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- Donna McDonald - Principal's Note
- Gospel Reflection - Sunday, 1st September, 2024
- Sparks of God - Term 3, Week 5
- Class of the Week - Room 8
- Another new student joins our St. T's community
- Daffodil Day here at St. Theresa's - there's still time tomorrow!
- Whole School/Parish Mass - Sunday, 1st September - 9.30a.m.
- Parking in James Street for School/Parish Mass - Sunday, 1st September 9.30a.m.
- Netball Results - Saturday, 24th August, 2024
- Parumoana Interschool Swimming Competition
- Move 'n' Groove
- Learning Hub Update
- Children's Bring and Buy Day - Friday, 20th September
- Titahi Bay Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show - we have some winners!
- Important dates for Term 3
- St. T's 75th Jubilee - Registration link and more information!
- QUIZ NIGHT - not to be missed!
- Roti & Butter Chicken Sauce - Camp Fundraiser
- Pizza Fridays for Term 3
- Kelly Club ASC Activity Planner - Term 3, Week 7
- Firewood and Pine Cone Fundraiser for Camp 2024
- St. Theresa's Secondhand School Uniform Shop - Bag a bargain!
- Yummy Apple stickers
- Link to download Schoolzine App
- Quick Links to our website
- Named fence pickets
Donna McDonald - Principal's Note
Hello, Kia ora, Talofa lava, Hola, Namaste, Mabuhay, Ciao, Kia Orana, Ahalan, Konnichiwa, Ni hao, Selam, Xin chao, Bonjour, Bula, Dzien/Dobry, Shalom, Dia duit, Mauri, Halo, Bom dia, Gidday, Guten Tag, Hej
Mai i te Kopae ki te Urupa, tatou ako tonu ai - From the cradle to the grave, we are forever learning.
Kia ora koutou e te whānau,
Last week we hosted the Kapiti-Mana Scripture Competition in the Church. Our thanks go to Caron Watson and Carmel Keane for giving up their time to judge the English section. We are also very grateful to Bishop Viard College for once again supporting us with judging the Samoan and Maori sections. It was fantastic to see the Catholic schools in the area coming together to mix, socialise and support one another.
We had 3 representatives this year, Lucy Tohill and Sammy Cato in the English sections and Brody Algar in the Samoan section. This is the first time we have had an entrant in the Samoan section which was great. We were very proud of all three of our children.






Just a reminder that we are celebrating our 75th Jubilee on Thursday, 12th September. The Archbishop of Wellington, Paul Martin, will be blessing our commisioned artwork then celebrating Mass. This will be followed by morning tea. Please join us if you can, from 9.30a.m.
NZ Curriculum Refresh
You may be aware that we are currently working through a NZ Curriculum refresh. We have now been given both the Mathematics and English draft documents for the NZ Currriculum which need to be implemented in 2025.
As we prepare for 2025, our teachers continue to work together and with outside facilitators to ensure we are ready. Over the past 4 years, we've been dedicated to a structured literacy approach, ensuring our children develop strong reading and writing skills. This approach has been instrumental in fostering a love for language and enhancing communication skills.
In Mathematics, we've taken proactive steps by using sound research-based theories to support our professional development. This has allowed our teachers to deepen their understanding and teaching practices, focusing on problem-solving and critical thinking through engaging, real-world contexts.
We're committed to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment and our goal is to equip our students with the skills they need to thrive both academically, spiritually and socially, ready to embrace the future with confidence.
Over the past few days, there have been reports on Facebook regarding a suspicious black van hanging around schools in Cannons Creek. While we have had no reports or incidents at St. Theresa's, this is a good reminder to speak with your children about safety. Our School finishes at 2.45p.m. and ensuring that your children are picked up on time would be helpful in eliminating any risks.
On Sunday, we celebrate our 2nd Parish/School Mass at 9.30am. This is also an opportunity to thank and farewell Fr. Andrew. I look forward to seeing you all there.
Have a great weekend.
Donna McDonald - Principal
Gospel Reflection - Sunday, 1st September, 2024
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the Pharisees tell Jesus that He should be keeping the Jewish practice of washing His hands before saying His prayers to keep Him holy but Jesus taught that it is the words and attitudes behind our actions that make one holy. This Gospel allows us to reflect on our thoughts and practices. Are we just going through the motions when we go to church or pray or are we more mindful and do our attitudes and actions reflect our faith and God's love?
