Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta, Namaskārām,
Sat Shri Akaal, Vanakkam and Ayubowan
Dear Families
We have just finished celebrating a beautiful Fathers Day Liturgy for our dear Dads and the father figures in our lives AND it was so wonderful to see so many of our Dads there celebrating with us! Thank you Dads and father figures!
Our Gospel reading was the parable of the Prodigal Son/the Lost Son/The Forgiving Father (Luke 15: 11 – 32), which Lilac helped us to reflect on … Compassion/Arohanui is one of our own school Gospel values so it was perfect scripture today to remind us that Compassion/Arohanui is showing empathy towards and considering the needs of other people. We are the Face of God to others as we reach out in love in all we say and do. The Parable of the Prodigal Son is an excellent illustration of this. It is a story about a father's unconditional love and forgiveness, a father reaching out in compassion for his son.
Through the parable and the actions of the father Jesus illustrates his message of God's unlimited love and compassion for each of us, no matter who we are, or what we may have done. In turn God asks us to "go and do the same"- that is to reach out in love to one another. Compassion is a gift that keeps on giving.
Our Dads are like this – they love us and even when we make mistakes, they forgive us and help us to learn from our mistakes – guiding us in the right way to lead our lives. Thank you Dads and father figures for being gifts to our own families!
Why we love our Dads …
My dad is special because he teaches me to love my own family and takes me to cool places. He also lets me ride on his motorcycle. Happy Fathers Day! by Georgina
My dad is special because he takes me to nice places and teaches me to ride my bike. He also teaches me to be smart and brave. by Ollie
My dad is perfect, just like me, and every day I pray for him. I smell the comforting scent of his favourite perfume from his room while I make sugar coffee for him, knowing it will make his morning special. When I give him a present, he smiles warmly, says, "Thank you, sweetie," and gives me a big hug, making me feel loved and happy. by Abigail
My dad is great and kind, and we always thank him for his sacrifices and hard work to take care of us. When we are feeling sad or down, he gently lifts our spirits and makes us feel better. When I am lonely or upset, he cheers me up with his kind words and warm hugs. My dad is very special to me and my family, and we cherish every moment we share with him. by Varro
My dad has a warm smile that makes everyone feel welcome. His eyes sparkle like the sun when he laughs, and his strong hands can fix almost anything. He wears his favourite old cap whenever he works in the garden, and I think it makes him look like a superhero in disguise.
Dad loves being outdoors. He enjoys planting vegetables, mowing the lawn, and showing me how to take care of the plants. On weekends, he loves to cook a big breakfast, and the smell of his pancakes fills the whole house with happiness. He also loves telling funny stories about when he was a kid, and we all laugh until our stomachs hurt.
What makes my dad so special to me is the way he always puts our family first. He listens to me when I have something important to say, and he gives me advice that helps me make good choices. He is kind, patient, and always ready to help. To me, my dad is not just special – he is the best dad in the world. by Sierra-Marie
A Recipe for My Dad
1 big heart full of love
2 gentle hands to hold me tight
A sprinkle of laughter to make me smile
A dash of wisdom to help me grow
A pinch of patience for all my questions
Mix it all together with endless care
And you have my amazing, one-of-a-kind dad. I love you, Dad! by Chloe
A Recipe for My Dad
1 cup of warm hugs that never run out
2 spoonfuls of patience, even when I'm silly
A handful of stories that make me smile
A pinch of advice that guides me every day
A sprinkle of courage to help me be brave
Mix with endless love and a heart full of care
And you have my amazing, one-of-a-kind dad. I love you, Dad! by Lachlan
A Recipe for My Dad
Ingredients:
1 cup of silly jokes that make me laugh
2 big scoops of kindness
A sprinkle of patience (especially when helping me with homework)
3 giant hugs, warm and strong
A handful of good advice, always ready to share
A dash of bravery to protect our family
Endless spoons of love. by Mia G.
Method:
- Mix the laughter and kindness together until they shine.
- Stir in the patience and hugs until the bowl overflows.
- Add bravery and good advice – these make the recipe strong.
- Sprinkle with love every single day.
Serving Suggestion:
Best enjoyed with smiles, family time, and a big "Happy Father's Day!"
With grateful hearts …
We have a number of long standing Board members who are retiring from their respective Board positions as we enter the next 3 year phase of School Board appointments.
DRS Report
Fathers Day Liturgy
Today, we were blessed with all our Holy Trinity dads and father figures in our children's lives who came and joined us in the celebration for all our fathers! We continue to pray and give thanks for the gift of all our wonderful dads. You are our superheroes!
Blessing for Dads
God our Father,
in your wisdom and love
you made all things.
Bless our Fathers and father figures
so that they may be strengthened
as Christian people.
Let the example of their faith
and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their family,
may honour them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Social Justice Week
Social Justice Weeks commences this Sunday 7th September to Saturday 13th September. During this week, our tamariki will be learning more about the Social Justice Week (SJW) focus for this year: 'Let's build peace together! / Kōwhiria te murunga hara, kia mōhio ki te rangimārie. Kaitiaki will be able to use the different teaching and learning resources provided by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand to bring alive the theme of peace and look at the Catholic Social Teaching principles.
School Cultural Group Performance Evening!
