Newsletter Week 6 Term One

NEWSLETTER WEEK 6 TERM 1 2026.

Gala Day Success! Another incredible Gala Day! The weather was perfect, and our community came out in full force to support us; I would say one of our biggest crowds to attend our Gala. Rotorua truly sees our Gala Day as a top-notch event, and your contributions played a huge part in making it such a success—thank you!

We are indeed very lucky to have such an awesome, hardworking PTA led by Jenny McGowan-Devery. The Gala Committee, coordinated by Sarah-Louise Tapsell, had the Gala organised to the nth degree. Sara Mines, Sylvia Dunkley and Delwyn Bowen were the teacher representatives who were also on the GALA organising committee. We had a huge contingent of students from John Paul College who helped us on the stalls. Thank you to them and also parents from our community who helped. I would also like to acknowledge the generous people and businesses who donated money or goods for the Gala. The prizes in our raffles, spin-the-wheel, and the Silent Auctions were all donated. Once again, thanks, everyone.

I want to acknowledge those generous people who put their hands up to be part of the PTA. We do need to recruit more parents to join our PTA so that the events our PTA stages can continue. The parents who are on the PTA will be leaving us over the next couple of years as their children move on to secondary school. Please consider joining our PTA.

Today, our senior students were involved in our school swimming event at the Aquatic Centre. There were many races and novelty events. The day was a lot of fun, and I was pleased with our students' participation. Thanks to Jill Dinniss for coordinating the event, and thanks to our teachers and our army of parent helpers. We are indeed lucky to have so much support from our parents. Having so much help helps the day run that much more smoothly.

At the end of last year, Dirk Stahlhut resigned his position on the board. I would like to thank him very much for his many years as a board member, most of which were as the Presiding Member. Dirk was awarded the Mary MacKillop Award for services to our school. At the last BOT meeting, Mathew Doidge was elected the new Presiding Member and Charlotte Schimanski was elected the Deputy. Thank you to Mat and Charlotte for putting their hands up for these important positions.

Have a great week, everyone

David

TERM 1 DATES.

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.

The story of the "Woman at the Well" is a famous meeting from the Bible (John 4). It’s a powerful story about breaking rules, being honest about our mistakes, and finding what truly makes us happy. Jesus was traveling through Samaria. This was a place most people of his background avoided because of old grudges. While resting at a well, he met a woman and asked her for a drink of water. This was a big deal for 2 reasons. Firstly, men didn’t talk to women in public, and Jewish People didn’t get along with Samaritans. Jesus knew she had a complicated past with many failed relationships, but he didn't judge her. Instead, he offered her "living water," which meant a way to find peace and purpose that never runs out.

We can relate this to our lives today. The story teaches us to be kind to people who are different from us, even if society tells us to stay away. It shows that we don't have to hide our mistakes to be accepted or loved. "Instead of trying to find happiness in social media or shopping, 'living water' suggests that true peace comes from a meaningful connection with God."

"We warmly invite you to join us for our whole-school Mass on Friday, March 20th, at 9 am. Please come and help us celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph as a community."

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. Forms need to be submitted to Fr. Prakash by the end of April.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

God bless.

Lorna Dobson

DRS