Newsletter Week 9 Term Two

NEWSLETTER: WEEK 9, TERM 2, 2026

It was an absolute privilege to host the relics of St Carlo Acutis yesterday. We started the day at the church, where Monsignor Antonio from Sicily, Italy, spoke to our children about Carlo’s inspiring life of faith and devotion to the Eucharist. From there, we proceeded to our library, where each class had the opportunity to view the relics up close, touch them, and pray a decade of the Rosary together. As the Church’s first millennial saint, this was a deeply enlightening and special opportunity for our students. The children were invited to bring their own rosary beads to participate in this prayer experience, which was one of Carlo’s favourite forms of prayer. It was truly a prayerful and memorable occasion for our whole school community. Thank you to Father Prakash and the parish for including our school in this wonderful pilgrimage.

Our Cross Country Team competed exceptionally well in the Rotorua Primary Schools’ Cross Country Event at the Springfield Golf Course yesterday. Special congratulations to:

• Jack Fraser 1st 10-year-old Boys

• Nico Dicker 7th 10-year-old Boys

• Harry Mathis, 1st 9-year-old Boys

• Mila Parata, 3rd 8-year-old Girls

• Te Atakura Tibble,4th 9-year-old Girls

These students will now move on to compete in the BOP Cross Country Event in Tauranga. A huge thank you to Jill Dinnis and all the parents who helped with transport and support at yesterday’s event.

On Friday, we held our school Mass celebrating the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was a lovely celebration, highlighted by a wonderful homily from Father Prakash. Our new students and staff were presented with rosary beads and received a special blessing from Father. We were also delighted to welcome a number of visitors at Friday's Mass who truly enjoyed being a part of our community.

Looking ahead, we have our Parish/School Mass at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, June 28. We would love for all students, along with their whānau, to join us. Please ensure students attend in full school uniform.

This Thursday is the grand final of our Mini Munchy Makers Competition! Last week, students from each Year 5 and 6 class went head-to-head in a thrilling cook-off, and eight teams have been selected to move forward. For the final, each team will be given a mystery entrée, main course, and dessert to prepare for our panel of judges.

This week also marks Harriet Fenwick’s last week with us in Kākano this year as she prepares for the most important job there is: becoming a mum. We wish Harriet all the very best and many happy days ahead with her growing family.

Have a great week,

David

What a beautiful and faith-filled experience our children and staff had yesterday as we welcomed the relics of St. Carlo Acutis to our school. It was a truly special occasion that provided everyone with the opportunity to learn more about Carlo’s inspiring life, his deep love for Jesus, and his commitment to sharing his faith with others.

Throughout the morning, students were able to spend time in prayer and reflection, viewing the relics up close and gaining a deeper understanding of the significance of relics. The visit encouraged our children to think about how they, too, can live lives of kindness, faith, and service in their everyday actions.

Carlo’s example reminds us that holiness is possible for everyone, no matter their age, and that even young people can make a positive difference in the world. We are incredibly grateful to Monsignor Antonio and Kate, who made this visit possible, and for the opportunity to share in such a memorable and enriching experience as a school community. It is an experience that will remain in our hearts for a long time to come.

On Sunday, 28th June, we will be celebrating our Parish School Mass. This is a wonderful chance for our school and parish communities to come together in faith. We warmly invite all whānau to join us alongside our students at the 10.00 am Mass as we gather to pray, celebrate, and strengthen the special connection between our school and parish. We look forward to sharing this meaningful occasion with you all.

I hope you have a blessed week.

God bless.

Lorna Dobson

DRS