Newsletter Week Five Term One

NEWSLETTER WEEK 5 TERM 1 2026

Goodbye summer, hello autumn. It hasn’t been the best summer, has it? Fingers crossed for good weather at our gala on Friday.

I was very fortunate to be at camp with the Year 5 and 6s. I thoroughly enjoyed being at the camps. It is great to see the children in a different environment. I am very pleased to report that the children were very well behaved, and I was amazed by how well they tried the different challenging activities on offer. Thank you to the teachers for organising a great experience and to the parents who accompanied the classes. These sorts of activities are not possible without their support.

Gala day week is upon us, so we all need to get behind our PTA and give them every ounce of our support. Members of the PTA and staff have put in so many hours to ensure this gala day is a success. The white elephant is all set up in the hall, and a big thanks to Sylvia and Sara, our Deputy Principals and MaryAnne Roling and Sinead Smith for setting this all up. A big thank you to members of our community who have donated goods and money to our Gala, your generosity is very much appreciated. Please come on the night and invite everyone you can think of to come along, I can guarantee it is an excellent community event.

There are two activities that children can participate in before the Gala, and that is to buy tickets for the ‘Principal for the Day’ and ‘Dunk the Teacher’. Each event costs $2, and children can buy as many tickets as they wish.

Our swimming sports are scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th. All children in Years 4 to 6 are expected at the swimming sports. Children can come dressed in their House Colours and participate in a lot of fun activities.

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Have a fantastic week, and I look forward to seeing you all at the Gala Day.

David

TERM 1 DATES.

6th March, Friday, Gala Day

11th March, Wednesday, School Swimming Sports Year 4-6 only

17th March, Tuesday, Maths Whizz visits classrooms

20th March, Friday, School Mass honouring St Joseph

1st April, Wednesday, CBOP Swimming Sports

2nd April, Thursday, School Holidays start. Easter takes place during the holidays.

Reflecting on the Transfiguration, Pope Leo XIV described it as a “radiant picture” that helps us look beyond the suffering in the world and reminds us to have hope. Repeating the Father’s words, “Listen to Him,” he encouraged us to spend time in silence and prayer, listening carefully to Jesus as our guide during Lent. He also reminded us that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are important Lenten practices that help us grow closer to God and work with Him in shaping our lives into something beautiful and meaningful.

Here is a short prayer you might like to read with your families. Lord Jesus, help us to listen to You in silence and prayer, and to hold onto hope when the world feels heavy. Guide us through prayer, fasting, and kindness, so our lives may grow closer to You and reflect Your light.

Just a reminder that if your child would like to make their First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Reconciliation, then pick up an application form at the School Office. This program is for baptized children who are 9 years old. The program runs on Tuesdays, 5:30-6:45 pm, from 12th May until 26th July.

Please email Mrs. Dobson if you have any questions. lornad@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

I hope you have a blessed week.

God bless

Lorna Dobson

DRS