St Mary's School

Dear whānau,

Another short week down but plenty packed in again.

Room Kea set us up for the week with their reverent and thoughtful prayers reminding us that we are still in the season of Easter and showing their gratitude for all the things we have because Jesus gave up his life for us. Out of the mouths of babes, just a few of the things Room Kea kids were grateful for were: the sun, sharks (they seem to come up a lot don’t they?), stars, their pets and their families. Their song 'I have decided to follow Jesus' was sung with plenty of enthusiasm and accompanied by some fantastic choreographed dance moves - oh to be 6 again!

Their prayers got me thinking about gratitude. Being grateful is a choice. Finding the good in your day, people, situations, what you have right in front of you sometimes isn’t that straightforward. I’ve read several times that in the process of acknowledging the goodness in our lives, people usually recognise that goodness lies outside of themselves. Being grateful can help people find a connection outside of themselves, with something bigger than themselves whether that be a connection to other people, nature, or God. Word on the street (and in research) is that acknowledging gratitude is strongly associated with greater happiness. It helps people feel more positive emotions, savour good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. Sounds good to me.

Gratitude is the virtue that makes us aware and appreciate the gifts we receive each day. The quote at the top of the newsletter reflects this virtue well 'This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad' - Psalm 118:24.

Sounds like a win win to me. How often do you take a minute out of your incredibly busy day to stop and reflect on all the good things happening in your life? I’m going to try extra hard to do this more regularly and I hope you do too … I’ll kick us off in case you’re struggling for ideas …

• I am grateful for my friends and family who support me 110% in everything and anything I do

• I am grateful for my fluffer pup, Gus - he’s my main man, he’s the peas to my carrots, my #1

• I am grateful to work in the best school ever with the best kids and staff ever

• I am grateful for this weeks weather and seeing the sun HEAPS

• I am grateful that it is Thursday

See, it’s not that hard! The list could go on.

But moving along …

I had the pleasure of attending our first class Mass for the year in Room Kea, celebrated by Father Elie. I'm sure that the great turn out of parents, grandparents and friends would agree that all the children did a great job of their role whether that was welcoming, reading, acting, singing or farewelling. Ka pai Room Kea, Mrs Butterfield and Sheilah - you should all be super proud of yourselves.

Reminder: Tomorrow (Friday 5th May) school is closed for our first Ministry directed teacher only day where we will be learning all about the new NZ Curriculum Refresh - Te Mātaiaho. In time we will be sharing our learning with our community - hang tight.

Remember, if you have something exciting happening in your world that you’d like us to share in the newsletter, just email me a wee outline and some photos and I’ll make sure it gets in.

God bless,

Mallory

Acting Principal

A warm welcome to Jacob Coats and his parents Bridget and Jeremy. Jacob is a year 5 in Room Kiwi. We're very happy to have you and your family join us Jacob, we hope you enjoy your time here at St Mary's School.

We were very privileged this week to receive our very own copy of this beautiful picture book, 'Violet's Scarf' from Stella Walker. It's the heartwarming true story of Stella's Great Great Grandad George Cloughley who was a soldier in France in WW1.

The story is about his little sister Violet who was a school girl at the time of the war in Riverton, the Red Cross had come along to school to encourage the children to make gifts for them to give out to the soldiers fighting in various campaigns across the world. Violet made a scarf the colours of the soldiers uniforms so they wouldn't stand out on the battle field but she also added a tiny bit of blue on the bottom because that was her brother George's favourite colour and she thought any soldier who got her gift would like the colour too.

The Red Cross made 6 stops to drop goodies off before they got all the way to France. When they threw the wee packages out to the waiting soldiers, George happened to catch one that turned out to be a scarf but not just any scarf, the scarf his little sister had knitted. He was wearing it when he got off the train after arriving home to Riverton much to Violet's delight.

How cool is that story? The illustrations in the book are also beautiful. After it's made its rounds around the classes it will be in the library for anyone who is keen to have a look.

Thanks Stella - what a special gift! We will treasure it.

How proud does this guy look? And so he should, what fantastic writing about your happy place Eddie. Ka pai!

On the Rugby Field

On the rugby field I hear the ball being kicked.

On the rugby field I feel happy.

By Eddie Ferguson

Room Kiwi, Takahe and Moa had a fine time out learning rugby skills with Ben this morning. Ben will call back throughout the term and each class will get a session with him. The MLT Rugby Ambassador visits are a highlight for many of our kids. We love having them come and visit as the different boys who take on the job on each year are always fantastic role models and work really well with our kids. Thanks to the MLT for sponsoring such a cool initiatve.

Week 2 (1st - 5th May) - Room Kea and Mrs Butterfield

Monday Prayers - Room Kea

Wednesday - Room Kea Class Mass - 2pm

Thursday - Ben in for Rugby

Friday - Staff Only Day - School is closed

Week 3 (8th - 12th May) - Room Kiwi and Mrs Gray and Mrs Hansen

Monday Prayers - Room Kiwi

Thursday - Room Kiwi Class Mass - 2pm

Friday - Rachel's Studio of Dance Rehearsal - 1.30 - 2.30pm T&C Stadium

Friday - Mother's Day Liturgy and Afternoon Tea - all welcome

Saturday - Festival of Dance

Week 4 (15th - 19th May) - Room Tui and Miss Sutherland

Monday Prayers - Room Tui

Monday - Tuesday - Year 5 Camp to Dunedin

Wednesday - Whole School Cross Country (please note change of date)

Thursday - Room Tui Class Mass - 2pm

Friday - Pink Shirt Day

Week 5 (22nd - 26th May) - Room Kereru and Mrs Knowler

Monday Prayers - Room Kereru

Wednesday - Thursday - Catholic Education Review

Thursdayj - Room Kereru Class Mass - 2pm

Week 6 (29th - 2nd June) - Room Pūkeko and Mrs Cruickshank and Mrs Thacker

Monday Prayers - Room Pūkeko

Tuesday - Year 6 National Young Leaders Day - Dunedin

Thursday - Room Pūkeko Class Mass - 2pm

Week 7 (5th - 9th June) - Room Piwakawaka and Mrs Christie

Monday - King's Birthday Weekend - School is closed

Tuesday Prayers - Room Piwakawaka

Thursday - Eastern Cross Country

Thursday - Room Piwakawaka Class Mass - 2pm

Week 8 (12th - 16th June) - Room Moa and Miss Hood and Mrs Gray

Monday Prayers - Room Moa

Thursday - Room Moa Class Mass - 2pm

Week 9 (19th - 23rd June) - Room Takahē and Miss Bond

Monday Prayers - Room Takahē

Thursday - Room Takahē Class Mass - 2pm

Sunday - Confirmation and Whole School Mass - 9.45am

Week 10 (26th - 30th June) - Room Ruru and Miss McRae

Monday Prayers - Room Ruru

Thursday - Room Ruru Class Mass - 2pm

Friday - Matariki Celebration - TBC

Next Home and School Meeting - Tuesday 6th June - 7pm - School

Next Board Meeting - Thursday 1st June - 6pm - School

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://stmarys.school.nz/
Location: 14 Ardwick Street, Gore 9710, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3-208 7733
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1407464649522913