St Benedict's School Pānui ā-rorohiko (Online Newsletter) Term 2, week 6, 2025

Upcoming Events from our Calendar

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Term 2, 2025

Week 6
Thursday 5 June  8am-10am Kapa Haka Performance Group  performing for New Zealand Catholic Primary                                                    Principals Conference
                                  Swimming - Rooms 2 - 8 - Keith Spry

Week 7
Monday 9th June Heart Foundation visiting school to discuss Jumping June
                                    10m Pentecost Liturgy 
Tuesday 10th June  9:15-10 WCC Waste educ. Manuka
                                        Swimming - Rooms 9 - 13 - Keith Spry
                                        IZ Cross Country - McAlister Park -Years 4 - 8 (for qualifiers only) 
Wednesday 11th June MANUKA -Khandallah park, Matariki/ stream investigation ,Enviro walk. 
Thursday 12th June  Swimming - Rooms 2 - 8 - Keith Spry
                                          PP - IZ Cross Country - McAlister Park -Years 4 - 8 (for qualifiers only)
                                          WCC Waste educ. Kowhai and Kauri 11-11:45 session and 11:45- 12:30
                                         Class liturgies 9-9.45am -Room 8,9
                                          Class Mass - Room 13
                                          Cake Stall for Kauri Syndicate - Fundraising for Camp (am)
Friday 13th June Frosty Friday FWFC 

Week 8 
Tuesday 17th June  Swimming - Rooms 9 - 13 - Keith Spry
Wednesday 18th June Matariki Day celebration  (see details in newsletter)
Thursday 19 June MOE PLD Maths TOD- School closed for instruction
Friday 20 Matariki Public Holiday - school closed

Future Dates:
Tuesday 24 June Science Fair Prize Giving 

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Tumuaki and Presiding Chair Korero

Tēnā koutou e te whānau ō Hato Penetika,

On Wednesday, we officially opened our new gathering space  which will be a vibrant hub for school celebrations, sporting excellence and community events for generations to come. We were delighted to host numerous distinguished guests, including Archbishop Paul Martin, representatives from the Archdiocese of Wellington, local school principals, and Dr. Kevin Shore, CEO of the New Zealand Catholic Education Office. 

The journey to this new space began with a clear vision to provide more than just upgraded asphalt. It had been a long held dream of our community to have a canopy on the courts.  Koa Martel, the property lead for the Archdiocese of Wellington, was instrumental in aligning the diocese's investment with the broader aspirations for the facility. The School Board and the Friends and Whānau Fundraising Committee (FWFC) showed unwavering support throughout the design and fundraising phases. The project was brought to life by the expertise of Tracers and Silverwood Architects, who designed, project-managed and constructed our amazing new courts

"This canopy and court redevelopment is an amazing space. Let it remind us what can happen when people work together," remarked Johanna Reidy Presiding Member during the ceremony. 

A particularly poignant aspect of the project's funding comes from the Mary Stephen Vella Trust. This trust honors Sister Mary Stephen, who tragically passed away at the age of 36 in 1964. Established by her brother, Fr. Bernard, and sister, Sr. Ruth, using their inheritance, the trust has quietly supported causes reflecting Mary's values – education, faith, poverty relief and community good – for over 40 years.

"What's extraordinary is that this legacy of support reaches people Sr. Mary Stephen and her family never knew,"  Johanna Reidy Presiding Member noted, emphasizing the enduring impact of her life and the family's dedication to charitable giving. The trust's contribution was a crucial "final essential ingredient" in bringing the project to fruition, securing the funding needed to get it "over the line."

The Friends and Whānau Fundraising Committee, through their dedicated efforts, funded crucial additions like lighting, basketball and netball hoops, making the space even more vibrant and usable.

Johanna extended gratitude to the contractors for their swift work and careful management of heavy machinery, and to the school's neighbours for their patience during construction. Our teachers and support staff  for managing the challenges of limited space, ensuring student safety and the students themselves for their consideration, respect for boundaries, and understanding about limited play space during the construction period. She also mentioned our wonderful parents, caregivers, and whānau for their vital role in nurturing a culture of participation, generosity and care at St Benedict's. Your unseen efforts, from road patrol duties to volunteering for sports teams and fundraisers, are how you show our EPIC values and is a  powerful example for our tamariki. 

The new gathering space at St Benedict's School has already changed our tamariki school experience on the wet days we have had this week.  Thank you to all who helped us achieve this. 

Matariki Invitation 
Our school and community will celebrate Matariki 2025 on the afternoon of Wednesday, June 18th from 3-5:30pm. This event aims to:

• Gather us together to express gratitude for the year just passed,
  
• Provide a meaningful learning experience about Matariki through shared food (kai), song (waiata), and time together (te wā kotahi).

After school, two activities will be offered: painting a Matariki-themed stone (one per family/whānau) for our new turf garden, and learning actions for a waiata we will sing together later. Additionally, each classroom will have created a poster or activity about one of the nine Matariki stars, which will be displayed (locations TBC) for families to view and learn from. Our Kapa Haka group will perform haka and waiata, building up to singing the waiata learned earlier all together – kotahitanga.
The event will conclude with everyone sharing pre-prepared Matariki soup and a roll (soup prepared the day beforehand from whānau donation), followed by well wishes for a safe and blessed Matariki weekend.

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We warmly welcome Jimmy, brother of Ben, into our school community.  We hope you enjoyed your first day at school. 

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

Message from Emma

Dear Parents, Staff, and Board Members of St. Benedict’s School,

I was truly sorry to miss the farewell event, but I didn’t want to let another moment pass without thanking you all from the bottom of my heart.

The beautiful gifts and your kind, thoughtful messages meant so much to me. I was deeply touched by your generosity and the warmth behind every word. It’s a rare and special thing to feel so valued and appreciated — and you gave me that in abundance.  Being part of the St. Benedict’s family has been one of the great joys of my life. This school isn’t just a place of learning — it’s a community filled with care, commitment, and heart. I’ve grown so much through the relationships, shared goals, and unforgettable moments we’ve experienced.

Though I wasn’t able to say goodbye in person, please know that I take with me lasting memories, deep gratitude, and a real sense of pride for having been part of something so special.

Thank you again for everything and your kindness.
With love and warmest wishes,
Emma McCallum

ICAS Examinations - Years 3-8

University of NSW ICAS examinations 2025
It is time to sign up for the  university of NSW ICAS examinations for 2025.
Students from Year 3-8 can elect to sit the ICAS University examinations in Digital Technology, Science, Maths, English and Writing.  These are extension activities and not suitable for all students so please ask your child's if you need advice.

The link to purchase the ICAs examinations is 
Code: SCC533Your parent page link is:https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/parent-payment/SCC533
The examinations take place in Term 3. 

Challenge 2000 Poetry Competition winner

Congratulations to Rosa who won the April 2025 Challenge 2000 'Spirit of Anzac' Poetry competition in the age 10-13 category.  Rosa will be presented with her prize at our next assembly.

The Pohutukawa and the poppy
Blood spills across a far wheat field.
Soldiers rot.
Poppies grow.
Lest we forget the sacrifice they made.
Plant a tree, place a plaque.
Time passes.
Memories fade as lichen grows and the branches spread their arms to shelter the words; Lest we forget;
 In what is now the corner of a carpark.
Pohutukawa envelope me in your cloak.
A poppy reddens a faraway field.
Here and there 
red chimes remembrance and warning.

EPIC tokens for Room 4

Last week Room 4 noticed that the courts had been left in a real mess and no one had put the PE equipment away, and the door to the shed was left open!  We discussed the idea that if you see something wrong, you should think about what you can do, and then something about it. So we all went down, picked up all the balls, tidied up the equipment trolley and put all the hockey sticks and balls back in the correct places. They also picked up all of the food wrappers and rubbish they found (without being asked). As a reward for being so EPIC I gave each of the class an EPIC token and a game point (the last one they needed to earn an amazing game of capture the flag or dodge ball).
I'm really proud of their efforts, their commitment to the school, and their great attitudes. 

Michael Havell

Room 4 Teacher (Year 2)

Relationships & Wellbeing by Room 12

Room 12 have been focussing on Relationships and Wellbeing, the above samples are by the following students: Elliana, Imogen, Jillian, Kenzie, Jane and Rosa. 

Room 12 - Haikus

Themes-  Leadership, Friendships, Loyalty and Relationships

Catholic Character - Sacramental Programme

Sacramental Programme 2025 have been confirmed.
The full Programme will run over Term 2 and into term three finishing on the 16th November with the First Communion Mass.
The Timetable is as follows...
                  Tuesday July 22, 7pm Parents Information Evening
                  Sunday July 27th 11.15am Reconciliation Session 1
                  Sunday August 3rd 11.15am Reconciliation Session 2
                 Saturday  August 9th 2.00pm Reconciliation Practice
                 Sunday August 10th 2.00pm Reconciliation
                Sunday 31st August 11.15am Confirmation Session 1
               Sunday 7th September 11.15am Confirmation Session 2
                Saturday 13th September 2.00pm Confirmation Practice
                Sunday 14th September 2.00pm Confirmation Mass with Archbishop Paul Martin
                Sunday 2nd November 11.15am Communion Session 1
               Sunday 9th November 11.15am Communion Session 2
               Saturday 15th November 2.00pm Communion Practice
                Sunday 16th November 2.00pm Communion Mass
Please note that the Sunday Sessions start immediately following the Sunday Mass and all participants and their families should attend Mass before the sessions.
The Programme is being run on behalf of the Parish by Pat Collier and Natasha Telles.  
Please contact via email: sacramentalprogramme@stfrancisohariu.nz

Student Celebrations

Hugo had a great but tiring time at Ice Hockey camp recently, consisting of four days of intensive Ice Hockey training. It also included specialised goalie training.  There were approximately 18 goalies and over 200 under 18 year olds at this camp.  Over the four days Hugo was required to wear his goalie kit which weighs close to 15kg.  

ASC Highlights

ASC Holiday Programme

We’re excited to share a sneak peak of our upcoming holiday programme, crafted to keep our tamariki engaged, active, and learning over the break! This year, we’ll have a blend of on-site activities and trip days, creating special memories each week.

We require 20 participants each day for the programme to run and can take a maximum of 30.  Please complete the form to register your place.    

School dates 2025

The downloadable PDF  below will give you a printable calendar for your fridge. It has been updated to reflect the new MOE Maths PLD days. 

Since the Board set the dates, the Ministry of Education has announced there will be two mandated teacher only days to support the new curriculum during the year. Unfortunately we have not been able to choose our dates and have been allocated the following dates Friday 4 April 2025 and Thursday 19th of June.

Finalised school dates for 2025 are

Term 2  28 April- 27 June (Includes Matariki and Kings Birthday)
Staff call back day in school holidays Friday 11 July
Thursday 19 June MOE Mathematics PLD teacher only day. 
Term 3 s 14 July – 19 September Kāhui Ako Teacher only day  1st August
Staff call back day in school holidays Friday 3 October
Term 4  6 October- Wednesday 17 December (Includes Labour Day)

Sports Updates

Futsal Tournament

Kia ora, 

Please fill in the following FORM to register your tamaraiki for the Futsal Tournament in September.  Further details will be sent out to families who register through this form closer to the time.  We will need parent volunteers to help supervise/coach on the day.  Please note that this is the same week as the Year 7/8 camp so they will be unable to attend.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

molly.kelly@st-benedicts.school.nz


GoogleForm

FWFC

Kia ora e te whānau ō Hato Penetika,

Friends and Whānau Fundraising Committee 

Kia ora e te whānau,

Friends and Whānau Fundraising Committee (FWFC) update: 

Coming up: Frosty Friday (featuring candy floss cups) - put 13 June in your calendars for this. Please get in touch if you can help, this will be led by the wonderful Jacinta and Candy Floss King Tom.
Term 3 - we are starting to plan for the school disco (date TBC) and the Father's Day breakfast (5 September). We'd love some members of our school community to lead or support with these events, so please raise your hand early to support event planning. 

Please contact Sarah or anything FWFC related: sarah.garty@hotmail.com 

Entertainment Book

St Mary's College enrolments

A Parenting expert in your pocket

Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with plenty of challenges—and that's where Parentland comes in. Created by clinical psychologist Nigel Latta and a team of experts, Parentland is a new app designed to give parents trusted, evidence-based advice tailored to their child’s age, temperament, and their own parenting style. Whether you're dealing with sleep issues, fussy eating, or tricky behaviour, Parentland offers practical, personalised strategies without overwhelming you with endless to-do lists or conflicting advice.

The app includes helpful tools like the Sleep Props gameplan, Farty Monkey reward system, and bite-sized videos on a wide range of parenting topics. While the free version offers great value, a premium subscription unlocks even more gameplans, custom advice, and tools such as the Ladder of Doom and a food range diary. Parentland is a refreshing, realistic support system for parents—meeting you where you’re at and helping you navigate the ups and downs with confidence and clarity.

iPhone

Android

'Yummy Stickers'

Thank you to George and Luca for their sticker sheets.  We now have 700 stickers.

This promotion runs until 20 October so send in your stickers and keep munching on 'Yummy Fruit'.   

Sticker sheets can be found on the 'Yummy Sticker' website: www.yummyfruit.co.nz or just pick a sheet up from the office.

Drama Lessons available at school

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

Wider Community Notices

ezlunch lunch orders