St Benedict's School Pānui ā-rorohiko (Online Newsletter) Term 2, Week 4, 2024

Upcoming Events from our Calendar

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Sports Uniform Days   Kōwhai and Kāuri Tuesday 
                                                Mānuka  & Rooms 6 & 7 Thursday 

Term 2 2024

Week 2- 9 Swimming Days       Rooms 8,9, 12 and 13 (Year 6-8) Tuesday 7 May-25 June
                                                               Mānuka +  Rooms 6 and 7   Thursday 9 May-27 May 

Week 5  Term 2
                               Tuesday 28 May Rooms 8,9, 12 and 13 (Year 6-8) Tuesday 7 May-25 June
                               Wednesday 29 May   Kids’ Lit Quiz good luck to our team of four
                                Thursday 30 May  Class liturgies 9-9.45am, Room 12&13
                                Friday 31 May     Curriculum Refresh Day- School Closed - Staff only day

Week 6 Term 2 
                              Monday 3 June  King's Birthday School Closed
                              Tuesday 4 June Manuka Syndicate Te Papa Trip: R2 and R5
                                                             Swiming Rooms 8,9, 12 and 13 (Year 6-8) 
                              Wednesday 5 June Manuka Syndicate Te Papa Trip: R3 and R4
                              Thursday  6 June Class liturgies 9-9.45am, Room 2&3
                                                                Swimming Mānuka +  Rooms 6 and 7   
                              Friday 7 June  Kauri - Blake VR Visit 2 sessions (11:45-12:45/1:30-2:30)

Week 7 Term 2 
                              Tuesday 11 June Telephone Exchange visit (Rooms 3,4,5) TBC
                                                                  Swiming Rooms 8,9, 12 and 13 (Year 6-8) 
                               Thursday 13 June Class liturgies 9-9.45am, Room 4&5
                               Friday 14 June St Benedict's Open Day 

26 June  Save the date Matariki Celebration    

• Poi making
• Harakeke weaving
• Art project
• Kapa Haka
• Hangi

Items found in the School APP
School Notices
Teacher Messages

Documents Section
Syndicate Newsletter  Term 1 and 2 
2024 School Dates
Winter Uniform Order form
St Ben's Handbook
Road Patrol Roster 

Widget link
Newsletter
SchoolDocs (Board Policies) 
Account information
Absences notification and rate of absences. 
School Calendar
MyKindo for lunch orders
HoK Facebook and Instagram

Catholic Character Pentecost Cultural Week

Last week we celebrated the birthday of our church and the gift of the Holy Spirit which helped share Jesus’ message across the world.  We were very grateful for Angie (Colombia), Grzegorz (Poland), Nana Boo (Fiji), Feliz (Fortuna), and Mrs Miranda (India), for responding to our request to share a snapshot of their culture with our tamariki.

Our tamariki enjoyed making rangoli or a peacock out of paper, eating taro or chop sui, receiving a map of Poland, learning a dance from Fortuna and from Colombia a special recipe that you can make with your tamariki Colombian Arepas con Queso - CPA: Certified Pastry Aficionado. Check out the amazing salsa dancing below. 

The week culminated with our Pentecost liturgy. As well as the revival of our school band who led our tamariki in prayerful song; our tamariki also showcased their heritage by wearing traditional cultural attire or in colours representing their respective cultures/countries flags.

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Tumuaki Korero

Tēnā koutou e te whānau,

Kiva’s parent evening

We had a wonderful turn out of whānau across our school to learn about the KiVa bullying prevention programme that we have introduced this year. Our kaiako led whānau in discussion about the programme and answered questions about the implementation.

The aim of introducing KiVa is to provide clarity of process and procedures for the St Benedict’s community as we all support our tamariki to be good friends and community participants. Our staff are passionate about providing an education climate that all tamariki feel comfortable within.

If you were unable to be present but would like to attend another information session held during the school day, either after drop off or before pick up,  please register your interest by emailing principal@st-benedicts.school.nz with your preference.

