SFX Grammy Nominations 2014

Altar Servers - 2013

Ruby, Isabella, Amelie & Holly proudly showing their "Altar Servers Certificate."       Congratulations, girls!!! 

The Minstrel

"The Minstrel" aka Mark de Lacy came to our school to inform us about safety in and around water, while also promoting marine conservation.  The children ,juniors up to seniors, enjoyed the performance.  Mark has performed many times (with his wife) at our school, and has entertained and inspired tens of thousands of children across country over the past 10 years.  His message... "Everybody knows that eating fish is healthy. Going fishing is also recognised as one of the most popular, not to mention healthy, activities undertaken by Kiwis, with over 1 in 4 ‘having a go' at it each year. As Kiwis we all want to ‘do the right thing'.  

Pop Dance

Kate, from Footsteps Dance Company, came to our school to teach us about dancing.  She spoke to us about different types of dancing and how dance can impact on one's life.  Footsteeps Dance Company "uses dance as a vehicle to develop students inter/ intra personal skills, fitness levels, and provide teachers with classroom resources as a part of our integrated cross curriculum."  Kate taught us 'Pop Dance.'  Below are some video clips of how we 'danced' on!!!  

Dominoes...

Our EOTC Posters

Watch out "Broadway!"

For the past few weeks, Room 14 children have been doing 'plays' as part of developing confidence and being able to express themselves through the curriculum area of "Performing Arts."  We are fortunate to have some children who have experience in theatre, and these are seen as great role models for their peers and teacher.  The children have been having loads of fun entertaining and expressing literacy in a fun and creative way.  The confidence gained through these performances is quite amazing, and at times, humbling to witness.  Below are some photos and video clips of the plays performed last week.  Enjoy...

Future Black Sticks...

Holly W.  (left) "Marist Hockey Club D Grade - Team Spirit"
Anika (right) "Marist Hockey Club D Grade - Most Improved"

Porridge

On Saturday, November 23rd 2013, Alice and Isabella  acted in the play called “Porridge.”  Alice played Junior Bear and Isabella played PC Doughnut.  They were part of a large contingent of primary school children from around Whangarei who showed their talents to the general public.   The show was a huge success.   Congratulations to both girls (and their families) - you made Room 14 extremely proud!

The synopsis of the play: 
When a crime wave hits Happy Valley, there’s a caseload of mysteries to be solved!   Who has stolen Ma Hubbard’s recipe book?  Who has kidnapped Marigold the cow?  What dirty secret is Papa Bear hiding behind his Porridge empire?  Why is the entire Synopsis of this show simply questions?  Its up to Private Detective Jack Spratt to uncover the terrifying truth in this tale of mystery, mayhem and breakfast cereal!

Year 4 EOTC Video Clips

My Innovation Project

First, I got a rubbish bin lid. I had to measure it up against the lid then get all the measurements.  I wrote all the measurements on a piece of paper then I started making my rubbish bin.  I made the size of the real bin on to the card board then I put it all together.  I decided to make the lid into a sharks head.  After that I started making the sharks head on the bin.  Once I had done that, I painted it then then let it dry then.  Finally, it was finished.  The sharks head is then placed on top of the bin ready for it's first meal. WATCH OUT!!! (By Connor)

Celebrating St Francis Xavier Catholic School

St Francis Xavier Catholic School - slideshow

"Down on the Farm"

Eight year 6 'Gifted & Talented and Enviro' students from our school recently attended the Northland Enviroschools Expo “Down on the Farm.”  The dairy farm was the property of Shayne and Charmaine O’Shea near Maungatapere.  The children explored and experienced: possum plucking, looking around the milking shed, examining how the farmer gets rid of the dairy effluent, the conservation of wetlands, and how they use silage and maize to feed their stock.  The children had a great time.  Special thanks to the Northland Regional Council for organising the event.  Thanks also to Miss Russo and Mrs Olsen for helping me enjoy the experience with the children.

String Dragons and Fireworks

Chinese - slideshows

Our 'Celebration' Homework

Kauri Whanau 'All Saints/All Souls Day' Liturgy

Last Friday, our school celebrated the Feast of All Saints which is a Holy Day of the Church, honouring all Saints known and unknown.  The saints we think about today include not only all canonised or well-known ones, but also all who are praising God in heaven.  While there are a great many of them, we particularly remember the ones our school is founded from.  The Feast of All Souls follows All Saints day and reminds us of those who die in God’s faith and friendship.  All Souls is the day to remember, pray for, and offer liturgy for our family and friends who are no longer with us.  Our parish family celebrated this feast day yesterday with several masses during the day.  Thanks Kauri whanau for putting together an awesome liturgy - tino pai!!!

Aboriginal Art

We learnt about art from the indigenous people of Australia.  These people are known as Aboriginals.  We looked at a video clip about an aboriginal legend called ‘The Three Sisters.’  The art we created tells a story using painted dots and lines.  We created some amazing stories.  Enjoy...

Our Hero - Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

St. Mary MacKillop was born on the 15th of January, 1842 in Melborne.  When she grew up she had great faith in God, and with the help of Father Julian Tenison Woods, began the first St Joseph’s school in Penola.  The school provided an orphanage and free education for children.  She was canonised on Sunday the 17th October 2010.  Tradgically, Mary MacKillop died on the 8th of August 1909 in Alma Cottage, North Sydney.  We remember her by following our school motto ‘To Love, To Learn and To Serve’.  At this school we also follow and stand by her charism: Never see a need without doing something about it; Do your bit; Make room for all; and Have an attitude of gratitude; and Listen to God’s call.