IS S UE

5
2014

17 th Ap ril

Newsletter

Birthday Wishes
Mr Kemp 26th April (We wont disclose his age)

Gospel Values for Term One: Love, Forgiveness and Justice

Farewell
Unfortunately today not only sees the end of the term, it also means we say farewell to a family that has been a part of the St Pats family for the last 4 years. The Hakets are making the move to the North Island and we wish Willem all the best in his new school. We would also like to say you a to huge Ron, and thank their

Prayer of the Week

God of all cultures, God of all people, help us not to label anyone inferior or secondclass. Help us overcome our attitudes of superiority and oppression. May we broaden our vision and widen our tents so that plurality and diversity determine who we are; people called and committed to a world united in justice and peace, now and forever. Amen.

Angela and Mary for all help generosity throughout their time at St Pats. We hope you will not be a stranger and we will hear from you in the future.

School News
Subway 13th May. available classroom. Tuesday are the

Forms from

school office or in the

Miniball Miniball is starting week 1 next term for children in year 3-8. St Pats has entered 1 junior team and 1 senior team. Lets hope we have a repeat of last seasons achievements.

Principals Commentary:
Changing times I have had the absolute privilege of being the acting Principal of St Patricks School since mid-2010. During that time I have seen our school go from strength to strength and watched quite a number of our year 8 students go on from our school to begin their courses of study at various high schools with absolutely outstanding results. Most of our students go on to these high schools better equipped than many of their peers and they experience greater levels of success more quickly, due to the good grounding that they receive here at St Patricks. I have also seen numerous enrolments come in to our school, at all levels, but most importantly I have seen how having teaching staff of the highest calibre, with the latest and greatest training, skills and new knowledge and high standards can be a positive influence on many aspects of school life, not the least of which is the growth in new entrant enrolments, which is always good for the long term outlook of any school. I have witnessed the trials and tribulations of older students new to our school. Having been misunderstood or discarded by other schools and agencies, they all, without exception, succeeded at something here and they usually exceeded their

Thank

You

from

Morgan & Laney We would just like to say thank you to everyone who supported us with purchasing Chocolate raised a our Brownie wonderful

Fundraiser. Overall we $117.60 which we have sent off to WWF. We would also like to say a big thank you to Mrs Waller get who all us with We took of and all us our also the our hope down to New Worls to ingredients supported way fundraiser.

she has a great time at Waihao Downs School next term. We would also like to say a big thank them you to Toni the Oudemans who helped bake chocolate brownies.

own expectations and all, without fail, were reluctant to leave to move on to higher education. The all-embracing and welcoming atmosphere of our school is something that I have not seen elsewhere and it should be treasured. As a staff, we have lifted student achievement, across the curriculum and we have made a difference for all of our students. We have won national and regional competitions through hard work and aiming high and we have never considered our students to be capable of anything less than excellence. It has been my absolute privilege to have worked with those on staff and I cannot emphasise what a fantastic and dedicated team we have had here over the past few years. We have all been so lucky to have had such wonderful and capable people looking after our childrens education and I thank each and every one of those that have worked with me over the past few years. There have been so many highlights during my time here at St Patricks and there are so many occasions and achievements that I will never forget and I dont need to mention them all here, as most of you already know what we have achieved over the past couple of years. Likewise, I will also never forget some of those people in the community that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support me in my role, or our school. The following are just some of those that need to be singled out for their contributions. Gareth Oudemans for example, needs a medal for all of his support and for the ridiculous hours that he has spent over the past four years working to make this school such a good place of learning and helping to ensure that the Catholic Special character is upheld and enhanced. At least I got paid to do the job that I have done, but the hefty hours that Gareth puts

in as Chairperson on behalf of the school is all voluntary. Gareth is the only Board member left that has been on the Board for the entirety of my tenure and I am so glad that he is there to support Anne in her new role as well. Gareth is a good role model for all of our board members, attending regular training and keeping himself abreast of latest trends and developments in education and governance. Gareth is also active on the Parish Council and is a stalwart of this school community. Mike Nolan, Cushla OConnor and Maureen Kerr from the Catholic Education office have provided me and the Board with advice and guidance from a bottomless pit of support and enthusiasm and I am indebted to them all for their understanding and suffering of my endless questions and lack of experience. What a sterling job you folks all do, even through earthquakes and mayhem. Toni Oudemans, as outgoing chairperson of the Friends at St Pats (a.k.a. PTA) is another who has provided unerring support over the past years and on many occasions has filled in as surrogate parent for school outings and events when others couldnt. Her drive and commitment to the Friends at St Pats is beyond doubt and she has overseen the raising of quite a stash of funds over the past couple of years, all for the benefit of our students. Jess (P.T.) Bailey, as Office Administrator has been an absolute treasure. Jess runs things with efficiency and enthusiasm and despite the challenges that are often placed in front of her. From Novopay disputes to ordering supplies and filling in as parent support on school outings, Jess has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to your childrens education and welfare. Often going outside her job description and often working well beyond the hours for which she is paid, I could not have done my job without the

