" Children are likely to live up 

to what you believe of them"

Lady Bird Johnson

So our challenge is to believe the best in each and every one of them!

The excitement is growing as the junior block is due to be reopened and we can all finally be together again. We are hopeful that we will have the Occupancy CPU granted tomorrow which means the move will be underway. We will notify you as soon as we hear! The children have been so patient and we are very proud of the way they have adapted and coped.  Congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all of the staff who have shown great patience and perseverance as we have managed to be on two sites and still deliver the teaching and learning that your children deserve.

Our thanks too for all the wonderful parents who have supported the many celebrations and activities over the last couple of weeks.

First Communion:

Last Sunday, November 10th,  we celebrated the First Holy Communion for our parish. Our congratulations to Isobel Mulhern, Isabelle St Just, Alina Meech, Abby Johnson, Anneke Handscomb, Tommy Smith, Charlotte Kempton and James Quirke-Killen who have taken this next important step in their faith journey. Please keep them in your prayers and as families consider that just like the Eucharist is our spiritual food so too is Scripture,  the Living Word.  Because of this, every time we read a verse from the Bible, it is new and comes alive for us.  God’s grace is demonstrated when we meditate on the truth found in Scripture and the parables, in particular, are excellent pieces of scripture to share with your children on a regular basis. Special thanks to the team of parents and parishioners that support this wonderful occasion. 

Sporting Events:

EZ Athletics and  Our Fun Run:  A huge thanks to Ronan Kelly for the outstanding effort he has made to lead the various sporting activities both as school events and after school events. Ronan puts a tremendous amount of time into these events - the Fun Run being the latest and we know how much the children have loved it so thanks Mr Kelly!! Please read our articles on these events below.

Learning:

Congratulations to all our teams that participated in the recent EPro 8 competition. It was wonderful to see all the teams in action. Congratulations to the 2 teams - Pukaki: Liam Balogh, Niko Nunns, Dannielle Trangmar and Chloe Blades and to Ohau: James Pink, Sophia Meech, Petra Bouras and Billy Proudfoot, who have made it through to the semifinals - well done!

The junior syndicate had an excellent learning experience as they visited Space Place on Monday. The discussion and learning that has taken place since have been outstanding as interest is high and the children follow their particular interest. Thanks to the parents who have sent the teachers video links and shared their knowledge with us. Enjoy some stories below.

Our prayers and thoughts have been with Jeannine Winton, who was admitted to hospital last Sunday. She has undergone surgery successfully and we are looking forward to her speedy recovery. Please keep those prayers going.

We have the Student-led Conferences tonight and we are looking forward to seeing you all. The children have been working hard to prepare these for you and are excited to share their learning. Please be assured that once Jeannine Winton has fully recovered, Hoiho’s conferences will be held.

Ngā manaakitanga

Denise Johnson

Faith News

It was so wonderful to see our children make their First Communion on Sunday. They have been hard at work preparing for this special occasion. Thank you to Deirdre Walsh and Maureen Folan for all of the time and effort you have put into running the Sacramental Programme this year, we are so lucky to have you. Another thank you to the parents who put on a wonderful morning tea for the children and adults following the event. 

Faith Reflection

The opening of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

It’s good to be reminded of this tremendous endorsement of the human person and consider how we apply it to ourselves and to others. “Free and equal” stands out for me. It is easy to take these rights for granted and lose sight of the fact that, for many people on this planet we call home, they are either denied or totally ignored.

This year there have been celebrations marking the 50^th anniversary of a human stepping onto the Moon’s surface. At that time, seeing Earth from outer space, astronauts commented that Earth looked beautiful and vulnerable, but also united.  “There are no boundaries, no borders,” one said. Back on Earth things look different. Respecting the freedom and equality of each person you meet each day will surely help towards a stronger and visible unity.

As you may have read in our Board of Trustees comms last week we decided to re-advertise the vacancy for our new principal to attract a wider pool of applicants. This means that we will not be able to have a new principal in place for the start of the 2020 school year and are now aiming for Term 2 2020. While we hoped that we would be able to have our new principal in place for the start of the school year, it is better for the school, in the long run, to have a small delay while we find the very best person to lead our school. We are also in the fortunate position of having our long-term and experienced Deputy Principal Denise Johnson agree to continue in her role as Acting Principal into 2020. We express our sincere gratitude to Denise and all the staff for taking on additional work and responsibilities during this time of transition.

We are excited that our new junior block classrooms are going to be completed this Friday. If you can help with the big move on Friday after school that would be appreciated. Thank you to our students and staff for showing great flexibility and adaptability during the past few months while the renovations have been going on. It’s amazing to reflect on the fact that in the past few years we have had all of our classrooms completely renovated, including new furniture, and a new Astro turfed backfield. Of course, there is always more to do and we are still working on the much-needed completion of the senior playground (the delays have been due to escalating costs of the original design). We are also well aware of the junior block toilets needing a renovation and have fully updated the Archdiocese of Wellington around this issue (they control the property budget and have this within their property plan for the school).

