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Dear St Mary's Community
Tena koutou
Welcome to the final newsletter of the year. Throughout the year I have received many positive comments about the newsletter and of course it is my hope that it helps connect our community and offer an opportunity to celebrate many of the exceptional things happening for your daughters at school. I hear that it is a bit long at times but at least the option is there to take the time to read it for those who want to be kept informed. Of course I hope that is all of you.
As the year draws to a close, I want to take the opportunity to thank staff for their efforts this year and getting exceptional results. Our National Standards data has been collated and the students have made amazing progress.
Maths Year 7 At and Above 80.5%
Maths Year 8 At and Above 81.8%
Writing Year 7 At and Above 70.7%
Writing Year 8 At and Above 92.8%
Reading Year 7 At and Above 93.6%
Reading Year 8 At and Above 96.4%
Reports for Junior students have been posted and should be with you any day now. Reading through them I see a terrific increase in the involvement in extracurricular activities which is great. Attendance for some students though is of concern as the link between attendance and academic success is well documented. Please make this an area for your attention next year. 95% or better is the mark to aim for.
I also want to thank everyone who has volunteered this year in any capacity: we have had the voluntary support of coaches and managers, reader/writers, PTFA and others. I want to acknowledge your efforts and thank you for your generosity and let you know you do not go unnoticed.
As I look forward to 2017, I am still busy, looking to fill vacancies for newly created roles that will support our growth and development as a College in years to come. We are currently seeking a Sports Director to oversee the Sports Programme, and an experienced College Development Manager to increase our access to funding opportunities and provide assistance with marketing and profile. As well we are looking for a Property Manager to provide on the ground expertise in maintaining the wonderful facilities we have. More information is available later in the newsletter.
I wish all of our students and their families the blessing of Christmas, that will come from contemplating the ‘reason for the season’ and being grounded in what really matters. As we wait for the birth of Jesus let us not only think of those in need, but take the chances that come our way to reach out to those in need with mercy, for “it is in giving that we receive.”
Yours in Mercy
Bernadette Stockman
Principal |
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ST MARY'S COLLEGE - 2016 - MERCY IN ACTION
Concern for the Poor and Vulnerable
Te aroha ki te rawakore - responding practically to community needs
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God of wisdom,
We thank you
for all the gifts you have given us
throughout this school year.
We praise you for giving us life,
for saving us in Christ,
and for choosing us to be your people.
As we come to the end of this school year,
we voice our gratitude
for the good things you have done in us,
and we praise you for all who have shared
in the work of this school.
We ask you to bless them in your love
and give them refreshment and peace.
We praise you, God,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
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How to access your NCEA results on the NZQA website
Exams for 2016 have finished and NZQA reminds students to practice accessing the Learner Login so results can be viewed when they are released in January. Students should log in before Christmas to be sure they have their correct NSN and password when results are available, Tuesday 17 January 2017, and aren’t held up on the day by having to confirm details or change passwords.
What students should do:
• Go to the Learner Login section of the NZQA website
• Enter your username or NSN, and password
• Login successfully
• Forgotten your password? You can follow the direction on the screen to have a new password immediately emailed to you
• If you need any help at all you can phone the NZQA Call Centre between 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on 0800 697 296 or 04 463 3000.
Remember that login details are private and should be kept secure.
Christine Barlow, Deputy Principal
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National Standard Results grades
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National Standard Results grades (Year 7 cohort 2016 and Year 8 cohort 2016). The following graphs show the Overall Teacher Judgements (OTJ) results for Year 7 and 8 in 2016. We acknowledge the great efforts of the teachers in English and Mathematics for achieving these results with their students.
Christine Barlow, Deputy Principal |
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Year 7-9 Activity Week 28 November - 2 december
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Trash to Fashion
On Friday 2 December the Year 7, 8 and 9 students had a Trash to Fashion competition. The winners were…
Best overall in Year 7: 7HS
Under the sea theme “Octopus”: Saffron Healey was the model.
