Newsletter Week 6 Term Three

Last week, Sara, Sylvia, and I were fortunate to attend some awesome Professional Development in Sydney. We attended the Curriculum Conference, where excellent international and Australian speakers discussed Knowledge-Rich Curricula.

During our trip, we stayed at MacKillop Place, which features the MacKillop Museum. The museum showcases the life, history, and educational legacy of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. We also visited the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel, a sacred space where Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop rests eternally in her tomb. It was a very special place to visit.

We would like to invite you to one of our Strengthening Partnerships meetings. The first meeting is being held today at 3:15 pm in our school hall, where we are seeking ideas on how our school can support our partnership with whānau and the community. The second meeting is on Wednesday, 2 September at 5:30 pm in the school hall. Please come along.

Our next School Parish Mass is coming up on Sunday, 13 September. We are looking forward to bringing our whole community together and hope to see lots of our students and families there! Please ensure students wear their full school uniform to this Mass.

Young Vinnies will be serving hot chocolate again this term on Wednesday mornings. Students can bring a can or a gold coin donation in exchange for a hot chocolate.

Young Vinnies are also raffling a youth-sized All Whites jersey signed by the team! Tickets are $3.00 each or two for $5.00. All proceeds will go to the church roof fund to secure a fish plaque for Vinnies Youth 2026. Tickets can be purchased at the school office or by sending money with your child to give to their teacher.

Last week, our gymnasts performed particularly well in the individual competition. We have a strong gymnastics club at the school that meets once a week to practice their moves. What impresses me most is that our older students coach our younger students during junior gymnastics. Thank you to their coach, Lori Norton, who has been working with our gymnasts over the year.

On Monday, several students participated in the Fluro Golf Day at the Rotorua Golf Club. Thank you to Shanelle and the parents who transported and accompanied children to the golf course. Our children had lots of fun!

Today, a large contingent of students ran in the Tough Guy and Gal event held at Lakes Ranch. It is always a popular event for our students.

Next week, we have chess teams competing in the Taupō and Rotorua Chess Competitions. Thanks to the parents who will be accompanying our teams to the competitions.

And on Monday night, our dance group will be competing in the Dance NZMade Competition at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Our girls have been practising for a long time to perfect their dance. Thanks to Adele Rennie for her coaching of the dancers. Many thanks also to Charlotte Schimanski and Ranolf Pharmacy, whose generous sponsorship enabled us to provide the costuming and props for the dancers. I’m really looking forward to watching our dancers in action!

Have a great week,

David

TERM 3 DATES

Monday, 31st August: DanceNZMade

Wednesday, 2nd September: Strengthening Partnership Mtg. 5.30 pm in the School Hall.

Sunday, 13th September: School Parish Mass

Monday, 14th September: Māori Language Week

Tuesday, 22nd September: School Production

Wednesday, 23rd September: School Production

Friday, 25th September: Last day of Term 3

The Ministry of Education expects students to attend school every day it is open, with a goal of missing fewer than 5 days per term (approximately 90% attendance or higher).

In line with Ministry requirements, schools are now required to send attendance emails to parents and caregivers when a student has been absent for 5 days (less chance of success), 10 days (hard to make progress), and 15 days or more (very hard to make progress) within the term. These emails will be automatically generated by our student management system.

Please be aware that ALL absences are included in these totals. This means that even when absences are due to illness or other justified reasons, they still contribute to the overall attendance record, and we are still required to send attendance emails when applicable.

We recognise that families do their very best to support their children's wellbeing, and we understand that illness and unavoidable circumstances do occur. We also sincerely appreciate families keeping their children at home when they are unwell, as this helps to protect the health of others in our school community.

If you have any questions regarding this new requirement for absences, please contact: Sylvia Dunkley, Deputy Principal (sylviad@stmarysrotorua.school.nz)

🌈 Sponsorship Opportunity – St Mary's School Production: Wizard of Oz 🎭

Our talented students are busy preparing for this year's school production of Wizard of Oz, and we're looking for local businesses and community members who may be able to support this exciting event.

If you or your business are in a position to sponsor our production, we would love to hear from you. Sponsorship of any size is greatly appreciated and will help make this a memorable experience for our students.

As a thank you for your support, your business logo will be featured:

• In our production programme
• On the big screen during the production
• On the TV display in our school foyer
• In our school newsletter
• On our facebook page

If you would like more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact the St Mary's School Office.

Below is the notice that went home yesterday.

Thank you to our sponsors for there kind donation to our school production.

Is your child in Year 4 or above and has received their First Holy Communion? St. Mary’s Parish warmly invites them to become an Altar Server!

It is a wonderful way for young people to build confidence, make friends, and serve our community. Training is completely flexible and done by appointment to suit your family's schedule.

