance and reconciliation.
Ashes mark us as a people prepared to seek forgiveness, to change ourselves in order to change the world.
This Lent encourage your daughter to complete the Caritas Lenten Calendar:
Caritas challenges YOU this Lent to make a difference in others’ lives by making small changes to your daily actions. Grow in compassion and empathy for the poor and vulnerable in other countries around the Pacific and the rest of the world.
http://www.caritas.org.nz/system/files/Keep_it_Simple_calendar_WEB.pdf
Marianne Bray, Director of Religious Studies
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Caritas Social Justice Leadership Formation
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On the 27 & 28 February 6 senior students from St Mary's College attended the 'Caritas Justice Leadership overnight formation’ at the Te Unga Waka Marae in Epsom.
St Mary's College was one of the eight schools that took part in this Justice seeking experience. Over the two days we worked with members from Caritas and social justice leaders from other schools, where we developed our understanding on the injustices of climate change, discussed solutions and planned out ways in which we as a community can help. It was an overall success and we hope to bring the good will of Caritas into our school.
“Within Caritas and in all our work, we seek to be the hands, ears, eyes and mouth of Christ; formed by his love and heart, we are ready to serve, to forgive and to speak with patience, wisdom, gentleness and perseverance.”
– Caritas: ”Our way of being”.
Marianne Bray, Director of Religious Studies |
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sacramental programme 2017
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This programme is available for students who wish to become Catholic and receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. If your daughter is already baptised but would like to be Confirmed or make her First Communion she is more than welcome to enrol in the programme.
It is a ten week course commencing in Term two on Mondays during lunchtime. The rite of Baptism, Reconciliation and Confirmation/Holy Communion will all take place in Term three.
We welcome all students, though if your daughter is in Year 7 we recommend to wait a year. This would allow her to settle into the liturgical life of our school community before undertaking such a faith and time commitment.
Please contact Mrs Marianne Bray for a registration form. All registrations need to be handed in by the Thursday 30 March.
There will be a compulsory parents’ information evening for all enrolled students on Thursday 6 April at 7.00pm. For further information or queries, please email mbray@stmaryak.school.nz.
Marianne Bray, Director of Religious Studies |
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Parents and teachers working for success of our young women. At St Mary’s College we encourage parents and caregivers to get in touch with us at any time with regards to their daughter’s schooling.
It is the idea that “we are teachers but parents at school, you are parents but teachers at home – together we work for the success of our young women".
Here are the links to a government site with practical information for parents and caregivers. It covers such topics as – what my child learns, National Curriculum, Key Competencies, NCEA, how to support a child with dyslexia, learning using digital technologies and sexuality education.
CLICK HERE for the Year 7 and 8 link and the CLICK HERE for the second link for Years 9 - 13.
I hope it is useful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us regarding any aspects of the information given.
Christine Barlow, Deputy Principal
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Punctuality - arriving at school
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We are finding there are an increasing number of students who are arriving late to school. We wanted to update you on our procedures around punctuality.
Students need to arrive to school on time. If your daughter is late we ask that parents provide a note with the reason. If a student has slept in that is not considered a justified reason. Students who are late and carry a coffee cup in their hands as they walk through the gates are not late due to traffic. Students who are late without a justified reason will be given a consequence.
Being punctual is part of being professional and reliable in the workforce.
Thank you for your support in reinforcing this with your daughter.
Elena Grant, Deputy Principal |
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Our new Physiotherapist, Peter Lee started on Monday. He will be available Monday and Thursday 2.30pm - 4.00pm. Bookings can be made by contacting him via phone or email. Peter's business is Baseline Physiotherapy in 3 Lamps.
Clinic Details: Director - Peter Lee
Baseline Physiotherapy
37 Jervois Road
Ponsonby
021 866 867
info@baselinephysio.co.nz
Elena Grant, Deputy Principal |
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teddy bears picnic held on friday 24 february
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open evening for 2018 students - early close for students
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Our St Mary's College Open Day will be held on Tuesday, 7 March 2017 - in two separate sessions 2.30pm & 6.30pm. We welcome prospective parents and students 2018, at all class levels, to visit the school.