Best Overall in Year 8: 8AHG
Sea theme “Jellyfish”: Violet Elliot was the model
Best Overall in Year 9: 9DTI
Theme Harry Potter theme “Sorting Hat”: Jordan Smith was the model
Best Overall group: 9KCW the Royals: Zia Walters, Nelly Drumm-Owen, Asia Atatoa, Gabriella Zhang-Gavin and Isla Renker-Darby were the models.
Thank you to the Deans and Form teachers who worked so hard in support of this wonderful competition.
Elena Grant, Deputy Principal
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For those who are purchasing their device over the Christmas holidays, there will be a BYOD Orientation/Set up day at the start of 2017. BYOD orientation sessions will be run for the Year 8 students at the start of term. Students are asked to bring their fully charged devices on the first day of school. For those who have not yet purchased please remember that Harvey Norman is our preferred supplier.
Elena Grant, Deputy Principal
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TERM 1, 2017 - return to school dates
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As this year ends preparation for the start for 2017 begins. Below is the timeline for next year. On Friday 3 February Years 7,8 ,9 and 13 come to school. This will be a half day and they will be dismissed at 12.20pm. The buses will be on hand to pick up the students. On Tuesday 7 February the whole school will be present but please note that school will finish at 12.20pm. Once again the buses will be there.
I would like to wish everyone a great summer break and a peaceful and holy Christmas.
Here is the information regarding return to school for 2017.
Monday 30 January 2017 Auckland Anniversary Day –
School Closed
Tuesday 31 January 2017 New staff Orientation/Induction Day
International Students
Wednesday 1 February 2017 Year 12 & 13 Course Confirmation Day
9.00am – 11.30am
Thursday 2 February 2017 Teacher Only Day
School Closed
Friday 3 February 2017 Year 7, 8, 9, 13 at School
8.35am – 12.20pm
Monday 6 February 2017 Waitangi Day
School Closed
Tuesday 7 February 2017 All students at School
8.35am – 12.20pm
Brian Nolan, Deputy Principal
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2017 - change of start time on friday mornings
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Next year on Friday mornings the staff will be engaged in Professional Development. Therefore there will not be a Form Tme and the first period will start at 8.55am. Students will be informed as to the week this will start.
All students will be expected to arrive at school by 8.40am at the latest. Buses will still be operating at the normal times. There will be teachers supervising the site on morning duty as usual. This will be a perfect time for students to hold interest group meetings.
Brian Nolan, Deputy Principal |
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parking permits - year 13 2017
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Any Year 13 students who is looking to drive a car to school next year will need to park on the street. A parking zone exists around the area and so if you want to park close to the school you will need to apply for a permit from Auckland Transport. Without the permit you could will be ticketed. The online application costs $70 for the year.
Brian Nolan, Deputy Principal |
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year 13 breakfast 2017 - save the date!
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Our traditional Breakfast that all Year 13 students attend will take place on the 14 February from 7.30am - 8.30am in the CM Hall.
Each student is invited to bring a1 Parent/family member as the venue has limited seating.
The guest speaker, RSVP and further information will be provided in the first days of Term 1, 2017. |
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Long-term Homestay families
Thank you to all our families who have homestayed our long-term students this year. We can’t run such a successful programme without you and we thank you on behalf of all the parents and agents who entrust their daughters/students to us and ultimately into your care. We have had excellent feedback from our students and so on behalf of us all we thank you and wish you a wonderful Christmas and New Year holiday break. We look forward to working with you again next year when the girls return.
A huge welcome to new families who will be hosting long-term students for us in 2017. We look forward to working with you to ensure that both the students and your families get the most out of your international homestay experience.
If you are interested in hosting students on a long-term basis in the future please don’t hesitate to contact the International Department as we have students arriving throughout the year.