To register your interest, simply scan the QR code on the attached poster, or contact our coordinator, Kyree Catena, directly at altarserverrotorua@gmail.com or 027 618 4885.

AGM UPDATE

Chairperson - Jenny McGowan-Devery

Treasurer - Jan Andrews

Secretary - Jenny Needham

Teacher Rep - Abbie Sorenson

Thank you to all the members of the PTA for their ongoing commitment and dedication.

Thank you to Delwyn Bowen and Sarah Milligan for the roles they did so well and are handing on. Everyone is welcome at the next regular meeting @7pm, 23rd of September.

Thanks again.

From Your Parent/Teacher Association.

"Help shape better online safety support for families. Netsafe is inviting parents and caregivers to share their experiences of supporting children and young people to stay safe and well online. The survey asks about the challenges families face, what helps when something goes wrong online, how schools can support children and whānau, and what advice or resources would be most useful. Your feedback will help Netsafe to develop practical online safety support for parents, young people, and schools. Have your say and be in to win 1 of 5 $150 Prezzy Cards!"

Kia ora te Whānau,
Please find attached the link for our community survey.

This will also be followed up with the opportunity for you to attend one of the two community feedback evenings in our school hall.

These will be held on:
- Wednesday 26th August at 3pm or alternatively Wednesday 2nd September at 5.30pm.

If you would like to help facilitate this with a focus around community engagement and culture please email Mrs Norton
lorin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

Term 4 Summer Sports Registrations:

Summer Sports registrations are open. We are still waiting for Futsal information and Cricket. Information is up on the website. Please remember to register so your child does not miss out on a team and remember our values and fair play.

Rip, Grip & Whip Mountain Biking Event

Click here to register

When: Tuesday 22nd September 2026

Where: Waipa Mountain Bike Park

Cost: $6 per student

Who: Year 4, 5, 6 Boys and Girls

Entries close: Friday 28th August

Term 4 Netball

Click here to register

Term 4: Starts 2nd of November for 5 weeks

Y0-4 Monday, Times TBC (usually 4pm)

Y5-6 Monday, Times TBC (usually 5.15pm)

Cost: $35 per student

Registrations close 10th September

Term 4 Touch Rugby

Click here to register

Tuesday 13th October 2026 - Yr5 to Yr8

Wednesday 14th October 2026 - Yr0 to Yr4

The fee for Term 4 $35.00

Registrations close 17th of September

Term 4 Futsal

Click here to register

Years 4-6 only

Starts 18th October

The fee for Term 4 $35.00

Registrations close 17th of September

St Mary's Indoor Bowls Competition

The competition is open to any year 3, 4, 5 or 6 student who has attended at least 2 indoor bowls practice sessions. The competition will be held in the school hall during class time on Thursday 10th September 2026. There is no fee to enter. Please fill out the registration form to enter your child. Spaces are limited and filling out the form does not guarantee your child a chance to play. Priority will be given to students who attend the bowls club. Two competitions will be run - doubles/triples open to all. Singles for year 5 and 6 students.

Click here to register

Legends Of The Peaks Forest Run

Click here to register

Date: Friday 6th November 2026

Location: Event HQ, Waipa MTB Carpark, Rotorua, Waipa State Mill Rd

Cost: FREE!

Who: Year 1-6

Registrations close - 3.15PM Monday 12th of October

Term 4 Cricket

Smashplay - Years 1- 3

SmashPlay is an updated version of our previous SuperSmash programme and will be held at Smallbone Park on Thursday evenings.

SmashPlay Registration - Please No Payments to school

Incrediball - Years 3-5

Our popular Incrediball programme is back for another season at Smallbone Park on Thursday evenings.

Incrediball Registration - Please No Payments to school

Harrows - Years 4-6

Primary school hardball cricket played across Rotorua on Thursday evenings.

Please register your interest by registering here. Please No Payments to school

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

Aariketh has become a finalist in the NZ National Great Talk Speech Competition and will be performing in the Grand Final on 13 September at the University of Auckland!

His speech topic is “I’m a Big Brother” — a very special topic close to his heart.

Aariketh absolutely adores his little sister, Aarisa who is only 18 months old. He calls her “Chuggy”, and the two of them share the most magical bond.

When asked what he would like to give his speech about, without hesitation he said he wanted to talk about his little sister, Chuggy.

He has also been inspired by his big sister, Akeesa, who he has watched performing speeches and poems. Akeesa recently achieved 4th place nationally in the Great Talk Poetry Competition, and Aariketh wanted to perform just like his big sister.

And look where that inspiration has taken him — all the way to the National Grand Final!

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

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.

We're running the August Lunch Shout: 5 x $10 Kindo credits to be won by families. Every family that orders lunch through Kindo in August goes in the draw, with one entry per child they order for. Five winners, all from your school. :-)