Principal's Message

NEWSLETTER WEEK 9 TERM 3 2026

Kia ora e te Whānau,

This week, we join communities across Aotearoa in celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. First marked in 1972, this annual initiative honours te reo Māori as a unique taonga and a core part of our national identity. Running under the theme Ake, Ake, Ake – A Forever Language, this year's focus highlights our language's resilience, adaptability, and endurance. It reflects New Zealanders' commitment to embracing and learning te reo Māori long into the future, showing how every town, city, and neighbourhood can weave it into everyday life. Whether you are already fluent or just getting started, taking part is as simple as trying out a daily greeting (kia ora for hello or mōrena for good morning), learning a new word, or practising correct pronunciation. Every effort helps ensure te reo Māori continues to grow and flourish for future generations.

Where has the time gone? It is hard to believe how quickly this year is disappearing, with only two exciting weeks left of Term 3. The Journey to the Emerald City performance is almost here, and our children are very excited for an experience they will never forget. Dress rehearsals are taking place today and tomorrow, giving students who are not performing the chance to watch the show. It has been all hands on deck with staff getting behind the production, and a special thanks goes to Sany-Joy Maereroa, Ellie McLanaghan, our wider production team, and Lorraine Thompson for their immense work preparing the children for Opening Night. Tickets went on sale last week and can be purchased directly through our website. Tuesday evening is sold out, but tickets are still available for Wednesday night’s show and the matinees. Tickets are for sale on our school website.

Thank you to everyone who attended our School/Parish Mass on Sunday. It was a lovely celebration, highlighted by outstanding student readings and superb singing from our children.

We entered four teams in the Aquabots Regional Tournament on Saturday. One of our teams placed second and has now qualified for the National Tournament in Blenheim. We owe a big thank you to Bevan James for organising and preparing our students so well for the competition.

Finally, the Rotorua Principals' Association is hosting an "Our Kids Online" community event at Rotorua Intermediate School on Wednesday, 23 September at 6:30 pm. Online safety is critical for our tamariki, and this adults-only presentation offers game-changing insights for parents. Tickets are $10 for individuals or $15 for couples, and you can book online through Eventfinda.

Have a fantastic week ahead!

David

TERM 3 DATES

Monday, 14 September: Māori Language Week
Tuesday, 22 September: School Production
Wednesday, 23 September: School Production

School Calendar - Click Here to View

Week 8 Assembly Awards

Well done to Brigid Moraes for receiving the principals shield.

Congratulations to all our blue card and CREW award winners.

Kakano Blue Cards

Totara Blue Cards

Principals Shield

2026 Production - Wizard of Oz

🌈 Sponsorship Opportunity – St Mary's School Production: Journey to the Emarald City 🎭

Our talented students are busy preparing for this year's school production of Journey to the Emarald City, and we're looking for local businesses and community members who may be able to support this exciting event.

If you or your business are in a position to sponsor our production, we would love to hear from you. Sponsorship of any size is greatly appreciated and will help make this a memorable experience for our students.

As a thank you for your support, your business logo will be featured:

In our production programme
On the big screen during the production
On the TV display in our school foyer
In our school newsletter
On our facebook page

If you would like more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the St Mary's School Office.

TICKETS: Tuesday evening is sold out, but tickets are still available for Wednesday night’s show and the matinees. Tickets are for sale on our school website.

Thank you to our sponsors for there kind donation to our school production.

Director of Religious Studies

What a wonderful turnout we had at our School and Parish Mass on Sunday! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us to make it such a memorable celebration. We extend a special note of gratitude to Rhean D’Souza for his support with the choir and overall organisation of the Mass.

Over the past two days, we were thrilled to host Samuel, a seminarian from the Hamilton Diocese. Every class had the opportunity to chat with him and ask plenty of insightful questions. To top off a great visit, Samuel even joined in our Futsal Tournament and was awarded MVP!

Yesterday was the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, a Catholic feast day celebrated annually on September 15th. This day isn’t just about being sad. It reminds us of how much Mary loved Jesus, even when things were really hard. Mary shows us that whenever we feel sad, hurt, or scared, we aren't alone. Jesus and Mary understand how we feel, and we can ask them to help us stay brave and kind.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week.

God bless

Lorna Dobson

PTA Notice

AGM UPDATE

Chairperson - Jenny McGowan-Devery

Treasurer - Jan Andrews

Secretary - Jenny Needham

Teacher Rep - Abbie Sorenson

Thank you to all the members of the PTA for their ongoing commitment and dedication.

Thank you to Delwyn Bowen and Sarah Milligan for the roles they did so well and are handing on. Everyone is welcome at the next regular meeting @7pm, 16th of September.

Thanks again.

From Your Parent/Teacher Association.

Have you got our school app?

Our school often posts alerts with information for families. We encourage all of our community to install the SchoolApps app and then link to St Mary's Catholic School Rotorua. Please subscribe to your children's classes and any sports teams to keep informed.

Community Survey and Whanau Cultural Feedback Evening

Congratulations to our winners of our 4x $50 grocery vouchers

1. Kreshaye Smith (Kontaey & Kahlazaey Smith-Apolosio)

2. Sarah Tracy (Nico Dicker)

3. Portia Ndindana (Lee-Anne, Aniyah & Mavis Kufa)

4. Jenny Needham( Lochlan & Finnian Needham)

Thank you to all our St. Mary's whānau that came along to our community consultation evenings, and to those who shared their feedback through our online community survey.

SPORTS NOTICES

Term 4 Summer Sports Registrations:

Summer Sports registrations are open. We are still waiting for Futsal information and Cricket. Information is up on the website. Please remember to register so your child does not miss out on a team and remember our values and fair play.

Term 4 Netball

Registrations are closed please see office, we may have space in the teams.

Term 4 Touch Rugby

Click here to register

Tuesday 13th October 2026 - Yr5 to Yr8

Wednesday 14th October 2026 - Yr0 to Yr4

The fee for Term 4 $35.00

Registrations close 17th of September

Term 4 Futsal

Click here to register

Years 4-6 only

Starts 18th October

The fee for Term 4 $35.00

Registrations close 17th of September

Legends Of The Peaks Forest Run

Click here to register

Date: Friday 6th November 2026

Location: Event HQ, Waipa MTB Carpark, Rotorua, Waipa State Mill Rd

Cost: FREE!

Who: Year 1-6

Registrations close - 3.15PM Monday 12th of October

Term 4 Cricket

Smashplay - Years 1- 3

SmashPlay is an updated version of our previous SuperSmash programme and will be held at Smallbone Park on Thursday evenings.

SmashPlay Registration - Please No Payments to school

Incrediball - Years 3-5

Our popular Incrediball programme is back for another season at Smallbone Park on Thursday evenings.

Incrediball Registration - Please No Payments to school

Harrows - Years 4-6

Primary school hardball cricket played across Rotorua on Thursday evenings.

Please register your interest by registering here. Please No Payments to school

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

UNIFORM SHOP & OPENING HOURS

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.

Online Uniform Orders:

Just a reminder that there is a 3 day turn around for online uniform orders.

Orders will be sent home with your child when complete - unless other arrangements have been made.

Uniform orders can be done through the school website only. (Private messaging and emailing staff are not options). The uniform shop is open Monday and Friday 8.30 - 9am, and Wednesday 2.30-3pm - and is looked after by very kind volunteers.

Pola Fleeces can be brought from the Warehouse, click the link below:

https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/schooltex-st-marys-rotorua-polar-fleece-top-with-embroidery/RM110109095_BURG-1M.html

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: