Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta, Namaskārām,
Sat Shri Akaal, Vanakkam and Ayubowan
Dear Families
Happy Holy Trinity Feast Day!
This morning we celebrated a very beautiful and prayerful liturgy to celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity. whom our school is named for!
Below is the wonderful message that was shared with our school community – thank you Aubert Whānau students, staff and families for ‘opening up the Word of God’ for us so we can deepen our understanding of what Trinity means and also importantly, what it means for us as Holy Trinity Catholic Primary school Community.
From our liturgy …
In the Gospel, Jesus tells his apostles that the Holy Spirit will come to guide them and share his message — a message that comes from the Father. This shows us the special relationship between God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, our guide—three persons, but one God, working together in love and unity – kotahitanga. Our liturgy today helps us think about how we can live in unity too — by listening to God, sharing God’s love, and working together as one whānau.
Our Aubert kaitiaki (Mrs Speechlay, Mrs Malgas, Mrs Griffiths, Mrs Fernandes and Miss Anacleto) helped to dramatise God’s message to us!
Scene 1: Talking About a Team
Narrator: Today we’re going to hear about a special team. Not a sports team—but the best team ever—The Holy Trinity. Let’s meet the team!
Jesus: Hi everyone! I’m Jesus, the Son. I came to show you how much God loves you. I teach, I heal, I forgive, and I love.
Holy Spirit: And I’m the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent me to be with you always—to guide you, help you, and remind you of everything He taught.
God the Father (voice): I’m God the Father. I created everything, and I love all of you as my children.
Narrator: Three persons. One God. Always working together in unity, sharing their love, and staying in perfect relationship.
Scene 2: The Message
Jesus: I told my friends, “There’s more I want to tell you, but it’s too much for now. So the Holy Spirit will come and guide you.”
Holy Spirit: That’s me! I don’t speak on my own. I take what Jesus said, and I help you understand it. And everything Jesus has comes from the Father.
Jesus: Exactly! We work together as one. We are three persons, but we are one God, united in love.
Scene 3: The Students Learn
Student 1: Mrs Speechlay – Wait… how can God be three and also one?
Student 2: Mrs Griffiths – It’s like how we all come from different families, but we belong to the one family of God.
Student 3: Mrs Fernandes – Or like a triangle—three sides, one shape!
Holy Spirit: You’ve got it! The Trinity is a mystery, but the most important thing to remember is: God is love. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit love each other perfectly—and they share that love with you.
So today, as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity, remember: God is a perfect relationship, full of unity, and overflowing with love! Three persons, one God — united in love!
And this is why we are so very proud to be named Holy Trinity Catholic School!
DRS Report
Trinity Feast Day Celebrations
This week has been a busy week with our Feast Day celebrations. Our children began the day with a special Trinity Liturgy in Taamaua/school hall led by the tamariki and kaitiaki of Aubert Whānau. Our children spent the day working on activities that focussed on the Trinity. They were treated with a sausage sizzle provided by our wonderful PTFA and the day ended with our annual Trinity’s Got Talent Show. It’s great to see our whānau coming along to celebrate our Feast Day here at school with us!
This Sunday, we will have our school Parish Mass at 10:30am to celebrate the Feast Day of the Most Holy Trinity. We invite our whānau to come along to St Mary’s Church in Papakura and be part of this special Mass where our children will be participating through singing, sharing prayers, reading etc. We encourage families to come early to ensure seating in the church and to bring a plate of finger food to share with our parishioners after Mass ends.
Can Drive Outreach Activity
A huge thank you to all our school whānau for your generosity with our Can Drive this week. It has been wonderful to see the way our school showed solidarity for our sisters and brothers in the Papakura area who are in need of food. Altogether, we collected 628 cans of food that has gone to St Vincent de Paul Papakura to be distributed to families in the Papakura/Takanini area for this winter.
We congratulate all our children for a positive response to this wonderful community outreach. Here is the breakdown for the whānau group collection.