2017 Short-term Homestays – Expressions of Interest
In 2017 we will be welcoming groups of students on a short-term basis as follows:
- 12 March – 9 April - Thailand – 4 week single or double homestays
- 14 – 21 March – Japan – St Joseph’s School – Double homestays
- 20 May – 30 June – Japan – Single homestays
- Term 3 (approx. 24 July) – Japan and China - Single homestays for two/three week stays (numbers TBC)
- 27 July – 7 August – Japan – Shoin – Single AND double homestays
- 7 – 30 August – China – Tangshan – Double homestays
- 23 July – 26 August – Japan – Kunei – 5 week single homestays
- 12 August – 27 August – Japan – 2 week double homestays
St Mary's Homestay family - Bessie Zhang & Thien Bhukdee with homestay sisters Georgia and Hazel (Parents Alison and Warwick)
Merry Christmas to you all and a safe and happy holiday.
Sue King, International Director
Suey Bignall, International Student Support/Homestay Co-ordinator |
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The Secondhand Uniform shop will be open on the 27 January 2017 from 9.00am - 12.00pm
Susan Comrie, Secondhand Uniform Sales |
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Over two days this week, Year 10 French classes dined at Le Garde-Manger – galettes, crepes and Orangina!
A lovely way to end the year and embrace French culture.
Priscilla Lynch, Faculty Leader Languages |
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st mary's college whanau group
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Tena Koutou Katoa,
Haere mai ki te Kura Atawhai o Hato Mere. A big welcome to all new Māori whanau and friends to St Mary’s College.
As your daughter starts her journey here, we invite you to join the Māori Whanau Group to support her time at the school. Our belief is their Māori culture should be cherished alongside the special Catholic education they receive here at St Mary’s College, working towards the goal that they will one day leave as caring, confident young women - proud of both their Catholic and Māori heritage.
To realise this, we have set up the whanau group to support our girls from Year 7 to Year 13. There are many ways you can help. If you are fluent in Te Reo or can sing like a dream then kapa haka might be your specialty area to ensure there is a vital Māori presence at important school events. Are you skilled with fine arts, harakeke or carving and can pass on these gifts? Or do you love cooking and have time to help us organise wananga or marae stays where we can all learn Māori language, history and tikanga. Even if your career means you are just too busy, perhaps you can role model our girls with advice and work experience as they look to their own futures one day beyond the classroom.
Please if you are Māori, or your whanau has a love for all things Māori, get in touch with one of the contacts below.
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
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Maiya Christini at NZSS Athletics
Valerie Adams watched the whole shot put event for the senior girls, presented the medals, then jumped up on Mellata’s podium for a hug.
New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics
Congratulations to Maiya Christini, Sophia Clark and Mellata Tatola who competed at the NZSS Athletics last weekend. Special congratulations to Mellata who was placed 2nd in Shot put, 3RD in Discus and won the Hammer throw and set a New Zealand Record for U17 Hammer Throw.
Judy Elder, Sports Coordinator
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sport at st mary's in term 4
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Uniform
There are still a number of Sports Uniforms that have not been returned to the Sports Office. Can these please be returned before the end of this year.
Registration forms
Registration forms for Sports will be emailed to all parents during the holidays, can you please ensure that if your daughter would like to play Sport that she fills in a registration form and returns it to the Sports Office.
Judy Elder, Sports Coordinator
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vacancies - st mary's college
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St Mary’s College Director of Sport
St Mary’s College, Ponsonby are seeking an energetic and passionate person for the recently established position of Director of Sport to commence 25 January 2017.
The successful candidate will be required to drive the College’s strategic plan for sport that aligns with the Mercy values of St Mary’s College.
The position requires the applicant to have had experience in Sports management and have the attributes, expertise and drive to lead sport at St Mary’s College
The appointee will:
- Lead, manage and further enhance St Mary’s College sports programme with particular emphasis on the Premier Sports and
- This role will involve building and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships with the St Mary’s College community
If this sounds like you and you are ready to take up a new challenge. Apply now!
