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Kia ora koutou
Welcome to our first newsletter for 2020, it has been a very busy time as we settle into the learning year.
Yesterday we held our Beginning of the School Year Mass and Pōwhiri and it was wonderful to see so many of the community gather to welcome our new families and Miss Amy Troy - thank you. The theme of our readings was, ‘We are the ‘salt and light’ of the world’ and Father Paul challenged us all to consider how we are going to be the salt and light for St Anthony’s. This echoed the learning in class as the students have been exploring and sharing their talents to create a mural showcasing these talents as ‘rays of light’ Please ask your child about the talents they have recognised in themselves as it is these that bring ‘light & salt’ to each learning hub and block. It was also lovely to hear Father make the connection that after 8 years, our graduates leave with a school candle to take the ‘light of St Anthony’s’ into the wider world. Thanks, Father.
One of the songs we sang was, “Welcome to the Family’ - a song that welcomes us all to be part of a family and our hope and our wish for the year are these lyrics …
“May we learn to love each other more with each new day, may words of love be on our lips in everything we say…”
Whānau Conferences - what a fantastic opportunity these conferences were for us. I had only completed two before coming to the realisation that as the tamariki and whānau chatted I was gaining rich insights into our learners. My fellow teachers have echoed these sentiments as have some parents. We thank you for your feedback and will, in the next few weeks be asking for your feedback and suggestions by completing a survey.
Whānau Information Evening Tuesday 18th February
We hope you have all had this evening marked on your calendars so you can join us for a Whānau Information Evening next Tuesday. We begin the evening with at 5.30 pm with a sausage sizzle so come along with your children, as many of them will be showcasing examples of digital learning at the meeting. The meeting begins at 6 pm in Te Aroha block, concluding at 7 pm. At this meeting, you will receive information and demonstrations about aspects of our curriculum as well as our communication platforms. The students will be guiding you through a number of aspects and we are looking forward to them taking the lead.
Communicating more effectively with our families is a significant aspect of our focus for the Wellbeing for all this year. As part of this journey of involving you all more in your child’s journey of learning, He Atawhai will be adopting the Seesaw app as a way of our tamariki sharing their learning to you, their whānau. We are hopeful that this app will be an easier engagement for you as we wait for the Linc Ed app. We will talk more about this on Tuesday night.
Knowing What is Happening When
Last week you would have received the Syndicate Newsletters which include the significant dates for the term. We ask you to note these on your calendars so you can then watch out for the more detailed information that will come out closer to the time.
Parent Help
We are delighted to have some offers of parent help within the classroom but are always grateful for more. So if you have some free time (on a regular basis) to support the learning programmes we'd love to hear from you. If you can't commit on a regular basis but are happy to pop in to complete numerous little jobs (either at school or home) we'd also love to hear from you. Such jobs would be filing away reading books, mending texts, gardening and the like. Just email the office and let us know of your availability.
See you next Tuesday night if not before.
Ngā mihi
Denise Johnson
A reflection from Father James Lyon
The first teachers any of us know are our parents. Even when we go to school and are placed in the hands of professional teachers, parents continue to play a vital role. Our behaviour, attitude to life, the way we think about or judge others, are in many ways copied from what we learn or observe at home. This is especially so when it comes to passing on a spiritual faith. All teachers need guidance here. I came across a prayer written over 400 years ago by Sir Francis Drake which captures both the wonder and the challenge of teaching. Here is the final verse, which I invite you, parents and teachers, to use in your own prayer:
Disturb us Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars. We ask you to push back the horizons of our hopes; and to push into the future in strength, courage, hope and love. Amen.
It’s been a great start to the year with a warm and happy vibe in the playground and everyone settled in their fabulous new classrooms. The Board kicked off the year with our first meeting on Tuesday 11 February. At the first Board meeting of each school year, the Board of Trustees elects a new Chair Person for the year. We are pleased to announce that Vanessa Monahan has been elected by the Board as the Chair Person for 2020. Thank you, Vanessa, for taking on this leadership role and for your continued dedication to St Anthony’s School. For those of you who don’t know Vanessa, she has two children at St Anthony's School - Nadia in Year 6 and Thomas in Year 4. Vanessa joined the Board of Trustees in September 2019 as a Proprietor's Representative and works as a pharmacist in the local community.
The Board would like to acknowledge the dedication, hard work and commitment of the outgoing Chairperson Andrew Pink and deputy Chairperson Emma Blades. On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Andrew and Emma and their families for the huge amount of volunteer hours and expertise they have put into the governance of the school over the last 2 years. The support at home from both Nicolette, Michael and their families is really appreciated and valued. We are so fortunate that both Andrew and Emma have agreed to remain as Board trustees.
Our Deputy Principal, Denise Johnson, has agreed to continue in her role of Acting Principal while we continue the recruitment process for the Principal of St Anthony’s School. Thank you, Denise and all the staff who continue to take on extra duties and responsibilities during this recruitment time. Among other factors, a Catholic School Principal needs to be a practising Catholic to be eligible for the position (unlike our teaching staff who can be a mixture of Catholic and non-Catholic professionals). It's not unusual for Catholic schools to take some time to recruit a new Principal. We are dedicated to finding the right person to be our new Principal so we will continue to work on this with guidance from NZSTA (New Zealand Schools Trustees Association) and the Catholic Schools Education Services. We will be advertising the role again shortly.
