Kia ora whānau, 

Week 4 already!

What an awesome bunch of seniors we have had today, creating their Mission Fair idea and bringing along their donations of prizes so all children could have a great time. Altogether they raised $513 during a lunchtime of activity and food.

Ka pai to mahi Te Maunga!

Not a stunning day last week but our tamariki were stunning at how they excelled at Eastern Zones Athletics with numerous students gaining places. This means that they will go on to compete in the Interzones. Those that weren't placed showed grit and determination which was excellent! 

The place-getters were:

• Gila- 3rd in both 150m and 800m
• Brea - 3rd in 1500m
• Luka - 2nd in 1500m 
• Monica - 1st - 100 and 200 sprint as well as Long jump 
• Bianca - 2nd in the 100 m sprints
• Joseph - 2nd in the 100 m sprints 
• Leanne - 2nd in the 100 and 3rd in 200
• Year 6 Girls Relay of Charlie, Olive, McKenzy and Gila came 3rd
• Year 8 Girls Relay of Alice Brea Monica and Leanne came  lst 

Kaha whakaharahara | Fantastic effort to you all!

Finally, it was wonderful to formally welcome our new students and their whānau to St Anthony's with the Pōwhiri and Mass. To Alex, Adrian, Ryan, and Chiara may you have many years of fun and learning with us. 

Ngā manaakitanga

Denise

He Atawhai's Thursday Religious Education lessons with Mrs Mitrakas are always a lot of fun. This term we are learning about being part of The Church and who God and Jesus are to us. This is one of the many, many amazing posters you can find in the He Atawhai corridor. Each picture shows the world and who from our own Whānau are important to us.

Wednesday Art

Last week on November 1 we celebrated the Feast of  All Saints  - this is the day that we as a Church celebrate and honour all those who have died and are now with God – Te Atua. The Church has publicly named some people who are saints with God, the saints who have been canonised.  But there are millions of other people who have lived hidden heroic and holy lives in their workplaces and homes who also share in their eternal reward. 

Then on Thursday, 2nd November, we have the Feast of All Souls – this is the day that we remember and pray for all those who have died – especially our own family- whanau and friends.

We are reminded that we too will one day die and we will then begin our journey to Heaven to be with our Father.  We have the hope for our eternal life.

You are invited to visit the church over this month of November, pausing to remember and place the names of your loved ones who have died on the cloth that is displayed on the altar. These people are then remembered in the prayers of all our community. It is a lovely tradition of our community and we will leave the side door open so you can pop in at school pick up time. 

Tena koutou katoa

We hope you’re enjoying this busy and exciting term. 

Spread the word -  Little Angels Mainly Play!

Little Angels Mainly Play is a free playgroup for children under 5 at St Anthony’s, which started in Term 4.  This playgroup is a fun time of play and learning for 0- to 5-year-olds with their whānau members (Mums, Dads, Grandparents, and Caregivers). 

Each play session will be held every Friday during school term time starting at 10 am in the school library.

Love to see you there, all craft materials and morning tea provided.

Bazaar 2025 – committee meeting 11 November 7pm

We’re excited to kick off preparations for our 2025 school bazaar and invite you to join our organising committee! Whether you’re brimming with creative ideas, skilled in planning, or just eager to lend a hand, we’d love for you to be part of this fun and rewarding journey. Our next meeting is at school this Monday, 11 November at 7 pm. Come along, meet other parents and staff, and help us make our upcoming bazaar a memorable event for our school and parish community. All are welcome – see you there!

Notice of event postponement We regret to announce that due to an unexpected sickness, our guest speaker, Joel Bouzaid, is unable to join us for today’s event and our evening event has to be postponed. Joel’s health is our top priority, and we wish him a swift recovery.  We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to welcome inspiring speakers to our community this year, and we look forward to continuing the series in 2025. Stay tuned for exciting updates about next year’s programme! Ngā mihi nui for your understanding and continued support. Also our grateful thanks to Miriama Williams who has worked tirelessly to secure speakers for us and help with the planning and preparation! Ngā mihi nui Miriama! If anyone knows of any excellent speakers for these events please email Denise and let her know.

He ahiahi whatiwhati kāheru
It is the evening that breaks the spade. As the day draws to an end, the diggers work harder to get the job done - sometimes resulting in a broken spade

Kupu hou: kāheru - spade, whatiwhati - snap or break
Credit: Book of Māori Proverbs by Brougham & Reed

This whakatauki (proverb) is a good reminder that progress is better made steadily. Pace yourself, plan tasks efficiently, and avoid rushing everything at the end.