Newsletter Week 5 Term Three

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.

We thought we might shake things up a bit and see how Hotdogs and Cookies go for Term 3 on Fridays.

The Annual General Meeting will be in Wednesday 19th August. Its another great opportunity to come along and hear what wonderful work is being done. 7pm in the school staffroom.

Thanks again.

From Your Parent/Teacher Association.

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 4-5 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

North Island Ski Championship (NIPS)

31 August - 3 September

Please email or come see the office if you are interesting in skiing.

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

Congratulations to Chris and Sam who competed in the Swimming BOP Short Couse Winter Showdown 2026.

Chris won 5 gold medals out of 6 events, while Sam, competing in the 10-and-under age group, won 1 gold medal and 2 bronze medal out of 4 event.

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. :-)