Newsletter Week 4 Term Two
13th May 2026
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
This week, we celebrate Support Staff Week. Behind every successful day at school is a dedicated team of support staff who keep everything running smoothly. From the friendly faces in the front office, our accounting expert who works upstairs and our librarian, to our caretaker, who keeps our grounds in top shape, and our tireless teacher aides, their impact is felt in every corner of our school. They are the quiet engines of our school, often working behind the scenes to ensure our students have the best possible environment in which to learn and grow. We are incredibly grateful for their expertise, their kindness, and the genuine commitment they bring to our school every day. Thank you for everything you do!
School photos will be taken Monday 25th of May. Please ensure that your child is in the correct winter uniform, wearing the school jersey, and has their hair tied back. Details on how to order photos were sent home last week.
Young Vinnies will be serving hot chocolate again this term on Wednesday mornings. Children may donate either a can of food or a gold coin to receive a drink. Please note that children must order before 8:30 am.
This Thursday, we have our Ascension Liturgy at 12:15 pm in the school hall; you are more than welcome to attend. Next Friday, we will be joining our parish for the 9:00 am Mass celebrating Pentecost, and we would love to have you join us there as well. Later that day, the Year 4, 5, and 6 students will have their Cross Country at the Redwoods. Fingers crossed for good weather!
Have a great week,
David
TERM 2 DATES
May 22 (Fri): School Cross Country & 9:00 am Pentecost Mass
May 25 (Mon): School Photos
May 29 (Fri): Teacher-Only Day
June 1 (Mon): King’s Birthday Public Holiday (School closed)
June 12 (Fri): Mass of the Sacred Heart
June 28 (Sun): Parish/School Mass
July 3 (Fri): 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
MOTHER’S DAY
Last week we held our Mother’s Day stall at school. It was wonderful to see the children carefully choosing special gifts, and we hope all our mums and caregivers had a lovely Mother’s Day!
A huge thank you to Mrs Bowen and Mr Liley for all your help, and to parents Celeste and Nuala for giving up your time to help set up and run the stall. Your support is greatly appreciated.
FRIENDS OF THE PTA
If you are available from time to time to help with events such as Mother’s
Day/Father’s Day stalls, discos, or other PTA initiatives, we would love to hear from
you. Having “Friends of the PTA” involved is such a valuable part of supporting our
school community.
NEXT MEETING
Our next PTA meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 May at 7.00pm in the school
staffroom. We warmly welcome anyone who would like to come along.
PTA Email: stmaryspta@stmarysrotorua.school.nz
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.
Regional Chess Tournament
Where: St Mary's Rotorua (no transport needed)
When: Tuesday 9th June (Week 8).
What to bring: Packed lunch and a plate for the bake sale
Parent help needed: 2-3 parents to support at the bake sale.
Cost: $6 per player
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
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.
