Kia ora Parents/Caregivers,

Wow, can you believe that we are halfway through Term 3? 

We have been blessed with some warmer weather this week (in between the periods of rain), that shows that Spring is on the way! 

Today’s school prayers were focused on the story of the Good Samaritan, where we are reminded of the kindness of strangers. We have challenged the children to perform some acts of kindness this coming week.

Perhaps you could share some ideas as a family about what you could do to help others (at home, school, in the Parish and local community).

The following topics will be covered in this weeks Principal’s message:

• Sacrament of First Reconciliation/Cans for Christmas
• Kakariki Speech Competition
• Welcome 
• Drop-off & Pick-up
• School Board Elections – Vote Today!
• PTFA Fundraiser – “Shipwrecked” Quiz Night & Auction
• Jesters Pie PTFA Fundraising Day at St Joseph’s
• sKids Job Vacancy
• Community Notices

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at principal@sj.school.nz

Wishing you all a warm and restful weekend with your families.

Kind regards

Laura Bateman & Natasha Luxford

Co-Acting Principals (Term 3)

Sacrament of First Reconciliation

Thank you to all the families that participated in the Sacrament of First Reconciliation last night. Thank you to Monsignor David for leading us.

There is NO lesson next week. We recommence on September 7th at 6.30 to prepare for Confirmation and First Holy Communion. Please keep an eye out for notices from Edwin Macmac pastoral coordinator. 

Cans for Christmas

For the next four weeks our Mission  focus is on collecting cans for St Vincent De Paul. We would appreciate our students collecting for this cause. More information next week.

SPEECHES

By Janine and Jack

Yesterday was the second round of the speeches hosted in the hall and judged by Ms Luxford, Ms Young and Mrs. Hilhorst. The speech topic theme was about “Discovery”. The first round was held in each Home Group and after teachers gave their positive input, students were allowed to give their ideas of what worked well. It is a good opportunity for all students to grow in courage as they realize that they will be safe and well supported in their home groups. 

In the 2nd round, the students competing represented each home group. They were Sean, Maddy, Zoe B,  Zoe W, Violet, Aurora, Evie, Robbie, Francis, Audrina and Lucia, 11 competitors. The Top 3 winners were: Robbie (3rd place), Sean (2nd place) and Aurora (1st place). Aurora will be representing our school, and competing against other North Shore schools and we wish her well for next week.

All competitors did very well. The speeches were very persuasive and interesting and the participants were able to project their voices very well in the hall. The majority of the speeches were about 3 minutes in length. Most focused on how we could save the environment. The good thing about the Year 5-6’s writing a speech was to share their opinions, to entertain, inform or persuade us to their point of view.

Robbie wrote a great speech about why we should not have to do speeches (many people agreed 🤣).  Sean spoke about the world’s problems with water and droughts. Aurora spoke convincingly about why parents should discover that all children should have a dog. Not many arguments there! Overall, we think it was a good lesson and experience for the audience (the entire Kakariki team), and everybody enjoyed listening to their wonderful speeches.

This week we welcome Aamiya and her family to our school. She has joined the Kakapo Team – we hope that Aamiya enjoyed a great first week at St Joseph’s!

We are noticing that quite a few children are getting dropped off early (before 8.15am) and picked up late (after 3.15pm).

To ensure the safety of our students, this is a gentle reminder that students will be supervised between the hours of 8:15am and 3:15pm. Please be aware students will not be supervised outside of these hours.  

We understand that sometimes traffic or other factors affect pick up times, and that can’t be helped. In these circumstances please contact the office to let us know you may be running a bit late (09 489 4994).

Thank you for your help with this.

By now you should have received voting papers for our school board election through the post. If you haven’t received your voting pack, please notify the returning officer at: returningofficer@myschoolelection.nz

To cast your vote, please follow the instructions within the pack. You can then return the voting form using the pre-paid envelope that is included with your voting papers; or by dropping it into the ballot box, which is located just inside the school office door.

The deadline to cast your vote is 12 noon, Wednesday 7th September. 

We encourage everyone to review the information provided by the nominees and to vote for your choice of board members. This is your chance to have your say on who helps govern our school for the next three years.

On Thursday, 1st September the PTFA will be hosting Pie Day!  Your child/ren will be able to enjoy a Jester’s hot pie (or two!) on a winter’s day with their classmates and teachers.

There are ten different savoury & sweet flavours to choose from with Vegetarian & Vegan options available – there is something for almost everyone!

Already have an ezlunch account?  Kindo uses the same software as ezlunch, so you can simply login and order:  https://bit.ly/3zxZ3F5

Not yet got an ezlunch or Kindo account? Click the link above and select Create account option.  In three easy steps you’ll be set up and ready to place your order.  Call the Kindo helpdesk on freephone 0508 454 636 (0508 4 KINDO) if you need a hand; or email hello@mykindo.co.nz

The great thing is, $1.50 from every pie will benefit St Joseph’s School children and their learning environment. So place your order today via our Kindo School Shop for lunchtime delivery on Thursday, September 1st.  Orders close 11am on Tuesday, August 30th.

• Jester’s Kiwi Mince
• Jester’s Billy T – Mince & Cheese
• Jester’s Stockman – Steak
• Jester’s Southern Man – Steak & Cheese
• Jester’s Dr. Pepper – Pepper Steak
• Jester’s Popeye – Spinach, Mushroom & Feta (Vegetarian)
• Jester’s Maharaja – Butter Chicken (GF Option)
• Jester’s Morning Glory – Bacon, Egg & Cheese
• Jester’s Spud Deluxe – Mince, Potato, Bacon & Cheese
• Jester’s Kentucky Delight – Apple, Blueberry & Custard
• Jester’s William Tell – Apple & Custard
• Jester’s Thai Pumpkin Curry Pie

SKIDS St Joseph’s, Takapuna is seeking one or two Casual staff for our growing After School Care Programme.

 The ideal candidates will have:

• (work) experience with primary school children
• are energetic, motivated, and vigilant with plenty of enthusiasm
• have a cheerful and friendly disposition and a love of sports & physical activity
• are confident in leading and instructing children in a calm and friendly manner
• team players

 He/she should be able to handle and oversee a group of at least 10 active children at a time.

Will go through mandatory training and Police Checks before starting!

 Please send CV to Elena Watson@: stjosephstakapuna@skids.co.nz

Please check out the latest community notices that are on our school website.