St Theresa's Catholic School Plimmerton eNewsletter

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,

A reminder tonight is our Christmas Family Fun Night, 5.30pm - 7.30pm. We are looking forward to seeing you all for an evening of food and entertainment, a great way to get into the festive spirit. Don't forget to pop on something Christmassy and go into the best/worst Christmas outfit competition.

Our 2025 class lists are almost done so I thought it would be good to share a little bit about the process behind these decisions. It is a complex process and there’s no perfect solution.

Here’s how it works:
We start by looking at the staffing levels provided by the Government (which determines how many teachers we can have) and then consider the total number of students in each year level (e.g. how many Year 4, 5, 6s, etc.). We also factor in the phases of the new New Zealand Curriculum. Using this information, we generate different class combination scenarios, balancing class sizes and weighing the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately, we choose the option that works best, though compromises are often necessary.

Composite classes - combining two year levels - are sometimes unavoidable. For example, if there are 42 Year 3 students, we can’t fit them all in one class, as that would be too large and having two smaller, straight Year 3 classes of 21 each isn’t feasible with our staffing limits. To manage this, we combine them with another year level, creating a composite class.

Composite classes also allow for flexibility in managing the social dynamics between students. They often provide more options for placing students in a way that supports their learning and well-being.

It’s important to note that teachers design their lessons to meet each student’s individual learning needs, regardless of their year level. Whether in a straight or composite class, students receive targeted teaching that helps them progress at their own pace.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to create balanced and supportive classrooms for all our students.

Kia pai tō rā whakatā - Have a great weekend.

Donna McDonald - Principal

Second Sunday of Advent Luke 3:1-6

In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist announcing that people repent their sins. As we prepare during Advent, John’s message is still incredibly relevant. At this time, we ask for forgiveness and prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ. As you reflect during this season of Advent, ask yourself how are you preparing yourself to welcome Jesus.

Still doing a great job in Week 7 of Term 4. Thanks for all the effort, SPARKs!

This term has been busy! Not only have we been working hard in the classroom, writing speeches and competing in the EPro8 Challenge but we have also engaged in curriculum activities outside of the classroom. We attended the long-awaited Camp in Nelson and this week, we have been kaitiaki of our environment, with a Porirua Harbour clean-up. We are all looking forward to Whanau Assembly tomorrow and to all the exciting events planned for the run-up to Christmas. Mere Kirihimete from Room 10.

Feeling festive yet? Come along to our St. Theresa's Christmas Family Night TONIGHT from 5.30p.m. - 7:30p.m.

Dress in your best/worst Christmas get-up, sing some carols, play some games or just have a great catch up with our school community.

We will have a range of yummy food - sausage sizzle, bacon butties, burgers, sushi, fudge and slices to fill your tummy too!
If we are lucky, we might get a visit from everyone's favourite Man in Red!

See you with bells on!

Please Note: THIS IS A CASH ONLY EVENT.

Please make note of the details for these two functions. See you all there!

The school bus will not be available for pick up from school on the last day of this term. Please ensure you have made other arrangements if your child usually catches the bus.

Pool keys for the summer season are now available to be bought however the use of the pool by keyholders is only from Thursday, 19th December. The cost is $150 per key and the absolute last day for buying a key is Monday, 16th December.

The attached forms need to be read and signed so that a key can be allocated. You can either come to the Office to fill the form out or sign it and scan it through and once payment has been received, a key will be allocated and can be either collected from the Office or sent home with your child.

The Key Holder’s Agreement and Conditions of Use are attached as well as the Pool Key Allocation - 2024/2025 form that needs to be signed when a key is allocated.

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School finishes for this year on Wednesday, 18th December at approx. 12.30p.m.

Term dates for 2025:

Term 1: Monday, 3rd February - 11th April

Term 2: Monday, 28th April - Friday, 27th June

Term 3: Monday, 14th July - Friday, 19th September

Term 4: Monday, 6th October - Tuesday, 16th December

On Tuesday afternoon, we were so lucky to have the Police Dog Team visit the children from Kakano and Pihinga Pods. They brought two amazing German Shepherds and a gorgeous Labrador. The children learnt about some of the work that these Police Dogs do, such as search and rescue work, victim recovery and detecting drugs, firearms and explosives. Eli Smidt from Room 4 did some research on Police Dogs and made the connection with Logan's dad, Andrew. Logan is in Room 2 and was already organising for his dad to visit the school with the dogs. Great team work Eli and Logan. The children said that one of the best parts was when Andrew acted as a burglar who had stolen $10,000 cash. One of the dogs had to search him out and chase him down. The dog was so quick. There was no way Andrew was going to get away with all that money!

A big thank you to Andrew and all the other dog handlers and trainers from the Police Dog Team. We think there will be some budding Police Dog Handlers from St Theresa's in the future.

