13

ISSUE

23rd August 2013

Amazing Grace
The words to that well known hymn Amazing Grace Please take the time to read this wonderfully descriptive account of how Gods Grace can light the darkness corners of our existence. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. When we've been there ten thousand years Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise

Gospel Values for Term Three:

Honesty and Pride

Prayer of the Week

Loving God, We give thanks and rejoice in the hard work, fun, and fellowship that our students, our staff, and all those unknown to us played in making our recent successes a wonderful experience for all. May we find gladness and satisfaction in all of our achievements, big and small and even in our challenges and lessons. May these experiences of teamwork and trial strengthen our bond as a school and remind us of our commitment and obligation to work together and to serve others. Grant us rest and renewal at weeks end so that we may continue to serve you faithfully and without ceasing. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.

School News
Subway Tuesday 3rd September, order forms are available from the school office and classrooms. Book Club Scholastic book orders are due back at school by 26th August. Tekapo Trip This will take place on Friday the 6th September. Whole School-Parish It for to is a all footpaths, because at least he has a job. No-one sneers at the doorman, whose very existence depends on his ability to politely open a door every time you walk towards it and those that do roam the higher classes of society usually remember to tip or at least acknowledge those less fortunate than themselves. One of the funnier aspects of that society, where some families annual incomes can be measured in a few hundred dollars per year, is that it is those with the least that give the most. The thousands of Buddhist monks that roam Thailand depend on the generosity of the people for food and in some cases, lodgings. I suspect that in New Zealand, they would probably have to starve to near death before most of us would take pity on them enough to offer them help. A heartfelt thanks to all of those that covered for me in my extended absence; and a special thank you to Mrs Suddaby in her role as Acting Principal. Thank you all so very much. I knew that the kids would all be well looked after and provided for, and that in itself made our situation much better. We really are a lucky wee school, to have such caring and conscientious staff. Unlike some bigger schools that have 10, 15, or even 45 teachers. Surely they couldnt have the same team ethos as our school. Surely the class sizes must make a difference in a school that size. Imagine sending your wee darling(s) to a school with 2500 students at it? Not for me thanks. Tekapo: On the 6th of September, (in two weeks) the whole school will be off to Tekapo for a soak, skate and snowtube. This is an annual event which the kids really enjoy (even the big adult kids) so please make time if you can. As we do every year, we will be taking/relying on private vehicles for transport as the cost of a bus for the day is prohibitive. It is a big day out, hence the reason behind choosing a Friday, as this gives us all the weekend to recover. A notice will come home next week, with a permission slip attached and asking for parents to provide transport. Once this is all collated, we will assign children to various vehicles etc. It is 140 kilometres from Waimate to Tekapo Springs, so if your child gets carsick, please try and make yourself available to come with us. These days are always fun and entertaining and I have no doubt that this trip will be the same. Bring your camera, your helmet, your lunch and a sense of humour and come and have some laughs with the kids. Mathletics Well done to David Xie for finishing 65th in Canterbury in the recent 2-day NZ Maths Challenge. This event is huge and involves nearly every school from around New Zealand. Of the 141 schools in the Canterbury region, St Patricks finished 8th and the senior room was the 9th best class in Canterbury. THAT is pretty good I reckon. I see that our nearest local competitor was Glenavy School, finishing 15th best school. The successes of our senior students in various maths competitions goes some way towards validating the effort and sometime different approach that we use to teach mathematics here at St Patricks. Maths is fun and our students like learning mathematically. Its all a bit different from how we learned ourselves, back in the day when everything was in black and white. Mass There is a whole-school Parish Mass scheduled for Sunday the 15th of September. All school students and their immediate families are expected to attend. This is an obligation agreed to as part of enrolling at St Patricks School. All families are encouraged to invite their extended whanau along as well, as Mass is an opportunity for the School to participate in the Catholic Parish community and for the wider Church community to interact with the school and to gather and pray together and to celebrate the commonalities of purpose.

