Home – Updated

AG & PET DAY INFORMATION

Fri Aug 21 05:00pm

 

AG & PET DAY INFORMATION

Thu Aug 20 05:01pm

 

REMINDER: Pizza orders are due tomorrow!

Wed Aug 19 07:00pm

 

AG & PET DAY INFORMATION

Wed Aug 19 05:09pm

 

Photo Day – Sibling Photos

Wed Aug 19 01:10pm

Sibling Photos – Photo Day

If you have older or younger children who attend a different school, you are welcome to bring them along on Photo Day so Photolife can take a photo of all siblings together.

Sibling photos will be taken at approximately 8:30am on Monday 24 August.

Please let us know if you will be bringing siblings from another school for a photo, so we can make sure they are included.

Ag and Pet Day – Bottle-O Stall

Tue Aug 18 06:45pm

On Ag and Pet Day (Thursday 24th Sept), we will have a Bottle-O stall.  This is a fundraising stall to help cover the costs of running the Ag and Pet Day.  Tickets will be sold at the stall, and if your number matches a number on a bottle, then you win that bottle.  Tickets will be $2.  The tickets will be sold at the stall on the Ag and Pet Day. Please do not send money now.

We ask you to please donate a bottle of something (juice, soft drink, body lotion, olive oil, shampoo, vinegar, etc.) to the school for us to have on the stall.  Please do not send alcohol,  as it is a school event.

Bottles can be brought to school from tomorrow and taken to the office for me to collect.  We truly appreciate your contribution to this event.

Kind regards

Sharlene Clark-Va’aelua

FOOD STALL – Ag and Pet day Thursday 24 September

Mon Aug 17 11:31am

For Pet Day, the PTF is hoping to put together a multi-cultural food stall, showcasing some of the delicious foods from the different cultures that make up our school community.

We are looking for families who might like to:

 Make one favourite cultural dish to sell
 Or even run a small food stall of your own

 — the PTF would like to contribute towards the cost of the food.

We want to keep it simple and enjoyable, with no pressure or big commitment. If you have a dish you’d love to share, we’d love to hear from you!

Please get in touch with either Andrea Annabell 0273875000 or
Tracy Drought the Principal before the 4th of September

Thanks from the PTF 

School Grade Touch 2026

Sun Aug 16 08:28pm

Please follow the link below to register your child/children for touch this season. This link will close on Monday 24th August.

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJK8wPgwDimqjI5fN3HVJVrPVV0W1lv7G9Fo3i5f0iJEShXA/viewform?usp=header

This week’s Newsletter is now available to read on the school App.

Fri Aug 14 04:03pm

Reminder: Parish/School Mass

Fri Aug 14 01:15pm

On Sunday 16th August, we have our termly Parish/School mass starting at 9am. 

This is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and would love to see you all there to celebrate this feast day. 

Also students that attend will recieve House Points. 

Thank you Rachel Kowalewski

There is NO assembly this afternoon. Students will be participating in Mission Group activities.

Fri Aug 14 09:15am

SPRING FLOWER SHOW – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September. At the Hawera Community Centre.

Tue Aug 11 10:16am

 

Our school Photo Day will be held on Monday, 24 August.

Mon Aug 10 01:02pm

Students will be bringing home the attached information pamphlet today with important details about Photo Day, including instructions for ordering photos and information about sibling photographs.

Please take a moment to read through the information.

 

New School PE Tops Available

Mon Aug 10 12:29pm

We are pleased to let families know that our new branded PE tops will be available to purchase from the school office from Wednesday.

Cost: $30 per top

If your child needs a new PE top, these can be purchased through the office from Wednesday onwards.

Ag & Pet Day – SAVE THE DATE!! Thursday 24th September 2026. Please see the flyer below for our Ag & Pet Day this year….

Sat Aug 08 07:00pm

 

Pizza Fridays are Here!! For the remainder of Term 3! Order on Thursday for Friday lunchtimes. $2.00 per Slice. STARTING NEXT WEEK!

Fri Aug 07 03:47pm

 

MacKillop House Celebration Day tomorrow

Thu Aug 06 08:14pm

Tomorrow, Friday 7th August is MacKillop House Celebration Day. Students from MacKillop House can come to school in mufti. No school uniform.

Mrs Tesar and Miss K (MacKillop House Teachers)

PTF meeting in staffroom, Wednesday 3.15pm. All welcome.

Mon Aug 03 04:21pm

Parish/School Mass

Mon Aug 03 01:27pm

Sunday 16th August 2026 is our Parish/School Mass at 9am. 