assistance and commitment that Jess provides. I think that it is really special that Jess is a past student and having her own children attending the school provides an even greater level of synergy. Thanks Jess for all that you have done. It has been a real pleasure to have worked with you and I cannot emphasise enough how much I appreciate all that you have done to make my job easier. The rest of the team at St Pats; Jo Shea, Colleen Mouton, Hannah Reeves, Barry List, Christine Nash and Kelly Waller I am so lucky to have got to know you folks and to have worked with you. I thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do for this school. You are all very very wonderful folks and part of me would be quite happy to stay, just to enjoy the camaraderie that exists at the school. These wonderful, efficient and highly entertaining people are all committed to the cause and all, without fail, often do so much more than what they are paid to do, because they know that it is a great wee school with something special about it. What they dont know, is that it is them and the kids in it that makes it so special. It is them and the kids that makes our Catholic special character bear witness to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Speaking of Catholic students.. (here we go again.) (why couldnt he just say goodbye without making people squirm with embarrassment?) at a recent meeting of South Canterbury Catholic Primary Principals held here at St Patricks last week, the consensus over the question of why so many Catholic families are ignoring their Catholic obligations at Church and in attending Catholic schools, was that people have become less interested and less devout, or more lazy. Apathy is a self-perpetuating disease. There is no excuse for Catholics to bypass the Catholic school. There are buses that cover nearly all of the Waimate district. The school has an exceptional

forward-focused curriculum and everything that students may need in terms of resources and equipment. St Patricks students experience such success on the sporting fields that the old complaint of not enough competition almost makes me feel embarrassed for those that use that one for an excuse. Oh yes, and excuse me, but weve got both of the Waimate miniball trophies hanging on our wall. No competition? Yes, we often complain about that here too. It would be good if all of the parishioners could encourage everyone that they know to send their children to St Patricks. The roll is safe enough and at least the parents of early childhood centres seem to have their heads screwed on and are enrolling their children here, presumably because they know its the best primary school in town, for their childrens needs (no offence anyone!). And, many of our older enrolments come from newcomers to the district. But still, there are quite a few families that consider themselves to be Catholic that dont send their children to the Catholic school. There are many families that attend church that dont send their children to the Catholic school. And there are many families that want to send their children to our school just for year 7 and 8 that should be sending them here for years 1-6 as well. No apologies whatsoever if this conversation makes you uncomfortable: that is your conscience doing that not me! One of the few disappointments for me during my tenure here has been the lack of cohesion between the parish itself and the school community. We still never really got it right, or got it in sync. There has to be more than what weve had and I suspect that the very careful appointment of our new Proprietors Reps by the very adept Father Brian, and the new Principal may just be the ticket to solving this problem. Despite the narrow perspective of some, the long-term future

of the parish is directly related to the roll of the school, as the students are the future of the parish. Even the late Whitney Houston sang I believe that children are the future Being part of this school, for over five years has made me realise that Catholic schools really are part of something much bigger. The collegiality of Principalship in a Catholic school for example, is superb. I have made so many friends and acquaintances on behalf of the school and there are some really nice people out there that are continuously working on our behalf, lobbying, promoting and sharing the word about what a good school this is. I must finish by saying that it really has been an absolute treat to have been able to teach those students that have been in my class since I have been at this school; without exception. The school has a few challenges ahead of it, but I know that you will all go out of your way to support Anne in her new role and that she is more than up for those challenges. To all of those that have congratulated me over the past few weeks and said nice things about what we have achieved her; Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini Translated, this means that the successes of the school over my tenure were not mine; they were the results of the efforts of everyone. Every single student and all of the team. Thank you Naku no na Me rongo (in peace) Darcy Kemp Principal St Patricks Waimate

Community News
Waimate Company Holiday 18. The 3 will on Theatre Easter workshop hours be of and from

program for ages 5 dance, drama 1.30pm 24

th

singing

Thursday School. forms

April at Waimate

Main Registration

available at Parkers. Aorangi Junior Golf Coaching and 9 hole tournament For all golfers under. Thursday Geraldine Report For by aged 19 Held 1
st

and on at and Club.

May

Golf 9am

cost is $20 per person. more information contact Helen May on 027 259 7160 or email on helen.michael@xtra.co. nz Badminton Every

Monday evening from 7pm at the Waimate Stadium. All welcome.

Roncalli School The Management and Board of Trustees of Roncalli College are please and encouraged by the recent ERO report and successes by our students Sporting areas. It in Academic, and Cultural is important

St Patrick School would like to thank the following

1 Main North Road Oamaru

that this momentum is maintained and we are therefore in the initial stages of some long term strategic planning. Part of this is developing an awareness of both the needs and desires of our community over the next 10 years. As a result Roncalli

The Warehouse 27 Eden Street Oamaru

College would appreciate some specific, detailed feedback as to what you value and where you would like emphasis to be placed with regards to the physical building and resourcing to

prepare for the future. If you are a member of the College Community (parent or pupil, present, past or future) and would like to have input in this strategic planning, please go to www.roncalli.school.n z and click on the survey "Roncalli 2025". We value your input in shaping our future.