Thank you to those parents who have already returned their form and offered to help. We still need all families to return theirs as we need help and support going forward into 2025. Unless we have offers of help, we won't be able to organise any fun and exciting events that are for the good of all our children. Even the smallest offer of help will be gratefully accepted. In case you can't find yours, a copy is attached.

Here's a snapshot of what camp life down at Bridge Valley in Nelson is all about! Thanks to Holly Reading, Clara Dolan, Charles Tyrell and for giving us an insight into what it's all about.

Camp News Report - Holly Reading Camp Newsletter of Bridge Valley - Clara Dolan Best Time Ever - Charles Tyrell Camp report - Cruz Algar

Some amazing achievements in Room 10 - there's no holding them back and we congratulate all the participants.
Our Micro Power team came 4th in the EPRo8 Semi Finals, Iris Gair got 3rd Place in the Paramoana Speech Competition and Matthew Bleach came 1st in the 800m race at the Regional Athletics Competition!

These uninvited pests are making their rounds in quite a number of classrooms. Please check your child's hair and take the necessary steps to eradicate them. We will need everyone to do this otherwise they won't be gone!

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Please keep selling your tickets for this year's Christmas Raffle that has FIVE hampers up for grabs! If you think you can sell more, please let Gina know. If you've already sold your book, please return it to the Office with the money attached or let us know that it has been paid online. Many thanks to the families who have already done this. We ask for the support of all families for this fundaising initiative.

The details for this programme are attached as well as an enrolment form. For any questions or further information, please ring or email the Parish Office.
0273289911 st.theresas1940@xtra.co.nz

More information and the schedule are attached.

Sacramental Programme Brochure

Sacramental Programme Brochure 309.38 KB

Sacramental Programme Schedule for 2025

Sacramental Programme Schedule for 2025 419.93 KB

It’s that wonderful time of year again and we are calling for all little performers to star in the Christmas Eve Nativity Play during the 6p.m. Vigil Mass at St Theresa’s Church on Tuesday, 24th December. It’s so special to hear the little voices of our youth singing at Christmas, so please sign your children up by messaging Lauren Johnstone at 021450643. Practices will be held right after school in the church - it’s like free babysitting! We are also looking for any parents to support in any way – especially someone to do the admin side of it such as communicating with the parents. On the night help would also be great.

Practices are from 3pm – 4pm and start on Monday, 9 December and will be on the following dates as well: Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, Monday 16th, Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th and Monday 23rd.

Sunday, 15th December from 4pm - 6pm

Everyone is welcome to join in singing traditional carols at St Joseph's historic church, Pāuatahanui, concluding with some delicious cakes and goodies. Spend a relaxed afternoon mingling with friends and supporters at this family-friendly event. Parking is limited so share transport if possible.

Attendance Dues will be increasing by 5% in 2025. Attendance Dues have remained at their current rates since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the decision to increase the rate was due to the increasing costs of materials and construction as part of the National Attendance Dues pool – Te Puna Waihanga component.
Across the year, this is an approximate increase of 0.50c per primary student and $1.00 per secondary student per week.
Change to rates Primary School: $572.00 per student (previously $545.00). Secondary School: $1,147.00 per student (previously $1,092.00). For more information visit www.wn.catholic.org.nz/about/schools-in-the archdiocese/attendance-dues

Please see the 2025 Attendance Dues flyer.

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School closes for the year on Wednesday, 18th December at 12.30p.m. Kelly Club's offer is open to ALL children, even if not regular users of this facility.

For Term 4: There will be a total of 8 Fridays that pizza will be available for you to order for - that is for every Friday of the term except Teacher Only Day on 8th November.

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 8 WEEKS this term. So if ordering for the term, just multiply by 8. 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.

As per our notice last week, the order form is attached and has instructions for ordering. The two sample sizes are available at the office.

Personalised Buck Hat order form

Personalised Buck Hat order form 3.58 MB

If you are interested in any secondhand uniform items, please email Kerry to check availability. Each item is individually priced with 100% of all proceeds going directly to our School.

If you have any uniform items in good condition that you are willing to donate to this fundraiser, please drop off to Gina. No soiled white shirts, old-style boys’ shirts or shoes please. For any further information, please contact Kerry Swadling: kerry@mischewski.co.nz

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.

Thursday, 5th December - Christmas Family Fun Night - 5.30p.m.
Friday, 6th December - Whanau Day - Assembly
Friday, 6th December - Uniform fittings from 2p.m. onwards. Please call the Office to book an appointment.
Tuesday, 10th December - Prizegiving 5.30p.m.
Wednesday, 11th December - Board Meeting 6p.m.
Friday, 13th December - Final Assembly 9a.m.
Wednesday, 18th December - Final Mass 11a.m.

Unfortunately these are no longer available.

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.

Yummy Apple Stickers Collection Sheet

Yummy Apple Stickers Collection Sheet 342.43 KB