Pompallier Whānau (Purple) – 192 cans
MacKillop Whānau (Red) – 190 cans
Patrick Dunn Whānau (Gold) – 140 cans
Aubert Whānau (Green) – 106 cans
Congratulations to Pompallier Whānau who collected the most cans. Each can is worth ten points so it’s wonderful to see the whānau points earned this week.
YCC Day
Catholic schools across New Zealand have joined with Caritas New Zealand and the New Zealand Catholic Primary Principals Association (NZCPPA) every year since 2007 and raised money to support small schools in need around the world. We celebrate these special fundraisers in our school as Mufti Mania. But this year, the legacy of Mufti Mania continues but with a new name … YCC.
YCC is an acronym that stands for any and all of the following:
Young Catholics Care
You + Caritas Combine
Youth Creating Change
Your Choice of Clothing
On the last day of the term on Friday 27th June, we will be having our YCC day with the theme of “Pyjama Party”! Our children can come to school wearing their pyjamas or onesies along with a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go to St Leo’s School in Kiribati. By coming together as one, we can help the students and teachers at St Leo’s achieve something they’ve always dreamed of — permanent classrooms where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Just imagine how much this will support their learning every day by just donating a gold coin!
Parish Bulletins
Please click on the links to access this weekend’s Parish Bulletins: St Mary’s Parish Papakura 15th June 2025 and St Anne’s Parish Manurewa Bulletin #24 – Sunday 15th June 2025
Celebrating Philippines Independence Day
Congratulations to our Filipino whānau who gathered on Thursday evening to celebrate the 127th Anniversary of Philippines Independence Day.
It is such a gift to belong to two cultures – it is something to be treasured and nurtured and that’s why it it so important to take every opportunity to teach our children their home culture and language and to always celebrate culture, language and history. Our families have so much to be proud of!
Thank you to all the many hands that helped behind the scenes to make this a special evening of celebration. Pagpalain ng Diyos!
Celebrating Samoan Language Week
Congratulations to our Samoan whānau who helped us to learn more about our samoan culture, language and history.
The 2025 theme for Samoa Language Week was ‘Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self’.
This year’s theme reminds us of the importance of being prepared and grounded, just like a strong canoe sailing the ocean. When the canoe is carefully built, it stays balanced and steady, no matter how rough the seas get.
In the same way, when we prepare and take care of ourselves—learning, growing, and supporting each other—we become strong and ready to face life’s challenges. No matter what comes our way, we can stand strong and keep going, just like a steady canoe on the open ocean.
We had a wonderful day of Lavalava wearing and a fierce Cheehoo contest!
Celebrating Matariki!
Kia ora e te whānau,
Looking forward to celebrating Matariki – Māori New Year with you all!
Please join us for our Matariki Breakfast this Thursday at 6:30am in Taamaua.
Children are asked to wear warm, everyday clothes. After breakfast, there will be Matariki activities for whānau to enjoy together.
Thank you to our PTFA team who is providing breakfast for our school community – a small koha on the morning will be appreciated.
Please note: This is a family event. We ask that children attend with an adult and remain supervised until 8:30am, when school staff are on duty.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Open Learning Day at School!
A reminder about our Open Day for Learning scheduled for Tuesday, 24th June. You’re welcome to join us during one of the following time slots:
8:30–10:00am
1:00–3:00pm
Our learners are excited to share their journey with you — exploring Systems and how their learning connects to encountering Christ, and serving and sustaining our common home.
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating your child’s learning together!
Term 2 Online Reporting on HERO
From Tuesday 24th June, we will be sharing our term’s learning with families on HERO. This will include each student’s mid year progress and achievement in reading, writing and maths – click on 2025 Report tab – and also the student’s reflections on learning goals progress —click on My Learning Wall tab in HERO to access this information.
You will also find updates on achievement in Science and The Arts/Dance. To view these, visit your child’s Learning Community page in HERO e.g. Learning Community Whenua.
We encourage you to read and discuss your child’s HERO online reporting comments together, celebrating their learning successes and personal growth this term. There will be an opportunity for Mahi Tahi Student, Parent, Teacher Conferences in early Term 3.
