Message from Staff

Kia ora koutou,

I trust this newsletter finds you well rested after the weekend.

We continue to explore the story of Joseph this week, and will be focussing in on the gifts God blessed Joseph with and how he used these to bring hope to an entire nation. I find the story of Joseph to be a really encouraging one. We read a recount of someone’s life that God clearly had a purpose for, who grew and matured over time and made a significant impact on his world.

I’m not sure that God has such a clearly designed plan for each of our lives, but I do believe that God has given each of us gifts, talents and passions that we can grow and mature in through our experiences in life, so that we are able to make a positive impact in our worlds.

A couple of years ago I really felt that God challenged me about what it means to be humble. I started to ponder what true humility looked like, because if God has given each person gifts and talents then we are not honouring Him if we don’t use those to their full potential, which is what I think can happen if we think of humility as having a somber judgement of ourselves. I started to realise that true humility comes not from thinking less of ourselves but through thinking more of God. When I grasped just how amazing God is, in combination with his desire to walk with me through all that I do, it gave me confidence to use the gifts that God had blessed me with so I could make a positive impact in my world.

We all have gifts and talents, and as parents and educators it is part of our role to help our children to discover what their unique gifts are. I often pray that God will help me to see the students in our school the way He sees them, so that I can interact with each child in a way that brings out the best in them.  I also pray that God will give me wisdom in how to strengthen the character of each child, as strong character is the foundation from which our gifts and talents can be used not for selfish gain but for the greater good.

Joseph challenges me to look at the situations in my life differently and also to embrace humility as I go about the work I do. I pray that as we continue to explore his story it would challenge and encourage you also.

Many blessings,
Liz

Exploring the Values at Home

This week we continue our exploration of Love and Hope by exploring the next chapter of the Joseph story. We will look at how Joseph used the gifts God had given him to bring hope. In circle time this week we are learning what it means to look at the big picture, and how when we do this it often puts things in perspective and we can see the path that God has provided that brings hope.

Family challenge of the week:
Discuss what the’ big picture’ means (Don’t sweat the small stuff). Think about all the things you and your family have to be thankful for e.g. food, warm clothes.

Discussion:

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NklwBZVyKTU

This is a video that gives us the big picture of our universe. Sometimes we think our situation is really big. But nothing is too big for God, He created the whole universe after all.

How does this video make you feel? What amazes you?

Have you ever had a time when something seemed really big to you? What was the outcome?

What’s Happening

Queens Birthday Weekend – No school on Monday

Just a reminder that it is a public holiday next Monday, so there will not be any school that day.

Informative morning teas – Tomorrow 9am
Please come along at 9am tomorrow to learn about Assessment in school and how it is done.

Mufti Day – Tomorrow, Tuesday 31st May

Carpark Safety:
Please remember to drive at a safe speed when entering and exiting the school carpark, especially now as it is getting busier. It is safer if you follow the arrows up to the gate then turn right, instead of turning hard right when you enter. Thank you.

What’s Coming Up

Board of Trustees Elections: Voting closes Friday 3rd June at noon.
Voting closes noon on Friday 3rd June.  Voting papers need to be placed in the envelope provided and can be dropped into the office or posted now to ensure sure they are received by Friday.

School Cross Country – 17 June, 12.30pm
The RCS Annual School Cross Country is coming up soon. Encourage your children to practise their running and then come along to support them on the day. Don’t forget to start planning your whanau group coloured outfits!

Mufti Day Friday 10th June: supporting 40 hour famine:
Wear the colours of the Syrian Flag: red, white, black and green.
Cold coin donation.
By Sabrina and Daniel, for their Home Learning.

40 hour famine
Permission slips need to be returned in order for your children to do the 40 hour famine. Please see Liz if you have any questions.

Pumpkin Soup Fundraiser: Friday 17th June
All natural and mostly organic ingredients, vegetarian and Gluten Free.
$1.00 a cup.  All proceeds go to “Pain relief for children in a Vietnamese Orphanage” – more details to come. Contact Mary Harema for more information.

From the PCG

Second Hand Uniform Shop:
Seller: Parents to label each item with the Name, phone number and price. PCG will take 20% off the for administering the service. Funds will go towards PCG Fundraising Initiatives.
Shop Hours: By appointment only. Contact Natalie Patterson via RCS Parent Facebook page or leave a message at the office.

Entertainment Books

 A copy of the book was sent home with each family last week. If you can sell the copy you have been given, or purchase it yourself, that would be fantastic! If you are unable to sell the book please return it to the office.

Cheese Rolls – Update

Cheese roll forms are due back 10 June. There are prizes for children that collect the most orders.  Please also put the 18th June in your diaries to come along and help with the production of cheese rolls. Last year this was a wonderful day of connecting with others in the school community while raising considerable funds for the school.

School Mum’s Bible Study:

Mums Bible study groups are going to be held this term twice a week. Wednesday afternoon: 2-3pm in the school staffroom and Thursday evening: 7-8.30pm, venue yet to be decided. Please talk to Cristene Trenuela-Chan (trenuela.chan@vodafone.co.nz), Jacqueline Pieterse or Amy Steven (0212254653, blair.and.amy@gmail.com) if you are keen to be a part of this, and we will make sure we have a study book for you. We are a multi denominational group, with mums who are at different stages of their walk with Christ. 

School Fair

At some stage in the future RCS would like to work towards a school fair.  The PCG is requesting someone who would take leadership with organising this event.  Please contact Nina Green or Alan Whitmore if you would like to get involved.

Get Involved with the PCG
The PCG is small in numbers and we would be grateful for more parents to come on board and serve the school.  We meet once a month and there is a place for anyone who can give their time and energy!  Please see Alan Whitmore or speak to Kendra Liggett if you would like to get involved.  It’s a fun group who are dedicated and enthusiastic and we’d love to see some new faces!

Upcoming Fundraisers
We are running a number of fundraising events this year.  Cheese rolls, school mug fundraiser, scholastic book fair, mystery bottle and mystery stick event at the fireworks, lego building fun day (save the date for 17^th September!), and sausage sizzles to name a few.  If you can assist at any of these events or donate goods that would assist these fundraising endeavours please contact Nina Green.

Reminders

• Wheels Day is on a Wednesday – children may bring any type of ‘wheels’ they choose.
• Now that it is getting cold, students may like to wear black thermal tops under their polo shirts. Girls may like to wear black woollen stockings. Please name all items of clothing.
• If your child brings anything home that is not theirs please return it to school.
• Please check your child’s head for lice regularly, and please make sure that long hair is tied up at school.

House Buying or Selling through our RCS community

I will contribute $500 to the school when any family or friends of RCS looking at buying or selling their homes use my services, resulting in a list and sell through me.
Contact me anytime to discuss your real estate needs.

Details as below,

Kind Regards
Rachael

Community Notices

Orthodox Easter Concert, Church, Folk and Classical Music:
You are invited to our concert on Sunday 5th June, 3pm. All proceeds will be used for ongoing renovations of the Russian Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Christchurch (297 Brougham Street).
($5 discount will be given): $25 adults, $60 family, $15 students and seniors.
Please call Anna on 021 023 94354 or email: ruschch@gmail.com

“Give your Dog a Job” Training: School Holidays
What jobs can your child teach their dog? Find out during the July School Holidays.
Come either the first or second week. Limited spots.
More information on: www.nakeddog.co.nz/classes.html or email: info@nakeddog.co.nz