Job Description available from pa@stmaryak.school.nz
Applications close 20 December 2016.
St Mary's College - School Property Manager
Are you a tradesman with the ability to ensure St Mary’s College’s, Ponsonby’s buildings and facilities are maintained to an excellent standard? Do you enjoy working to provide the best possible environment for the client?
Your responsibilities will be
- The overall property maintenance and presentation of our College grounds and facilities
- Providing a safe environment for staff and students
As the main point of contact for maintenance workers on site, this role requires a level of experience and supervision of the work of others, and the ability to communicate effectively with tradespeople and other College staff.
This is a full-time, position. The preferred start date is 25 January 2017. Applications close 20 December 2016. Please complete a non-teaching staff application form from the website www.stmaryak.school.nz & send with CV & cover letter to pa@stmaryak.school.nz
St Mary's College - Caretaker
We are looking for full-time caretaker to commence at the end of February, 2017.
Experience preferable but not essential.
Please complete a non-teaching staff application form from the website www.stmaryak.school.nz & send with CV & cover letter to pa@stmaryak.school.nz
St Mary's College - School Development Manager
Commencing early 2017 – date to be negotiated.
Salary Competitive salary package commensurate with experience
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic advocate for St Mary’s College and its values, and have a proven track record in implementing fundraising and communication strategies in an educational institution. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skill, be able to work independently and be part of our team, be highly motivated and target driven.
Applications close 21 December 2016. Please complete a non-teaching staff application form from the website www.stmaryak.school.nz & send with CV & cover letter to pa@stmaryak.school.nz |
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2017 - ptfa - 1st meeting
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The PTFA would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Tuesday 7 February 2017 - 7.15pm will be the first meeting for 2017 - we would love to see you there.
Lou Dowd, PTFA |
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Past pupils ladies tennis tournament
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St Mary's College Past Pupils Association would like to extend an invitation to participate in their Ladies Tennis Tournament.
Date
Friday 24 February 2017
Location
Pompallier Lawn Tennis Club, 11 Green Street, Saint Mary's Bay.
Cost
$45 per player (includes morning tea and lunch)
Proceeds
All proceeds will be donated to St Mary's College for purchase of sporting equipment.
All are welcome to enter the tournament and/or join us for lunch. Entries are limited.
Inquiries to Louise Ryan Ph 846 0643 or 027 270 1770.
Barbara Drumm, Chairperson Past Pupils Association |
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The Officemax website will go live on 19 DECEMBER for all your 2017 St Mary's College stationery orders.
Officemax will also remain online all year & you can PAY ALL YOUR TRIP/EVENT/FEE/LOCKER payments through this website
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Come along to the NPH Latin American Christmas Market on the 18 December, 12-4pm at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall. Great food, entertainment and gifts. Donation entry for NPH, helping orphaned and abandoned children in Latin America. For more details see the website - www.nph-nz.org
Michelle Jarvis, Catholic Schools Office |
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elizabeth michael uniforms
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
START DATES FOR 2017
Please refer to the full article under
"Administration" for 2017 return dates
and information
NEW STUDENTS & PARENTS EVENING
9 February 2017 - 6.30pm
YEAR 13 BREAKFAST
14 February 2017 - 7.30am
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TERM DATES
2017
Term 1 - 2017
Wednesday 1 February 2017
Year 12 & 13 Course Confirmation Day
9.00am - 11.30am
Thursday 2 February 2017
Teacher Only Day
Friday 3 February 2017
Year 7, 8 ,9, 13 at school
8.35am- 12.20pm
Tuesday 7 February 2016
All students at school
8.35am- 12.20pm
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Items in this newsletter include.
*Vacancies at St Mary's College
- Director of Sport
- School Property Manager
- School Development Manager
- Caretaker
*Return to school dates
*How to access your exam results
*Year 13 Breakfast
*Trash to Fash photos
*Hammer throw - NZ U17 new record
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