Principals Commentary:
What a relief it is to get back to Waimate after our travels and tribulations. Whilst Tania, Patrick and I had a blast on our journeys, we were ever so grateful to step off the plane in Christchurch. Even the drive home from there, after 15 hours flying was fantastic. Our time in Thailand reinforced for us that we really do live in an awesome little corner of the world, and the lifestyles that many of us enjoy in New Zealand are (by comparison to lots of ordinary folk in Thailand for example) simply luxurious. What we take for granted, or what we complain about, when we cant have or get it, some cant even dream of. We live in a country where the unemployed, the sick and the elderly are rewarded for simply being who and what they are. In Thailand, there is no unemployment benefit. No benefits at all actually. If you dont work, you dont get paid. If you dont work, you dont eat. If you cannot produce something to sell to someone else, then you will not survive. There is no pension, no sickness benefits and no choices apart from working. But among all of that hardship and the harshness of life in a country with no social support networks or benefits, there is a surprisingly strong pride and respect and a distinct lack of class arrogance between most people. No-one looks down their noses at the man sweeping the

Mass On Sunday 15 th September. requirement students

attend

wearing school uniform. Seed Orders These have been sent home with the children, if you have not received one or you have need more the go they are available at the office. funds Remember raised will

toward keeping the cost of camp down. School Fair This is coming up in term 4 on the 9th November. Please keep this date free as we will need plenty of parent help to run this event. There will be a White Elephant stall, so if you have any used goods that you no longer use but could by be treasured someone

else please feel free to keep them to one side for this event.

Students are expected to attend in full school uniform and to sit together at the front on the left hand side so that their singing is clearly heard. Please feel free to sit with them. Just how I see it folks. Dont be offended. Naku noa na Me rongo (In peace) Darcy Kemp Acting Principal St Patricks School

Community Notices
Recreational Gymnastics your childs of attributes flexibility, ordination, self confidence. Wednesdays High per Caroline 1174. Methven Centennial Our Lady of the Snows School (formally Convent in Methven known School) as is School term. Hall Develop physical strength, coand on during from

agility,

self esteem, Held

discipline

school terms at Waimate 3.45 4.45, cost is $45 Contact 689 Frogley

Miniball St Patricks School are officially the 2013 Junior and Senior Waimate Miniball Champions. Both miniball finals were amazing tightly contested epic battles, but in both instances, our teams showed spectacular depth of character, tenacity and teamwork to prevail over their opponents. In both games the opposition were formidable and all credit to those teams as they really earned their way into the finals as well. Our junior team was coached by Toni Oudemans and the Senior Team was coached by Jess Bailey and Melissa Thomson. Thank you so very much for all of your efforts and contributions. Thank you to all of those students that played. So many of you have stepped up and showed leadership, poise and skill. Many of you have come a long way since last year and are developing into excellent ball players. Congratulations to Keevah Donaldson, Morgan Oudemans and Blake Thomson for their selection to the Waimate (combined) Miniball team which will compete in the Timaru competition. Well done and well earned.

celebrating its Centennial on the weekend of the 18-19th October 2013. To see the register programme please or contact

the secretary Annemarie McCloy on 03 302 1817 or email

g.a.mccloy@xtra.co.n z. Registrations close

Friday 4th October. English Language Polytechnic

Thank Yous
St Patricks School has been on the receiving end of some generous donations from people in the Parish community and organisations that are involved with the school. Firstly, a thank you to Father Brian, who through Hyundai South Canterbury secured St Patricks a donation of $500. Father Brian could have chosen any school in the South Canterbury district to award this money to, but saw St Patricks as the most deserving. A big thank you also to Bill ODonnell for his ongoing time and effort he puts into this school. Bill chops firewood and then sells it out in the community. The money is then donated to the school. We very much appreciate Bill and everything he does for our school. And lastly, thank you to Lee King and the staff at Sport South Canterbury. Lee visited our school a couple of weeks ago and filled up our tennis ball bucket which has been empty for a while. The students are loving being able to play tennis and other sports again.

Course in conjunction with Aoraki and is a 5 week course with Mrs Phyllis Barltrop as the tutor. This will be held on Tuesday evenings from Waihao 27th August in Downs School

Library. Cost is $50 for the 5 weeks which will need to paid on the 27th August.

The Beatitudes Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek; for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice; for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart; for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. May the Year of Faith be a time for all Catholics to renew their desire and zeal for the Eucharist and to avail themselves regularly of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance. During this Year of Faith, may all Catholics publically proclaim their love for Christ and his Church. May this Year of Faith remind us of ways to serve those in our midst who are overlooked, ignored or rejected, so that all may experience the peace and healing of Christs love. May the Holy Spirit guide the Church during the Year of Faith so that all Catholics may experience a deepened renewal of faith, hope and love. May young people be inspired by this Year of Faith to listen attentively and respond to Gods call to priesthood and religious life.

St Patricks School would like to thank the following sponsors

Caf on Queen
Caf and Wine Bar Open 7 days 25 Queen Street Ph: (03) 689 6010
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