Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students

 

 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The past few weeks have been very special ones at the school. 

Athletics was held on Friday 26^th Feb. It was a very successful and fun day! Participation was high and the House spirit was fantastic. It was great to see all the houses represented in bright colours chanting and getting behind every competitor. Congratulations to Kororareka House who came first in the House Placings! This was blended with a wonderful sense of enjoyment throughout the day. My thanks to all who contributed to the occasion.

The Prefects were announced at a Special Assembly and they were blessed and presented with their badges at the Opening Mass on 23 February.  They are an outstanding group who will lead our school with pride.

 

Our Academic Honours Assembly was held on Tuesday 2 March.  At this assembly we recognised the outstanding achievements of our students in the 2009 NCEA Examinations.  We are proud of their achievement and they should be an inspiration to others.

 

Congratulations to:

NCEA ACADEMIC HONOURS

LEVEL 1

Silver - (with Excellence)

Brian Tse

Shana Llorando

Gerald Lee

Daniel McGivern

Gerard Nisperos

Justine Pillay

Zoe Kamsma

Kimberly Leher

Mathew Rooza

Joshua Lim

 

Silver – (with Merit)

Miguel Nepomuceno

Audrianna Lee

Ciara Rhodes

Rose Hernandez

Kristen Chua

Patria Harris

LEVEL 2

Silver – (with Excellence)

Dominik Osika

Julia Aspeling

Elliott Lam Po Tang

LEVEL 2

Silver – (with Merit)

Rafael Nepomuceno

Lauren Kubala

Hong-Kyu Kim

Sonya Morrogh

Erin Sainsbury

Joseph Xulue

Jonathan Nak Hyun Kim

Abigail Pearce

Andrea Malto

Stephanie Morgan

Caleb Brookland

Alexandra Osika

Timmy Lin

Sung Ho Paul Woo

Ellen Field

Keith Ho

Lucy Kyle

James Mullan-Douglas

Danielle Stride

Amadeus Vincent

Rossa Jeong

Ben Roborgh

Seresa Lapaz

Ronan Mooney

Peter Hong

Kelvin Chan

Christopher Thomas

 

LEVEL 1

Gold – (with Excellence)

Waldron Martis

LEVEL 2

Gold – (with Excellence)

Samuel Vincent

Stephanie Law

PREFECTS

 

2010 HEAD GIRL                        2010 HEAD BOY

Lauren Kubala                                      Joseph Xulue                                                                                             

 

2010 DEPUTY HEAD GIRL            2010 DEPUTY HEAD BOY

Antonia  Packham                               Jarrod Wood

 

2010 PREFECTS

BOYS       Caleb Brookland Shamus Crowe Waide da Encarnacao Kristan Dantas Keith Ho Matthew Kurtovich Liam MacKenzie Keegan Melville Ronan Mooney Kieran O'Brien Dominik Osika Ben Roborgh Rodel Rojos Chris Stickland Amadeus Vincent Samuel Vincent Paul Woo

ATHLETICS

Athletics Champions 2010

Junior Girls = Tyla Verheyen,   Junior Boys = Hunter Curran

Intermediate Girls = Hope Stewart

Intermediate Boys = Kevin Crowe

Senior Boys = Liam MacKenzie,  Senior Girls = Patria Harris

 

God Bless

 

Paul Daley

Principal

 SPECIAL CHARACTER – Mrs G Devoy

On the 10^th February, the College marked the beginning of the Lenten season with a morning ceremony. The ceremony opened with the words from Ecclesiastes that there is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven. As we look at the world around us, we see how our physical environment changes throughout the seasons. With the turn of each season, there will always be new hopes, expectations and opportunities. Some of these come to fruition, bringing joy and happiness while others remain unfulfilled, leaving emptiness and disappointment. But for Christians, our hopes will be fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ. However, before we can reach this time of rejoicing, we must pass through the darkening days of Lent.

 Lent is a period of austerity, penance and abstinence and this is reflected in the colours of the altar. As a tree’s leaves die and fall to the ground, so too do we lose and leave behind the colour and vibrancy of special time and enter into a period of simplicity and minimalism. As a tree waits for the warmth of the sun in order to grow new life, so too do we wait for the warmth of Christ’s love in order that we too might be born again in the  beauty and light of Christ’s grace.

On Ash Wednesday, the staff and students received a cross of ashes on their foreheads showing friends and families that we know we are not perfect and that Lent is a period of time in which we can repent and repair relationships with each other and with God.

Last Tuesday we came together as a community to celebrate the Opening Mass, the theme of which was To Love and Care. On this special occasion, the Student Leaders for 2010 were blessed and received their prefect badges. The Head Boy and Girl, along with the Deputy Head Boy and Girl, received the School Candle which they will look after for the year. This candle was presented to them by the youngest students in Year 7 and 8 and the prefects went on to wash and dry the hands of these students to demonstrate their willingness to love and to care for others. We would like to again extend our thanks to Fr Ezio Blasoni, our College Chaplain, for his ongoing support of the College.