Independent Herald Article
This week we featured in the Independent Hearld to highlight the introduction of KiVa to our school.
St. Benedict’s School in Khandallah was immersed in shades of pink on Friday, May 10th, as
tamariki and kaiako participated in an early Pink Shirt Day, a global initiative championing.
inclusivity and diversity. The lively celebration saw the school adorned with an array of pink hues. Beyond the colourful attire, the essence of Pink Shirt Day has been reverberating throughout the school with the recent introduction of the KiVa bullying prevention programme. 

Read more below. 

Update on Donna
Donna appreciates all your well wishes and prayers. She is home from the hospital. Our Foodie friends will be shared with our community, and we hope you can support Donna with her recovery by providing meals.  A special thank you to those who have got in touch to share their messages of support  or drop off gifts for Donna.

Sickness vs. Attendance
As we shared earlier this week our rate of sickness is increasing, and we have had a high number of staff also affected. You might have seen recent media reports of schools needing to close due to a lack of relievers. Please do continue to keep your unwell tamariki at home until they have recovered enough that they will no longer pass on illness to others.

You will have also seen in the media the focus on attendance and ensuring tamariki attend regularly. As part of our responsibility as a kura we do need to contact you when attendance records are below 90%. Over the next few weeks, I will be calling whānau to ensure we are providing the supports you need to ensure regular attendance.  

Open Day
Please encourage any friends who are considering enrolling their tamariki in our kura to register for our open day sessions on the 14^th of June. Year 1-6 intake 9:30-10:30am and Year 7 intake 11:30-12:30pm

 Matariki community celebration
Earlier this year our HoK committe offered their organising talents to move our Matariki celebrations to the early evening to create a whole community event. Please read the notice in the HoK section for details.

Mā te Atua koutou e manaaki,
May God bless and care for you. 
Tania Savage - Principal

Cultural Experiences

Parent Cultural talks 

A big thank you to Feliz, Nana Bo, Mrs Morales, Mr Kowal and Mrs Miranda for sharing their culture with us during our Cultural week.

For cultural week Room 13 were luckily enough to try some beef chop suey homemade by Hosea’s grandma. Thank you for sharing your Samoan culture with us Hosea, it was delicious.

Student Celebrations

Congratulations to the children who received certificates at Assembly

Congratulations to Jina, Room 7, who was successful in her audition for the musical performance Finding Nemo.   Jina will play Nemo and if you would like to support Jina, please read the information below.

A Journey Under the Sea:  This heartwarming musical is perfect for all ages. It follows Marlin and Dory on their unforgettable adventure to find Nemo, encountering beloved characters like Crush, Squirt, Bruce, and Gill along the way. Sing along to classic songs like "Fish Are Friends Not Food," "Just Keep Swimming," and "Where's My Dad?"

Khandallah Child Takes Center Stage as NEMO: We're especially excited to feature JINA YOON as our NEMO

Making Memories: Last year's Aladdin production was a huge success, and we know Finding Nemo Jr. will be just as magical. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the arts and create lasting memories with your child.

Show Details:

• Dates: September 16th - 20th, 10.30am & 1pm
• Location: Lower Hutt Little Theatre
• Show Length: 1 hour
• Khandallah Cast Performances: Wednesday, Sept 18th @ 10:30 am & 1:00 pm

Reserve Your Seats Today!

Space is limited (only 290 seats per show) so book your tickets soon! Visit our website or contact us at Finding Nemo Musical or 021 410 015.

The Musical Stars Performance Trust

Seasons for Growth

Tamariki and whānau support is available for those dealing with grief, loss and change in their whānau  through the Seasons for Growth programme. We will be running the tamariki programme in conjunction with Challenge 2000 in Term 4. The below video gives a preview of the programme. If you'd like to register interest in your tamaiti/tamariki attending this wonderful course please complete this form. 

