Kia ora

What a fantastic beginning of term we have had and that was evidenced with our official welcome for our 4 new students and their whānau, along with the Baptism of Glen, Glenys, Leanne, and Gila. Our grateful thanks to Francesca von Lanthen for all her hard work in preparing the children for Baptism as well as the preparation of the Pōwhiri and Mass - thanks Francesca it was a very special occasion.

During the holidays I had the opportunity to listen to 3 excellent keynote speakers (Simon Breakspear, Judge Andrew Becroft, and Yong Zhao) at a virtual conference for Principals. During their presentations and workshops, I was able to reflect on this past year and how important our strategic focus on Wellbeing has been. Now, as we look towards 2021 and consider education during and post COVID we have the opportunity to consider the new possibilities for our tamariki. I have been talking with students as to what they want to see happening in the learning and opportunities for next year and will soon be reaching out to you, our whānau for your thoughts. So please take time to reflect on these questions:-

• What matters to you at school? 
• What are our new possibilities?
• Why does it matter to you?

Tomorrow, Friday, Te Maunga will hold the Mission Fair to raise funds to support the work of two missionaries, Sister Aroha and Father Edwin. We hope you will support this act of service by allowing your tamariki to bring some money to school tomorrow in order to play the games, visit the beauty parlor and buy the cakes and drinks. 

November 6 is a busy day and we hope you can join us for the R.E.A.L Run in the morning and the FOSA Fundraiser that evening. Signmees have been sent for each of these events.- we would love your support for both these events. Please check your child/ren’s bags next Wednesday for their sponsorship forms for the R.E.A.L Run. 

Dates to remember:

• Friday, 23 October - Mission Fair

• Monday 26 October - Labour Day

• Tuesday 27 October - Teacher Only Day - (teachers will be working off-site)

• Thursday 29 October - Rosary Evening 5-6 pm

• Friday 30 October - Talent Show 1 pm

• Wednesday 4 November - Eastern Zones Athletics at Athletic Park

• Friday 6 November - R.E.A.L Run & FOSA Quiz night

 Have a wonderful long weekend and to all those who are traveling, travel safe and we look forward to seeing everyone after the break. 

Ngā manaakitanga

Denise

This is part of the Message of Pope Francis for all, for 2020 Mission Sunday, 18 October. Mission gives us purpose and what may be produced by speculations that lead to fear can be overcome by concrete steps done with informed and measured care. What could be a fundamental attitude of a believer? The theme of Mission Sunday 2020 is, ‘Here I am, Send Me’ (Is 6:8). It comes from the historical book of the Hebrew Scriptures where Isaiah was invited to participate in making real the dream of God for his people. This is Isaiah’s way of declaring his willingness and readiness to encounter the surprises that life offers to create something new with God on his side. It is very much interrelated to the phrase Pope Francis coined at the beginning of his Papacy: missionary-disciples. One is called not only to be a follower of Jesus; the baptised needs to be co-missioned to manifest the value of being a Christian – the bearer of Christ! 

Fr Bernard Espiritu SVD

The renovation of the Te Aroha toilet block and resource room is progressing well and the spaces look excellent. We are delighted that Catholic Education has also agreed to put in two additional windows, but this will extend the project by a fortnight. We now anticipate the work to be completed by Week 5. We have also had the carpet replaced in both Te Awa Wēta and Te Akāu, which is another added bonus. 

We welcome all parents to our next Board meeting, Tuesday 27th October at 6 pm in the school staff room and also our upcoming Annual Planning meeting on Tuesday, November 17th at 5 pm. 

 We look forward to seeing you all at our St Anthony's Quiz Night and thank those parents who have worked to organise this event. 

Please read about Pope Francis' latest  encyclical (letter) to us all - are we answering the call?

Fratelli tutti

Te Aroha have had an action-packed first two weeks back in school, taking part in the ‘Firewise’ fire safety programme. As part of this we have been reading stories about fire accidents and how we can best plan for them or react in an emergency. We were then able to write our fire safety reports and make some golden rules to follow. We also got creative and put together a display to show some of our learning!

Something that I learned that I didn’t know about before is that It is important to have an escape plan and meeting place so everyone knows where to go if there is an emergency. - Paris

Now we know that we need to remember to turn off devices that could start a fire and check our house before we leave to see if there is anything dangerous that could happen while we are gone! - Jessie

I loved learning all about fire safety, we had lots of fun reading the stories and thinking about our own fire safety plans! My favourite bit was the art we did. - Seraphina

I liked creating art around fire safety and had fun making a picture with trees and flames in the background. It’s been really interesting and fun to learn lots about fire and I can’t wait for the fireman visit! - Joseph O

Account statements will be sent out over the next few weeks. Many thanks to all our families who regularly pay their invoices. If you do have any outstanding items on your statement we would really appreciate them being paid this term.

We know that this has been an especially hard year for many families so if you are struggling with payment please come and talk to Denise and do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.  

We have had a case of head lice reported. Could you please check your child’s hair and treat if head lice or eggs are found.  

Live lice move quickly and are difficult to see because they move around on the head, but small red dots behind the ears and on the nape of the neck may be bites. Lice are usually about 1-2mm long and about 1mm wide. They have six legs and are usually light or dark brown in colour depending on the child’s hair colour (which they mimic). They will die quite quickly when not on a human head but do not wash off when swimming or washing hair with normal shampoos.   

