"Life is a constant Advent season: we are continually waiting to become, to discover, to complete, to fulfil. Hope, struggle, fear, expectation and fulfilment are all part of our Advent experience.

   "The world is not as just, not as loving, not as whole as we know it can and should be. But the coming of Christ and his presence among us—as one of us—give us reason to live in hope: that light will shatter the darkness, that we can be liberated from our fears and prejudices, that we are never alone or abandoned.

   "May this Advent season be a time for bringing hope, transformation and fulfilment into the Advent of our lives."

Life Is an Advent Season
CONNECTIONS, 11-28-93

Kia ora koutou,

Yesterday it was my privilege to join the Wellington Regional Primary Principals’ Association for their final meeting and Christmas function. It was an excellent opportunity for me to network among some very experienced principals and gain some insights and knowledge that will support our 2020 focus on Well Being. 

Our  Kāhui Ako and schoolwide focus for 2020 will be around the following points:-

We want to improve all students’ and teachers’  - “wellness to learn”, so that:

• Students express and manage their feelings
• Students enjoy positive pro-social relationships
• Teachers know students and care about their culture and family
• Students feel they can ask for help from their teachers
• Students feel they have a say in what happens in their learning and in their school
• Teachers’ cultural capability empowers them to be effective in their role

Some of the key research and MOE documents promoted to the Principals yesterday were: Positive Learning for Behaviour (a programme that we have already explored as a staff), Success for All and the latest publication - He Māpuna te Tamaiti Supporting Social and Emotional Competence in Early Learning. All these documents are available online for you to read and we are excited to have these to guide our learning journey in 2020

I then went to visit Pomare School and was inspired to consider again how we reflect Cultural Responsiveness (Culturally Responsive teaching recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning, enriching classroom experiences and keeping students engaged) at St Anthony's. I met with some of the staff and children of Pomare as well as walking through their wonderful school. So all in all a very busy day but one that was thoroughly worthwhile. 

Working with feedback from both whānau and staff, we have determined the following dates and events to bring to close our 2019 school year. Please mark them on your calendar so you can join us for these school events:-

End of Year Events please add these to your calendar

Today was Transition Morning for Kiwi and then on Tuesday 10 December the rest of the school will have their Transition morning.

At 10 am the Year 8s will depart for their Principal’s Day Out while the Year 7s will help Mrs Revill set up for the  Leavers’ Dinner that night at 6 pm

Wednesday 11 December: Thank You Celebration and the Official Opening of Te Aroha at 5:30 pm

Friday 13 December: Oral Presentation Cup Final in the church, 1.40 pm. All are welcome

Tuesday 17 December: End of Year Assembly & Prizegiving, 5 pm 

Wednesday 18 December: End of Year Mass 9 am and morning tea to celebrate the end of 2019

School finishes at 1 pm. 

Working Bee

Our grateful thanks to the parents who have noticed the need for a working bee before the official opening of Te Aroha Block. We have a variety of jobs on the list ranging from cleaning, painting, weeding, repairing some wooden structures etc. We will have a job for you regardless of your skillset so please mark these choices of dates on your calendar now. THURSDAY 5th DECEMBER 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm and/or SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 2 pm to 5 pm. Together we can make the school a better place for all our children. Lend a hand for a short amount of time or for the whole 3 hours. Children are welcome also. Please watch out for the signmee so you can sign up. 

A special thanks to the O'Donovan/Williams family who has been already quietly fixing things as well as weed-eating. You are wonderful!

Stationery 2020

We are currently finalising the stationery orders so that they can be completed online for 2020. As teachers, we are aware of caring for our environment and the cost for you, particularly when you have a number of children. To that end, we are more than happy for you not to purchase such items as pencils, coloured pencils,  pens etc if you have them at home. What we would appreciate is that you ensure that your child has the number indicated on the list and these are all named for the first day of the 2020 school year.

We are planning for an exciting and busy few weeks so please watch out for the various notices and signmees that will be issued.

My grateful thanks

Denise Johnson

A first century Roman philosopher, Seneca, wrote: The greatest remedy for anger is delay! Knee-jerk reactions often say more about the person reacting than about the cause of the reaction. It’s so easy to “fly off the handle” when you feel offended or misjudged or meet outright stupidity, only to find you make matters even worse!

Anger tends to inflame anger, pushing aside the possibility or hope of reconciliation. The ability to listen disappears and unrelated issues, or earlier unresolved conflicts, are likely to quickly surface. The likely end result is a big mess.

Try reacting to any perceived hurt by relaxing. This way you stay in control of the situation. You give yourself time to reflect and to consider your part in the confrontation; to discover what might have blocked or skewed the communication between you. However, don’t take too long lest “the sun goes down” and your anger sets hard and becomes immovable.

Seneca also wrote: Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

We are incredibly proud of the accomplishment of Olivia one of our Year 8 students.

Out of more than 1000 submissions Olivia’s poem was chosen and will appear in the next issue of Toitoi which is published in term four 2019. It’s the second time Olivia has had a poem published;  the first, when she was six, was a haiku in a Capital E children’s museum poetry competition and won - her haiku was printed on a chair which is still there. 

Boogie Boarding 

As the tide pulls out

It leaves shells on the soft brown sand 

And the seagulls

Huddle in the shallows

In the salty teal sea.

I grip the boogie board 

And run 

Wetsuit squeaking 

And I dive 

As the waves curl over me 

Olivia Napp

Age: 12

School: St.Anthony's school, Seatoun

Hi, I’m Lauren and I am a year 8 in Tui Class. You may know my sister Issy or Olivia St Just (who is now in college). I have been going to St Anthony’s for 8 years now and all the different experiences have been great. I am the house leader of Eymard house and it is the greatest thing because you are able to help the younger children and can set an example for the whole House.  

