Principal's Message
Around School
Kia Ora Koutou Whanau
Queen’s birthday would usually mark the last break before a long stretch without a public holiday, but this year we have the inaugural Matariki public holiday. This holiday will recognise the rise of Matariki and also Puanga, which is celebrated by several iwi. This indigenous celebration of the new year will be celebrated Friday 24 June.
Sabbatical
Just a reminder that I am on Sabbatical for five weeks. This takes in weeks 8-10 of this term and weeks 1 and 2 of term three. The management of the school in my absence and what that will look like will be in next week’s newsletter.
Accord Teacher Only Days
As one would expect these dates have been advertised earlier and are available on the Calendar. However, as a further reminder the remaining days for this year are August 29, November 21 and 28.
Winter ills and Masks
Despite our risk mitigation, absences for Orange setting are high due to illness. We continue to wear masks at school in Assemblies, Chapels, and large gatherings as a precaution, but it may be that we ask for a return to mask wearing in classrooms. I will keep you posted but, in the meantime, please ensure that students have masks in their bags for Monday.
Internet connections extended
All learner households currently connected through the Ministry will continue to have free internet access until the end of the school year. Services will remain connected until 15 January 2023 to provide time for potential transition to another service. Provided as part of the COVID-19 support plan, these connections were due to expire at the end of this month.
The extension will help schools continue to provide distance learning support and enable learners in these homes to remain engaged during periods of public health restrictions or self-isolation.
The Equitable Digital Access team has funding available to offer internet connectivity to additional households that are not connected up to 15 January. If you know anyone in your school community that needs assistance with internet connectivity, please let me know as soon as possible.
Second COVID-19 vaccine booster for higher-risk people
MoE know there is a high level of interest in when the second vaccine booster for those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will be available. They will share information about accessing the second booster when it has been confirmed with the Ministry of Health. COVID-19 boosters – Ministry of Health
Mānawatia a Matariki: Celebrating Matariki
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki - Celebrate the rising of Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi - Celebrate the rising of the lord of the heavens
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tau - Celebrate the rising of the New Year
Matariki hunga nui Matariki, a time to come together
Matariki ahunga nui Matariki, a time of bounty
Matariki manako nui Matariki, a time of aspiration
Across the country, communities are getting excited about the first ever celebration of Matariki as a public holiday.
Te Mātahi o te Tau on Kauwhata Reo
Matariki, including Puanga, have traditionally been celebrated with several important themes. These themes have guided the creation of our learning resources. These themes are:
- reflection: remembering loved ones who have passed on, especially within the past lunar year
- celebration: celebrating the bounty and blessings of the present
- aspiration: setting aspirations to ensure that that bounty can continue long into the future with a focus on environmental protection and regeneration
Be the best you can be.
Have a safe weekend.
Ngā Mihi
Kiri
Boarding Note from Jo Booth
On Wednesday we were visited by an ERO Boarding Review team. The review is still to being completed and in this process we spent time discussing systems and that is where Orah’s introduction to Boarding at St Matthew’s is invaluable. Strong leave processes are essential but we need families to use Orah.
Therefore I have included the link below once again. Please take some time to go through this process and start to use Orah when requesting leave for your daughter.
https://success.orah.com/en/collections/2964709-parent-guardians
While it will take some time for us all to adapt to this new system, please remember it is processes such as this which enable us to account for all boarders while they are under our care.
Thank you - Jo
Year 11 103 Science
103 Science have been looking at NZ unique flora and fauna and why NZ is aiming for a predator free 2050. The students have built their own rat trap boxes to take home and lay traps in around their own sections. Thus play their own part in this national goal. Thank you to Masterton Mens Shed for putting the kits together for us and to Bruce and Wayne for helping the students with constructing them.
Pride Week
Here is the plan for Pride Week next week from Rebecca Johnson and Sophie Bassett -
- Monday: There is a bake sale on the deck during morning tea and at lunch, you can get a pride flag painted on your hand, this will also be on the deck.
- Tuesday: there will be chalk drawing on the path between the upper and lower classrooms blocks if it's rainy there will be window chalk drawings.
- Wednesday: Non-Uniform day, dollar coin donation. Wear colorful and bright clothing.
- Friday: Statement Garland, will be set up outside the dining room as you walk in. Write a positive message related to Pride to be added to the decorative chain.
All money raised during Pride Week will be going to RainbowYOUTH and insideOUT.
Kotahitanga
Kotahitanga takes place on Thursday afternoons. It is an opportunity for all St Matthews students to come together and participate in school and wellness activities. This term the students have had the opportunity to participate in capture the flag, and a choice afternoon which included activities such as a sing along movie, dodgeball, study and baking.
Yesterday the year groups were split and participated in house sports activities (some onsite and some at Colombo Rd netball courts). It has been great to see the older and younger students connecting after a structured Covid year. There was a real sense of house and school spirit yesterday afternoon.
Next week with many away at Big Sing the students will be working in year levels with a focus for year 11 on NCEA, Year 7 and 8 the upcoming production and year 9 and 10 team building. The remainder of the term will consist of an ats and crafts afternoon, another choice afternoon and a school disco.
2022 School Board Triennial Elections
The St Matthew's Collegiate Board of Trustees Elections will be held on 7 September 2022. We encourage any parents, caregivers and those from the wider community who are interested in being part of the governance of our school to put their name forward when nominations open in July.
St Matthew's Kitchen and More Tour 2022
The Friends of St Matthew’s are excited to announce that the theme for this year is: Indoor and Outdoor Entertaining. If you would like the opportunity to have your fabulous property included in this event on October 30th, please register your expression of interest to: suzie.leckie@trinityschools.nz
School App
If you are new to St Matthew's Collegiate, or have yet to download, please follow the link to install our school app https://schoolappsnz.co.nz/install
For current families, please update your subscription groups by clicking on the cog in the top right hand of the screen. It will take you to the groups for you to change.
Key Dates for Term 2
- Wednesday 17th June - Non uniform day (PRIDE week)
- Thursday 16th June - Big Sing Palmerston
- Wednesday 22nd June - Dessert Dance
- Friday 24th June - Matariki public holiday
- Saturday 25th June - Exeat
- Sunday 26th June - Exeat
- Wednesday 29th - University of Canterbury presentation (5.30pm SC Centre)
- Friday 1st July - Saturday 2nd July - 20 hour back-page challenge
- Friday 1st July - Saturday 2nd July - Arts Evening (6.30pm at Rathkeale)
- Sunday 3rd July - Tuesday 5th July - Pent Tournament (away)
- Friday 8th July - Last day of Term 2