Principal's Message
Kia Ora Koutou
Two weeks in and that time has flown by. It will become less busy soon but in the meantime we need to pace ourselves.
I saw a delightful image that captured what someone trying to explain what the first weeks of school was like. They described it as being similar to trying to describe what the number four smells like. We are all past the newness of being back, and are now into the phases of ‘ok so what is up with this, or her, or life?’. Reassuringly “We’ve got this”.
By the time this hits your inbox we will have swum our little hearts out having participated in a key event in our school calendar- swimming sports. Those of you who have been here longer will have noted that we have swapped Athletics and Swimming around with the aim to have swimming in the better climes. We also always endeavour to complete our school events so that they lead into Intercollegiate and Regional events. It is always fabulous to have parents and families here, so thank you for fitting it into the day. What will resonate about today is the House spirit and the chanting of the new House names- they have taken to them like lilo sharks to water ( I could not resist that comparison, and ‘ducks’ did not have the same relevance).
On the whole I am delighted with how this year has begun. I am enjoying particularly that girls are adjusting to the no phones expectation and that they are addressing, what could be issuses if left unchecked, immediately. It is vital in this world that as young women who will one day be leaders of industry and families, that they remember their worth and dare I say keep in mind that expressing when things are not as they should be : “ Wo! man, I matter and what I think matters- because I am a strong woman.”
Have a safe weekend
Ngā Mihi
Kiri
Around School this Week
Year 9 Camp
House Spirit
School Notices
Athletic Heats - Week 3
These are on Thursday next week for the whole school. Girls are able to wear their tracksuits and PE gear to school. Girls can also wear a plain t-shirt in their House colour. Sports shoes must be worn with this uniform - no scuffs or Birkenstocks.
Twilight Athletics - Friday 26 February
We will be holding our Twilight Athletics event this year from 12.00pm - 7.00pm (approximately), on Friday 26 February.
Day girls will not be required at school until 12.00pm, when they will join the Boarders for House meetings. In the morning the Boarders will be in the care of the Boarding house staff.
Any girls from the South Wairarapa who need transport to school need to see Miss Glass. Depending on numbers we will run a mini-bus or bus to South Wairarapa to collect students in the morning.
All girls will be given a light meal at 4pm (this replaces lunch on this day). The Friends of SMS will also be running a refreshment stall, so we invite you to bring some cash to partake of their wares.
Families are invited to join us to enjoy this community event. Parents be reminded that we have a 'Tug of War' and 'Gumboot Throwing' event. If you are keen to participate please come forward at the time.
We will be in need of parent assistance to run the events on both Athletic Championships day, and Athletics Heat day which will be held on Thursday 18 February. If you would like to assist please contact the Sport Department at sport@stmatts.school.nz.
As most of our grounds are used for the event, there will be no parking inside the gates. The gates to the school will be closed from 12.00pm. Parking is also available by our other pedestrian entrance on Cole Street.
We look forward to seeing you at this school event.
Coming Up on the Calendar......
Term One Week Three
Monday 15 February - Prefects Valentines, SMS Equestrian Day, Junior Choir, Viva Rehearsal
Tuesday 16 February - Senior Chapel, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races
Wednesday 17 February - Ash Wednesday Service, Y10 Art Trip, Orchestra, Viva Rehearsal
Thursday 18 February - Junior Chapel, Athletic Standards (whole school all day), Jazz Band
Friday 19 February - Electives Assembly, Athletics catch-ups and Specialist events, Year 10 Connecting Years
Term One Week Four
Monday 22 February - Year 11 Camp, Junior Choir, Boarders' Chapel, Viva Rehearsal
Tuesday 23 February - Senior Chapel, Year 11 Camp, Year 7/8 Camp
Wednesday 24 February - School Singing, Year 11 Camp, Year 7/8 Camp, Intercollegiate Debating Competition (SMS), Orchestra, Viva Rehearsal
Thursday 25 February - Junior Chapel, Year 11 Camp, Year 7/8 Camp, Jazz Band, Year 12/13 Careers, Board of Trustees Meeting
Friday 26 February - Twilight Athletics (see details sent on email and above)
Term Dates 2021
Term One 2021
Monday 1st February – Friday 16th April
Term Two 2021
Monday 3rd May – Friday 9th July
Term Three 2021
Monday 26th July – Friday 1st October
Term Four 2021
Monday 18th October – End of Year Date TBC