We have been very busy during the term. Over the last few weeks, we have been watching some of the Olympics. After the Olympics had finished, we created some artwork using the famous landmarks in Paris. We looked carefully at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. We learnt about George Serat and his pointillism technique to create our art. We experimented with the colours and the dots before we started.
Another new student joins our St. T's community
Lucas de las Casas has started his school life in Room 5. We warmly welcome him and his parents, Juan Pablo and Victoria and wish them all many happy years as part of our School and Parish community.
Daffodil Day here at St. Theresa's - there's still time tomorrow!
Daffodil Day here at St. T's! We have plenty of pin on daffodils available from the Office. We encourage you ALL to support this worthwhile cause by sending in some coins with your child/ren tomorrow. There is also the option to donate by Eftpos or using the Cancer Society QR code. How much you donate is totally up to you.
Thanks in advance for your support.
Whole School/Parish Mass - Sunday, 1st September - 9.30a.m.
On Sunday, 1st September at 9.30a.m. we will celebrate our second Whole School/Parish Mass of the year combined with Fr. Andrew's Farewell. There will be a sausage sizzle and a shared morning tea afterwards and we ask that you bring along a plate to contribute to this. If your surname begins with A - M, please bring something savoury and if your surname is N - Z, please bring something sweet.
It is an expectation that all children attend, wearing their school uniform. Children will meet their teacher on the court at 9.15a.m.
Parking in James Street for School/Parish Mass - Sunday, 1st September 9.30a.m.
There will be no parking available on the court or the field on Sunday so please leave plenty of time to find yourself a park. We also ask that you be respectful of our neighbours by not parking on any yellow lines or across anyone's driveway.
Netball Results - Saturday, 24th August, 2024
St. T's Stars came up against Adventure Topaz this week. Both teams contested well for the ball in the centre third, with the Topaz taking advantage in the attacking circle resulting in a win to them.
PoD - Emilia B for her strong defending, multiple interceptions and never give-up attitude.
Magic Moment - Frankie D for his great timed runs and perseverance.
Parumoana Interschool Swimming Competition
Ellie Anquetil 2nd Year 5 Girls Breaststroke
Last week, a group of Year 3 & 4 students participated in the Porirua Move 'n' Groove Festival held at Te Rauparaha Arena. They got to experience many different types of sports and activities. The purpose of the event was to showcase the many different options that are available and for children to enjoy moving. Thanks to Mr. Pham and the many parents who supervised and transported the children.
Term 3 continues to be a wet and cold one. When you come to the Learning Hub why not curl up by the fireplace or cosy up in a window seat with your favourite read. Checkout the ‘New Books’ (‘Pukapuka Hōu’) or choose an old favourite.
Coming soon…..
St Theresa’s Learning Hub - World of Wearable Arts (WOW)
Watch out for some amazing creations being added to the Hub display over the coming weeks! The Hub Leaders have selected their theme. Designs are being planned and materials collected. Costume designs to watch out for include: 'Steampunk', 'Spring', 'Floral Beauties', 'Storybook', 'Pirates', 'Papatuanuku', 'Nature', 'Sweet Treats' and more.
Want to create your own wearable arts designs? Get inspiration from author Fifi Colston. Her website and childrens design book have lots of ideas. How about creating a mini WOW costume for a Barbie doll or how about trying some origami or collage designs? Lots of tutorials online and on Youtube.
Here's some inspiration to get you started: Mrs Hunt’s Wearable Arts Pinterest Board
Children's Bring and Buy Day - Friday, 20th September
What happens on the day:
This is for our children only and is a great shopping experience! It is run by our Seniors (Years 5 and 6) to fundraise for their Camp in Term 4. It is an amazing day for all the children. They're going to love it!
A wee note for parents: Wait and see what treasures your treasures bring home!
How you can help:
If you have any unused, no longer needed or pre-loved toys, books, ornaments, etc. and would like to donate them to the Bring & Buy Day, please bring/send them along to Rooms 9 and 10. Contributions will be rewarded with a gold token for your child.
Titahi Bay Horticultural Society Spring Flower Show - we have some winners!