Save the date: Cardinal John has agreed to come to officially open the block so please book December 11 on your calendar for a 5.30 pm function. 

Finally, if you are willing to give some of your time to help give the school a bit of a facelift in terms of water blasting fences etc we’d like to hear from you. Perhaps your company has a community day that means you can bring your work colleagues along. If you can help please contact Denise Johnson or Helen Revill.

Epro8 was a great experience to use great equipment to make things. The challenges get you thinking and some are hard to think what you will add or take away to make it work. You have to think about what is necessary and what is not. Some things went wrong, but we had to fix it and keep going through the challenges. Some problems took a whole lot longer to fix, because they took longer to figure out how to fix it. The time went by really fast and I couldn’t believe I was sitting there for two hours. There was one challenge that we got really stuck on, and we were going to switch challenges. But our creation would take a while to take apart and we were doing so well so we decided to keep going. Sooner or later, we had done that challenge and were speeding through the rest. It was a really fun and interesting time and my favourite part was taking apart our creation at the end, then helping our other team take apart theirs. Overall, our team (Ohau) came in 2nd place and the other team came in 3rd. Two out of the four Kea teams are going to the next round.

by Petra (Year 6)

EZ Athletics

Wednesday 6 November saw our students from Years 4-8 take part in Eastern Zone Athletics at Newtown Park. This was a wonderful day filled with exciting events such as vortex, shot put and relays. The students did an excellent job and demonstrated impressive dedication throughout. Huge thanks to the adults who helped make the day a success, particularly Francesca von Lanthen, Andrew Killen, Anna Kempton, Michelle Flood, Mike Balogh, Donna Williams and Debbie Johnson.

School Fun Run

On Friday 8 November the students and staff of St Anthony's School took part in a Fun Run around the Seatoun area. The intention of this was to encourage the students to appreciate the benefits of exercise and also to enjoy an exciting activity with their classmates. There were four routes on the day which varied in terms of length and challenge, depending on age and ability.Thankfully the weather stayed dry for the day and everyone enjoyed themselves. A HUGE thank you to all the wonderful parent helpers and the teachers for making this event possible. We could not have managed to put this together without our wonderful community.

2020 School Stationery - 'MySchool'

As in previous years, your child/ren’s stationery order will be available for purchase and payment 'online' via ‘MySchool from early December onwards. Full composite class stationery lists will be available, however you can elect to purchase all or any of the items for your child for that year, depending on what has been returned and available to re-use. Parents/caregivers can also elect to order now, pay later and get the stationery delivered to home for a small fee at a time when it is convenient. There is also the option of going into the store and purchasing stationery there (Victoria Street). We believe this system is the most effective programme for both the school and parents/caregivers, whereby parents/caregivers are able to choose which items are required and the school does not have the utilise any monies on behalf of parents/caregivers and/or store stationery for purchase.

The link to ordering Stationery will be posted in the Week 7’s Newsletter.

School Calendars

This year we are again offering Art Calendars for $10 each. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a piece of your child's treasured art. Your child's art is still available for viewing and selection in the classrooms as well as on Seesaw and LINC-ed. The final date for orders and payment is Friday 22 November. Please indicate your orders on the (separate) Signmee, sent last week.  You can pay via internet banking or bring cash to the office. The calendars will be ready to be sent home with your child at the beginning of Week 9.
Thank you for your continued support of our school.

School Library

The Library will be closing mid-December for a stocktake. Could ALL Library books please be back by Friday 29 November. Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Yummy Stickers/Sports Gear

Thank you so much to the many families who collected stickers and bag labels for us; we have $288 to spend on sports gear!  You are welcome to keep collecting stickers over the summer for next year!

School Lunches

Again in Term 4, lunches will be available FORTNIGHTLY. There are only 2 more Friday Lunch dates left: Friday 22 November and Friday 6 December.

Friday 22 November

Subway

Thanks to our fabulous parent lunch hero Jacinta Handscomb. Year 6 helpers are Billy Proudfoot & Vivienne Pujj, thanks guys!

and

Friday 6 December

Sushi - orders must be in by THURSDAY 5 December

Thanks to our fabulous parent lunch heroes Simone Meech & Natasha Thompson. Year 6 helpers are Riley Smith & Petra Bouras, thanks guys!