This is for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. 

Please read the flyer for more information. 

 

The Assumption Parish/School Mass

Ag & Pet Day

Mon Aug 03 12:59pm

Thank you to those people who have indicated they will be bringing pets to our Ag & Pet Day on 24th September.

We currently only have 5 calves and 4 lambs entered. To make this the best day possible we would love more!

We also have 20 dogs currently entered. There will be more information coming soon, but it is important that if you are bringing a dog, that it is socialized – used to people and other dogs.

If you have not yet indicated that you are bringing a pet, please email me at karee@sjshawera.school.nz with your child’s name, class, type of pet and pet’s name.

Nga mihi nui,

Karee Duncan

MacKillop House Celebration Day

Mon Aug 03 11:50am

Friday 7th August is MacKillop House Celebration Day. Students from MacKillop House can come to school in mufti. 

LIVE IT CHALLENGE tomorrow

Thu Jul 30 03:40pm

Afternoon all,

Just a couple of reminders about for tomorrow

1) Students can come to school in mufti. No uniform. Please make sure they have warm clothes as they will be outside for most of the day. 

2) We are in desparate need of tarps and blankets for both the roof and ground cover. As well as poles to hold up the roof. Please bring them in  and name them so we can return them.

3) Students only need to bring a piece of fruit for morning tea. For lunch the  students will be  getting 2 slices of bread. 

We look forward to having a wonderful day of learning and experiencing what it is like to live without for just oneday. 

Thanks

Rachel Kowalewski (DRS)

REMINDER – Ag & Pet Day forms to be returned by Friday

Tue Jul 28 03:16pm

Please note the NAIT number is 12862733. The owner of the calf must record a movement to and from the school’s NAIT number in the NAIT system.

View PDF

Grandparents Day-Apologies for the confusion regarding the start time. To clarify, Grandparents Day will begin at 12 noon tomorrow.

Mon Jul 27 10:24am

LIVE IT Challenge Friday

Sun Jul 26 03:40pm

Afternoon all,

Our Cartias LIVE IT Challenge is on this Friday 31st July. Students will be experencing what is like to live in a shelter and have limited food for the day. 

Each Mission Group will be building a shelter to eat and do some learning in. Therefore we are asking for students to start bring in NAMED  tarps/blankets and poles to school to help with building their shelters. Please NO tents. Give them to their classroom teacher before FRIDAY

Also on this day, students will experience what it is like to have less food.  Students are to bring a piece of fruit for their morning tea from home. For lunch students will be given 2 slices of plain bread. Yes this includes teachers.  Remember this is for only one day. It is about experiencing what is like to go without.

Throughout the day, students will be participating in a variety of activities to learn more how other children in poorer countries live, learn and have fun. 

So starting bringing in your named tarp/blankets and poles.

Thank you 

Rachel Kowalewski (DRS)

LIVE IT Challenge Flyer

Grandparents Day information

Sun Jul 26 03:20pm

Grandparents afternoon is on Tuesday 28th July. We will begin with our Grandparents Liturgy at 12noon in the church. Following this you are more than welcome to come and have lunch with your grandchild/ren, check out their classroom and spend some time with them. . 

Please bring your lunch. 

Thank you

Bianca Mitchell and Rachel Kowalewski

Grandparents Day

Wed Jul 22 10:15am

Hi all,

Grandparents Day afternoon is on Tuesday 28th July.

Check out the flyer for more information. 

Thanks

Rachel Kowalewski

Grandparents Day Flyer

Grandparents Day Liturgy Photo Request

Tue Jul 21 09:17pm

Evening all,

As part of our Grandparents Day Liturgy on Tuesday 28 July, we are creating a special photo presentation to celebrate the love, faith, and important role that grandparents play in the lives of our students.

We are inviting you to send in a photo of your child with their grandparent(s). These photos will be shown during the liturgy as we give thanks for the special relationships that enrich our families and school community.

Please email your photo to either Mrs Mitchell or Miss K by Friday 24 July.

bianca.mitchell@sjshawera.school.nz or rachel@sjshawera.school.nz

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion together and thank you for helping make our Grandparents Day Liturgy a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Thank you

Bianca Mitchell and Rachel Kowalewski

St Joseph’s School, Ōpunakē – 125th Jubilee Celebrations. Flyer Attached.

Mon Jul 20 04:09pm

Spread the word by sharing this with family, friends, and anyone who has been part of St Joseph’s School Ōpunakē over the past 125 years. 