After a welcome, there will be a guided tour of the college with our Year 13 students. All welcome, including prospective students, parents, grandparents and whanau. A Prospectus and Enrolment Forms will also be available. NB There are stairs on the tour route.
Closing Dates for Enrolments for 2018 - Friday, 24 March 2017.
See our website at www.stmaryak.school.nz for more enrolment information. Enquiries to Kim Lockhart - klockhart@stmaryak.school.nz
Classes for current students will finish that day at 12.20pm. Buses will be at the college gate at this time.
Brian Nolan, Deputy Principal |
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Just a reminder that ALL parents and visitors to the school MUST sign in at the office first. Please do not go directly to your daughter's classroom. If you have any items that need to be taken to your daughter then please come to the office and we will ensure that the item is given to her. This is a Health & Safety issue as we need to know who all the people are on our campus.
Also if you are collecting your daughter for an appointment, your daughter's Dean needs to be informed beforehand through either a note or e-mail. Your daughter must present this note to the office when she signs out. Once again this is a Health & Safety issue as we want to be sure that your daughter is leaving early for a legitimate appointment or that the correct person is there to pick her up.
Brian Nolan, Deputy Principal |
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Co-Constructing Lab Safety Rules
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Year 7 students are getting to grips with being safe in a Science Lab. Learning about hazards and how to avoid them allowed students to create their own safety code which they will stick to for the rest of their time at St. Mary’s College. As one student said: “It’s just common sense”.
Sheherazad Bhote, Science Teacher |
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Click here for the link to buy tickets for the Superhero Daughter Day Year1-Year7 event on 18 March. Free for Parent/Guardian and $10 for student (choose a workshop)
The girls who attended last weekend’s event on Game Development really liked it.
It sounds like a great event.
Debbie Morrow, Faculty Leader Technology |
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tax rebates on school contributions
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Did you know you can apply for a tax rebate from the Inland Revenue Department? You may be able to get a rebate of up to one third of the voluntary school contributions if you have paid:
*General Purposes
*Proprietors contribution
*Buildings contribution
*Special Character contribution
*PTFA contribution
*Compassionate fund contribution
Click here, where you can find out more about this, and apply, by visiting the IRD page about donations.
You will be able to claim your rebate on any contributions you make this year up to 31 March 2017. An annual receipt for the period ending 31 March 2017 will be sent out by email early in April. Your support of St Mary’s College is greatly appreciated and helps us strive for excellence 'creating Hauora for one and all', at St Mary’s College.
A reminder of our Payment Methods
Direct Bank/Internet Payment to St Mary’s College bank account
Please be sure to include the student's name and ID number or form class in the reference field. St Mary’s College BNZ 02-02480050618-00
OfficeMax/MySchool
The Office Max/MySchool website www.myschool.co.nz will remain open all year in 2017, allowing parents/caregivers to continue to pay for Sports Fees/Trips/Contributions by direct credit or credit card. These payments will automatically flow through to your daughter’s account although there may be a slight delay.
Automatic Payments
Automatic payment forms are available from the school office or by email request (accounts@stmaryak.school.nz). Please be aware that automatic payments will be processed towards school fees and contributions. Any other payments should be arranged separately.
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Today St Mary's College students had a mufti day and $1,130.00 was raised for Syria.
Well done everyone! |
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NZ U16 Basketball Reps
Congratulations to Jazzmyne Kailahi-Fulu who has been named in the NZ U16 basketball team that will represent NZ in July at the Australian State champs. This is the highest level of competition Australia offers. Also to Zaaliyah Kailahi-Fulu who was named in the NZ U16 select team that will also represent NZ in June at the Medowbank classic in Melbourne. We are very proud of your achievements girls and we know you will do yourselves and St Mary’s College proud.
Central Western Zone Athletics
On Tuesday a team of 11 athletes represented St Mary’s at the Central Western Zone Athletics day. All the girls represented St Mary’s with pride but special mention must be made to the following girls:
Meghan Drew: 1st 3000m Senior girls, 2nd 1500m Senior girls
Mellata Tatola: 1st Senior Discus, 2nd Senior Shot Put
Sophia Clark: 1st 800m Intermediate, 2nd 200m Intermediate, 2nd 400m Intermediate
Bianca Gugich: 3rd 400m Intermediate
Tiana Salesa: 2nd Long Jump Junior, 3= 100m Intermediate
Pesio Matiseni, Sports Co-ordinator |
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sport at st mary's in term 1
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Netball
Trials start this Saturday, please see times below.