Mahi Tahi – Student, Parent and Teacher Conferences 15-16 July Term 3
Mahi Tahi Conferences will take place in the first week of Term 3 – Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th July. This is a valuable opportunity for you and your child to meet with their kaitiaki/teacher to discuss their learning progress and achievement in relation to year-level expectations.
On Tuesday 25th June before the end of this term, you will receive a HERO notification with instructions on how to book your 15-minute interview time.
Please keep an eye on HERO and ensure you’ve read the notice so that you don’t miss out on securing a time that works best for your whānau.
Happy News!
During the week, we received very exciting news to say that Mrs Shelrock’s little girl had been born in the early hours! All are well and Alana and Sam, her husband, are enjoying the warmth and blessing of being new parents. Their little girl is doing well and is under the expert care of the NCIU team.
We have extended our CONGRATULATIONS to this new little family on behalf of Learning Community Ngahere and our HTCPS school family.
This means that Alana/Mrs Sherlock won’t be returning to school as she now commences her parental leave earlier than anticipated.
From Term 3, Ms Laura Ahern and Mrs Vicki Alexander will take on a shared teaching role in LC Ngahere. Laura will be the teacher for Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Vicki will teach Thursday and Friday. Both Laura and Vicki are currently working as part of the teaching team and have done so in previous years so they know the children and the school well. We are grateful to them both for taking on this teaching role and know that the children will be well cared for both in academic and personal growth.
Mrs Upashna Nadan remains as part of the LC Ngahere teaching team so this ensures consistency for the children.
May God Bless Alana, Sam and their newborn baby girl.
May they be wrapped in the korowai/cloak of God’s tender loving care
May their hearts be filled with joy as they receive this precious gift of a new born child.
Amen
Learning Community News
Learning Community Whenua
In Learning Community Whenua, we have been using the KWHLAQ framework to help us with our science inquiry around the idea that all living things grow. Our learners have been engaged in caring for plants — kūmara, choko, and moong beans. We closely explored the question, “Why do we water plants?” and experimented with how water affects plant growth. Everyone is excited to see and talk about their plants, which are now shooting tiny leaves and growing long roots.
In The Arts Learning Area – Dance, our learners are developing their own dance systems to inspire others to seek ways to encounter Christ. They have been exploring and incorporating elements from different dance styles — liturgical, cultural, hip hop with breakdance, ballet, and tap into their own creations. These dances are designed to share a message that encourages others to serve, nurture, and sustain our common home.
Learning Community Awa
In LC Awa, our learners have been busy investigating their wonderings about one of the systems of creation. They have discovered that people, plants, and animals all depend on natural systems. Through their learning, they are making connections to other systems in their homes, at school, and in their parishes.
As science investigators, learners explored kaitiakitanga further using the KWHLAQ inquiry model, learning about and sharing what they are curious about in relation to systems. We have also learned about the ‘Thinking like a Scientist’ process, and learners will use their new scientific knowledge to explain how the findings from their investigation can inspire others to serve and sustain our common home.
In The Arts, learners are exploring the elements of dance and how these can be used to convey messages. They have now created their own liturgical dance systems to share what they have learned about how dance can help us encounter Christ.
Learning Community Maunga
During Religious Education in LC Maunga, our students have been investigating systems inspired by Trinity God and wanted to learn more about canonization – the system of becoming a saint. After learning the steps in the system to sainthood, we decided to focus on our two whānau patrons: St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and Venerable Suzanne Aubert as they are very special to us and at different stages in their journey. We used our prior knowledge of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and could see how these incredible women had the Holy Spirit working through them their whole lives. It was very interesting to learn about St Mary of the Cross MacKillop’s confirmed miracles and we are sure that Mother Aubert will become New Zealand’s first saint very soon!
In Science, our learners continue to focus on the different body systems, researching and designing menus full of foods that are rich in the different vitamins and minerals their chosen body system needs to be strong, healthy and function correctly. Learners will be using this knowledge to focus on one particular dish on the menu and identifying the recipe and ingredients we will need to make it. Mmmmm can’t wait to taste …!
