1st Reading: Levit. 19;1-2,17-18
2nd Reading: 1 Cor.3:16-23
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

This Wednesday 22nd February, I will be taking our Special Character Leaders to a special service at the Taranaki Cathedral marking the first anniversary of the Christchuch Earthquake. This is a time to remember those who died but also to pray for those still suffering as a result of the Earthquakes. As part of this service there will be a collection taken up for the people of Christchurch. If you would like to donate, please send your donation to school on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of next week. Thank you very much.

Thank you to those who have returned their First Reconciliation forms for classes that begin 29th February. All forms need to be to me by 22nd February please so I can take them to the St Joseph’s Parish Office. More forms are available at the School Office.

PARISH PICNIC
School families are invited to the Annual Parish Picnic to be held at the Model Train venue – corner Liardet & Gilbert Streets on Friday 17th February 5-7pm. NO CHARGE.

Bring your own picnic food and drink. Free train rides, free icecream and lolly scramble.

EVERYONE WELCOME.

ST PIUS X LEADERS:
At School Prayer on Monday morning we announced our School Leaders for 2012 and they are as follows:

• School Ambassadors:
  • Samantha Megchelse
  • Theo Johnson
• House Leaders:
  • Matiu: Ethan Griffiths, Samantha Megchelse, Nicholas Codd
  • Maaka: Benji Feron, Theo Johnson
  • Ruka: Diamaid McCarthy, Patrick Butler
  • Hone: Charlotte Vickers, McGregor Smith
• Environmental Leaders:
  • Nastassia Chapman
  • Benji Feron
• Special Character Leaders:
  • Patrick Butler
  • Ethan Griffiths
• Cultural Leaders:
  • Megan Corbett
  • Charlotte Vickers
• Sports Leaders:
  • Megan Corbett
  • McGregor Smith
  • Nastassia Chapman
• IT Leaders:
  • Diarmaid McCarthy
  • Nicholas Codd

We know our Yr 6 Leaders will do a great job in their various leadership roles and will be excellent role models for the other students in our school.

SCHOOL PICNIC:
It was lovely to see families at our School Picnic last Thursday night. We were certainly blessed with beautiful weather. It was a lovely opportunity to get together at the start of the year.

MEET THE TEACHER:
What a great turnout we had on Wednesday night. Thank you very much for taking the time to come along and I hope you feel well informed about the year ahead.

GALA DAY:
With only a week to go everyone’s very busy with planning and preparation for the Gala Day next Saturday 26th February 12-3pm Thank you so much for the donations that have been coming in over the last few weeks. Donations for next week of items for a luxury raffle e.g. wine, chocolates, biscuits etc would be gratefully received. We are also still collecting books for the book stall. Other items needed are icecream containers, cane baskets, outside plastic tables and chairs and gazebos. Also early next week plates will be sent home asking for baking for the Gala Day. If everyone could please send along some home baking this would be really appreciated – home baking is always a bit hit at any Gala. Baking can be sent along to school on the day of the Gala from 9am or on the Saturday between 3 and 4pm.

SWIMMING:
Swimming continues next week. Please ensure children have their togs, towels, rash shirts or t. shirts and swimming hats each day please. A reminder that our swimming sports will be on Tuesday 6th March with postponement day Thursday 8th March.

KAPA HAKA:
Please see the insert for Kapa Haka which will begin again on Wednesday 7th March. Please fill in the form if your child is interested in attending these sessions. Forms need to be returned to your chi ld’s class teacher by Friday24th February.

LOST JERSEY:
Could everyone check to see if they have an extra school jersey at home that doesn’t belong to them. Mathew Hoogeboom has misplaced his jersey and it is named. Thanks for checking.

BOT MEETING:
Our first Board of Trustee Meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 21st February at 7pm. Andrew D’Ath has resigned as Proprietor’s Representative on the Board and we thank Andrew for his contribution The Parish has appointed Craig Maclean as the replacement Proprietor’s Representative. Craig and Karen have one child at our school, Jake in Rm 3, and his daughter Sasha is due to begin in November. We welcome Craig as part of our Board.

THANK YOU:
A big thank you for the baking we received after the birth of our son Quinn. It was very much appreciated. Holly and Steve Griffiths.