St Francis Xavier Catholic School To Love, To Learn and To Serve

Kia Aroha, Kia Akona, Kia Aro Atu

No. 8 Thursday 19th May 2016

Address: 1 Percy Street, Whangarei 0112. Phone: 09-4371039 Cellphone: 027 2784303 Email: office@sfx.school.nz Website: sfx.school.nz

Tena koutou katoa. Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the school,

It has been a very busy week at St Francis Xavier Catholic School. On Friday evening Bishop Pat Dunn confirmed 40 of our students. Confirmation is one of the Catholic sacraments whereby children are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened in their Christian life. Then on Sunday they received their First Eucharist, the time when children receive the body and blood of Christ present in the consecrated host. This is the third sacrament and occurs after Baptism and Confirmation. It was a lovely Mass and it was great to see so many families celebrating and supporting their children.

Jennian HomesA huge thank you to all of the parents and friends of the school who nominated our school as they entered the Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run and Walk. We were very fortunate to win the competition and as a consequence we have received a Rebel Sport voucher for $2,500. The children will be delighted with the new purchases.

School Board of Trustees ElectionsBoard of Trustee Elections: Nominations will close at 12pm on the 20th May 2016. There is a lot of information available on the website www.trustee-election.co.nz/becoming-a-trustee for those who are interested or need to know more about what skills are needed, who can stand and how to become a trustee. There are also booklets at the school counter.

In the event that we have enough nominations to hold a Board of Trustee election we will have a “Meet the Candidates” evening on Wednesday 25th of May at 5:30pm. You are most welcome and encouraged to attend. This event will be confirmed once the nominations close tomorrow at 12 noon.

Craig McKernanPrincipal

Board of Trustees Elections Timeline

We will call for nominations on the 6th May 2016 Nominations will close 12pm on 20th May 2016 Voting papers issued 25th May 2016 if election required Voting closes 12pm 3rd June 2016 Votes counted and results declared 9th June 2016 Board take office 10 June 2016 It is imperative our school database is up to date. If you have changed your address, please notify the office urgently.

Term Dates for 2016Term One:

Wednesday 3 February to Friday 15 AprilTerm Two:

Monday 2 May to Friday 8 JulyTerm Three:

Monday 25 July to Friday 23 SeptemberTerm Four:

Monday 10 October to Friday 16 December

New School Timetable 8:45 – 10:25am Morning session 10:25 – 10.50am Morning tea 10.50am – 12:30pm Mid-morning session 12:30 – 1:20pm Lunch break 1:20pm – 2:50pm Afternoon session

Religious Education

Catholic Schools Day

On Monday it was Catholic Schools Day. All the Catholic Schools throughout New Zealand celebrated our Catholic Education. Some Year 7/8 students from Pompallier Catholic College joined us for the day.Our day commenced with a Mass, and then after morning tea there were Whanau activities in classes. A lemonade ice-block rounded off the day, with many whanau holding a tabloid sports afternoon. It was a most enjoyable day.

Congratulations Congratulations to the children from our school who were confirmed and had their First Eucharist over the weekend. Emily Adams, Matthew and Stephanie Berryman, Jonno and Theo Bonetti, Marrac Bowmar, Keira Bruce, Kiara and Claudia Cafatsakis, Andre Calustre, April Drilon, Audrey Flower, Lilly Flower, Malachi Flower, Connor and Rohan Hay, Ah Him, Helena and Paulynne Iamafana, Léon Littin, Angeline Lucas, Kade McKenzie, Ian Malpas, Maricar Martin, Roisin Morgan, Hayley Schutte, Kobe Seymour, Jack Stratton, Corrienne Watt, Luke Webber, and Kalym Werder.

Family MassOur next Family Mass is this Sunday 22nd May at 10am. Children from Karaka Whanau (Rooms 09, 10, 05 and 06) will be asked to participate.

Mufti DaysMufti days are when the children bring along a gold coin donation and do not have to wear their school uniform. The funds raised are donated to worthy causes. Our first mufti day this term is tomorrow, Friday 20th May with the gold coin donation going towards Caritas.

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus School MassYou are warmly invited to come and join us in celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, on Friday 3rd June at 1:30pm, with a Mass.