This week the Year 9 students will be on Retreat, with the theme being The Body of Christ. A retreat is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, their peers and aspects of their faith. It is important that all students attend and participate in this day.

As part of our Values study, we are now looking at Hope. Hope is an expectation or desire for something to happen and this fits in well with our Lenten season in which we are waiting, preparing and hoping for a more fulfilled life with the risen Christ.

“Hope begins in the dark, you wait and watch and work, the dawn will come, you don’t give up.” Anne Lamott

 

PTFA – see attached flyer

UNIFORM SHOP

The Uniform Shop has a new email address:

UniformShop@sanctamaria.school.nz  

 

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

ENGLISH

Debating

We are very  pleased to be entering 3 Junior Teams, 2 Senior Teams and 1 Advanced team for the Auckland Schools Debating Competition which begins shortly.

 

Year 12 Literacy Credits

Students need to have  4 credits in Writing and 4 credits in Reading in order to gain University Entrance and meet literacy requirements. Most standards in the Level 2 English course are worth 3 credits each, hence students need to achieve in more than one writing standard and more than one reading standard. Contact your son/daughter’s English teacher or the HOD English if you require clarification of this.

 

CAREERS DEPARTMENT

Gateway Programme 2010

This is an appeal to our school community.

After having run the Gateway Programme successfully for the past 3 years we are offering the programme again this year to 20 of our senior students. Once again our selected students wish to sample and experience a variety of different industries.

 

If any parents, relatives or friends are able to support the Gateway Programme by way of hosting one of our students in any of the following industries, please contact our Gateway Coordinator Mrs Anderson on Tel 274 4081 ext 244.

 

Automotive

Baking

Building and Construction

Early Childhood Education

Furniture/ Cabinet making

Hair Dressing

Hospitality

Warehouse

Golf course

 

LOST PROPERTY

Is located in the Student Centre, and can be collected during the school day   Just a reminder to label all uniform items including shoes.

 

Student Appointments/Lates/Absences:

Students leaving school for appointments during the school day must bring a note from home and give to their homeroom teacher to get a Leave pass.  Parents are to collect and sign out students from the Student Centre.  Also a reminder for students who are absent or late to school that they are required to bring a note explaining absence or lateness.

 

JAPANESE

Sancta Maria College 2010 Japan Study Tour

The biennial Japan Study Tour that provides an opportunity for students of Japanese from Year 9 to Year 13 to experience first hand Japanese language and cultural immersion is once again underway.  We are due to leave for Japan on Saturday 27^th March 2010 and will return home on Wednesday 14^th April 2010. The programme of the SMC 2010 Japan Study Tour will include homestay in Utsunomiya; experiencing daily school life at Japanese schools; visiting cultural centres and sharing the sight and sound of the cosmopolitan contemporary life and contrast them to that of our own.  We will travel to Osaka, on to Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo and Utsunomiya.  We look forward to reporting back on our return.  Check our school website for more information about the trip: www. Sanctamaria.school.nz/curriculum/languages/Japanese/Japan Study Tour

 

International Exchanges Programmes:  The world is your classroom.

In addition to Sancta Maria College Languages (Japanese and French) Exchange Programmes, students of languages are also provided with an opportunity to experience language (Japanese or French) and culture immersion in the country where the language they study is spoken through various international exchange programmes.  Please check these out:

 

Ministry of Education Language Immersion Awards 2010 :www.afs.org.nz – The Ministry of Education is offering a minimum of 15 fully funded, six month Language Immersion Awards in 2010 for travel in 2010, to New Zealand secondary school students who are studying one or more languages . 

Successful candidates will spend time overseas improving their language proficiency and cultural knowledge in authentic settings, so they can apply the knowledge and skills gained during their experience to improve language learning outcome.  The applications close on 28 May 2010.

1. New Zealand Institute of International Understanding Student Exchange: www.student-exchange.co.nz   Long term and short term exchanges are available through this organisation.

2. Education First High School Exchange: www.ef.com   The programme offers both short term and long term exchange.

3. Japanese Language Programme for High School Students Exchange:  Japan Foundation: Japan Information and Cultural Centre Embassy of Japan: www.nz.emb-japan.go.jp   The programme offers a year of learning at a selected high school in Japan.

See Mrs Kevern or Mrs Read for more information.

 

See Mrs Kevern or Mrs Read for more information.

 

See Mrs Kevern or Mrs Read for more information.

 

FRENCH DEPARTMENT

 Bonjour à tous!

We are very pleased to welcome back Madame Wilda Laux to the French Department. She is also running a French club "Frenchkiwis" for Year 8 during lunchtimes which is proving very popular.

We are also delighted to welcome our French Assistante Mademoiselle Nabahet Hamdi who arrived from France three weeks ago and is working with the students in the French classes every Wednesday until the end of the year. The students  in the classes and in the courtyards during lunchtime have already made her feel very welcome. Bravo! 

 

GREASE: 2010 SMC PRODUCTION

Student Report: Grease Progress

I’m sure you are all counting down the days till our premiere of the musical production “Grease”! So here is a brief update on how things are progressing behind the scenes.

