Newsletter Week 7 Term Three
2nd September 2026
Principal's Message
NEWSLETTER WEEK 7, TERM 3, 2026
A lot has gone on over the last week, including chess tournaments, the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, Fluoro Golf, and the first of our Strengthening Partnerships meetings. Thank you to everyone who helped make these happen! We are indeed very lucky to have so many parents who are prepared to put their hands up to help.
On Monday night, our dance group competed in the Dance NZMade Competition at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Our girls have been practicing for a long time to perfect their performance, and wow, they were spectacular on performance night! They are now the Rotorua Year 3–6 Dance NZMade group CHAMPIONS. Emma Schimanski is the Year 6 Solo Champ, Isla Rennie is the Year 4 Champion, and together they are the Year 3–6 Duo champions. Well done to everyone who danced in this competition! Special thanks to Adele Rennie for coaching the dancers. Many thanks also to Charlotte Schimanski and Ranolf Pharmacy, whose generous sponsorship enabled us to provide the entry fee, costuming and props for the dancers.
We would like to invite you to join us for our next Strengthening Partnerships meeting. We are gathering ideas to further strengthen our partnership with whānau and the wider community. The meeting will take place TONIGHT, Wednesday, 2 September at 5:30 pm in the school hall. We warmly welcome you to come along!
Our next School Parish Mass is coming up on Sunday, 13 September. We look forward to bringing our whole community together and hope to see many of our students and families there. We want as many children there as possible. It is an awesome celebration, and you will be amazed at the children’s singing. Please ensure students wear their full school uniform.
The Rotorua Principals' Association (RPA) is hosting an "Our Kids Online" community event at Rotorua Intermediate School on Wednesday, 23 September at 6:30 pm. We know how critical online safety is for our tamariki, and the RPA wants to ensure that every parent has full access to this game-changing event. An invitation was sent to you last night on the school app.
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, 23 September | 6:30 pm
Where: Rotorua Intermediate School
Tickets: $10 Individual | $15 Couple
Book Online: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/our-kids-online-rotorua/rotorua
(Note: This event is for adults only and is not suitable for children or teens to attend.)
Practical Solutions You’ll Walk Away With
Filters & Smartphone Locks: Exactly which filters to use and how to lock down devices safely.
The 3 Golden Rules: Simple, effective guidelines to protect your kids online.
Boundaries & Difficult Conversations: How to talk to your kids and reconnect as a family by challenging our own phone habits.
"We have now reached the point where it is irresponsible of us as parents, teachers, health professionals, and policymakers to continue to put these devices... in our kids’ hands and then expect them to be accountable for their own wellbeing."
Dr Samantha Marsh, University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
FREE $99 GIFT FOR ATTENDING!
This topic is too important for us to ignore, and we strongly request at least one representative from every family attend. Secure your tickets today via Eventfinda and let's protect our tamariki together!
Young Vinnies will be serving hot chocolate again on Wednesday mornings this term. Students are invited to bring either a canned food item or a gold coin donation in exchange for a cup.
Young Vinnies is also raffling a youth-sized All Whites jersey signed by the team! Tickets are $3.00 each or 2 for $5.00. All proceeds will go toward the church roof fund to secure a fish plaque for Vinnies Youth 2026. Tickets can be purchased at the school office or by sending cash to your child's teacher.
Have a fantastic week ahead!
David
TERM 3 DATES
Wednesday, 2 September: Strengthening Partnerships Mtg, 5:30 pm in the School Hall
Sunday, 13 September: School Parish Mass
Monday, 14 September: Māori Language Week
Tuesday, 22 September: School Production
Wednesday, 23 September: School Production
Week 6 Assembly Awards
Principal's Award - Finn Hilbink - T6
Joy (Jesus, Others, Yourself) - Fern Churches - T7
Courage - Eva Garcia - T3
Respect - Xander Tabutol - T5
Excellence - Calina Banis T8
Wonder - Niwa Tuuta - T5
Well done to all our blue card winners that have been showing their CREW values throughout Week 6.
Tōtara Blue Cards
Kākano Blue Cards
Principal Award
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.
Term 4 Netball
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
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
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.
Legends Of The Peaks Forest Run
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
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:
