Newsletter Week 3 Term Two

Principal's Message

NEWSLETTER WEEK 3 TERM 2 2026

Congratulations to the students who ran in the Mini Marathon last Friday and also to our three staff members who ran on Saturday. Well done to Sarah Barnett, Ellie McLanachan, and Matt Liley.

We had a busy week last week with parent interviews. We also hosted thirty school leaders and teachers from Whakatāne and Tauranga to see High Impact Teaching practices in action in our classrooms, and they were very impressed with what they saw. We have another group from Hamilton, Tauranga, and Whakatāne visiting us next week.

This weekend is Mother’s Day. The PTA is selling presents again this week. The PTA Mother’s Day Shop will be open on Thursday and Friday at lunchtime. All the gifts are $3.00. I hope all our mothers have an excellent day on Sunday.

This week, Sylvia, Sara, and I are in Perth. We are visiting schools for three days before attending a DSF Conference in Fremantle. This conference is hosted by the Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation and features a number of international speakers.

Young Vinnies will be serving hot chocolate again this term on Wednesday mornings. Children can donate a can or a gold coin to receive a drink.

A number of our sports teams start their seasons this week. We wish them all the best, and we'd like to give a huge thanks to the coaches and managers who are helping these teams this year. Also, a big thanks to Shanelle and Eliotte, who have organised the set-up for the start of the season. It has been an enormous task.

Have a great week!

David

Term 2

May 22 (Fri): School Cross Country & 9:00 am Pentecost Mass
May 25 (Mon): School Photos
May 29 (Fri): Teacher-Only Day
June 1 (Mon): King’s Birthday Public Holiday (School closed)
June 12 (Fri): Mass of the Sacred Heart
June 28 (Sun): Parish/School Mass
July 3 (Fri): Last Day of Term 2

School Calendar - Click Here to View

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

Director of Religious Studies

There is still an opportunity to enrol your child in the Sacramental Programme for baptised children. If your child is not yet enrolled, you have until Friday, 8th May to submit your form.

Just a reminder that if you are seeking a Preference Card for your child, these are only obtainable on a Thursday morning from the Parish Office. Please contact Fr. Prakash if you have any questions.

Next Thursday, 14th May, Kakano 7 & 11 are hosting a Liturgy to celebrate the feast of the Ascension. Everyone is welcome to join us.

On Friday, 22nd May, we will be having a whole school Mass to celebrate the birthday of the Church, also known as Pentecost, at 9 am in St Mary's Church. Please come along if you are available.

The Gospel on Sunday reflected on the words of Jesus: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus is like the ultimate guide. “The Way” is not a road, but a way of living. When we choose kindness, share with others, or help someone who is sad, we are following His path. We don’t have to guess how to live well; we can look to Jesus and try to do as He did. “The Truth” reminds us that Jesus is completely trustworthy. He keeps His promises. When He says He loves us or is with us in difficult times, we can believe Him. Following His truth also means being honest and choosing what is right, even when it is not easy. Jesus also gives us “The Life,” a life filled with love, hope, and purpose. It’s not about the things we have, but about the joy and peace that come from knowing we belong to God’s family.

I hope you have a blessed week.

God bless

Lorna Dobson

DRS

PTA

SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Sausage sizzle is a much-loved lunch option for students every Friday and a great fundraiser.

We DESPERATELY need volunteers to ensure that this can continue next Term (and throughout the year).

If you can help on Friday's from 11am to 1.15pm, please reach out to join the roster.

PTA

The PTA is a fantastic way to get involved in our school community. It offers a supportive space for parents and teachers (and Grandparents) to connect, contribute and make a meaningful difference alongside a great group of people.

NEXT MEETING

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May 2026 and we would love to have you join us!

Camp Donation Fees

Many thanks to those who have paid their camp fee, or have a payment plan in place. Donation receipts have been sent home to parents/caregivers to include in your tax returns.

Your camp payments make camps for your children possible - as we can't hold them with out your contributions.

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.

Enrolments for Siblings for 2026/2027

Kia ora te Whānau,

If you have a child that is due to start school this year (born 2021) or in Term 1 2027 as a Year 1.

Could you please either fill out an online enrolment off our school website, or get a new enrolment form from our school office.

Please attach your child's birth certificate, preference card and immunisation record when you return the enrolment form.

Mrs Norton

lorin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

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.

Regional Chess Tournament

Where: St Mary's Rotorua (no transport needed)

When: Tuesday 9th June (Week 8).

What to bring: Packed lunch and a plate for the bake sale

Parent help needed: 2-3 parents to support at the bake sale.

Cost: $6 per player

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Cross Country Years 4-6 Only:

Date Friday 22nd May 2026

Location Redwood Forrest

Please click on this link below if you have not filled it out already.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVat5-AUpbqetJIXOnpYsepvK42OsPX2gg9r25WIFVSp21OQ/viewform

NETBALL - Please return all dresses.

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.