Hero photograph
 
Photo by Jo Earl

Nā te Tumuaki (from the Principal)

Jo Earl —

We have had a great couple of weeks. I am constantly amazed at the opportunities available for your tamariki here at St Francis.

What's been happening?

Frankie

Welcome back to Frankie! Our penguin has taken up his home in the office after being away for the Penguin trail over the holidays. The groups of artist with Mrs Ferguson and Mrs Carney did a fabulous job - pop into to see him when you have time.

Tumu Camp 

The Tumu Hub had a fabulous camp last week at Woodend Christian Camp. The children came back buzzing... and also very tired (as did the teachers and camp helpers). Thanks so much to our parent helpers - we couldn't have done it without you. Thanks also to our Hub teachers led by Anna Carney for organising a great adventure for our Year 5/6 Team - lots of work but also lots of rewards!

Ash Wednesday

Covid restrictions put a hold on our plans to celebrate Mass as a school last week however it did not stop us from holding some very reverent and thoughtful liturgies in the Hubs. 

Since then Fr Thanh has also visited the Kākano Hub to talk about the meaning of Lent. The children enjoyed his visit very much.

Commissioning Mass

Our staff attended the Commissioning Mass at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral on Wednesday afternoon together with all other teachers from Catholic Schools in Christchurch. It was a big gathering on a very hot afternoon!

At this gathering we celebrated all those teachers who had completed the Diocesan Certificate of Attainment in Religious Studies.

We were very proud to have three of our staff in this group.

Congratulations to:

Rebecca Methven, Louise Mackay and Paula Brown. 

This is a significant achievement.

Duathlon

The Duathlon was successfully run at Walter Park yesterday. The students had a great time. Thanks to Maree Scott and Rebecca Henderson for the work involved in ensuring our students had this opportunity this week. Check the results on the Duathlon article.

What's Coming up?

Bike Track Timetable

The Bike Track is open to all students at morning tea times to use their own scooters and bikes.

There is a roster for the lunchtimes as below. Children can use their own bikes and scooters and also the school bikes are available as well.

Monday: Kākano

Tuesday / Thursday: Tumu and Kaupeka

Wednesday: Paiaka

Friday: Kākano and Paiaka

Extra Opportunities

Check out the article on what extra opportunities are available for your children. Most clubs/opportunities will start next week.

Maire Bowler

Just a wee update - Maire will continue on at St Peter's until Term 3 when she will return to us. 

Note that is being sent to St Peter's Community

The school board undertook a recruitment process with a view to have a new Principal confirmed and in place by Term 2, 2021.

We have not been able to identify a preferred candidate through this process and as a result we will now re-advertise.

As you will all agree, the search for the candidate with right fit to fill the role of Principal at St Peters is significantly important. Please be assured the board will continue to work hard to ensure we get the best candidate for St Peters and our school community.

Maire Bowler has kindly agreed to stay with St Peters through to the end of Term 2 as Relief Principal. The board would like to thank Maire, the Principal and School Board at St Francis for their support.

Kia pai ō rā whakatā

(Have a good weekend)

Jo