You should also check for eggs or nits. Newly laid eggs can be found about 1.5cm from the scalp, while older eggs that have hatched sit further away from the scalp. The egg – or nit – is glued to each hair and takes about seven to 10 days to hatch. 

A combination of chemical treatment and combing with a fine tooth comb seems to be the most effective treatment, but it is important to follow the directions of the treatment that you use and re-treat as instructed.  

As head lice is highly contagious, it is suggested that you immediately examine and, if necessary, treat all members of the family.  

Please continue to check your child’s hair carefully for the next couple of weeks. As you know head lice spread so easily and it is essential that we treat them quickly. It is a good idea to comb through their hair each evening before bed, just in case. Head lice spread through water, so please continually check, even after swimming has finished. A swimming cap is also useful for both protecting the hair and keeping it dry. A reminder that hair below the shoulders needs to be tied back.   

We have had a few lost hats and polar fleeces already this term.  If you could please double-check that the hats and polar fleeces you have at home belong to you that would be great. Just drop any that don't belong to your family into the office.  Many thanks.

Quiz Night 

Fancy a bit of healthy competition over a drink with friends?  

We have a new date for our quiz - so it’s time to get your team together, think of a catchy team name, and come and enjoy a great night out.  Just sign up below for your tickets. You can create your teams of 8 but if you can’t get a team together we will be happy to create the team for you. 

The quiz will begin at 7.15 pm however come along from 6 pm onwards as we will be selling pizzas ($10 each) along with the liquid refreshment.  

Please bring your cash ready to play a few games and buy some extra raffle tickets as we have secured some great prizes. 

Tickets are $20 per team member, this includes 3 raffle tickets. Extra raffle tickets can be purchased 3 for $5.

When: Friday, 6th November
Where: Seatoun Bowling Club
Time: 6 pm onwards for a 7.15 pm quiz start time
Tickets are $20 per team member - available from the office from Tuesday or online here

Payment for tickets, extra raffle tickets, and pizza can be made with cash or via internet banking into the FOSA account 12-3140-0317046-00.

Week 3 Lunches - Friday 30 October

Next week we will be offering sausages in bread so don't forget to put your orders in. Thanks to our parent helper Sofia Georgiou and her Year 6 helpers Estelle and Shaun.

New Members for FOSA

We really need a few more families to get involved with our fundraising team FOSA. It's lots of fun and a great way to get to know our wonderful school community.  Just come and talk to Kirsten in the office if you would like to help out.  In particular, we are looking for people to take over the role of Treasurer and Coordinator.   Both roles are not as scary as they sound and you would have lots of help and support in both roles.  

Entries are now open for the 2021 Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon.

The TRYathlon is all about giving it a TRY and is a rewarding and fun day out for you and your child.

Participants need to be aged 7-15 years old on event day, and can complete the TRYathlon as an individual or in a team of two.

Participants need to be aged 6 years old on event day to complete the Splash&Dash

To enter the TRYathlon visit  www.tryathlon.co.nz/

This time our school has created a School Group which you can join when you enter from home. Search for St Anthony's School when prompted. By linking to our school group it will give us the chance to win some great prizes.

You can also use the direct link to register into our school group is https://www.registernow.com.au/secure/Register.aspx?E=40601&G=118704. 

Seatoun Arts & Crafts Annual Exhibition and Sale 2020, Forres Street, Seatoun 30 October – 1 November.

Friday 7pm – 9pm (official opening), Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Children's Activity, Karori Cemetary, Labour Day

On Labour Day Monday 26 October the Friends of Karori Cemetery are holding an open day at the cemetery, during which there will be several guided tours, assistance with family history research and most importantly, a fun and informative activity for children aged from 5 years. The activity is a quiz, or a quest, to find headstones throughout one of the oldest parts of the cemetery and then answer questions about them. A list of the questions, and a map of the area will be provided, and each child who participates will get a small reward when they finish.

Participation is easy - and FREE. Turn up at the cemetery any time between 10.30 and 2.30 pm, register at the Shelter, and collect the list of questions and a map. The designated area has been checked for all safety considerations, and children must of course be accompanied by an adult/caregiver.  We estimate the quiz will take between 30 minutes and an hour, maximum.

Karori Cemetery, at 100 acres, is the second-largest cemetery in New Zealand and is the largest by number of interments. For general information about the cemetery and the Friends refer http://friendsofkaroricemetery.co.nz/visit/

BIGAIR GYMSPORTS OWHIRO BAY WELLINGTON

Is your child wanting to learn how to handstand, cartwheel or flip? Do you want them to feel strong and confident, and learn in a safe and encouraging environment? Come to Bigair! Our experienced coaches run classes such as Gymnastics, Tumbling, Trampolining, Parkour and Cheerleading! Our classes support children of all skill levels to learn and develop new skills and abilities, improving their fitness and co-ordination, and boosting self-esteem! BOOK NOW for TERM 4!

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

Singing Lessons

Kia ora all!

Experienced singing/performance teacher avail for individual lessons. 35min $35/60min $50.

Casual for fun or competitive training, great for confidence/self-esteem/personality development. Based in Te Aro in a lovely comfortable space. Weekdays or Weekend slots avail. Jazz/pop/musical theatre. All ages but specialises in youth. Check out vocal and performance lessons with Jacquie Fee on Facebook for further info and videos! Free consultation - whanau welcome to observe :) Open to have a korero about payment options.

0220976101-jacquiefee@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/Jacquiefeesinging