Pastoral Care BasketA reminder about our Pastoral Care basket that is situated underneath the statue of Mary, in the school office area. Non-perishable food items placed in this basket go towards a family in need, in our community. Thank you to those families are making donations.

Yours in Christ Maria RussoDRS – Director of Religious Studies

Baptism programme at schoolIs your child baptised? Would you like to have your child baptised? This term we are offering a Baptism programme at school. Invitations have been sent home with children who are 7 years or older and may wish to consider baptism.

The programme will comprise of 3 sessions her at school, over 3 Wednesday mornings from 8:45 until about 9:30.Wed 15th JuneWed 22nd JuneWed 29th JuneParents or caregivers come along to the programme as well to support their child and learn alongside them. We then have the Baptisms during a Sunday Mass in our Parish.

The programme will be run by Mrs J and Father Chris, our Parish Priest. Invitations and further details will be available soon but do feel free to contact Mrs J if you would like more details about any aspect of Baptism or the other Sacraments of the church.

If your child is not yet 7 years of age and you wish to have them baptised, please contact Janet at the Parish and enquire about the Infant Baptism programme.

From the Family Worker

UniformsI have second-hand school shoes and socks in a variety of sizes as well as some winter uniforms. If you require any uniform items please fill in a uniform request form at the office and I will attend to your request when I am able to, and deliver the uniform items to your child's class. If you could make a donation to the office for the uniform that is greatly appreciated. The money is used for the pastoral care needs of families in the school.

Pastoral CareA huge thanks to Bill Crum who donated kiwi fruit to our school community this week. If you are in the position to go on a roster to cook a meal that can be given to families going through difficult times due to illness, then please let me know. Thank you to those families who are making donations to the Pastoral Care basket next to the school office, your generosity is appreciated.

Families New to the School This YearYou are invited to come for a cup of tea/coffee in the Staff room on Thursday 2nd June from 9:00am -10:am. This is an opportunity to meet with others in the school community and to hear about events that may be coming up. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have regarding the school. If you are not new to the school but would like to attend you are most welcome to come along.

Because I only work 2 days a week now I am not always on site. If you have a uniform enquiry or request please complete a uniform slip at the school office. For all other enquiries please contact me on 0274714120 at any time and we can arrange for a suitable time to meet.

Liz BeazleyFamily Worker

Contact DetailsHave your contact details changed recently?

If your address, email, phone/mobile numbers or emergency contacts have changed please contact us to update them immediately. If you’re not sure we have the correct information please

feel free to call and check.Thank you to those families who have updated your details already.

Someone Else Collecting Your Child From School?

We understand from time to time you might need someone else to collect your child from school. This may be a one-off or intermittent event.If this person does not regularly pick up your child:A) Please contact the school and advise us of this new arrangement as soon as possible.B) Please tell this person they must call into the school office and collect a pass and that you have

rung ahead to let us know. (If we haven’t heard from you we will have to verify this arrangement first before releasing your child).

C) Please advise this person of the permitted parking areas and practices.

Thank you for your cooperation, we are making every endeavour to ensure your child feels safe and protected.

School Uniform All pupils must be in winter uniform by the beginning of week 3. There seems to be some

confusion over our uniform footwear. Canvas shoes are not part of our uniform. Our shoes must be polishable lace-up or velcro shoes.

Also, tights and stockings are not part of the uniform for girls. All pupils wear navy knee-high socks.

Children do not need to wear hats in winter, though they may if they choose.Please see Mrs J if you have any uniform queries.

A reminder that nail polish is NOT permitted. If your child wears nail polish it is your responsibility to ensure they remove

their polish before coming to school.

Knitting NeedsIf you have any spare knitting wool and needles 4mm upwards, Mrs Douglas and the Junior Joeys would greatly appreciate your donations so they can carry on knitting blankets for people in need.

Bottled Water For SaleWe have boxes of bottled water left over from the gala. These are for sale at $12 per box of 12 bottles. Please see the school office. First in first served.

Scholastic Book ClubBook Club brochures have gone home and are due back at school by 26th May. Scholastic have advised us they’ve been working to resolve the issues of last term and hope everything will be sorted when you place your order this term.

PTFA Sausage SizzleParent Helpers are desperately needed to help with the sausage sizzle.

