Newsletter Week Four Term One

NEWSLETTER WEEK 4 TERM 1 2026

This week, our Year 5 and 6 students have been at Tui Ridge for their annual camp. Totara 1,2 and 5 left on Monday and return this afternoon, and Totara 3 and 4 start their camp today and return on Friday. From what I have heard, the camp has been a huge success with many memories made. I am sure there will be some very tired children as they return from their adventure. A huge thanks to the Totara Year 5 and 6 teachers for their work in preparing for this camp.

The Ash Wednesday Liturgy last week was an excellent occasion. It was one of our best Ash Wednesday Liturgies. It was a lovely way to start our Lenten journey. Thanks to Mrs Dobson, Whaea Becks, and Mr James for organising this for us.

The Tug of War last Friday went well, and we have a new Tug of War champion - congratulations to Whakaue House. The competition, particularly with the year 1 and 2s, was fierce. There was great House spirit on show, and we were particularly impressed with our year 6s, who were leading the charge and were great role models. Thanks to the staff who helped set up and tidy after the event.

Our summer sports have started, and I want to thank Shanelle for setting up the teams, organising coaches, and getting the team gear ready. Eliotte has been a great help, too. Information about winter sports will be shared soon, so keep an eye out for that.

GALA DAY COUNTDOWN IS ON. The PTA Countdown has been sent home. The collection has started, and children can bring their contributions to the hall. Of course, we will accept any donated goods on any day.

Have a great week,

Sara

TERM 1 DATES.

23rd to 27th February, Years 5 and 6 Camp

6th March, Friday, Gala Day

11th March, Wednesday, School Swimming Sports Years 4-6 only

17th March, Tuesday, Maths Whizz visits classrooms

17th March, RATS Duathlon

20th March, Friday, St Joseph’s School Mass

1st April, Wednesday, CBOP Swimming Sports

2nd April, Thursday, School Holidays start. Easter takes place during the holidays.

Would your child like to make their First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Reconciliation? Application forms are available at the School Office. 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. Please email Mrs. Dobson if you have any questions. lornad@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

Thank you to the families who joined us for the Commissioning Mass last Thursday and especially to our altar servers Asher Zeffrin and Yixuan Wang. We had a wonderful turnout from our staff. We found the Mass very meaningful, especially being celebrated in Māori. Pa Gerard gave a lovely homily, too.

Our next whole school mass is to celebrate the feast of St Joseph on Friday, 20th March. Everyone is invited to join us for this occasion.

Sunday's gospel told us how Jesus was tempted in the desert. This story teaches about dealing with hard times. Jesus was hungry and faced tests, and His example shows us how to handle challenges and temptation. During Lent, let’s focus on growing closer to God. The world tells us to look for comfort and success, but this is a time to care for our spiritual life. Pray, read the Bible, and worship together. These things help us stay strong when we are tempted. Remember, temptation sometimes seems good or harmless, but it can still lead us away from God. Let’s try to put God first and think about what matters most.

Have a wonderful week, everyone.

God bless

Lorna Dobson

DRS