Newsletter Week 10 Term Two

NEWSLETTER WEEK 10 TERM 2 2026

On Sunday 28th June, we will be celebrating our Parish & School Mass at 10:00 am at St Mary’s Church. We would love to see as many students and their families as possible join us for this special celebration of our faith and school community. Students are encouraged to wear their school uniform with pride as they represent our school and help strengthen the connection between our parish and school communities.

Last Sunday was the shortest day, which means we are now heading towards the longer days of summer. Hooray! Winter is not my favourite season.

It was great to see children dressed in red, black, or yellow on Friday. I think our children love a Mufti Day now and again. I won’t talk about the rugby game on Saturday night, except to say: poor Chiefs!

We farewelled Harriet Fenwick last week and welcomed Michelle Ryan to Kākano 10 starting this week. This is a great transition for the students, as Michelle is an experienced teacher and has been a staff member here for several years.

Our Mini Munchy Maker winners were announced on Friday. A big thanks to Lorraine Thomson for organising this for us, and to the other staff members who helped with the judging. The Top Chef award went to Bradley Marsh!

Next week, two Australian schools performing in Rhapsody Rotorua will be visiting us as part of their NZ tour. Additionally, there are free concerts at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. You do need to book for these free concerts, and you can secure tickets online. Information on how to do this is on a flyer below. Over the years, our children have thoroughly enjoyed these school performances.

Next week, I will host a group of students for a Principal’s Luncheon. The children who have been invited will bring an invitation home. At the luncheon, children receive a special letter outlining why they were invited.

The Reading Logs will be going out next week. This time, we will have lots of prizes from the cabinet on offer. The Pizza Draw for the last holiday period will be held at this week’s assembly.

I also owe Whakaue a mufti day and an ice block, so all students in Whakaue House can come to school this Friday in yellow. My favourite colour at the moment!

This Friday, during Golden Time, we intend to have our Annual House Haka Competition. The House Haka is always keenly contested!

Have a great week.

David

Important Dates

TERM 2 DATES:

June 28 Sunday: Parish/School Mass

July 3 Friday: Last Day of Term 2

TERM 3 DATES:

July 23rd, Thursday: Matariki Cultural Dinner

24th July, Friday: School Reports sent home

28th July, Tuesday: Parent interviews

29th July, Wednesday: Parent Interviews

3rd August, Monday: Cook Islands Language Week

7th August, Friday: Mary MacKillop Mass

14th August, Friday: Assumption Mass

17th August: Tongan Language Week

21st August, Friday: Interschool Gymnastics Competition

26th August, Wednesday: Tough Guy and Gal Challenge

13th September Sunday School Parish Mass

14th September 14th, Monday: Maori Language Week

22nd September, Tuesday: School Production

23rd September, Wednesday: School Production

25th September, Friday: Last day of Term 3.

This coming Sunday, 28th June, we will celebrate our Parish & School Mass at 10.00 am. We warmly invite all students and their families to join us for this special occasion.

This celebration provides a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our school, parish, and whānau. As we pray and worship alongside one another, we are reminded that we belong to a wider faith family. Taking part in this Mass helps foster connections, encourages mutual support, and enriches the sense of belonging that is so important within our Catholic community.

We are fortunate to have many gifts within our school: caring children, supportive families, dedicated staff, and a vibrant parish. Gathering in this way allows us to celebrate these blessings while continuing to nurture a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included. Through shared experiences such as this, we deepen our faith, strengthen relationships, and create lasting memories for our children.

We would love to see as many students as possible attending in their school uniform, proudly representing St Mary's and standing alongside their classmates in this meaningful celebration.

Following the Mass, everyone is invited to stay for morning tea. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate a small plate of food to contribute. However, your attendance is far more important. The opportunity to enjoy a drink and conversation together is a wonderful way to continue building connections and celebrating all that makes our school and parish such special places.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Sunday. Have a great week.

God bless

Lorna Dobson