This is held at school once per month. The children always look forward to having their sausage sizzle and the proceeds go towards

resources and projects as part of the PTFA wider fundraising.If we get enough helpers we may be able to form a roster of helpers.

If you are interested please leave your name and number at the school office and I will get in touch with you.

KATY BERRYMAN - Co-ordinator

ASBSCHOOL BANKING

PROGRAMMEIf you would like your child/ren to join the ASB School Banking

Programme just call in to the school office for more

information and to collect an application form. New and

existing ASB Headstart customers are welcome to

register.Score Competition for those enrolled on the programme

SCHOOL EVENTS Term 2, 2016

Dates and times for events are subject to change.Please check this fortnightly newsletter for any changes.

MAY

20 Mufti Day Caritas – Fiji (gold coin donation) 22 10am Whanau Mass – Karaka 23 Rms 11 and 20 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum 24 Rms 9 and 10 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum 25 PTFA Sausage Sizzle $1.50 26 Rms 15 and 16 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum 27 1:30pm School Assembly led by Kowhai Whanau 30 Rms 1 and 4 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum 31 Rms 18 and 19 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum

JUNE

! 2 Rms 13 and 14 visit to Packard & Pioneer Museum 3 1:30pm Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass 6 QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY – SCHOOL CLOSED 8 WPSSA Winter Sports 14 Postponement for WPSSA Winter Sports 14 Rms 6, 7, 8 visit to Kiwi North 15 Rms 3, 12, 17 visit to Kiwi North 15 8.45am Baptism Course - Staffroom 16 Rms 2, 5, 21 visit to Kiwi North 17 Mufti Day – Sisters of St Joseph, Peru (gold coin donation) 20 - 23 Hockey with Brad 22 8.45am Baptism Course - Staffroom 22 PTFA Sausage Sizzle 26 10am Whanau Mass – Kowhai 27 - 30 Hockey with Brad 29 8.45am Baptism Course - Staffroom

JULY

! 1 1:30pm School Assembly led by Kowhai Reports Home 8 2:50pm Term 2 ends

COMMUNITY NOTICES

* DANCE THERAPY FOR CHILDREN Individual sessions available with Dance therapist/Physiotherapist. Dance therapy is a movement based psychotherapy that can support child development and learning, processing disorders and children on the autistic spectrum. For enquires contact Jan McConnell ph 4353303 c021598114 email lifemovescreativetherapy@gmail.com

* GARAGE ART Need art for your walls and have children.......' GARAGE ART' after school art classes. Term 2 spaces available Tues and Thurs 3.30 pm to 5.00 pmClose to S.F.X Creative, Fun, Educational and Relaxing. Ph Sharlene Crawford 021459002, 4595691

* INCREDIBLE YEARS PROGRAMMEThis free programme prepares your child for social, emotional and academic learning, and promotes positive and effective communication skills for mums, dads, grandparents and guardians who have regular contact with children aged 3-8 years. The programme runs for 14 weeks and consists of three hour sesions. Childcare is available. Petrol vouchers for persons driving over FIVE kms. Venue: Te Ora Hou (The PUlse), Raumanga Road, Whangarei. Date: 5 May to 18 August 2016.Cost: FREE. Time: 10am - 1pm. Morning tea provided. Contact Elizabeth Riini Ph: 4351261/021 2337810 or Iri Ph: 02102619111 Email: 1iriht2010@gmail.com

* KIDS CREATIVE MOVEMENT 4-7YRSClasses develop creativity, co-ordination and self-esteem to support learning and brain/body integration via dance activities, movement stories and improvisation.WHERE: 116A Bank StWHEN: Monday 2nd May – 4th July 3.30-4.15pm $10 per session $90 per termFor enquires and enrollments contact Jan McConnell ph 4353303021598114 email lifemovescreativetherapy@gmail.com

* MAKING A SCENE DANCE ACADEMYWe have classes for year 7 -10 starting term two. Drama, Musical Theatre and Communication classes From Monday -Thursday. Tuition is open to beginners and experienced students visit the website to choose a class to suit your needs either in Whangarei or Ruakaka www.makingascene.co.nz or ph 021 172 3568.