St Joseph’s School, Ōpunake. 125th Jubilee – Save the Date! Thursday 22 October and Friday 23 October.

Register your interest using the first link below.

Purchase your tickets for our 125th Jubilee Dinner on Friday evening using the second link.

Register Your Interest FormTicket Purchasing – Friday night Dinner

View Image

Grandparents Day Liturgy Photo Request

Thu Jul 16 10:15am

Morning all,

As part of our Grandparents Day Liturgy on Tuesday 28 July, we are creating a special photo presentation to celebrate the love, faith, and important role that grandparents play in the lives of our students.

We are inviting you to send in a photo of your child with their grandparent(s). These photos will be shown during the liturgy as we give thanks for the special relationships that enrich our families and school community.

Please email your photo to either Mrs Mitchell or Miss K by Friday 24 July.

bianca.mitchell@sjshawera.school.nz or rachel@sjshawera.school.nz

We look forward to celebrating this special occasion together and thank you for helping make our Grandparents Day Liturgy a meaningful and memorable celebration.

Thank you

Bianca Mitchell and Rachel Kowalewski

Grandparents Day

Thu Jul 09 12:41pm

Hi all,

Grandparents Day afternoon is on Tuesday 28th July.

Check out the flyer for more information. 

Thanks

Rachel Kowalewski

Grandparents Day Flyer

Lunch orders available tomorrow (Friday)

Thu Jul 02 07:05pm

$2 sausage & bread

$5 pulled beef burger with cheese & slaw (can be taken out)

Senior leaders will come through classes in the morning to collect orders and money.

 

Cookie Fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who has supported Kirby’s Skating! One last chance to order tomorrow morning at the office.

Thu Jul 02 03:37pm

 

Spelling Bee certificates will be given out this Friday during our school assembly.

Wed Jul 01 05:04pm

Cookie Fundraiser – Orders Due tomorrow

Wed Jul 01 10:42am

 

Winter Tournament – reminder and food for sale

Tue Jun 30 11:38am

Kia ora e te whānau

We are expecting a day like today for our Winter Tournament/Bhana Cup tomorrow.

The event will be held at The Hub (draws have already been sent out). We look forward to seeing lots of you down there.

If your child is playing, can you please ensure they come to school in their correct sports gear tomorrow.  They will also need warm clothes.  Don’t forget things like mouth guards for rugby and shin pads for football.

Our PTF will have an amazing food stall set up, it would be great to see as much support as possible for them. See attached flyer for food items for sale.

Ngā mihi

Food for Sale

WINTER TOURNAMENT 1st JULY SPORTS DRAWS

Tue Jun 30 09:39am

 

Winter Tournament Sports Draws

School Uniform – Campus Clothing

Mon Jun 29 01:53pm

Kia ora koutou

Following on from my message regarding our school uniform last week…

Most of our uniform is ready (aside for the culottes which are being made).  You can purchase online (see the link below) or in store, also open from 10-12 on a Saturday.

We have a variety of sizes now in our school office to try on if you wish.

PE tops will only be able to be purchased directly from us at school at the moment due to us having to purchase stock from The Warehouse.  They are just having the logo and school name printed on this week but will be ready soon. I will let you know as soon as they are ready.

Please have a look at the new uniform pieces –                  school track pant,  gender neutral navy shorts which can be worn as part of the everyday uniform and/or as a PE short and the navy school jacket.

Thank you so much for your patience around us getting this all sorted.

Ngā mihi, Tracey

Campus Clothing

Hāwera Netball is CANCELLED – Saturday 27th June

Fri Jun 26 03:14pm

 

 

Cookie Information

Fri Jun 26 12:10pm

If your child ordered a cookie but is absent from school today, you are welcome to collect it from the school office before the end of the day.

Alternatively, they will be given to the students on Monday.

Thank you!

School is open today at this stage, if anything changes we will let you know. We understand if you wish to keep your children home.

Fri Jun 26 08:54am

You are welcome to park in the school/parish car park for conferences. Please just be careful around 3pm.

Thu Jun 25 02:30pm

Conferences – pick up

Thu Jun 25 09:55am

Kia ora koutou

Our original plan was for students to remain at school for the afternoon.  However, there has been a bit of confusion with people asking about a 1pm pick up.

We are more than happy for students to be picked up at 1pm today if that suits you, this will not affect their attendance.

Ngā mihi, Tracey

Cookie Fundraiser – Reminder, orders are due today!!

