NEWSLETTER

At our first assembly of the year we welcomed Mrs Pat Boon to St Joseph’s School. Mrs Boon is teaching in room 4. We also welcomed 9 new students.

Mr Bormans introduced us to the Stations of the Cross by showing power point pictures and acting out the journey that Jesus took from the time he was condemned to die until his resurrection. Casey Tier and Josua Simpson also took a role in this very informative presentation.

RE teaching focuses this week learning about Lent. Each student will be making Lenten promises, either a resolve to pray more, or to abstain from something such as chocolate or lots of TV, or to do more for others during the days leading up to Easter.

This Thursday 14^th February everyone is invited to bring a picnic dinner to school, from about 5.30pm until 7pm. We will put sports equipment out for the children and parents to play, and the pool will be open and supervised during this time. Parents will have the opportunity to meet their child’s new teacher and discuss early issues. A further more formal parent interview will take place later in March after our beginning of year standardised testing and goal setting.

The shade structure outside rooms 2 and 3 is finally almost completed. Thank you to all the parents who contributed your money and time during the fundraising for this. The roof screens about 65% of the sun’s harmful rays and light which reduces glare in the rooms and provides shade outside. All classes have sunblock supplied so children can reapply after swimming. Shortly a representative from Sunsmart will be awarding us with our Sunsmart certificate.

Mrs Osbaldiston has purchased a keyboard and stand for the band with the money raised from last year’s cake auction. She has been practising at home and will be ready to resume band instruction in week 4, 29th February.

In November last year the new curriculum was released, which we are starting to implement. We are encouraging our students to participate and contribute as members of our school, our community, New Zealand and the world. This term we start by teaching students how to work well and contribute their ideas in groups to solve problems that have a real context. Students will be encouraged to manage their own belongings and to take an increasing responsibility for their learning.

A lot of work has been done on the area around the student toilets. The sandpit walls have been removed and the fence altered, which made room for edible gardens. The Marian garden will also be planted this term outside the AV room. This term we are making an application for our Enviro Ed Bronze Award, which we will based on our classroom programme in environmental education and the practical work that our students have undertaken with recycling paper and lunch scraps into compost and the wormery, growing vegetables and learning about wildlife.

In March we would like to take all students to Pouto to be hosted by Pouto School at the Pouto Marae. We would also like them to have a swim in the sheltered harbour. Later this year our year 7 and 8 students go on their ski trip with Pouto School. More news at a later date.

We would like to take all students to the Redhill Camp later on this term in April. The dates we have booked are the 8th-10th April. I am sure you all remember your time at camp during your school years, and the co-operative experiences that forged life long friendships. There are many opportunities on camp to encourage participation. Students in rooms 1 and 2 will need to be accompanied by a parent if they wish to sleep over. We will have more information for you shortly as our planning comes together.

Our newsletter is now available on the school website, www.saintjosephs.school.nz. Also, we would appreciate having parent emails, and any updates on addresses, phone numbers and emergency contacts for your children please.

PTA NEWS from Simone Matthews

The PTA would like to welcome everyone back to school for 2008 and to all the new children and their families!

SAUSAGE SIZZLE starts this Friday $1.50 sausages & $1.00 drinks (money will be collected Friday morning)

PTA'S MAJOR FUNDRAISER coming up again from Wednesday 27th Feb - Sat 1^st March. We will be helping out at the Field Days catering again so will be looking for parents, grandparents, friends etc to help us. We raised $4500 last year and hope to do the same this year, however the PTA need your support. Rosters of times needed will be available at the school office from Thursday otherwise you can contact Simone Matthews on 439 4696.

PTA MEETING this Wednesday 13th February 2008 - 1.45pm in AV Room. Anyone welcome to come along!

SPORTS NEWS

Courtnee Matthews & Trent Bradley competed in the Northland Age Groups Swimming Champs during the holidays and both of them swam exceptionally well beating most of their previous times and both winning medals. Well done!

NETBALL

Could all girls if they haven’t already done so please return uniforms to the school office? We are looking for parents/grandparents who may be interested in coaching a netball team this year to contact Simone on 439 4696. Coaching classes will be available in March for those who would like to attend. If we are unable to get coaches for our teams unfortunately the girls will not be able to play.

If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to the teachers or myself.