* MORETALK SPEECH LANGUAGE THERAPYMoretalk Speech Language Therapy offers private assessment and therapy sessions. Our well established practice has three NZ trained SLT’s working in clinic (Kensington) or school based therapy sessions, with children with a wide range of communication delays and disorders.Please ring or e-mail us to discuss your child’s needs and get a quote for services.Phone: 021 2720101 or 09 4370434. E-mail: michelle@moretalk.co.nz

* TABLE TENNIS NORTHLANDTable Tennis for children in Years 5-8. Come and have fun and learn skills in our top class Table Tennis Stadium at Kensington Park. When: Tuesdays 3.30-5.00pm Beginning 10th May.Cost: $40 subscription for a year or $2 casual fee per session. We have bats for sale or they may be hired for $1. Soft-soled non-marking shoes must be worn. Enquiries phone Julie Butel on Ph: 4591453.

POMPALLIER CATHOLIC COLLEGE TEACHER ONLY DAYSPompallier Catholic College have two upcoming Teacher Only days,

Friday 20th May and Friday 3rd June.

St Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Cnr. Kamo Road and Park Avenue, P.O. Box 8061, Kensington, Whangarei. Phone: 437 7902.

Fax: 437 7904. House: 437 5266. PARISH STAFF: Fr Chris Martin sm (pp), Fr Peter McDermott sm,

Fr Phil Bennenbroek sm, Fr Carl Telford sm. Janet Ponifasio, Glennis McSherry Deacons: John Kooge, Charles Le Marque, Jim Nees, Nimo Ponifasio.

Online at: www.whangareicatholic.org.nz Email: sfx@whangareicatholic.org.nz . Facebook Search: Catholic Church Whangarei.

PENTECOST SUNDAY 15 May 2016 Year C

Next Week’s Readings: (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity) Proverbs 8:22-31;; Romans 5:1-5;; John 16: 12-15.

I remember once reading of a Catholic priest saying that a Jewish rabbi said to him” Keep telling the people how much God loves them” God is love. Never forget that. It is the truth. God is not merely loving or forgiving as if He occasionally does that .No, His deepest unchanging essence is love; giving, eternal unconditional love. He did not begin to love us since His love is eternal and His love will be eternal. Nor can He stop loving us no matter what we do. God’s love does not begin with us nor will He stop loving us. Perhaps He loves us more when we are weak and sinful, since we need that forgiving love more. God will not force us to accept this love - we must choose to accept it. It could be said that the Mass is really about us gathering joyfully Sunday after Sunday as a parish community with Christ in the Holy Spirit to remember with deepest gratitude how God has loved us again and again and what His love has done for us. Not just what we hope He will do if we are good! No, faith says God has loved us in this real way and that way e.g. from the Exodus to Calvary to the Resurrection to 2000 years of the Church’s story. If we open our hearts we can see the story of His love. Ask for that grace. God’s love has been faithful to us and to each one of us individually. It is especially present when we do not understand this love and it seems to us as if God is unwise. Never say that. Love is to have the last word always. Love will be victorious.

Fr Carl Telford sm

Rite II Reconciliation. Wednesday 25 May at 7.30pm here in our Church. All welcome.

We welcome into our parish family those baptised during April: Anja Lyon, Sophie Garden, Charlie Garden, Isabella Wintle, Jackson Wintle, Jemma Marnitz, Khloe Ah Chong, Ruby Butler, Raphael Cosenero.

Year of Mercy. Pope Francis. Christ is with us;; Christ is alive!” the Pope said during his May 8 Regina Caeli address to the crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square. The Pope said “We must carry this witness – “made not only with words but also with daily life” – every week: it should go beyond Church on Sunday. Rather, it should extend throughout the entire week in our “homes, offices, schools, in places of entertainment, in hospitals, in prisons, in homes for the elderly, in places crowded with immigrants, in the city's peripheries.” How can you witness to Christ this week? Where can you witness? Where are our parish’s peripheries?