Thu Jun 25 08:01am

 

Cookie Fundraiser – Orders Due tomorrow

Wed Jun 24 03:39pm

 

LIVE IT Challenge Postponed

Tue Jun 23 10:28pm

A decision has been made to move the LIVE IT Challenge to early next  term. 

Information regarding this will come out during the holidays and in the first week of Term 3

Thanks

Rachel Kowalewski

Cookie Fundraiser – See the attached flyer for more information.

Tue Jun 23 07:00pm

 

Taranaki Milk Top Challenge

Tue Jun 23 02:15pm

 

School conferences – Reminder, early pick up today, please.

Tue Jun 23 10:03am

Just a reminder about our request for you to please pick up your children from school early – at 1 pm TODAY, to enable school conferences to take place. 

If you are unable to collect them, then we will ensure they are well taken care of at school.

We do not need you to do this on Thursday, as we have more free staff.

 

 

School Uniform update…

Mon Jun 22 02:06pm

Kia ora koutou

We have been working behind the scenes to get our uniform supply sorted out.  We are aware that it has been fairly hard going over the last year to purchase pieces due to low numbers and limited sizes, our apologies for this.

As much as we wanted to stay local we have made the decision to change suppliers to Campus Clothing in New Plymouth.  Our uniform will be able to be purchased online or in their store, which is open all week and on a Saturday morning.

We will hold samples of the uniform in our school office so that students can try sizes on if online is your preferred option.

Our uniform has not changed, however our new logo will feature.  We have also added a couple of pieces.

There is an option for a plain navy short which is gender neutral (with school logo). This could be worn instead of the culottes/grey shorts.  These navy shorts could also be worn for sports.

We have also added a soft shell, warm hooded waterproof jacket (with school logo).  This is a great option for winter before/after school as well as morning tea and lunchtimes.  It can also double for sporting events.

We have always had track pants as a winter option but we do feel this needs tidying up a little so have a plain navy track pant (with school logo) that will become the uniform.

The culottes are going to take a bit of time as we have opted for a better fit model, which requires them being made.  Blue shorts or track pants are option until these become available if needed.

We do not expect anyone to be changing clothing to move to the new logo, this will simply phase in as new items are purchased.

Due to contractual commitments we will hold all PE tops here at school to be purchased until we work our way through them.  They will also have our new school logo.  These will be ready (I hope) after the school holidays.

Campus Clothing should have our uniform all up on their website by the end of this week and are working though getting things branded and ready for us.  

We will let you know as things become available.  In the meantime there are still some uniform pieces at the Warehouse which can be purchased.

Ngā mihi nui, Tracey

 

Parent Survey @ Conferences

Mon Jun 22 12:43pm

Kia ora e te whānau

We will have a few very quick and easy survey questions up and around the school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. 

It would very much appreciated if you could please take a couple of minutes while you are here to fill them in.  It only involves picking up the stamp and stamping in the appropriate column.

Ngā mihi nui

LIVE IT Challenge

Sat Jun 20 06:55pm

This Friday we are having our Caritas LIVE IT Challenge. This is a way for students to experience what it is like to live in a shelter and have less food for just one day. 

Students will be building shelters and participating in activities related to having less. 

On this day, students are to bring in a piece of fruit for morning tea. For lunch students will be given 2 slices of bread. 

Finally, please start bringing in your named tarps, blankets and poles  to make a shelter. No tents please. 

Any questions, please contact your classroom teacher

Thanks

Rachel Kowalewski (DRS)

Flyer for LIVE IT Challenge

Reminder – Parent-Teacher Conferences. Bookings close at 2:00 pm TODAY!

Fri Jun 19 12:03pm

If you have not yet booked a conference time with your child’s teacher, please do so as soon as possible using the booking link below:

https://www.console.skoolloop.com/interviews/24492/

Mid Year Report Letter

Missed out on ordering cookies today? Don’t worry! We can still take cookie orders in the school office tomorrow. Details attached.

Thu Jun 18 07:00pm

 

Reminder – Parent-Teacher Conferences. Bookings close at 2:00 pm TOMORROW.

Thu Jun 18 02:07pm

If you have not yet booked a conference time with your child’s teacher, please do so as soon as possible using the booking link below:

https://www.console.skoolloop.com/interviews/24492/

Mid Year Report Letter

School conferences – early pick up Tuesday please

Wed Jun 17 04:54pm

Kia ora

I am just putting put a reminder around our request for you to please pick up your children from school early – at 1pm on Tuesday to enable school conferences to take place. 