It may be worth making a note of the following important dates for this term, however, more may be added or removed so keep a check. You can also refer to the calendar on our website.
Term 3 .......... so far!
Friday, 30th August - Uniform fittings - Please call the office to book an appointment
Sunday, 1st September - Whole School/Parish Mass 9.30a.m.
Wednesday, 11th September - Board of Trustees meeting
Thursday, 12th September - Celebration of our 75th Jubilee 9.30 - 11.30a.m.
Friday, 20th September - Children Only Bring and Buy Day
Friday, 20th September - Uniform fittings - Please call the office to book an appointment
Friday, 27th September - End of Term 3
St. T's 75th Jubilee - Registration link and more information!
Please mark this in your calendar and spread the word!
Thursday, 12th September 9.30 - 11.30a.m.
Archbishop Paul Martin will be celebrating Mass followed by the blessing of our art installation, the sharing of stories of the past and present and light refreshments. For catering purposes, please click on the link if you know you will be attending.
Roti & Butter Chicken Sauce - Camp Fundraiser
Butter Chicken Sauce - $6.50 per pottle.
For Term 3: There will be a total of 10 Fridays that pizza will be available for you to order - that is for every Friday of the term. This term's fundraising is for Camp 2024 and will be administered by parents whose children are attending camp this year. We will revert to the general fundraising for school in Term 4.
To order pizza and/or ice blocks for your child, please follow ONE of the two processes below:
1. ORDERS FOR THE TERM: Pizza will be available for 10 WEEKS this term. So if ordering for the term, just multiply by 10. If you decide part way through the term, then calculate how many Fridays are left. Send an email to the team, outlining the following information for each child you are ordering for BUT in one email is fine.
Child’s Name:
Room No.:
Number of pizza slices - please specify if gluten free
Number of ice blocks
Cost: $1.50 per pizza slice and $1 per ice block
Multiply the order total by the number of Fridays.
2. WEEKLY ORDERS: These need to be sent to the same email address, with the same order details as in Option 1 and also paid into the same bank account number.
VERY IMPORTANT: The deadline for weekly orders is at 3p.m. on a Thursday. Unfortunately, no late orders can be accepted.
If you would like to pay in advance for a set number of weeks but not all
the weeks in this particular term, please feel free to email these details to
the team.
If your child is new to our school and only starts part way through the term,
simply adjust the number of weeks for the remainder of the term.
kaiorders@stp.school.nz
Payment by internet banking only to 12 3254 0109325 00 using the
reference PIZZA. The team would appreciate a screenshot of your
payment, sent to their email address.
Firewood and Pine Cone Fundraiser for Camp 2024
As part of our Camp 2024 fundraising efforts, here are some great offers to ward off the cold:
Bags of pine cones - between $20 - $30 per bag depending on the size you pick. We have 3 different size bags and these are being stored in the shed at school. If you want to purchase some, please let either Mrs. Fitzsimons (trish@stp.school.nz) or Mrs. MacLean (pauline@stp.school.nz) (or the Office) know that you will be collecting after school and they will get that organised for you. Please return your bag after use.
Pine firewood (trailer load) - $350 (includes splitting and delivery) Partly dry
Trailer of pine rounds (unsplit) - $50
Bring your own trailer and pick your own wood - Donation to school
PAYMENT:
For pine cones, please use the reference 'Pinecones' and your name.
For wood, please use the reference 'Wood' and your name.
Payment should be made to our school account 12 3254 0109325 00.
For all other details, please contact Karl Simonlehner on 027-4862871 or email him on simonlehnerkarl@gmail.com and he will tell you how it works. Well worth finding out more about it and then we're all winners!
Please feel free to spread the word beyond our school community.
St. Theresa's Secondhand School Uniform Shop - Bag a bargain!
We're still collecting Yummy stickers which earn us points for sports equipment. A chart is attached for you to use and copies are also available from the Office.
Link to download Schoolzine App
NEWSLETTER APP
Here is the link to download the Schoolzine App. At the end of set up, you are asked for a passcode and this is 3025.
An important update for SZapp has been released to accomodate for iPhones which have been intermittently receiving push notifications.
SZapp is available from the App Store now.
Users with automatic updates enabled on their device will recieve this update automatically.
If you would like to order a picket, please complete the attached form and return to the Office. The cost is $35 per picket.