At the moment life is a constant balance between ‘keep calm and carry on- this too will pass’ vs what’s life going to throw my way today? Parents you have a tough job of keeping your whānau together and calm while we work our way through the Omicron pandemic- it is not an easy task. For the past two years our great track record of dealing so well with COVID gave us a sense of satisfaction in keeping the virus out. Now as we are overswept with escalating cases, we have to get used to a new story. That which we have feared is not something to be as fearful of. 

It can be hard to change our perspective. 

The past week at school has been incredibly calm. Our class numbers have been down with up to half our students at home isolating, ill or being anxious to come to school. This has given us an opportunity as teachers to make sure our online learning is providing a quality experience for our tamariki. It has been great to see people engaging through zoom calls, submitting work or sharing experiences- thanks for supporting your tamariki in making this happen. The teachers involved in face to face teaching here at school have got to know your tamariki in a more indepth way- there has been more time and space to make connections. Teachers have also connected with a wider group of students- Room 1 and 2 have worked together and Room 11 and 12. A big thank you to those teachers and staff who have stepped up to help Holy Cross continue to be a caring supportive place. 

It is great to welcome back an increasing number of students who have had COVID and have finished up their isolation period. Our current active case number is 14 with cases across all classrooms. We have three staff who have tested positive. We are getting an average of 2-3 cases being recorded each day. 

Changes to the isolation period. 

From tonight the isolation period if you test positive for Covid or are a household contact has been reduced to seven days. 

If you or someone in your whānau tests positive for Covid 19

• If you or your child receives a positive test result the household must isolate for seven days. The day symptoms first appear or there is a positive test is day 0. 
• Household contacts must test on Day 3 and Day 7. If there are no symptoms and both tests are negative, children can return to school on day 8.
• If someone else tests positive during that 7 day period, as long as the above guidelines are followed and your child has no symptoms, they can return to school on day 8 after the first household case has been noted as a positive Covid case.  

Returning to school after COVID-19

Students who test positive for COVID-19 are not required to self-isolate past     seven days, but they shouldn’t return to school if they are still feeling unwell.  

Many children will have a long lasting runny nose and cough after viral infections. If it is over 10 days since the onset of the COVID infection and they are no longer feeling unwell, they are unlikely to be transmitting any active COVID infection and can return to school. However, if they are continuing to feel unwell or their symptoms are worsening after 10 days then a GP review is recommended. 

As much as we would like this to be over by Easter, we may be living like this for some time. The best place for your child to be if they are well is at school. The best place for your child to be if they are ill or showing signs of illness is at home. Following  public health advice will ensure that you and your whanau will get through the next few months- we are here to support you and to ensure that school remains safe and open for all. 

This week marks the second week of Lent. We are living in an unsettled world where all that we know and have experienced has been shaken here in New Zealand with our close encounter with Omicron and the changing protocols of how we live our lives. The situation in the Ukraine and Russia also impacts our world and raises thoughts of past times of war. Here at Holy Cross we are having a focus on kindness- remembering to think of the welfare of others. Room 1 and 2 has also had a focus on prayer- praying for peace as they have spent time learning and observing the Ukrainian situation from afar. 

Cardinal John’s newsletter this week has a focus around making this Lent a time for thinking beyond ourselves and praying for those affected in Ukraine. I share his thoughts and prayers here to inspire you and your whanau to join the wider Catholic and Christian community as we pray together during Lent. 

‘This Lent may well be defined by the invasion of Ukraine. As I celebrate Mass each day at  Connolly Hall I look out the window and see the Ukrainian flag flying outside the British High  Commission. The first day I saw it I asked the congregation to look at it as they left and to remember it throughout the day and to pray from time to time that peace will be restored and lives saved. Please make this Lent a time to pray for Ukraine. 

Prayers of intercession for Ukraine 

We pray for the Church: that in this time of crisis, she may speak words of truth and justice, act  with compassion and be a sign of Christ’s love for all those who are suffering. Lord in your mercy… 

We pray for world leaders, that guided by integrity and wisdom, they may work together so that peace may flourish. 

Lord in your mercy… 

We pray for all those caught up in violence, remembering especially the people of Ukraine; that  in this time of fear and conflict, they may know God’s presence and peace. Lord in your mercy… 

We pray for all those suffering from hunger as a result of conflict and injustice, in countries such as Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Ethiopia. 

Lord in your mercy…. 

We pray for our parish and our local community: that in this time of Lent, we may reach out in  solidarity to our brothers and sisters in need. 

Lord in your mercy… 

Amen

This week marks the second week of Lent.  Matthew 17 v1-9 describes the transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus is transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John. They saw a glimpse of his eternal glory and radiance as the Son of God. They were in awe at the sight and filled with much joy and happiness. The face of Jesus shone like the sun, his clothing so beautifully white and pure, that it was almost blinding. The sight of Jesus' glory, would have highlighted the Apostles own brokenness- how they were far from this. 

The gospel reading reminds us of the way we will live our lives and to see our faults clearly. During the Lenten season we are asked to pause from the stresses of life and reflect on the choices we make, particularly the poor choices. Looking at our sins can be hard. It is hard to admit our imperfections and to own our poor judgements in fear of the consequences that may come. It can be depressing and stressful holding onto these sins.

The Transfiguration is an event given to the three Apostles to give them hope as they prepare for the suffering and death of Jesus. Let us all remember this light of Jesus, that although we may find times challenging to reflect on our sins, God will provide you strength and comfort as you ponder how Jesus died for our brokenness.  

Gardener of the Day - Kruz

Today in the garden we pulled out the Maori potatoes (Taewa). We placed them inside a bucket for Rory to take to the kitchen. The potatoes look brownish on the outside with a purple inside.

I remember seeing a pumpkin last week. I wonder if it has grown any bigger?

Chef of the Day - Marlon

In todays' session in the kitchen we made quick pizza dough and potato and rosemary pizza with no cheese or tomato. Serena and Amalia made the dough while Rory, Leya, Dhrumil and I cut the garlic, Maori potatoes (Taewa) and greens.

Aleksandra boiled the potatoes and then put oil on all the vegetables and salt on the potatoes as well.

I wonder what the pizza will taste like with no cheese or tomatoes?

 The tree of light lives on a mountain with the glowing sun.

     The wind floats around the tree where the flowers are blooming.

           Sometimes I like to go there to calm down

             It's a place of peace

            Hope and freedom

        You can feel the winds light breeze upon your skin

          and the sun brightening on you, getting warmer

       It’s like a forcefield of sleepiness that gets me tired

       The reason why it’s special is because it's the place I can relax

             and call home 

SKids Holy Cross Miramar is open for the April School Holidays! Visit our website to book now!