Year 7 Mondays 6, 13, 20 March 3.30-5.30pm
Year 8 Tuesdays 7 March 1.00pm-3.00pm, 14 and 21 March 3.30pm-5.30pm
Year 9 Wednesday 8, 15, 22 March 3.30pm-5.30pm
Seniors Saturday 4 and 11 March 1.00pm-3.00pm
Friday 17 March 3.30pm-5.30pm (if needed)
Reminder that fees must be paid before a player can trial.
Waterpolo
Please see changes to training times below.
Monday 6.45am – 8.15am - All Senior Swimming
Monday 3.15pm – 4.45pm - Intermediate Training (Years 7 and 8)
Tuesday 3.15pm – 5.00pm - Premier and Senior B Training
Wednesday 6.45am – 8.15am - Premier Training Squad
Wednesday 3.15pm – 5.00pm - Juniors (Year 9 and 10) and invited Intermediates
Thursday 3.15pm – 5.00pm - Premier Training Squad
Intermediate registrations close 3 March 2017.
Cycling
Cycling Introductory Programme runs on Mondays 6.30am, outside the PK Gym. Please email the Sports Coordinator if you would like to give it a go.
Pesio Matiseni, Sports Co-ordinator
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open day - st pauls' college
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SAVE THE DATE - 29 April 2017 - SMC PTFA will run a pop up cafe at Rotary Westhaven's inaugural Art Mart, to be held at the Freeman's Bay Community Centre. The Art Mart will be a cross between an art show and a market with a variety of high quality arts and crafts for sale. More details to follow but in the meantime we need sponsors. Please contact Rebecca Grbin on 021 398 278 or rebecca.grbin@gmail.com if you'd like to sponsor the event or you have sponsorship suggestions.
Lou Dowd, PTFA |
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Catholic Caring Foundation - Annual grants round open
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The Catholic Caring Foundation has an annual funding round for community groups and agencies throughout the diocese to apply for funding for their vital work in the community assisting those who are affected by poverty.
Could you please place this article in your school newsletter:
The Catholic Caring Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2017. The Bishop’s Foundation disperses grants to agencies and community groups throughout the diocese that work with the most vulnerable in our community. If you know suitable agencies who might be interested in applying, our grant application form is available on our website: www.caringfoundation.org.nz
Applications close on April 14, 2017.
Ann-Marie Parker, Fundraising Manager Catholic Caring Foundation |
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karekare surf life saving club
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As a volunteer lifesaving service patrolling one of the most dangerous beaches in New Zealand we have saved over 5000 lives in the past 80 years.
We need a new home and are now building a facility to meet our lifesaving and visitor needs for the next 100 years.
Right now The Trusts have a million dollars available and Karekare is looking for $100,000 from this fund. We need you to vote for us now to achieve this.
Click here for the link below to vote.
You can vote every day from 01 March to 30 April. Only one vote per web address each day. If you do this you will generate $300 in funding for the club building fund. The more people, and more votes the more money the club gets so send this email to a friends, family and your social network. Thank you for your help.
Stephen Pye, SMC Parent, on behalf of the Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club |
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OPEN DAY for 2018 students
Tuesday 7 March.
Paul Keane Gym
2 sessions - 2.30pm and 6.30pm
Early school finish - 12.20pm
Buses will be running
JUNIOR PARENT INTERVIEWS
5 & 6 April
Early school finish both days - 12.20pm
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TERM DATES
2017
Term 1 - 31.1.7-13.4.17
Term 2 - 1.5.17-7.7.17
Term 3 - 24.7.17 - 29.9.17
Term 4 - 16.10.17-8.12.17
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Whats in the newsletter this week?
*Open Day - early school finish
*Superhero daughter day
*Ash Wednesday
*Tax rebates
*Teddy Bears Picnic photos
*Punctuality
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