Hello Everyone,

Another AWESOME Gala Day. Thank you, thank you all for your fantastic support. We got a great crowd and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves at this great St Mary’s community event. Thanks to the many people and businesses who donated goods and services. We had lots of people volunteer many hours of work; it was truly a team effort. It was also fantastic to see so many JPC students helping out at the Gala.

The success of the Gala Day was due in large part to our hardworking PTA Gala team: Giovanna Cleworth, Sineaid Smith, Renee Roberts, Heidi Symon, Logan Moka-Walters, and Juanita Conder, who worked tirelessly co-ordinating our big day. We appreciate the assistance of all those who helped in any way with the gala, and a special thanks to our ex parents and JPC students who generously gave their time to help. We will be in a position to advise the net profit shortly. Check out the many photos on our Facebook page.

We were lucky to have perfect weather on Monday and we were able to go ahead with the Swimming Sports. The day went very well with our children participating in races and novelty events with great enthusiasm. I was very impressed with the standard of swimming of our children. Thanks to the parents who helped us. We do rely on your generosity of time and once again we had an awesome number of parents there to help. Thanks to Lorna Dobson, Leanne and also to the staff who organised the sports and those who helped on the day. Have a look at some of the photos on our facebook page.

Today we had our Caritas Rice Day Fundraiser. Thank you for your support with this fundraiser and also thanks to Lucky Star Indian.

Next week the Totara team is on camp. Please pray for perfect Camp weather for them. Our students are very excited with camp looming. It certainly is a great time for them and camps seem to be a highlight of the school year for many of our students.

Have a good week,
David Macmillan, Principal.

BOT NEWS: POLICY REVIEW

This term we are reviewing our policy on Recognition of Cultural Diversity Here is a link to the policy being reviewed. Parents/whanau are encouraged to have a look and make any comments via this site. Username: stmarysrotorua Password: 3010

COVID - 19 (Coronovirus)
Some facts from the World Health Organization: COVID-19 (Coronovirus) Evidence from China shows that only 1% of reported cases do not have symptoms, and most of those cases develop symptoms within 2 days. Young people 18 years and under represent less than 2.4 per cent of those who have contracted the virus. From the data we have so far, COVID-19 does not transmit as efficiently as influenza. It continues to remain that the best thing to do is to practice good preventative measures, particularly good hygiene EVERYWHERE and especially at home:
Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet
Covering coughs and sneezes with clean tissues or with an elbow
Putting used tissues in the bin
Encouraging adults and students to stay home if they are unwell

SCHOOL CAMP:
Just a friendly reminder that the Senior camp is next week. We would like all donations please to be paid prior to attending. Many thanks to those who have already done so. We are relying on these payments to ensure we are able to continue to offer camps in the future for our Year 5 and 6 students.

If you have any queries regarding a payment plan, please email Margo Mason admin@stmarysrotorua.school.nz or call into the office.

If anyone would like to sponsor or subsidise another student (fee this year is $200) please contact Margo Mason :admin@ stmarysrotorua.school.nz

FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES:

The Lenten Season
Classes enjoyed rice for lunch today. This is part of our learning about how other countries are sustained by one meal a day. Money received for this will go towards the Caritas mission for helping those in most need. A huge thanks to Lucky Star Indian Takeaways who cooked the rice for us today.Thank you Vinay & Inder.
Students are encouraged to bring in spare coins and place in the Caritas money box in their classroom. This money will also go towards the Caritas mission.

Next week we have our St Joseph Mass at 9:00 in the Church. All welcome.

EXTRA DAY-TIME ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS ...

Pasifika Group:
Any student welcome. Practices held in Kakano 6, Fridays 11am.
If any parents or family members can share some traditional songs, dances, or stories from the Pacific Island please feel free to contact Sany-Joy in K6 or email sanyjm@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

Gymnastics :
Held in school hall Fridays at 12.30pm. Your child is welcome to come along and join in.

Chess Club: . Held in school hall with Mr Guildford.
Seniors: Thursday 12.45 to 1.30pm
Middle: Wednesday 12.45 to 1.30pm
Anybody is welcome at these levels. Parents!! you would be welcome too if you can help in any way.

Butterfly Cages:
Students may visit the cages at any break time. Cages situated behind Room 1

Online Uniform Sales: Uniforms are available online via our website using paypal. Parents can also order uniforms from Schooltex ()warehouse) direct at this link.

Change of address/Contact Phone numbers:
For change of personal contact details: Please notify the office or email dorothyj@stmarysrotorua.school.nz
The school newsletter is available on Wednesday afternoons via email. If you would like a hardcopy please call the office.
To advise School Absences:
Leave a message on the answerphone
Notify us via the school website (see quick links - absences)
Notify us via the School App - see absentee form
Note: If you are having trouble using the App please update or remove it from your device, and re-install the App.
School Banking available:
On Thursdays with Credit Union. Please contact the office if you would like an application form.
School Lunches: PITA Pit: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. Order online via www.lunchonline.co.nz
Sausage Sizzle and Juicies for sale Fridays. $1.50 each item. Please order from your classroom teacher.

