CATHOLIC CHARACTER NEWS
Lenten Reflection
Opening our eyes to see as God sees
“Let us open our eyes and see the misery of the world, the wounds of our brothers and sisters who are denied their dignity, and let us recognise that we are compelled to heed their cry for help! May we reach out to them and support them so they can feel warmth of our presence, our friendship, and our fraternity! May their cry become our own, and together may we break down the barriers of indifference that too often reign supreme and mask hypocrisy and egoism”
Pope Francis, Misercordiae Vultus 15
STUDENT NEWS
Mr Shane Coleman
Mr Coleman has served us and the school for many years as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His first years here were with his son and three daughters and even after they left, he continued to do everything he could for St Joseph’s.
For Mr Coleman’s assembly we had some very special guests that served with him. Ms O’Connell Cooper 
flew up from Dunedin to say something about Shane Coleman.
Mr Bridgman spoke on behalf of Mr Paul Manson.
Mrs Casey spoke on behalf of the school community. 
Every class gave Mr Coleman a special poster or card that they had made. One thing we learnt about Mr Coleman is that he is very humble.
Following the assembly Mr Coleman had lunch with staff and board members and was presented a gift from our school community .
Thank you Mr Coleman for everything you have done for our school.
God bless you and your family
Reported By Amelia, Ryan and Daniel
BOARD NEWS
Board Meeting
Thursday 30 March 7pm Staffroom
PTA NEWS
Chocolate Fundraiser
Thank you for the great effort that is being put into selling chocolates. Please ensure you return money collected. If you have not been able to sell some or all of your chocolates, please return them and they will be given to someone who is able to sell them. Thank you for all your support of this PTA fundraiser.
Boss Baby
SOLD OUT! Thank you so much for your support of this school family event. It was brilliant, as was the movie. We look forward to your support of our term two family focused fundraisers.
SPORTS NEWS
Shore to Shore – 9 April 2017
HAS YOUR FAMILY REGISTERED?
Check out www.shoretoshore.co.nz and mark the date on your calendar.
Let’s have the greatest number ever of St Joseph’s Takapuna families registered
GENERAL NEWS
Innovative Learning Environment
Thank you very much for the feedback I have been receiving, through emails and the ‘parent conversation’ on Wednesday. It has been great to receive so many positive comments and ideas for developing on what is going well. I have further conversations to have with staff and the students, and I will present possible ways forward in the near future. If you have yet to share your thoughts with me please feel free to email me, principal@sj.school.nz.
Outside Learning Spaces
The committee has got quotes for developing outside learning spaces. They will be looking at the options presented, and then share these with students and staff. When a plan has been developed with the students and staff, parents will be invited to give feedback. Our thanks to the PTFA and Board who are supporting this exciting, learning focused, initiative.
Communication
Over the coming period I wish to develop an understanding as to how the school can communicate effectively with families. There will be a series of surveys that you can complete, to assist in this review. Please go to the link below to complete the first survey – 1 question! Thank you
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LLWY32N
Firewood
The school is offering the logs and timber rings from the trees felled on the lower field. This is green wood that will take 2-3 years to dry out before it is safe to burn.
The charge will be $50 for a small trailer load and $100 for a large trailer load. Payment the day of collection.
If you are interested, please contact the school office and provide your details. We will contact you and let you know which Saturday you can collect your wood. We are keen to have the wood all collected before the field becomes too wet to drive on.
God bless
Alister Bridgman
Principal