Principal's Message
Kia Ora Koutou
Goodness me but including the Saturday of Prizegiving there are literally only six school days left in this school year. Where has this year gone?
Prefecture 2024
Each year we have a Prefecture process which begins in term three. However, its origins for the candidates who apply are from their first day of school โ some as early as year seven. The role of prefect inspires our young women to take up the opportunity to leave their mark on their school, to leave a legacy if you will.
They know they will not all get a prefecture but in putting themselves forward they are indicating their willingness to give back to their school. Every year I remind them as year 13 they are leaders; the badge indicates those who will have particular portfolios as determined by the selection process. As always, these positions will be announced at the St Matthewโs Prizegiving on December 2nd.
Ordination
Our Chaplain Wendy Smyth will be ordained Saturday 25th in the Wellington Cathedral. Once ordained she will assume the role of Deacon.
The journey of clergy is:
- Deacons โ who have a community-facing ministry or service. They encourage Christians to fulfil Christโs mission and care for others.
- Priests โ who build up the congregation as pastors and proclaimers of Godโs word.
- Bishops โ who are called to lead by example, maintain wise discipline, keep the Church true to its faith, ordain pastors and preside over the worshipping life of the Church.
I am unsure what Pastor Wendyโs next journey in the church will be but we are all so proud of her ordination tomorrow and all that she will bring of these new learnings to our schoolโs special character growth.
Exams
Seniors and juniors alike have been engaged in examinations. For many these are now complete, but we are mindful that some of our seniors still have externals ahead so Kia Kaha people.
I will close wishing you a safe weekend.
Ngฤ Mihi
Kiri
Around School
Boarding Note
When the end of the year is in sight, we encourage our boarders to decorate their doors for Christmas. On the left is the Year 7&8 dorm Raukura, and on the right is the door that belongs to Poppy Delmonte, Emily Kirk and Sophie White. Great work girls- we love seeing your house spirit!
As there is a great deal on next week, we have simplified our end of year sign out process-
- Boarders can sign out after the Christmas Dinner and attend school as a day girl Friday and Saturday, or
- Boarders can sign out before or after the Carol service and attend prizegiving on Saturday, or
- Boarders can sign out before prizegiving up until 8.45am. Then the boarding houses will close for prizegiving. They will reopen after prizegiving and will stay open until 2pm. Remember to do an end-of-year Orah pass with the return date of Sunday 28th January.
Boarding parents/caregivers, please look out for the boarding survey that is being sent out on Orah. We would appreciate your feedback.
Enjoy the weekend.
Jo
Year 10 Spanish
The Year 10 Spanish class have been studying La Comida (Food). They have learned about typical foods in Spain and Latin America and the culmination of their efforts was to prepare a Mexican Fiesta. They researched recipes and cooked Fajitas, Nachos, Guacamole and Naranjas con Canela (oranges with cinnamon). ยกQuรฉ rico!
Work Experience
Our Year 10 girls have been out on work experience for the last two days. This is part of our careers programme. As well as great personal development they get to experience life outside their comfort zone. A huge thank you to the following businesses and organisations who have given them this amazing opportunity -
- Martinborough Kindergarten
- Netball Wairarapa
- Web Genius
- Kapiti Signs
- Vetcare
- Susan Stephen Real Estate
- 10 O'clock Cookie Bakery Cafe
- Moonmoot Farm
- Farmlands Fielding
- Braddick Shearing
- Paperkite Wellington
- Solway College Sports Department
- Kienzley Agvet
- RYOS Porirua
- Wairarapa Times Age
- Lorna Potter
- NZ Gliding
- Puawai Childcare Centre
- Masterton Pet Shop
- Regent Three Cinemas
- The Vet Clinic Wairarapa
- Arvida Lansdown Park
- South Wairarapa Vets
- Clareville Bakery
- Hadlow Pre School
- Sadal and Co
- Ray White
- Pure Bliss Day Spa
- York Street Kindergarten
- Wingate Lane
- Cole Street Early Learning Centre
- Ladymead Boarding Kennels
- Mike Butterick- National Party
- SRVS Vets
- The Lab
Year 7
Here we have the Year 7 students scheming to 'take down' the Year 8's in a game of Capture the Flag ๐
Year 10 Social
It was the Year 10s turn on Tuesday night to attend their annual social. The Christmas theme continued and it was a great evening and thanks again must go to the organisers and staff who attended.
Sports Sign Up
A google form link has been sent to all returning students to select what sport they wish to play in 2024 (link below).
This is the first step โ once we have finer details we will send to get confirmation that students are definitely going to participate in their chosen sport. This will be done at the start of the term when we have confirmed competition days etc
Heads of Sport
Applications for Heads of Sport for 2024 are now open. Applications close on Friday 1st December. Applications forms can be pick up from the Sports Department or the Main Office.
Meningitis Vaccination
If your daughter received the Meningitis Vaccination in our school roll out, they require the Bexsero booster.
There are 2 free walk-in clinics on Tuesday 9th January 10.00am -12.00pm and Tuesday 16th January 13:00 -15:00 pm. These are being held at Level 2 Departmental Building 35-37 Chapel St Masterton.
You can contact Sue Keene on 027 181 00362
UNIFORM SHOP - holiday opening hours
The last uniform shop opening for term 4 will be Thursday 30th November 3pm โ 4pm.
If wanting to drop 2nd hand uniform off during the first week of the school holidays: 4th December - 8th December, please make an appointment by email: smcsuniforms@trinityschools.nz
In the last week of the holidays, the uniform shop will be open Tuesday 23rd January โ Friday 26th January, 10am โ 3pm each day. Also open 2pm โ 5pm Sunday 28th January.
School App
If you are new to St Matthew's Collegiate, or have yet to download, please follow the link to install our school app https://schoolappsnz.co.nz/install
For current families, please update your subscription groups by clicking on the cog in the top right hand of the screen. It will take you to the groups for you to change.
Key Dates
- Friday 1st December - Carol Service
- Saturday 2nd December - Leavers' Breakfast and Service
- Saturday 2nd December - End of Year Prize Giving
2023 Term Dates
- Term Four - Monday 9th October to Saturday 2nd December
2024 Term Dates
- Term One - Monday 29th January to Friday 12 April
- Term Two - Monday 29th April to Friday 5th July
- Term Three - Monday 22nd July to Friday 27th September
- Term Four - Monday 14th October to Saturday 7th December