Seatoun Arts & Crafts

Seatoun Arts & Crafts will celebrate its Annual Exhibition and Sale at the Village Hall, Forres Street, Seatoun.  Saturday 16 November 10.00am–4.00pm  and   Sunday   17 November 10.00am–4.00pm

St Catherine’s College Sport Coordinator

St Cath’s are looking for a Sports Coordinator. Please see the attached advert (Part-time role) and contact Chris Perry if you have any questions.  Chris, PA to Principal, 939-8988 or view www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz

SCC Sports Coordinator.pdf

Miramar North Primary School Food and Fun Fair

Bring the family and have some kai and fun on Friday 29 November from 5.00pm until 7.30pm. There will be food, craft and plant stalls and of course fun games for the tamariki.

You can follow the fair event here on Facebook for all the exciting stuff that is happening and the delicious food! https://www.facebook.com/events/2285918785004474/

Wellington Harrier Children's Athletic Club

The Wellington Harriers children's athletics programme runs through until the end of March 2020 with club days held at Newtown Park athletic track on Saturdays mornings from 11.30 am-1 pm. Activities on club days will cover a range of traditional events such as long jump, high jump, shot put, discus, sprints, hurdles, middle distance, and race walking.  Alongside this, we will also be doing a run jump throw programme which teaches children athletic skills through fun athletic games. We also offer a “Get Set, Go” program for ages 4 - 6 years. This is made up of fun games based around running, jumping and throwing activities.  (Please note for children aged 4 - 6 the programme is for 1 hour). We offer two types of memberships social and competitive and your welcome to give it a go before you signup. For more information, please contact: Julie Richards, email:  juliemaerdy@yahoo.co.uk, mobile: 0212959026

Bigair Gymsports, Owhiro Bay, Wellington

Gym is fun for kids but it’s exceptionally good for them as well! They gain strength, flexibility, balance and body control but they also learn determination and perseverance, through persistently practicing skills until they are achieved. Kids also gain resilience and confidence, as they extend themselves and learn new skills! Our experienced coaches run classes in Gymnastics, Tumbling, Trampolining, Parkour and Cheerleading! BOOK NOW!

Bigair Gym Owhiro Bay: 04 3838779 or wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz

CodeCamp Summer Holiday Programme – Now Open

Offered in 3 different locations:  Queen Margaret College, Samual Marsden Collegiate and Chilton St James.  We offer later pick ups (3pm–5pm) for $15 per child per day, and a 5^th day add on for $65. Promo Codes save up to 21%/

Early Bird Alumni Single Discount 15% (available until 20 Nov): use “SANTASPECIALSIN”, normal Alumni discount 5%, use ‘Alumni19’

Early Bird Alumni Siblings Discount 15% (available until 20 Nov): use “SANTASPECIALSIB”, normal Alumni discount 6% use ‘SIB’

All Dates Available At All Venues

• - 16 Dec –19 Dec 2019 (NOTE: no 5th-day option available for this week)
• - 06 Jan – 9/10th Jan 2020
• - 13 Jan – 16/17th Jan 2020
• - 21 Jan – 24th Jan 2020 (NOTE: no class on the 20th, because of Wellington Anniversary day)

SUPAKidZ Summer Camp 2020

Wellington 13-17 January at the Brookfield Outdoor Education Centre, Moores Valley, Lower Hutt.  Registrations are open now, early bird booking $195 until 29 December, otherwise $215. “Buckle up your seat beld and join us to compete in the “Global Games” See attached registration form.

Pride Lands Fun Holiday Adventures

Summer Holidays at Brooklyn - 2 Bell Road 


16–20 Dec 2019 and 6-31 Jan 2020 from 7.00am-6pm daily. Interactive Activities and NO TV or Video Games, Kai Cubs Cooking and Life Skills Programme creating healthy breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas. One-on-one care and shuttle services available. Daily $81/cub per session or $148 for two or more siblings per session. Weekly: $240 per cub/week or $450 for two or more siblings/week. WINZ subsidies are available for eligible families.

Please contact us: 0800 PRIDE 4 U Or Register online: www.pridelands.org.nz or 
Visit our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/PrideLandsChildcare.

Elements Rhythmic Gymnastics- Movie fundraiser!

Be the first family to see 'Frozen 2' in Wellington!  You can also have fun with your family! (This is the first release date in Wellington!) It also supports Elements Rhythmic Gymnastics, the only Rhythmic Gymnastics club in Wellington. Elements is a non-profit organization run by the Volunteer Parents Committee. Join us at 6pm @ The Penthouse Cinema on Thursday 28 November. Tickets are $ 25 each (film + bubble and treats). To secure your seat, please email miheeeom@gmail.com / emmacottier@xtra.co.nz / info@ rhythmicgym.nz.

Sport Wellington - Wellington Round the Bay 2020

Wellington Round the Bays 2020. registrations opened on 1 November 2019 with the event being held on Sunday 16th February 2020. As an organisation we are focused on encouraging healthy living through exercising and eating, using this community event to encourage children, teenagers and their families to get outdoors and be active. Contact: | 027 657 0342 | Latest news