Newsletter Week 8 Term Two

Principal's Message

NEWSLETTER WEEK 8 TERM 2026

We have an incredible privilege coming up: our parish and school will soon host an official relic of Saint Carlo Acutis—the Church’s very first millennial saint! If you’re wondering what a relic is, think of it as a treasured family heirloom: a physical item (such as a piece of clothing or hair) associated with a saint. We don't worship relics, but honouring them gives us a tangible connection to someone who lived a holy life, making it a really special way to focus our prayers and bring our families closer to God.

This Friday, we are celebrating Mass with the Parish at 9:00 am for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please join us if you are able.

The PTA Disco was a big hit once again! Thank you for your support with this, and a huge thank you to the PTA and staff who helped out on the night.

Over the last three days, a group of our teachers participated in the Josephite Colloquium in Auckland. Facilitated by the Sisters of St Joseph, the colloquium offers an opportunity to learn about St Mary MacKillop and Father Julian Tenison Woods. The Sisters of St Joseph originally started our school in Ohinemutu back in 1903, and most of our teachers have attended this colloquium over the years.

Yesterday, we hosted the Regional Chess Tournament at St Mary’s. Many children from around Rotorua and the surrounding areas came to play. The tournament was run by Power Chess NZ. Thanks to Sarah Barnett and the parents who came along to help with the day.

Mini Munchers—our senior cooking competition for Year 5 and 6 students—starts today. Over the next few days, each class will take a turn preparing a delicious dish. Four teams of four students will then compete in an all-day cook-off next Thursday to find our Mini Muncher Champions for 2026.

You have probably noticed that speed restrictions are being introduced around schools in Rotorua. From June, the speed limit outside our school will drop to 30km/h during busy drop-off and pick-up times (8:00–9:00 am and 2:45–3:45 pm). At other times, the normal speed limit will apply. There will be a mix of electronic and static signs. As soon as these signs are installed, the lower speed limit can be enforced, so please keep an eye out and check the map to see how your usual route might change. For more information and FAQs, visit rlc.net.nz/safespeeds

Thanks for helping keep our tamariki safe, and have a great week!

David

TERM 2 DATES:

June 12 (Fri): Mass of the Sacred Heart
June 16 (Tue): Interschool Cross Country - selected students
June 28 (Sun): Parish/School Mass
July 3 (Fri): Last Day of Term 2

TERM 3 DATES:

July 23 (Thu): Matariki Cultural Dinner

Director of Religious Studies

On Friday, 12th June, we have a whole school Mass to celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart. The Feast of the Sacred Heart is one of the most important celebrations in the Catholic Church. The feast is a profound celebration of God's unconditional, boundless, and passionate love for humanity, physically symbolized by the human heart of Jesus Christ. In religious art, the Sacred Heart isn't just a regular heart. It is packed with heavy symbolism. When you look at an image of the Sacred Heart, you will see four distinct features that explain the theology of the feast: The Flames and Light: The heart is always on fire and glowing. The fire symbolizes a "furnace" of unstoppable, burning love for everyone, a love that purifies and warms. The Crown of Thorns: This encircles the heart, representing the emotional and physical suffering Jesus endured during his crucifixion. The Wound: A lance wound is visible on the side of the heart, representing the moment on the cross when a Roman soldier pierced his side, showing that his love is completely poured out. The Cross: Planted right on top of the heart, it is a direct reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of the crucifixion.

On Tuesday, we have the wonderful privilege of hosting the relic of Carlo Acutis. When we stand in front of Carlo's relic, we will be looking at a real piece of history. It is a powerful reminder that holiness is entirely possible in our modern, fast-paced world. Carlo proved that you don't have to be perfect or old to be a saint, you just have to love God with a whole heart, right where you are. Children are welcome to bring their own Rosary beads as we come together to pray the Rosary, a prayer that was especially loved by Carlo Acutis.

On Sunday, June 28th, we have a wonderful opportunity to gather as one family for our School and Parish Mass at 10 am. It would be amazing if our children and their families could join us for this occasion.

I hope you have a blessed week.

God bless

Lorna Dobson

DRS

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

Term 2&3 Winter Sports Registrations:

Winter Sports registrations are all closed. Information is up on the website. Good luck to all participating in a sports this term. Please remember our values and fair play.

Please see the office if you are interested in any sports and we can see if we can fit you into a team.

2026 Primary School Gym Sports Competition

Friday 21st August (Primary Schools)
Venue: Mid Island Gym Sports (MIGS), 60c Te Ngae Road, Rotorua
Time: ??? – 2.30 pm TBC
Cost: $12.00 per athlete per code (Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics, Tumbling, Trampoline, Mini Tramp & Rhythmic Gymnastics)

Who: Year 3-6

Click here to register Entries Close: 10th July 2026

Tough Guy and Girl Challenge

When: Wednesday 26th August 9.30am - 12.45pm
Where: Lakes Ranch, 79 Rotokawau Rd, Rotorua
Who: Years 3 - 6 children only
How: Own transport / carpool if possible (note: we can not guarantee transport for your child)

Cost: $30
Click Here to Register
Registrations and payment due by: 3.15pm Friday 31st July 2026

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

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.

Newsletter Week 8 Term Two

10th June 2026

Principal's Message

Director of Religious Studies

UNIFORM SHOP & OPENING HOURS

School Photos

The Ezlunch and Kindo Team

Principal's Message

Director of Religious Studies

UNIFORM SHOP & OPENING HOURS

School Photos

SPORTS NOTICES SPORTS NOTICES

The Ezlunch and Kindo Team

SPORTS NOTICES