Newsletter Week 8 Term One

Principal's Message

Newsletter Week 8 Term 1 2026

Kia Ora Whanau,

It is hard to believe we are heading into Week 9—this term has flown by.

Last Friday, we celebrated a lovely Mass. Thank you to Lorna Dobson and her team for all the effort they put into this. The children’s singing, behaviour, and silent exit from the church were superb. Father Prakash commented on how amazing the children were and was impressed with their knowledge of St Joseph.

Next week, we begin Holy Week, the most important week in the Church year. This coming Palm Sunday, we remember how Jesus entered Jerusalem and how people placed palm branches on the road to welcome Him. This leads us into the days ahead—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday—when we reflect on Jesus’ love, His sacrifice, and the hope we have through His resurrection.

Next Tuesday, we will have our much-loved Donkey Parade. The donkey is always a highlight for many of the children! Students are welcome to dress in clothing similar to that worn in Jesus’ time, helping to bring the story to life in a fun and meaningful way.

Our students will also participate in a Stations of the Cross activity with their class. During this time, they will learn about the Stations of the Cross as they pause and reflect on the final steps of Jesus’ journey.

Later in the week, we will hold the Washing of the Feet Liturgy, which reminds us how Jesus served His disciples with love and humility. You are warmly invited to join us for this special liturgy on Thursday at 12:15pm in the school hall.

Have a great week.

Sylvia Dunkley

Deputy Principal

TERM 1 DATES

Wednesday, 1st April – CBOP Swimming Sports
Thursday, 2nd April – School holidays begin. Easter takes place during the holidays.
Monday, 20th April – Teacher Only Day (staff will be attending professional learning on Explicit Instruction in Whakatāne)
Friday, 29th May – Teacher Only Day (staff will be attending professional learning on new assessment tools)

UNIFORM SHOP

We need you! If you have time to spare half hour before school on a Monday/Friday 8.30-9am or Wednesday 2.30-3pm, we would love to have you volunteer in our uniform shop. All training would be given and if we get enough helpers we can alternate week to week. Please contact the office if you are able to help.

Director of Religious Studies

Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation, when Mary said yes to God. Pope Leo XIV describes Mary at the Annunciation as a “jubilee woman” who continually renews her faith by listening to God. He encourages the Church to follow her example by being open to God. You are most welcome to join us at 12:15 pm in the hall.

On Tuesday, weather permitting, we are excited to welcome Nibbie and Pauline from the Mamaku Donkey Sanctuary. The children will have the opportunity to dress up as Jesus, Mary, or the disciples, and take part in a Palm Sunday reenactment by waving palm branches.

Thanks to Jill Dinnis, Totara 1 and Totara 8 for a wonderful Mass last Friday to celebrate the feast of St Joseph. The readers read beautifully and the singing was outstanding.

Just a reminder that if your child would like to make the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and Holy Communion then you will need to pick up a form available from the school office. The forms need to be returned to the Parish Office before the end of April. This program is for baptized children who are 9 years old. The program runs on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:45 pm, from 12th May until 26th July.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

God bless.

Lorna Dobson

DRS

PTA

GALA 2026

Gala 2026 was a fantastic success!

Our community enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon, and together we raised an amazing $34,000 to support our school and students.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make it happen including our incredible sponsors!

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Sausage sizzle is a much-loved lunch option for students every Friday and a great fundraiser.

We DESPERATELY need volunteers to ensure that this can continue next Term (and throughout the year).

If you can help on Friday's from 11am to 1.15pm, please reach out to join the roster.

PTA

The PTA works hard throughout the year to host fun events and raise money for the school.

Funds raised are used for the advancement of learning and the improvement of physical facilities at the school to ensure the children's educational opportunities and achievements are realised. For example, Gala fundraising will be used towards the installation safety matting.

NEXT MEETING

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 7.00pm in the staffroom.

All welcome

Kiwi Competition

Kiwi Competition is Open for Year 5 and Year 6's for English, Mathematics and Science

The competitions will take place in the last three weeks of Term 2.
- The cost per student for each competition is $9.90
- Students have 50 minutes to complete each competition at school under test conditions up in learning support.
- They will use their chrome book and headphones for this and can have a white board or scrap paper to make any notes or to work out problems.

- Payment to be made at the office or online with reference Child's name, Kiwi competition and codes entered.

- Due in by Monday 11 May

Please email Mrs Norton lorin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz for any further questions.

Enrolments for Siblings for 2026/2027

Kia ora te Whānau,

If you have a child that is due to start school this year (born 2021) or in Term 1 2027 as a Year 1.

Could you please either fill out an online enrolment off our school website, or get a new enrolment form from our school office.

Please attach your child's birth certificate, preference card and immunisation record when you return the enrolment form.

Mrs Norton

lorin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

Summer sport & other tournaments information is up on the website. Good luck to all participating in a sports this term. Please remember our values and fair play.

Term 2&3 Winter Sports Registrations:

Click on links below to see all the information you need.

Some sports registrations closing soon so get in quick.

Hockey: Click here for more info

Miniball is closed but if interested please see the school office to see if there is spaces.

Football is closed but if interested please see the school office to see if there is spaces.

ROCK CLIMBING CBOP:

Years 5&6 - Cost $30 - On the 5th May 2026

If your child is interested please let the school office know and we will give you more details.

SPORTS PHOTOS

Please keep sending in and taking photos of our children playing sports. We love to see them and they all get used for the magazine pages at the end of the year. Please send to schooloffice@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

BNZ KIWI HOOPS

You may have heard about our BNZ Kiwi Hoops – Hoops & Dreams Tours. I just wanted to extend the offer to get some tamariki that are new to basketball or exploring the sport in your community to the event in Tauranga. We can cover the full cost of travel.

Activity

Each session is packed with skills, drills, games, music, prizes, and special appearances from pro players, all in a safe and supportive environment. Accessible and inclusive for everyone!

Purpose

To attract new players to basketball, but what we have found is it might take a kid that already loves the game to invite 3 friends that don’t normally play. So, you could ask your players within the age group that are engaged to do this or invite a school team that’s still exploring. What we don’t want to see is a staked team full of rep players.

This is a fun, welcoming way to try the game!

Details below:

The BNZ Kiwi Hoops – Hoops & Dreams Tour is coming to Aotearoa! Free, fun basketball events for tamariki aged 8–13 with no experience needed. There will be skills, drills, games, music, prizes, and special appearances from pro players, all in a supportive environment where everyone belongs.

Tauranga – Mercury Arena, 28 March 2026 Sessions: 9:30–11:30am or 1:30–3:30pm

Grab three friends, form a team of four plus a team manager, and lock in your spot today at BNZ Kiwi Hoops - Hoops & Dreams Tour | Basketball New ZealandBasketball New Zealand.

Don’t miss your chance to join the BNZ Kiwi Hoops – Hoops & Dreams Tour!
Spaces are limited, and this event are free for all participants. Whether you're picking up a ball for the first time or sharpening your skills, these sessions are all about fun, confidence, friendship, and learning the game. Register your team today to secure your spot at BNZ Kiwi Hoops - Hoops & Dreams Tour | Basketball New ZealandBasketball New Zealand

The Ezlunch and Kindo Team

We’re excited to share some tasty news with our St Mary's Catholic School family!

From this week, school lunches are available 4 days a week through Ezlunch — giving you even more choice when it comes to healthy, convenient lunches for your tamariki.

Here’s what’s on the menu: