Newsletter No: 1 February 2009

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

Welcome to Sancta Maria College for the 2009 academic year. We are looking forward to another successful year as we continue on our journey of establishing our College based on strong Catholic values. A very special welcome to the Year 7 students and to students at other levels who are new to our school. We hope that you settle in well and enjoy the experience.

STAFFING

We welcome the following new staff to Sancta Maria College. These appointments are due mainly to roll growth. The school roll for 2009 will be approximately 910 students.

NCEA

We are thrilled with the performance of our students in NCEA in 2008. Overall results clearly indicate that our emphasis on Academic Excellence is resulting in all students gaining superb outcomes. We are exceptionally proud, not only of the top academic students but also of those who struggle in this area of endeavour however with hard work, self belief and support reach their goals.

Preliminary results fro 2008.

Year 11 (Level 1)

Percentage Figures

	Sancta Maria College %	National %
Level 1 (Yr 11)	91	62.4
Merit Award	34.3	17.3
Excellence Award	9	4.6

	Sancta Maria College %	National %
Level 2 (Yr 12)	97.3	65.4
Merit Award	24.3	12.3
Excellence Award	5.4	3.1

	Sancta Maria College %	National %
Level 3 (Yr 13)	65.3	53.1
Merit Award	13.3	11.0
Excellence Award	4.0	2.6

The Year 12 result of 97.3% is clearly outstanding. We congratulate students at all levels and thank the parents and caregivers for their support.

Results such as these are generated from the expectations and culture that are developed form Year 7 onwards. We look forward to ongoing success in the academic area.

SPECIAL CHARACTER

The Special Character of Sancta Maria College is what sets us apart from other schools. We assume that you have chosen this school primarily because of its Special Character, as well as our academic and other achievements. We look forward to your support of all that we strive to achieve. In the student diaries are the standard prayers, the school acronym and our key words. I ask that you encourage your son / daughter to learn these as they form the basis of our Special Character.

CO-CURRICULAR

The co-curricular programme at the school will commence shortly. Musters, the summer sports programme together with music, debating and other cultural pursuits will be held over the next few weeks. Please encourage your son / daughter to listen carefully to the student notices each day and to attend the signing up session if they are interested. It is our goal that every student will involve himself or herself in at least one co-curricular activity each year. In this way we encourage them to ‘discover and develop’ their talents.

We will also be looking for support from the community for some of our co-curricular programme. If you are in a position where you think you may be able to assist as a coach / trainer or manager please phone Mrs Jan Cummings on ext 217 and leave your contact details. We will then get back to you as the activity is organised.

NEWSLETTERS

These will be distributed via students in the first week of each month. Newsletters that cover major issues will be posted to parents / caregivers. Interim newsletters will be distributed via students. All newsletters will be available on the school website www.sanctamaria.school.nz

God Bless You All

Paul Daley

Principal

UNIFORM

All students must be in correct school uniform including regulation school sandals. McKinlay Safari black sandals which are available from Milan’s in Howick or from our uniform stockist, Elizabeth Michael in New North Road. Shoes and socks are optional in Terms 1 and 4 but must be worn in Terms 2 and 3.

PE Uniform, school jackets, caps and socks are purchased through the PTFA Uniform Shop. Items of school uniform can also be ordered. We strongly encourage students to purchase the school cap, particularly for wearing outside in these hot summer days.

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS

Opening Hours for the Uniform Shop this term are:

Thursdays 3.15pm – 3.45pm and Fridays 8.15am – 8.45am

HEALTH ROOM

If you require medication to be held by the school for your child, please supply us with the medication and ensure that the use by date is current. This is especially important for students who require an Epipen etc.

STATIONERY

All students must have the correct stationery. If you have not yet purchased this it is available from Paper Plus in Howick.

STUDENT SUBJECT WORKBOOKS

During the first week of school all students will be issued with a list of workbooks required for their subjects. These workbooks will only be available for purchase from the auditorium on the following dates:

Wednesday, 11 February lunch break 3.00 - 6.00

Thursday, 12th February lunch break 3.00 - 6.00

Tuesday, 17 February lunch break 3.00 - 6.00

However, if a student is paying by cheque they can attach this to the workbook sheet and drop it in the "drop box" at the Cashiers desk. Books can then be collected at lunch time the following day from the auditorium. All workbooks are to be purchased no later than 17th February.

SCHOOL FEES

All families have been issued with their 2009 financial contribution statement. We have moved onto a new billing software programme and all outstanding balances from 2008 have been transferred onto your new account. Your statement has been adjusted with the discount of $100 for families with more than one child at SMC. Please note that a 5% discount will apply to all school fees paid in full by 31st March 2009. Please contact Mrs Kay Blewett on Ext 287 for any queries.

SUBJECT FEES

A reminder that any subject fees are to be paid in full before confirmation of acceptance of that course.

KEY DATES

TERM 1

Wednesday 4 February - ID Photos

Friday 6 February - Waitangi Day

Tuesday 10 – 13 February - PAT Testing

Wednesday 18 February - Y7 Parent Evening

Thursday 19 February - Class Photos / Portrait Photos

Friday 27 February - Year 9 / 13 Athletics Day

Tuesday 10 March - Opening Mass – School Auditorium 10am.

Saturday 21 March - PTFA Food and Cultural Festival

Wednesday 25 March - Feast of the Annunciation

Friday 27 March - Year 7 / 8 Athletics Day

Thursday 2 April - Open Day

Thursday 9 April - End of Term 1

Friday 10 April - Good Friday

OUR MISSION STATEMENT We are committed to preparing our students to embrace the future by providing a complete Catholic education in a safe, nurturing community, shaped by our values.

Our purpose and vision is summarised in the SANCTA MARIA ACRONYM S Safe M Mana A Academic Excellence A All of us N Networks of Support R Respect C Catholic I Innovation T Talents Developed A Attitude A Appearance

 

 

THE PRINCIPAL’S VISION Within a safe, caring Catholic and disciplined environment the young people will be given the opportunity to develop strong Christian values and the opportunity to discover and develop their talents.

KEY WORDS We have identified Key Words to enable us to focus on the five areas of a child’s development. We BELIEVE in Christ as our Saviour We THINK so that we will achieve We GROW in love and understanding We CARE about ourselves and others We ACT in a way that reflects what we believe