This week is Cook Island Language Week the theme is 'Ātuitui ia au ki te Oneone o tōku 'Ui Tupuna - connect me to the soils of my ancestors.

The theme reflects on the journey of Cook Islands peoples in New Zealand, as well as the longing of young Cook Islanders to connect with their language, culture, and identity. Acknowledging that while community elders are fundamental to the teaching and sharing of the Cook Islands language, the leadership of young people as the next wave of cultural and language experts is also critical in keeping the connection to their homelands alive. Being able to celebrate the languages of the Pacific is a precious gift, as it reminds us of where we come from and the depth of culture that embraces us.  

Last Sunday's Gospel was from Luke 12: 13-21 

It is the parable of the Rich Fool, when faced with abundance, wants to store it away for himself. It is a warning to us to be on our guard against all kinds of greed.

This week we were rung at school by an older woman wanting to pass on her gratitude to one of our students. She had fallen while shopping in Kilbirnie and one of our students had stopped to help her. She then accompanied her back to her home at Rita Angus. It is always good to take these calls, it is good to know that our students are not greedy with their time. As women of Mercy, when no one is watching, they are willing to help others. This is thanks to your values as whānau.

PTA

The PTA have a number of events coming up - please put these in your calendar

E-waste Saturday 3 September

Daughter and Dad breakfast on the Friday 23 September

The PTA this month approved funding for the following items

• 10 Chrome book computers
• Bike rack
• Visual Art Wacom Intuos ( these are used for Art)
• Lectern for the hall
• Hangi Cooker - remaining $750 ($250 raised by students already)
• New tables for the hall
• Calculators
• Plane ticket for Dance Teacher to assess the Pasifika Performance

Attendance

If your daughter is absent from school please provide us with information about why.  For example, "family reasons" - this explains her absence but is not sufficient to justify it when we are asked by the Ministry of Education.

Enrolments for 2023

We do not have an official closing date for enrolment. It does help us with planning for next year if people let us know as soon as possible if they intend to enrol at St Catherine's. If you or someone you know is interested, make a time to come in and meet with us. We are always happy to share what we have to offer and or give a tour.

Free with delivery included

We have a piano free for a home. We can deliver it, but would need assistance getting it into your home.  Please contact the office if you are interested.  Also there was a pair of shoes left after the holidays. If these are yours please let us know.