Sports Updates

Zespri AIMS Games - 2024 - 7th - 13th September

The Zespri AIMS Games registration is open for our Year 7/8's.  Please see the attached information and let me know if you would like to register your tamariki for any event(s).  There will not be a representative from school attending the games.  The cost, travel and tournament is organised by individual families.  

2024 Event Information Booklet and Eligibility Criteria can be accessed below. Please email molly.kelly@st-benedicts.school.nz if you would like to register.  Entries close 5th June 2024. 

Amesbury Junior Cross Country

Northern Zone Cross Country (Years 4 - 8)

Congratulations to Flynn, Nora and Zara who placed 1st.  Along with these three St Ben's will be represented by Zoe, Jono, Lucia, Winston, Oscar, Immy, Jillian, Charlotte M, Nakos, Elliot, Isabella F, Chelsea, Hima and Oscar at the InterZones.

Jumping June!

St Benedict's will get Jumping in June to raise money for Heart Foundations and to keep our own hearts healthy.

More information to follow but if you would like to get a head start on fundraising, visit the link below and register under St Benedict's School!

2024 Construction St Ben's

Update 23 May 
The block work is now complete in the retaining wall and over the next few weeks will be back filled. 

Construction @ St Ben's

The  cladding has been removed from room  10 and the state of teh building underneath wa snot as bad as expected. However it defnitely shows that ADW made a great decision to action this work for us.  

The Library  skylights and roofing replacement will now occur in the next school holidays. In week 10 of Term 2 we will need some community suppoprt to pack up the library books in the areas that will be affected.

We now expect: 
After School Care will operate out of one of our classrooms on the middle floor for approximately 5 weeks in Term 3. They should then be able to move back in - though the library will not be operational.

There will only be enough space to check books out – not for library visits. That will be out of action from the last week of Term 2 until  mid-Term 4. We will explore visiting Khandallah Library as an alternative.
Assemblies will go on hold while the library is out of action during Term 3 however we will be able to continue our house meetings. 

The expectation of a  fully operational library is now mid Term 4. 

Attendance Dues

The Archdiocese of Wellington attendance dues team are in the process of sending out school fee notices, but due to the implementation of a new software system (CathConnect), some may experience a delay or inaccuracies.   We appreciate your patience as the team works diligently to distribute all statements and address your inquiries promptly. Thank you for your understanding during this transition.

St Patrick's College is looking for Homestay Families for International Students, Term 3, 2024.

We are currently looking for several families to host a variety of foreign students arriving in Term 3. 
Various Short-term Students  Nine Japanese students visiting for only a few weeks - varies from 4 to 10 weeks -arriving and leaving at various dates throughout Term 3.
Japanese Student Group - 9 days   20 Japanese students that will be here for 9 days in July: July 20 to July 29th.  These students must be hosted in pairs. Host families for these boys would be asked to host two  students together.
Hong Kong Student Group - 12 days  20 Hong Kong students that will be here from July 28th* to August 9th. These students must be hosted in pairs. This group is a combination of girls and boys.  Host families for these boys would be asked to host two students together.* These students may not arrive in Wellington until July 29th or 30th. 
Full Year Students Term 3 2024 through 2025  Two Chinese students arriving for Term 3- staying for a full year (arrival date pending). One Vietnamese student for Term 3 -staying for a full year  (arrival date pending).  One Thai student for Term 3 -staying for a full year  (arrival date pending).
If you would like to host any of these young men or women, or would like to learn more about hosting in general, please email Meg Szulinski, the International Student Coordinator at St. Patrick's College, at meg.szulinski@stpats.school.nz.

St Patrick’s and St Mary's College Open Day Tours

Tēnā koutou katoa,

It is with pleasure that I invite you to register to attend one of our Open Day Tours which are to be held on Tuesday 28 May between 10.00am to 11.30am and from 12.30pm to 2.00pm and again on Thursday 30 May at the same times. 

