Tumuaki/Principal News
Tēnā koutou katoa St Michael’s Catholic School Community,
The Becoming Church sacramental programme has begun and it was a real joy to see so many St Michael’s School families attend the 10.00am Mass last Sunday. Mass was followed by the St Michael's Parish Cultural Potluck - what an outstanding event to attend, with each ethnicity sharing their culture with one another. A big thank you to Jo Hazel and her committee for organising this celebration!
We are almost at the end of the Easter Season, which concludes this Sunday with Pentecost (28 May). On this day we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit to the apostles, which ignited them to spread the good news to all. This is what we too are called to do.
On Sunday 11 June at 10.00am there is a St Michael’s School & Parish Mass. This Mass is compulsory for all our students. Students are to wear their school uniform and meet in the Parish Centre by 9:45am.
Thank you to the PTA, especially to Emma Houghton, for organising the Quiz Night, we had so much fun.
Thank you to the PTA, especially to Emma Houghton, for organising the Quiz Night, we had so much fun.
Possible Teacher Strike Action on 31st of May
Teachers had voted to go on strike on Wednesday 31 May however this is on hold as the Government is currently negotiating with the union. We will certainly keep you updated on this issue.
Change of Assembly for Rooms 3 and 6
We have changed the date of Rooms 3 and 6 Assembly due to the uncertainty of Strike Action on 31st May. The new date is Wednesday 7th June.
ICAS Testing
The following information is for Year 4-6 families interested in registering students for the online International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) testing scheduled to be sat during school time in Term 3. This year students can register for exams in English, Mathematics and Science.
ICAS exams are run through a private company based in New South Wales, and are “user pays”.
These exams assess higher order thinking and problem solving to extend students beyond their expected achievement level for their age. We have found in the past that some students find the examinations, and receiving their results, extremely stressful. It is important that if you enrol your child for these exams, that you take the time to prepare them for this. There are example test papers available on the ICAS website to purchase.
The school does not receive feedback regarding each student’s performance in these exams. The results do not inform or guide teaching and learning at our school.
Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) and registrations are now open. Please use the below details to register and pay directly online, no later than 1 July 2023.
Please take care to register your child for the appropriate tests depending on their year level.
Access details:
School access code: FTW829
Parent page link: https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
Pricing for New Zealand: NZD$20.70 (incl. GST) per test.
ICAS English – Year 4, 5, 6 – Wednesday 16 August
ICAS Science – Year 4, 5, 6 – Wednesday 23 August
ICAS Mathematics – Year 4, 5, 6 – Wednesday 30 August
SMCS Y5 STARS Netball Team desperately needs more Players!
An awesome team who love netball and have fun, need two more players (boys/girls) to join our team!! Games are after school on Thursdays at St Johns Netball Courts. Game times vary from 4pm to 5.50pm. Please let us know if you can play some games! You might not be able to commit to playing every week, but we still want to hear from you! Thank you. Please contact Lindy ASAP on lindypeacocke@yahoo.com
Need Help?
A registered Social Worker is available, on a part-time basis, to provide free consultations to families seeking guidance with accessing specialist support, or who may be struggling with more complex challenges. Please contact Annie on 021 240 6454 or email anniesummerfield@yahoo.com to make an appointment. All consultations are conducted in strictest confidence.
A Family in Need of a Place to Live
A committed Catholic family is urgently seeking a 3 x bedroom rental property. Maximum rent: $550.00 per week. If you can help, please contact 021 240 6454. Many thanks.
Encountering CHRIST
Excerpt from ‘The Catholic Education of School-Age Children’ (NZ Bishops, 2014)
“I22. A number of pressures, beginning in the late 1950s, combined to further strain Catholic resources and a large amount of debt was accumulated to keep the schools operating. In the early 1970s it was obvious to the government that the Catholic school system was in danger of collapse.” (Page 7, 22)
Rosary Group Meet Every Friday at 1:15pm to 1:30pm at the Reflective Area (Church if raining)
St Michael’s Parish Website – Mass times - Sunday 8am, 10am & 5pm; Monday - Friday 7am & 12noon; Saturday 8am.
School Masses - Every Thursday at 9:15am
(Please note we had incorrect details in the previous newsletter)
01/06/23 -Junior School Mass;
08/06/23 - Rooms 9, 4 & 1;
11/06/23 - School Parish Mass at 10am - This is a compulsory Mass for all families. Students meet in the Parish Centre at 9:45am in their school uniform.
16/06/23 -Grandparents Day Mass - All Welcome - 12 noon in the Church: 22/06/23 - Rooms 10 & 6;
29/06/23 - Senior School Mass.
Manaaki ki te Atua,
Ann McKeown
Principal Tumuaki
