Newsletter Week 9 Term One
1st April 2026
Principal's Message
Newsletter Week 9 Term 1 2026
On Sunday, we celebrated Palm Sunday. At this time, we commemorate the triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, in which Christians celebrate the mystery of salvation through Christ’s Death and Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Every year during this sacred week, the Church invites us to consider once again the meaning of the Cross. With each passing year, we bring our own considerations, understandings, and acceptance of our faith, as they have developed since the previous year. On Tuesday, we had our Donkey Parade, and the donkey was certainly the highlight. Some children dressed in clothes that reflected the era. Classes have been moving around the school grounds, where they reflected on each of the Stations of the Cross. On Thursday, we finish the week with the Washing of the Feet Liturgy.
There are a number of Easter services at St Mary’s and St Michael’s Churches from Thursday evening to Sunday. It would be great if you could get your children to these services. The times are listed later in the newsletter.
Last week, our children participated in the Stations of the Cross Liturgy, in which they reflected on the final hours of Jesus' life on Earth. Yesterday we had the Donkey Parade, and we have the Washing of the Feet Liturgy on Thursday at 12.15 pm in the school hall. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples before the Last Supper, a significant act of humility and servanthood. You are welcome to attend.
All our Summer Sports codes have now finished for the season. Thanks to the coaches and managers for their commitment over the season. We are very grateful for your time to ensure our students are equipped to take the field or court.
I have just heard from the PTA that the profit from the Gala Day was $34,000. That is our best ever profit from a Gala Day, due to the hard work of our PTA, generous donations from our school community, and staff and volunteers who helped on the day. Thank you all. This money is going toward the safety matting for the playground. Replacing the matting is quite expensive, so it will take a few years to save up the money.
In week 2 of next term, we will have our parent interviews. Our teachers would like to discuss children’s progress, so it is important that you make time to meet with your child’s teacher. Interview times can be made using this link: School Interviews
Reading Logs for the Holiday Reading Programme have been issued to the children. Once filled in, these need to be returned in the first week back next term. Adults reading to children counts. This time, all classes with 95% of their logs returned will go into the draw for a pizza-and-chips lunch. There will be two class prizes up for grabs.
After the holidays, children are expected to be in their winter uniforms. Please note that boys can now wear long-sleeve polo shirts instead of a skivvy. Girls can now wear culottes with the long-sleeve polo shirt. Our uniform shop hours are on Monday and Friday from 8.30 to 9.00 am, and on Wednesday from 2.30 pm to 3.00 pm. You can purchase uniforms online by going to the school website. Once your online order is placed, you will be able to pick up your uniform from the school office.
I would like to thank our hard-working staff for the work they have done in our school this term to provide many learning opportunities for our students.
I hope your children have a relaxing holiday. My fingers are crossed that the weather will be fine.
Warm regards
David
Important dates for Term 2:
April 20th, Monday, Teacher Only Day. No school
April 21st, Tuesday, 1st Day for Term 2
April 27th, Monday, ANZAC Day Public Holiday (no School)
April 28th and 29th Parent Interviews
May 22nd, Friday School Cross Country
May 22nd, Friday, 9.00 am Pentecost Mass
May 25th, Monday School Photos
May 29th, Friday, Teacher Only Day
June 1st, King’s Birthday Public Holiday (No school)
June 12th, Friday. Mass of the Sacred Heart
June 29th Sunday Parish/School Mass
July 3rd, Friday, Last Day of Term 2
UNIFORM SHOP & OPENING HOURS
HOURS DURING TERM TIME :
Monday and Friday mornings 8.30am to 9.00am
Wednesday afternoons 2.30pm to 3.00pm
Holiday Hours - 8th April, Wednesday 11am-2pm
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.
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.
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:
Winter Sports registrations are all closed. Please see the office if you are interested in any sports and we can see if we can fit you into a team.
NETBALL - Please return all dresses.
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
Special Mention
Chris competed in the Swimming BOP Rising Stars competition held on Sunday and achieved the overall gold medal in the 10-year-old age group.
Sam also achieved the overall gold medal in the 8&under age group.
Well done boys!!
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:
- Monday: St Pierres & Pita Pit/Tuckr
- Tuesday: Pita Pit/Tuckr
- Wednesday: Pita Pit/Tuckr
- Thursday: St Pierres & Pita Pit/Tuckr
PLEASE NOTE PITA PIT HAS GONE BACK TO THERE OLD MENU WITH ALOT MORE VARIETY!
You’ll find a variety of nutritious options to keep your kids fuelled and focused.
To view the full menu and place an order, just log in to your Ezlunch account as usual.
https://shop.kindo.co.nz/shop/upload/pdf/school/st_marys_rotorua/Menu.pdf
Together, we simplify school life — one lunch at a time.
Affordable. Healthy. Ready when they are.
Warm kai, happy kids.