Learning Community Moana
Late in Week 5, we celebrated some terrific learners who put huge effort into completing their reading homework. These learners are truly showing our school’s Gospel value of excellence/hiranga by striving to complete tasks to improve their own reading skills and meet their reading goals. Ka rawe, tamariki!
We are coming to the end of our gymnastics sessions for this term, with only two sessions to go. It has been rewarding to see our learners grow in confidence and resilience/ngāwari as their gymnastics skills have improved. They’ve learned about and practised tucking, jump stops, straddling, making shapes with their bodies, balancing, swinging, jumping, leaping, and more. Our tamariki are very engaged in the lessons and are having lots of fun too.
Also, thank you to our whānau who have made the time to come help supervise our gymnastics sessions. Your support has made it possible for our sessions to go ahead.
We continue with STEM time and last week our learners ran some more experiments. In Ms Gill’s group, the tamariki explored mechanical weathering, and discovered that soft rock can be worn down by hard rock as it is moved around by rain and wind. They did this by putting chalk inside a jar with water and gravel. They shook the jar 100 times then checked the chalk to see if it had changed. They repeated it two more times and discovered the chalk was smoother each time.
In Mrs. Ali’s group, learners have been reflecting on how tornados are formed. They were able to explain how updrafts lift and tilt the spinning air into a vertical rotation (circular motion around a central line). Using the experiment of a sugar rainbow, they were able to reflect and explain what density means and how adding sugar changes the density of water. They could relate the experiment to real-world examples, like the ocean or floating in the Dead Sea.
In Mrs Griffiths’ group, learners made a ‘storm in a glass,’ which was all about looking at how it rains. They started with a half-filled jar of water with a thick layer of shaving foam on top that represented the cloud. Learners then put spoonful amounts of water on top to see how much water the ‘cloud’ would hold before it ‘rained.’ We then investigated why some groups’ clouds held more water than others.
In Science we have been continuing to explore and report on our chosen natural Earth system and are preparing to share our new learning with our classmates and whānau through our reports and a project. For The Arts – Dance, we have been reflecting on how some dance systems are better for encouraging kaitiakitanga and encountering Christ than other dance systems. We have now created our own dance to share our learning, which we will then critically reflect on.
Book Week 2025!
This year’s Book Week is fast approaching! Our yearly celebration of reading will be held 4th -8th August (Week 4 of Term 3), and the theme for this year’s Book Week is Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. As always, we will be having a Book Fair, daily events to celebrate and encourage reading and ending the week with a Character Parade. We’d love our tamariki to join the staff in dressing up as a book character on Friday 8th August.Sports News
North Counties Rippa
Next Thursday 19th June, our school, alongside Hingaia Peninsula School will be hosting the North Counties Rippa Rugby Tournament at Bruce Pulman Park for Years 5-8. We will be taking a Year 5/6 team to represent our school. We wish Mr Kumar and his team the very best for the upcoming tournament!
Hauora/WellBeing News
Travelwise Team Promotes Road Safety
This week, our Travelwise student leaders continued their important mission to promote road safety across our school. Following their engaging presentation at Monday’s assembly, the team visited all classrooms to reinforce key road safety messages. Their goal was to raise awareness among students about safe habits when walking, biking, or travelling in vehicles. We’re proud of our Travelwise leaders for being creative and positive role models and helping to keep our school community safe.
Food and Nutrition
Did you know that all schools in New Zealand are required by law to promote healthy eating and nutrition to their students? We know at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School that healthy food contributes to our students’ wellbeing (hauora) by supporting their physical and mental development. It also helps our students develop healthy habits for the future. We have a Food and Nutrition Policy in place to ensure our students are encouraged to eat as healthily as possible.
This means that at our school…
- the only drink allowed is water
- we encourage the eating of food that meets national guidelines on food and nutrition. Lollies (candy), chocolate bars, sugary snacks and other foods that are high in sugar and fat are not allowed in lunchboxes.
