Newsletter Week 2 Term Two
29th April 2026
Principal's Message
Newsletter Week 2 Term 2 2026
I hope you enjoyed the ANZAC break last weekend. We had a lovely ANZAC Liturgy on Thursday led by Totara 4 and Kakano 4; they did a wonderful job. I always find our liturgy very moving, especially when the Last Post is played.
Thank you to the parents who brought their children to the ANZAC Parade on Saturday morning. We had about forty children walking in the parade, and our students were also able to lay a wreath at the Civic Ceremony on behalf of the school. I was fortunate to be in Christchurch for the Super Round at the new stadium, and I attended the Dawn Service while I was down there. It was awesome to be part of such a huge crowd of both young and old.
We have a busy week ahead. Parent interviews took place yesterday and will continue tonight. Thank you to all the parents who made appointments to see our teachers. Today, we hosted thirty teachers from the Eastern Bay of Plenty area who came to observe our High Impact Teaching Practices in action.
The Young Vinnies will be serving hot chocolate again this term on Wednesday mornings. Children can donate a can of food or a gold coin to receive a drink. All donations go to St Vincent de Paul.
On Thursday, I am hosting the Principal’s Luncheon for the children nominated by their teachers in Term 1. I decided to move this to Term 2 because we were in Lent last term, and many children had given up treats!
Scarlet in Totara 1 won "Principal for the Day" at our Gala Day, so she will be taking over the office on Thursday. Scarlet has already asked if I could share my pay with her… mmmm, I don’t think so, Scarlet!
Have a great week.
David
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
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:
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!
Lucky books
Lucky book orders due back 1 May 12 noon, no late orders please. Please ensure that your child’s
name and classroom number are on the order form otherwise the order will remain in the office.
There are 2 ways of paying either 1) through the loop system which is on web page LUCKY Book Club
| Scholastic New Zealand and selecting the parent’s tab, or 2) paying cash and sending the money
and order form to the school office. If the order is a gift, then please mark this clearly and you will be
contacted to collect the order from the office.
Lucky books donate the school 15% of the total amount spent to purchase extra books or on
classroom resources.
Thanks
Jenny
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.
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.
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
HB Futsal Youth Tournament in Napier
Lakes FC is taking teams to the HB Futsal Youth Tournament in Napier during the July school holidays (see attached flyer for details).
Trials for our U11 (New!), U13 and U15 teams are on Sunday 3 May at RGHS. Players need to be registered using the link below.
Please feel free to forward this email on to the parents/guardians of any players that you think might be interested.
HB Futsal Youth Tournament Player Registration Form (google.com)
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.