Congratulations to the youngsters who received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Patrick Dunn DD on Friday 13 May and received their First Holy Communion on Sunday 15 May: Emily Adams, Hannah Adams, Matthew Berryman, Stephanie Berryman, Jonno Bonetti, Theo Bonetti, Marrac Bowmar, Kiani Bradley, Kyal Bradley, Kyran Bradley, Keira Bruce, Ardina Bucknell,

Kiara Cafatsakis, Claudia Cafatsakis, Andre Calustre, April Drilon, Audrey Flower, Lilly Flower, Malachi Flower, Caleb Foreman, Samantha Foreman, Connor Hay, Rohan Hay, Dylan Hiini, Ah Him Iamafana, Helena Iamafana, Paulynne Iamafana, Léon Littin, Angeline Lucas, Kade McKenzie, Ian Malpas, Maricar Martin, Roisin Morgan, Lacretia Papa, Hayley Schutte, Kobe Seymour, Jack Stratton, Corrienne Watt, Luke Webber, Kalym Werder, Hannah Williams.

Children’s Liturgy - Every Sunday [except 4th Sunday which is a Family Mass] at 10am the Children of the parish are invited to take part in the Children's Liturgy. The children sing, discuss the Gospels, and join in various activities. We have a dedicated group of adult helpers but are on the look out for new leaders. We would love some of the older teenagers to volunteer to help the adults. If interested in joining this worthwhile ministry please contact the Parish Office.

PUBLIC & POPULATION HEALTH, Tohora House, P O Box 9742, Whangarei Ph: 09 4304101 Fax: 09 4304498 www.northlanddhb.org.nz Dr Clair Mills, Medical Officer of Health, 021461039 clair.mills@northlanddhb.org.nz

NORTHLAND DHB PUBLIC HEALTH May 16th 2016 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MEASLES Measles is spreading around the North Island, after an outbreak in the Waikato. There have been four notified cases in Northland and we expect to see more. Measles is VERY infectious - and if you are not immune, there is a high chance you will get sick. Measles can be a very serious illness, with one in three sufferers experiencing complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis or diarrhoea. About one in ten people will be admitted to hospital. The best protection is to have measles vaccination. If you have not had confirmed measles illness in the past, or you have not received TWO doses of MMR or measles containing vaccine, you cannot be sure to be protected. Immunisation protects not only the individual, but also stops the spread of this disease within our communities. In Northland, MMR vaccine coverage has not been very high for many years, and older children, teenagers and young adults, as well as young children under 15 months (that is, not yet old enough to receive the vaccine) are most at risk. If you are exposed to someone who has measles and you are not immune, you will be asked to self-quarantine for up to 14 days after exposure. As this is highly disruptive to families, work and school, I strongly recommend MMR vaccination for all school students who have not received two doses.

PLEASE SEE YOUR GP OR PRACTICE NURSE- VACCINATION IS FREE Dr Clair Mills Medical Officer of Health Public Health Northland District Health Board

PUBLIC & POPULATION HEALTH, Tohora House, P O Box 9742, Whangarei Ph: 09 4304101 Fax: 09 4304498 www.northlanddhb.org.nz Dr Clair Mills, Medical Officer of Health, 021461039 clair.mills@northlanddhb.org.nz

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT MEASLES: What is measles?

• Measles is a highly infectious viral disease that can be very serious.

• It is spread from person to person through the air by breathing, sneezing or coughing. Just being in the same room as someone with measles can lead to infection if you are not immune.

Who is at risk of measles infection? People are at risk of getting measles if they are not immune to measles. People who are regarded as not immune to measles are:

• People younger than 45 years old (born after 01 January 1969) who have not had two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Infants under the age of 15 months who have not received their first routine dose of MMR vaccine. They are susceptible and rely on everyone else to be immune so that measles does not spread to them.

• Children over four years old who have not received their second dose of MMR.

What should you do?

• Ensure you/your child are up to date with your immunisations.

• If you/your child are not immune it is important to be aware of the symptoms of measles. The early symptoms of measles are fever, runny nose, sore red eyes and cough.

• After 3-5 days a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and head and then spreads down the body.

If you develop symptoms of measles:

• Stay at home and away from public places (such as sports events, gatherings, parties, school, work, child care, shopping centres, public transport and so on).

• See your doctor as soon as possible so a diagnosis can be confirmed. However, phone the surgery ahead to alert them of your symptoms and to allow them to make arrangements to assess you safely and without infecting other people.

• If you are unable to visit your GP phone Healthline on 0800 611 116.