- we don’t share food from our lunchbox to avoid causing allergic reactions by accident.
We kindly ask that foods like chocolate bars, lollies, doughnuts, and other sugary and fatty foods stay at home, and if your child makes their own lunch, please support and encourage them to make healthy choices. For information on healthy eating for young people, click here.
Also, please speak to your child about not sharing the food in their lunchbox, even if a friend asks them to. We have many students with severe allergies and we need to keep them safe.
Thank you for helping us to ensure our whānau/children develop healthy habits around food.
Term 2 Attendance Dues Payment
Reminders!
Parking on Kapowai Boulevard
A reminder to parents NOT to park at the end of Kapowai Boulevard adjacent to the school’s entrance way. This area has yellow lines and is a turning bay only. You cannot park there as it stops other vehicles from using this turning bay safely. Please be considerate of all school traffic especially at the congested, busy end of day time and park legally, respectfully and safely. Thank you.
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College Production
Upcoming School Events
The Most Holy Trinity Feast Day Parish/School Mass Celebrations
Sunday 15th June @ 10:30am at St Mary’s Papakura Church followed by morning tea in the parish hall
Cultural Groups Practices commence
Monday 16th June
PTFA Matariki Breakfast for HTCPS school community
Thursday 19th June 6:30am – 8:30am in Taamaua/school hall
North Counties Inter-school Rippa Rugby Tournament
Thursday 19th June @ Bruce Pulman Park
Matariki PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Friday 20th June
School Gathering Liturgy and Assembly – led by Mr Kumar (LC Maunga) and Mrs Speechlay and Mrs Silva
Monday 23rd June @ 8:50am in Taamaua/school hall
OPEN Learning Day – sharing of our learning!
Tuesday 24th June 8.30am–10.00am and 1.00pm–3.00pm
PTFA Pies and Biscuits ORDER pickup!
Tuesday 24th June pick up from 2:00pm – 6:00pm in the staffroom
PTFA (Parent, Teachers and Friends Association) Monthly Meeting
Tuesday 24th June @ 7:00pm in the school staffroom
HERO ON line Digital Reporting published
Wednesday 25th June
New Families Information Morning
Wednesday 25th June @ 9:00am in the school staffroom
School Board Monthly Meeting
Wednesday 25th June @ 7:00pm in the school staffroom
YCC Non-Uniform Day
Friday 27th June
Term 2 Concludes
Friday 27th June 2:50pm
Term 3 Commences
Monday 14th July 8:50am
Mahi Tahi Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences
Week 1 Term 3 – Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th July
Book Week Celebrations
Week 4 Term 3 – Monday 4th – Friday 8th August
Upcoming Community Events
Auckland Basketball Services
Auckland Basketball Services is hosting our 5-Day Holiday Programme on July 7-11th at Pulman Arena, and we’d love for your students to be part of it. It’s the perfect way to spend the day – improving skills, making new friends, and, of course, playing lots of basketball!
Here are the details:
- Venue: Pulman Arena
- Date: July 7-11th
- Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Cost: $40/Day or $150/Full 5-Days
- Age Groups: 5-8, 9-11, 12-14 years
The camp is all about having fun while learning new skills, competing in friendly games, and meeting new teammates. Whether your students are new to basketball or have been playing for years, everyone will find something to enjoy! With our high-level experienced coaches, your students will be exposed to the best around.
Feel free to share this opportunity with your athletes, coaches, and parents.
Please see the attached flyer with all the information and QR code with registration access.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions. Excited to see everyone there!
Nga mihi,
Amanda Wayment | Community Development Officer South
Auckland Basketball Services
Sustainable Papakura After School Kids Workshops
Hei konā mai and have a wonderful day!
Keri 🙂
Sustainable Papakura Activities Manager
activities@
Contributing to a vibrant Papakura through the promotion of eco-friendly waste minimisation choices.
Little Scientists Holiday Programme
Hi there!
My name is Jess and I run the Little Scientists holiday programmes here in Auckland.