13 February 2020
Kia tau te rangimarie ki a koutou,
It was an honour to be invited to preach at the interdenominational service at Waitangi last week. I was conscious of
standing in the footsteps of my tūpuna in faith, Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, who 180 years earlier had taken the
opportunity at the Treaty/Tiriti negotiations to ensure freedom of religion.
It was disappointing that another speaker at the service used that sacred moment to denigrate immigrants, and to
advocate religious intolerance, rather than the message of religious acceptance and religious inclusion which is our
true Waitangi heritage.
However, I was glad that many people present acknowledged the value and importance of the Catholic contribution,
which stretches back to Bishop Pompallier. As New Zealand approaches the first anniversary of the March 15
Christchurch mosque attacks, it is important that the most vulnerable members of our communities feel safe and
supported in the practice of faith.
I also enjoyed being part of the opening and blessing of Te Rau Aroha, the new museum at Waitangi which
acknowledges the contribution of Māori armed forces. There was a special moment when one of two surviving
members of the Māori battalion asked us to join with him in singing the Māori battalion marching song, which
everyone was delighted to do.
Waitangi Day is a reminder to all New Zealanders that every day we continue to seek right relationships and
partnership in everything we do. Our own Archdiocesan Synod 2017 recommendations include ten actions under the
goal “Go you are sent to deepen your bicultural relationship”. I look forward to seeing the different ways that these
will come to fruition in the many communities of the Archdiocese.
Naku Noa, +John
What an energetic week it has been for the senior classes as they have engaged in Pedal Ready.
Pedal Ready is a free programme to teach our students' cycle skills. The instructors teach cycle skills compliant with the New Zealand Transport Agency and the benefits for our students are many. These range from improving their motor skills, experiencing a wide range of cycling activities, learning important road safety skills and developing independence and consideration for others.
Some of the students' comments ranged from:-
- I never realised that there were two colours for the road markings
- We always keep two fingers (like bunny ears) on the brakes
- I'm really happy that I overcame my fear to go on the road
- when we see all the rubbish bins out, we need to watch out for the rubbish truck
Here are two of the groups that have completed Grade 2 - Well done to them all. The remaining Year 6s will complete Grade 2 next Thursday and Friday.
Issue 1 for 2020 went home last week and are due by Monday 17th January. To order from the catalogue please use the online LOOP system. If you are unsure how to do this please come and see Kirsten.
Wellington Ballet Studio
DANCE CLASSES! * PRE SCHOOL & RAD BALLET * JAZZ * CONTEMPORARY
Does your child love dancIng? I'm a former RNZB dancer, RAD registered teacher and have over 10 years of dance teaching experience. Wellington Ballet Studio offers quality dance tuition, with limited class sizes at convenient local venues for children living in my community - Miramar and the Eastern Bays.
Contact: Hannah on 021 207 6757 email: hannah@wellingtonballetstudio.co.nz https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/wbsenrolment
Wellington Dance
"Wellington Dance offers preschool dance, ballet, jazz, hip hop and contemporary dance classes for all ages. We have various after-school, daytime, Saturday and Sunday classes at our studios in Thorndon, Basin Reserve and Seatoun. We'd love to help your child build confidence and make friends while learning to dance. Enrol easily for Term 1 online at www.wellingtondance.co.nzor give us a call on 04 2108642"
MOGMUSIC
Private tuition available in:
Piano, Recorder, Guitar & Ukulele
Places available now. All lessons held at MOGMUSIC studio in Brooklyn.
Please phone MOGGIE GRAYSON 3848 213 to book in. $20 will be donated the school for each new enrolment.
Harbour City Gymnastics
“Gymnastics is a great activity for developing confidence, coordination, agility and having fun. Harbour City Gymnastics, Hataitai Park, currently have spaces available in Preschool, Ribbon Award (5&6 year olds) and Badge Award (7-9 year old) classes.
For further information or to register call 386 4443 or email the office office@hcg.org.nz “
Big Air Gym
In the Wings
Drama classes for Primary, Secondary, and Adult students. Wednesdays in the Hataitai Bowling Club. Trial classes and family discounts can be arranged. Check out our options www.inthewings.co.nz or email katie@inthewings.co.nz
An evening with Barbara Arrowsmith-Young at Marsden - Arrowsmith Program
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School is hosting Barbara Arrowsmith-Young, the founder of the Arrowsmith Program, on Tuesday 25 February at 7pm, Marsden School Auditorium, Marsden Ave, Karori. The invitation is open to anyone interested in the links between education and neuroplasticity or has a child who would benefit from enhancing their learning and general wellbeing by improving their cognitive functions. Barbara will be presenting her fascinating talk about her cognitive training programme and personal journey. If you have a child who has a learning difference such as dyslexia, processing difficulties, dyscalculia or auditory processing difficulties, we recommend you attend. Entry is free. Please register here: https://www.marsden.school.nz/about/whats-on-now/event-registration/
Kids Go Free at Staglands on Children’s Day
Staglands Wildlife Reserve will be celebrating Children’s Day on Sunday 1st March by offering FREE ENTRY into The Reserve for ALL CHILDREN.
In addition to their usual attractions visitors can enjoy free off-road tractor-trailer rides. So if you are looking for a fun Children’s day outing for the whole family; meet at Staglands and Connect with Nature on Sunday 1st March.
*Offer is not available with any other offer. Children (0-16 years) must be accompanied by paying adult.
For more information visit www.staglands.co.nz.