To make a booking please either email admin@stpats.school.nz with your request or to make a booking yourself visit the St Patrick's College website: https://www.stpats.school.nz

On the front page of our website you will see a drop down menu labelled Enrolment; and if you click on that and scroll down on the left hand side you will see a tab for Open Day.  Open this section and click on the Blue button – Sign up.  Enter your details and make your selection regarding day/time.

A reminder email will be sent closer to your booked day.

Open Day is a chance for parents to visit our College and learn about the opportunities and
experiences that we offer across Years 9 to 13.

Mike Savali
TUMUAKI |RECTOR

YUMMY STICKERS

‘YUMMY’ STICKERS’ – Now until the end of Term 3.   

Thank You to: Lachie, Rm 9 and Ben, Rm6, for their collection of stickers.  

We now have 760 stickers 

Last year our collection of stickers earned us $720 to spend on sports equipment.   

It’s time to start collecting yummy apple stickers and the cut-out labels on the yummy 1.5kg apple bags.  You will find all your favourite yummy apples at your local New World or Pak’n Save (and some participating 4 Square stores).  Plus three new varieties now.

Eat ‘Yummy’ and support our school.  Crunch on apples and collect ‘yummy’ sports money. 

Collect the ‘cut out’ labels from the 1.5kg bags of ‘Yummy’ apples or individual ‘Yummy’ apple

stickers, available from New World and Pak’n Save stores.  Cash them in for Rebel Sports

gear for our school.  Send all your ‘Yummy’ stickers to the office.  

* Collect your sticker sheets from the office or visit www.yummyfruit.co.nz.  Let’s get munching.

Helping Our Kids

 Matarki Celebration at School - please join us

Kia ora e te whānau ō Hato Penetika,

On Wednesday, the 26th of June, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm, we are holding a Matariki community celebration at school.   We will have activities and Hangi (traditional Māori meal) and need your help to let us know you are joining us, and if you would like kai.  The event is free, with the Hangi costing $16, you are also welcome to bring your own food.   Please complete this https://forms.gle/aTWAmYmVBcLDbMGu9

We will have activities set up in different classrooms (Rooms 3, 4, and 5). These will include poi making, harakeke weaving, and an art project to which we can all contribute a little piece. At 5:30, we will pause for kai (hangi) and waiata that the tamariki have been learning throughout Term 2. Following this, we will resume activities in the classrooms until 6:30 pm, or you can depart.

Matariki is the start of the Maori New Year, signified by the reappearance of the Matariki cluster of 9 stars in our evening sky. This year, our focus will be on two stars: Waitī and Waitā. Waitī is the fifth star, associated with fresh water and the living creatures in rivers, streams, and lakes. Waitā is the sixth star, the twin of Waitī, associated with the ocean and representing food gathered from the sea. This star is also significant for its influence over tides and floodwaters.

We look forward to you and your tamaiti/tamariki joining us for this special occasion.

HOK on your socials:

HOK run a Facebook and Instagram page where we keep you updated with what is coming up, so give us a follow/like: 

https://www.facebook.com/StBensHOK?mibextid=JRoKGi

https://www.instagram.com/stbenshok?igsh=MWdueTVhNzczZ2ltbQ==

Entertainment Book

Parent Road Patrol Roster

NICHOLSON ROAD
(Mornings and Afternoons)
Parents: Please be present from 8:25am - 9:00am and again from 2:45am - 3:15pm

Disco Fundraiser - TOMORROW!

Come join us for a fun night of singing and dancing!  Addy and Kenzie Stone are fundraising to go to LA at the end of the year to dance in the Disneyland Parade with their dance school.

There are two sessions available - 

5:00 - 7:00 - Ages 5 - 11 - Disco with glow lights and special Disney Princesses! ($15)

7:30 - 9:30 - Ages 10 - 16 - Karaoke and Pizza! ($20)

email: thegemstones2024@gmail.com to book your place OR turn up at the door!  You are welcome to stay or just drop and run and have a nice evening to yourself!

Wider Community Notices