SPORTS NEWS

Sports Uniforms/Bonds
Thank you to those who have returned sports uniforms. If you are still to return items, please do so asap.
Unless your child is playing touch or cricket this term.

Please ensure you have our school app and have set up to receive notifications for the sports your tamariki/children are playing. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.

RATS Duathlon
We were very fortunate with the weather for this event yesterday. What a fantastic day we all had. It was awesome to see our tamariki out there pushing themselves and having fun.

Congratulations to Chloe Dixon who came 2nd in the Yr5/6 Short course race.

Thank you to our parent helpers, your help and support at these events is invaluable.

Winter Sports - Term 2 & 3:

Our winter sports at St Mary’s are - Netball, Hockey, Miniball and Football.
Information and Registration forms for Netball, Hockey and Miniball will be sent home early next week, please keep an eye out for these. Football registrations are completed online, further information below.
Winter Sports registrations for all sports close on Friday 27th March.

ST MARYS FOOTBALL REGISTRATION

Football Registrations are now open for the 2020 season.

This year we have the option for girls to play in an all Girls Team. They will play against other girls teams as well as mixed teams. Girls also have the option to play mixed either at their current age or play a year below if preferred.

Games are played on Saturday mornings at Puarenga Park.
The grades are:

First Kicks Grades 5&6 (born 2014-2015) $45 per player
Fun Footballers Grades 7-8 (born 2012-2013) $70 per player
Mini Footballers Grades 9-12 (2008-2011) $70 per player

Please contact Whaea Leanne, Sports Coordinator if you have any queries. sports@stmarysrotorua.school.nz or 027 285 7579

Click here to register
·Enter your MyCOMET username and password and click Sign in
·If unsure of username or password click Forgot password/username?; or if new to football click Sign up
· You’ll need to complete your profile by updating your personal information in MyCOMET (completing all compulsory questions) prior to being able to register. Don’t forget to click SAVE to keep the changes!
·Click on Register located in the left-hand menu
·In the search box labelled Choose Seller, start typing St Mary’s and then select St Mary’s Catholic School - Rotorua from the drop-down options
·Select the appropriate registration item for by clicking on the green shopping cart button to the right
·If a pop-up window appears, answer the questions in this window
·Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the green Proceed to checkout button once only
·Tick the NZF T’s & C’s checkbox
·Click the blue Finish button
·Registration complete. You’ll get an email confirming your registration
·Having trouble – click here for a detailed help guide, or email registrations@nzfootball.co.nz

SPECIAL MENTION

Congratulations to Zariah Lomas (9yrs old) who has qualified to compete in the 2020 NZ Junior festival AquaKnights Swimming meet this weekend here in Rotorua. Zariah has 8 events over the 3 day meet and will be swimming varying distances in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly as well as an Individual Medley (all 4 strokes). What an amazing achievement, we wish you all the best for this weekend, swim hard and have fun Zariah.

If your child has achieved something special, sporting or otherwise, please email Leanne with a blurb and photo sports@stmarysrotorua.school.nz

Rotorua United is working collaboratively with Ngongotahā AFC and Eastlake JSC to provide opportunities for girls to play in WaiBOP U13s (those born 07/08/09) and U15s (born 04/05) Saturday all girl competitions.

The aim of establishing of meaningful pathways is to keep young women engaged in football and developing football skills and confidence. Our coaches leading this are taking their C Licence this month and have a solid background in football. As a club we are committed to revitalising the female space and are delighted to once again, and as part of our MOU with Ngongotaha AFC, be fielding senior women’s teams in both the W League and Bay 1 Women’s (which are open to players aged 16 and over)
Please contact Sam on 0210 2500 151 if you have any questions.

Children’s Weekend - Te Mutunga Wiki Tamariki

A wonderful array of free family activities hosted in various venues around Rotorua over two fun-filled days. Celebrating Children Around the World.

Link for more information www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/childrensweekend

NUMBER WORKS .... Thank you for your gala sponsorship -

Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser - $9.50 for a 6 pack - courtesy of Bakers Delight

There are three flavours to choose from : Traditional, Apple & Cinnamon and Chocolate Chip.

We are taking orders at the office - payment needs to be made with order. Last day for ordering is Friday 27th March. Delivery will be to the school on 6th April.

Funds will go for Mr G for supplies to use in for all the amazing activities he is doing with the children at St Mary's School, such as baking ingredients, gardening supplies, building materials ....

Any questions please contact the office!

EASTER BUNNY HUNT - SUNDAY 5th APRIL 9.30am to 12pm

Fun Easter adventure for young families in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua. Find checkpoints and complete fun challenges. Enter on day near Visitor Centre, Long Mile Road. $5 per child. Also yummy cakes and treats for sale. This is a fundraising event for Lynmore Playcentre.

School Dates for 2020:

Term 1 Tuesday 4 Feb - Thursday 9 April.
Term 2 Tuesday 28 April - Friday 3 July
Term 3 Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Term 4 Monday 12 October - Thursday 17 December

Sustainable Backyards : Lots of events to enjoy and inform!
Pages 31 - 34 show Rotorua events.