ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA
2020/05 – February 24
Principal’s Message
Dear Parents and Whānau
Last Friday we had a beautiful Opening School Mass and a wonderful Family Picnic. Thank you to the many parents and whanāu who supported these very special school events.
The Opening School Mass was celebrated by Monsignor David Tonks. It was a beautiful celebration which saw our students singing beautifully. Our thanks to Monsignor, all the students who took an active role in the Mass and to our choir. They, together with the students, parents and parishioners made this Mass the special celebration it was.
It was wonderful that so many families were able to participate in the Family Picnic on Friday evening. It was a great opportunity for teachers to meet parents of the students in their home groups. It was also lovely to see so many groups of friends catching up and welcoming new families to our school community.
This week we see the beginning of the Season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is the first of the 46 days of Lent. Lent is a time of prayer and reflection leading up to Easter.
Our students will be participating in a school Ash Wednesday liturgy in our St Joseph’s church, beginning at 1.40 pm. All parents and whānau are welcome to join us for this special celebration. Everyone attending the Ash Wednesday liturgies receive a cross of ash on their forehead. This signifies that we are beginning this period of prayer and reflection.
Teachers will be talking to the students about what they can do for others. For previous generations of Catholics Lent was a period of time that you ‘gave up’ something. We now focus on using this time to do something for others. The students could make their bed, so that their parents don’t have to do it. They could do the dishes a few times a week, if they do not normally do them. It would be wonderful if you could have talk to your child about how they could help others over this Season of Lent.
Ka manaakitia koutou e te Atua
Alister Bridgman
Tumuaki
Term 1 Week 4
Monday 24 February
8.50 am – School Prayers
Tuesday 25 February
11.05 am – Schoolwide Meditation
Wednesday 26 February
Waterwise – Home Group 4
Lunch Clubs – Kapa Haka
KidzCan Drama
1.40 pm – Ash Wednesday Liturgy
6.30 pm – Sacramental Programme
Thursday 27 February
8.15 am – School Choir
Lunch Clubs – Cultural Group
7 pm – Board Meeting
Friday 28 February
Chocolates
Thank you for supporting our term One fundraiser. Chocolate money can be deposited into the PTA bank account or you can return cash in the envelope provided (in box) with your child’s name and home group and how much money is in the envelope to the PTA box in the office.
If you have unsold chocolates please return them in the box with any cash to the office for the PTA to collect.
Thank you so much for your support.
PTA account number:
12-3026-0316672-00
With your child’s name and home group and the reference of CHOCS.
To request more chocolates please email pta@sj.school.nz
Novel Coronavirus Update #5
From the Ministry of Education Website:
Current Status
There are no confirmed cases of Novel coronavirus COVID-19 in New Zealand to date. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The likelihood of an imported case in New Zealand is high, however the likelihood of a widespread outbreak remains low. Keep updated on the status of Novel coronavirus on the Ministry of Health website:
Novel coronavirus information – Ministry of Health
Temporary restrictions on travel remain in place as a precautionary measure to protect against the spread of the Novel coronavirus COVID-19. Keep updated on travel restrictions through the New Zealand Immigration website:
Notices
Community / General
St Joseph’s Church Takapuna
Ash Wednesday 26 February
St Joseph’s Church Mass – 9.15 am / 7.00 pm / 1.40 pm – School Liturgy in Church
St Vincent De Paul Church, Milford Mass – 10 am
World Day of Prayer – Friday 6 March 10 am
The Milford Takapuna Ecumenical Service this year will be held at St Joseph’s Church. The srvice has been prepared by the women of Zimbabwe and arranged by St Joseph’s Catholic Women’s League
Ordination Service of Bishop-Elect Michael Gielen
Saturday 7 March, 11 am, Vodafone Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Gates 2 & 3
All Welcome – St Joseph’s Parish Office has organised a bus. Contact Morna 489 6486