Message from Ann Pratt

Kia Ora Parents and Caregivers, What an amazing opportunity lies ahead of me! I am so excited to be working with your children and alongside the BOT and parents/caregivers in my position as the new Principal of St Patricks school. Lots of new and exciting events are planned for the remainder of the school year and I look forward to encouraging more of you to take an active part in our school. I have a busy few weeks ahead of me, packing up my house in Christchurch, relocating to Waimate, sorting out my classroom and moving into my new office! At this time of year, I urge you to remember the real reason we celebrate the Easter season, reflecting on how we experience suffering, sin and abandonment in our own lives and invite Christ into them to transform them. In prayer and the reception of the sacraments, Christ can transform the most broken and seemingly hopeless realities of our lives. Id like to take this opportunity to wish Darcy and Patrick all the very best for their new venture in Geraldine. Thank you for all your help and guidance over this past week Darcy. Fear not you definitely have not heard the last from me! I look forward to meeting you all next term. Have a safe and Blessed Easter.

Message from Hannah Reeves

As my first term here at St Pats draws to a close I can reflect on all the wonder things we have accomplished in the Junior room thus far. I would like to thank the community for welcoming and supporting me as I start on my teaching journey. A special thank you needs to go to both Darcy and Kellie, my mentor teacher, for all the wonderful support and guidance they have given me along the way. I look forward to my future here at St Pats and all the wonderful things the students and I can achieve together.

Message from Kellie Waller

Dear Parents and Children I would just like to send a wee message to let you all know what an amazing community you have here, within St Patrick's school. I have so enjoyed my brief time working with your children. As the children know, I have done alot of learning alongside this term, as I am used to teaching 5 year olds. We have all been learning about Inquiry's, and I am so proud of the children and all of their individual and group successes. I feel privileged to have been involved with parents and children alike, and after a year out of the education system, working at this school has felt like coming home in a strange way. I wish your incredible team the best for the future, and look forward to my continued work with Miss Reeves, and Mrs Nash. Thank you for having me in your fantastic school.

Term 1 2014 in Photos

Message from Gareth Oudemans Board of Trustees Chairperson

Hello to you all, The first term is drawing to an end already. Im not sure where the time has gone however, here it is drawing to an end. I would like to take this opportunity to advise our parents, the students and the wider school community that the Board of Trustees has made a successful appointment for the role of Principal. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Anne Pratt who will be joining our fantastic school in Term Two. It is also now time for us to farewell Mr Kemp as he leaves us to take on a new position in Geraldine. We are not just saying goodbye to Darcy but also to Tania, Francis, Harrison and Patrick as they also have become a huge part of the fabric of our great wee school. Without the love and support of his family Im sure Darcy wouldnt have been able to achieve what he has and our school would have been poorer for it. The contribution to the school by Darcy since 2009 cannot be overstated, and for many will not fully be understood. I have been fortunate that in my role as Chairman I have seen first-hand Darcys absolute passion and desire to see all the students of this school achieve. His drive and commitment has been to see the school become the best school it can be, not just in Waimate or South Canterbury but on the national stage. His belief in our kids that they can foot it with the best in the country, and in many cases be the best in the country, has been steadfast and our kids have delivered. National Sumdog maths champions, twice, Canterbury Sumdog champion. Ka Toi O Aoraki Junior Visual arts winners, three years running, Junior Performing Arts Champions in 2012. It is because of Darcys belief in our kids, and what they are capable of, that these results have occurred. His passion for our kids to succeed has also come through when looking at the appointment of other teaching staff. Appointing the right staff into the right place has seen this school and its students succeed. The appointments of Mrs Suddaby, Mrs Liddy, Miss P and now Miss Reeves all have come from needing to have the best and brightest in this school. They have all been an integral part of our school and its continued journey of success and their contribution is still evident in the school even after they have moved on. And so it will be with Mr Kemp. It has been the overriding feature that I have witnessed from Darcy, his absolute passion for what he does, which is help our kids learn and achieve in a way that is meaningful for them, so that they all enjoy success. On a personal note I write this with no small amount of sadness, for Darcy has become a true friend in the time I have been privileged to know him. I have come to value and trust his honesty, integrity and his opinion. He has a fabulous sense of humour, of social justice, of what is right and a good dollop of common sense, which is not as common as the name suggests. I will miss the impromptu conversations over many varied and different topics and the fact that there was always something exciting to be speaking about. Darcy has been an incredible asset to this school and we have been immensely fortunate to have had him here as long as we have. Finally, to Darcy, this is the whakatauki of the New Zealand Police. It challenges us to embrace the future and show leadership in all we do. It was given to the Police by a highly respected kaumtua and I believe it is fitting to finish with it, as it encompasses all you have done and are bound to do in the future. E t ki te kei o te waka, kia pkia koe e ng ngaru o te w - Stand at the front of the waka and feel the bite of the spray upon ones face.