If you are unable to collect them then we will ensure they are well taken care of at school.

We do not need you to do this on Thursday as we have more free staff.

Ngā mihi, Tracey

 

Cookie Fundraiser – Orders Due tomorrow

Wed Jun 17 04:15pm

 

LIVE IT CHALLENGE

Tue Jun 16 11:43am

Friday 26th June from 9-3pm

We are needing named tarpaulines/blankets, (no tents), for students to build a shelter. 

More information to come

LIVE IT Challenge Flyer

Parent-Teacher Conference bookings are now open!

Mon Jun 15 11:00am

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Parent-Teacher Conference bookings are now open!

To book an interview, please click on the attached booking link. You will be able to select your child’s teacher and choose a suitable interview time.

https://www.console.skoolloop.com/interviews/24492/

If you have more than one child at the school, please make separate bookings for each teacher.

If you experience any difficulties making a booking, please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to help.

The Mid Year Report letter is also attached to this message for your reference.

Kind regards, Myra

View PDF

Spelling Bee

Sun Jun 14 02:42pm

Kia koutou,

 

This week, students will be participating in our annual Spelling Bee.

Students have spent the last four weeks practicing the spelling words from their list and now it is their time to shine.

 

Certificates will be presented during the Week 11 assembly.

 

Ngā mihi,

Katie Stables

? Missed out on ordering cookies today? Don’t worry! We can still take cookie orders in the school office tomorrow. Details attached.

Thu Jun 11 10:42am

 

Cookie Fundraiser – Starting tomorrow!! See the attached flyer for more information.

Wed Jun 10 11:38am

 

School news

Tue Jun 09 05:50pm

Kia ora e te whānau

We want to take a moment to share some solemn news.

Last week, both Andrew Bartlett and Karee Duncan were away on bereavement leave following the loss of loved ones.  Andrew’s mother and Karee’s father-in-law both sadly passed away the week prior, in fact within one day of each other.

On behalf of the entire school, we offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt thoughts to Andrew, Karee, and their families during this difficult time.

We thank you in advance for your empathy and understanding as they navigate this period of grief.

Ngā mihi nui

 

Baptismal Programme session 2 this Sunday. Starting at 9am.

Fri Jun 05 03:48pm

Help needed please for a general garden tidy up…next Thursday 11 June, 2-3pm

Fri Jun 05 02:34pm

Next Thursday our Environmental Leaders will be tidying up our gardens.  We would love a few parents who have some time to come along and help please.

Thursday 11 June @ 2-3pm.

If you are able to help please contact Bridget Tesar. 

bridget.tesar@sjshawera.school.nz

Ngā mihi

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up! Bookings open at 10:00 am on Monday, 15 June, and close at 2:00 pm on Friday, 19 June.

Thu Jun 04 12:34pm

Mid-Year Report Letter

 

Conferences request for early pick up – Mid Year Report Letter

Thu Jun 04 11:32am

Kia ora e te whānau

As you will have seen we are holding our home and school conferences on Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 June from     1.30pm – 6pm each day.

If you are in a position to collect your child/ren at lunchtime (1.00pm) on Tuesday that would be very much appreciated. We do understand that for some people this is not possible and we will ensure that we have staff at school who can be with those children.  

Please see a letter regarding our school reports which we be sent home on Monday 22 June.

Ngā mihi, Tracey

School Report Information

Car park – Important

Thu Jun 04 11:11am

Kia ora koutou

It has been great to see so many people using the drop zone so efficiently in the mornings and afternoons now that our carpark has been painted, thank you.

Over the last few days we have had cars driving in to the Parish parking area and the 5 minute visitor parks before school.  Both of these areas are only accessible while the children are in class – between 9am and 2.45pm.  We do ask please that you respect and follow this rule to keep our children safe.

If you have people dropping off or collecting your children who are not used to our carpark, can you please ensure they are aware of our expectations. 

Ngā mihi

 

PB4L Shop Vouchers

Tue Jun 02 09:54pm

Students who purchased either a Slushie or Hot Chips from the PB4L shop will be able to use their voucher this week. 

Slushies will be available on Thursday.

Hot Chips on Friday. 

This is only for students who have a voucher. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up! Bookings open at 10:00 am on Monday, 15 June, and close at 2:00 pm on Friday, 19 June.

Mon Jun 01 12:16pm

 

Thank you to all the attended our Parish/School mass this morning. What a great way to come together to celebrate Pentecost.

Sun May 24 03:52pm