I do enjoy P.E and Art because you can be creative. Writing is another favourite subject of mine because of how much you can expand your writing skills by using different types of writing language and layouts. I also liked cooking class at St Catherine’s College with my favourite food effort being the making of bread. 

I love to dance, having had dance lessons since I was two. Seeing my friends is also a favourite activity. Running and baking are also fun things that I do. With baking, I really enjoy it because of the different things you can try and experiment with. 

I enjoy coming to school so I can socialise and learn. I love the new innovative learning space and the Juniors kitchen area, that we recently used to make dumplings in Mandarin Class. Our school is so lucky to have these opportunities for a new learning space that attracts so many new students and guests.

NAME: Angela Clark 

POSITION: Reading Recovery Teacher 

Tell us a little about your journey

My journey began rather sedately as a five year old attending St Mary’s Thorndon. When the junior school closed I moved across the road to Sacred Heart Guildford Terrace, then back to St Mary’s for secondary school. My life was full of Mercy Nuns, church, panama hats, gloves and hemlines below the knee.

The journey became a roller coaster ride at Wellington Teacher’s Training College in Karori, when it wasn’t an old people’s home, but a campus that encouraged liberal views, protest, personal development and an attempt at teacher training. No nuns, no uniforms and lecturers were to be addressed by their first names. Shock ! Horror !  It was so much easier when everyone was Sister Mary.

A wonderful three years at the Karori Campus was interrupted by real life. I was sent by the Education Board to Levin North School for my first year of teaching and on to Flaxmere Hasting for my second Year. I must have thought it was time to go travelling before I got really old, and went off to explore the world. Three and a half years later I returned to NZ and was offered a job in Shannon or Eketahuna. I chose Shannon. From London to Shannon was a wee bit of a shock. I’m still wondering to this day if I made the right choice. But the journey doesn’t stop and I went on to teach in various places around Wellington, had some children, settled in Khandallah, trained as a Reading Recovery Teacher and here I am at St Anthony’s.      

What do you like most about your job?

I like the people I work with and the yummy morning teas we have together.

But, it’s not just the morning teas. I especially like being a specialist teacher of literacy and working specifically with six year olds.

They are so quirky and bossy and funny all rolled into one. They make me laugh out loud.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

I have received a lot of advice over the years, most of which I can’t remember. However I have come to the realisation that as I struggle to learn Spanish year after year it is a way for me to never forget what it is like to be a learner. It makes me a better teacher.

If you weren’t a Teacher what other career would interest you?

I have wanted to be many things over the years, usually around New Year’s Eve, as I contemplate another year rolling by. Reading Recovery allows teaching that is individual in a one to one setting. That is the type of teaching I like the best.

What part of your job do you find the most challenging?

Like many other professions, teaching can be a struggle to keep a balance between professional life and personal life. I have solved this challenge by working part time.

School Calendars
These will be available for distribution in Week 9. Invoices will be sent and prompt payment would be much appreciated.

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 6 December. Thank you in anticipation for your support.

2020 School Stationery - 'MySchool'
As in previous years, your child/ren’s stationery order will be available for purchase and payment online via ‘MySchool'. Full composite class stationery lists are available below.  You can elect to purchase all or any of the items for your child for the 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).

There are also benefits from the 'MySchool' extra payment options in their annual December Parent Promotion.  One, you avoid the last minute rush in January, two, you can order online in December and choose when to pay - and when they deliver, and three, you will also receive a FREE A5 Magnetic shopping list & menu planner!

Flyers have already been sent home explaining this offer, however if you require another hard copy please see the office.

No holiday worries and no back to school hurries!

School Lunches

Our last Friday Lunch date is next Friday 6 December.

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!

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

At Bigair Gym we run cheerleading classes for kids, which is a combination of gymnastics, dance and tumbling so it’s a fantastic sport!!! Does your child love doing cartwheels, handstands, round-offs, walkovers and anything that involves tumbling? Does your child also love dance and working together in a team? If so, Cheerleading is the perfect sport!! It is so beneficial for kids, as they learn to work together as a team and gain so much confidence as they achieve new skills. Cheerleading at Bigair Gym is highly skilled and we have coaches that are so passionate about this popular sport. If you are interested please contact 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.

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

Advent Events at the Home of Compassion

Carols around the Crib

1.15-3pm, Sunday 1 December. Bring the children to enjoy a time setting up the crib, singing carols and joining in family friendly activities to begin the advent season.  Feel free to join us for 11am Miha and potluck lunch before the event.

Prayer of the heart series with Fr Jeff Drane

4, 11, 18 December 7-8pm, Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion.  We hold the mystery along with the mystics of our tradition

Kilbirnie Santa Parade

This year’s Kilbirnie Santa Parade is happening on Sunday 1 December. This is going to be a great event for Kilbirnie and as well as the parade itself which starts at 10.30am.  There will be local bands and dance groups, the bigger better bubble show, a bubble workshop, some large community vehicles to explore, plus local food provided by A Taste of Greece.  There will also be face-painters a petting zoo, a bouncy castle, and of course the opportunity to meet the big man himself at Santa’s Grotto! See you there!

Kites at Christmas

The Rotary Club of Courtenay Place is inviting children and families to a Kite Flying event at Liardet Park (Berhampore) on Sunday 15 December (10am to 2.00pm). $5 per entrant. Prizes for construction, artwork and flying skills! Come out in the fresh air and take advantage of our Wellington winds. For more details check us out at rccp.org.nz, or ring Geoff Henry (3883536)