Everything is going amazingly well, we currently have four major dances down thanks to our awesome choreographer Jen. The Grease Band and Chorus Singers with Miss Sutherland are doing a fantastic job with the music. It sounds very much like the real thing. The actors are starting to really get into their characters, you almost won’t recognise them thanks to the wonderful Mrs Oliver and her superb directing skills. Many thanks to those who have volunteered to help out backstage, we really appreciate all your support.

 

Also – a small reminder of our Grease themed school social on the 11^th of March. This is to fundraise to cover lighting costs for the musical. I hope all students are able to come along and enjoy the atmosphere!

 

To the cast, crew and teachers who are involved, keep up the good work and dedication because it is up to us to knock the socks off everyone in the audience!

God Bless.

Ashleigh Smyth

From the Production Manager

Their will be three performances in the college auditorium 28 – 30 April. Each performance will begin at 7pm.

 

Tickets are available from www.iticketexpress.co.nz and the college office (Adults $12,  Children $8 – service fee applies to online bookings)

 

We are currently seeking businesses to support financially. All sponsors will be recognised appropriately in the programme. For further information please contact Mr Gorman (P: 274 4081 ext 231 or E: b.gorman@sanctamaria.school.nz)

 

Parents with building skills are sought to assist with the construction of the set. If you can assist please contact Mr Gorman.

 

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Lucy McGall gained a Silver Medal in the National Secondary Schools Track & Field Championships - Open Pole Vault 

 

Hunter Curran gained Silver in North Island Colgate Games, 400m and 800m, Gold in the South Island High Jump and Bronze in the 800m.

NOTICES

BUS NOTICE

Parents are reminded that the school buses are solely for the use of students to travel to and from school. They are not for casual trips to Botany Town Centre or sporting activities outside of school hours. Our bus loadings have now reached maximum levels, which means that sadly we will no longer be able to carry students to the netball courts at Lloyd Elsmore Park after school. Parents and coaches are requested to make other transport arrangements.

 

Howick and Eastern have put their fares up as of last week. We were not given prior notification and understand that some students were unable to load cards last week. The new fare schedules are available on maxx.co.nz.

 

Parents are also reminded to sign and return Codes of Conduct that were sent home several weeks ago. These are now overdue.

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME

Tuesday evenings 20 April – 11 May 2010

At: Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Howick

Phone: Barbara Smith 534 8710 or Allan Danbrook 532 8129 for further information.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND

19 – 21 March

A chance to enrich your marriage.

For more information telephone: 0800 362 686

 

	KEY DATES
Thursday	11 March	School Social 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Friday	12 March	Year 12 Geography Trip.  8.00am – 9.00pm
Friday	12 March	PTFA Sausage Sizzle  - $1.00 ea
Friday	12 March	PTFA Sausage Sizzle
Monday	15 March	Staff Professional Development - 2.20pm finish for students in zone buses will run at 2.20pm.
Tuesday	16 March	Year 13 Retreat
Wednesday	17 March	Year 12 PES Camp
Tuesday	23 March	HPV Vaccination 1. Yr 8,11 Girls Parent Evening – 3pm – 6pm 2.20pm finish for students in zone buses will run at 2.20pm Online bookings will be available from Monday 15 March. Passwords to be given at this time. One Line Booking for Parent / Teacher Interviews available from today. Password: GXRCA  (This password has been updated and may be different from the printed newsletter)                                    http://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
Wednesday	24 March	Year 7 – 8 St Kentigern Sports Exchange
Wednesday	24 - 26 March	Year 13 History Camp
Thursday	25 March	Open Day 3.30pm – 6.00pm Principal’s Address 4.45pm.
Thursday	25 - 26 March	Year 11 Geography Camp
Saturday	27 March 14 April	Japan Study Tour
Sunday	28 - 29 March	Aquinas College Cricket Exchange
Tuesday	30 March	Parent Evening – 5pm – 7.45pm 2.20pm finish for students in zone buses will run at 2.20pm
Sunday	28 - 29 March	Aquinas College Cricket Exchange
Monday	29 March	Board of Trustees Meeting – 7.00pm
Tuesday	30 March	Parents Evening – 3.00pm – 6.00pm        Note change in time  - 2.20pm finish for students In Zone buses will run  at 2.20pm
Thursday	01 April	End of Term 1 – Holy Thursday

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ELECTIONS

These take place this year on 7 May.  Please start considering the ways that you can support the school and if you are interested in putting your name forward please contact the school or a current Board Member for further information.

 

 

 

The PPTA has called all members to a meeting on Tuesday 23 March.  Our teaching staff who are members will be leaving the school to attend the meeting that commences at 1.00pm.  As I will not have enough staff to adequately cover classes the students will be dismissed at 12.30pm.  In Zone buses will operate at this time.  Students who need to remain at school until the normal time of 3.15pm will be supervised.  They will need to have reading material / work with them.   

 

This change has forced us to change the timing of the Parent / Teacher Interviews.  This will now take place from 5.00pm to 7.45pm on the same day (23 March) and the Parent / Teachers meeting on 30 March will run from 3.00pm  to 6.00pm.

 

I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this change.