Come and experience a vibrant showcase of cultural performances from our students at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School. Join us on Wednesday, 17th September, from 6.15.pm to 7.30pm in Taamaua (our school hall).
Students are asked to be at school by 5.30pm to get ready for the performance.
This term, our students have shown great resilience and dedication as they learned songs, dances, and music from the many diverse cultures represented at Holy Trinity.
We warmly invite all parents, whānau, and friends to celebrate with us as we acknowledge the hard work, creativity, and cultural pride of our tamariki.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Congratulations!
We are delighted to announce the wonderful achievement of our Holy Trinity Pearl Team who entered the 2025 Sabayang Pagbigkas (Speech Choir) Inter-schools Competition!
From Banyuhay Aotearoa … "we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and your team for emerging as one of the winners for Paaralang Elementarya Category of this year's Sabayang Pagbigkas (Speech Choir) Inter-school Competition! Your hard work, creativity, and passion for our Filipino language and culture truly shone through your performance. We deeply appreciate the effort, teamwork, and dedication that you and your students have invested in this competition".
We are so proud of all our students who were involved! You practised for many hours and it is so wonderful to see all your efforts being recognised in this fantastic achievement. A special thanks to our tutors, Maila Altamirano, Alma Santos, Sahlee Cortez and Radiance Carambas. Ka mau te wehi!
And thank you to our school community who voted online in support of our entry!
Koroneihana Celebrations!
Our school was recently invited to join the Catholic Diocesan delegation to travel to Tuurangawaewae Marae to attend the first anniversary of the Koroneihana (Coronation) of Kuini Ngawai hono i te po/our Māori Queen. Our school was part of last year's hikoi to Kiingi Tuheitia's tangi and we absolutely loved the privilege and experience of being there and participating/standing as one catholic family honouring our Māori King.
This year, we once again joined with Manuel Beazley, Vicar for Māori, Diocesan personnel and representatives from other South Auckland Catholic schools as we gathered to honour Kuini Ngawai hono i te po. Manuel explained to us that a very special part of this event is called "kawe mate-ā-motu" which gives the whole of Aotearoa the opportunity to bring the memory of deceased loved ones to be remembered at Tuurangawaewae. Through the speeches made on the marae, all of the deceased who were brought on to the marae now become the dead of Te Arikinui – and of Tuurangawaewae. Whenever the dead are memorialised now and forever at Tuurangawaewae, our dead will be among them. This is the significance of the kawe mate.
We were very proud to be gathered with our wider catholic community for such a special time and to be able to present and carry our beloved deceased school and family members with us. We look forward to being a part of the Koroneihana in the years to come!
Lynk (Year 6): Attending the Koroneihana at Ngāruawāhia was a great experience because it made me feel more māori and believe more in being māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. I enjoyed seeing the big gathering of māori people who came all together to see the Māori Kuini/Queen and to celebrate the first anniversary of her coronation. It was a cool experience because we got to see and hear all of the speakers saying their mihi/speech – we could hear them talking about the Māori King – Kiingi Tūheitua who passed away one year ago this week. I hope to go again next year!
Learning Community News
Whenua
In Whenua, learners have been busy planning and designing creative ways to share their ideas. We integrated our Religious Education learning with our concept of "Innovation". It is amazing to see our learners applying their understanding of the Design Thinking Process to solve a problem in our common home and care for God's creation. Learners in LC Whenua have shown innovation by using recycled and up-cycled materials to share the messages of their chosen Bible stories and the parables of Jesus. They thoughtfully selected words and designs to inspire others to encounter Christ and serve our common home. It has been wonderful to see our children express their messages through a variety of creative forms, including handmade cards and models. In technology we have been looking into various real-life problems in nature and finding solutions, such as ways to help plants grow better and protect the turtles in the sea. Children followed the Design Thinking Process to share their innovations and ideas to solve these problems. They worked collaboratively to plan, design and create meaningful products, including prototype models of garden houses, scarecrows and watering cans for the plants or be 'litter warriors', make nets and boxes to collect rubbish to protect the sea life. Learners are looking forward to sharing their learning with families and peers as their audience who are part of our common home.
Awa
It has been a busy week for LC Awa as we are completing our innovation learning in RE and Technology. In RE, the students have designed and created innovative ways to present and share their chosen stories in the Bible. A few examples of innovations from some groups include dioramas, comic books, powerpoint slides, puppets, and plenty more. In music, students created their own musical instruments out of recycled materials and shared what music means and the ways it inspires others to encounter Christ.
In Technology, our learners designed and created prototypes that would address a need in the community. Students followed the Design Thinking Process to come up with ideas like a net cover for a plant using cling wrap to protect them from bugs and heat of the sun, drip irrigation out of recyclable water bottles, Bokashi, Butterfly Puddlers, Worm habitats, bee stickers and self watering devices from recycled water bottles. Watch out for learning on HERO and do give your child praise for the extremely hard work they have done this term. They display discipleship in sharing their messages that inspire others to encounter Christ. You should be very proud of them!
Ngahere
Over the past two weeks, learners in LC Ngahere have been busy working on their transfer tasks in both Technology and Religious Education. In RE, students were challenged to design and create an innovative way to share one of Jesus' messages with an audience. They chose a Bible story, identified its key message, and brainstormed creative ways to share it, such as songs, drama, acts, and using musical instruments. This helped them reflect on how Jesus' teachings inspire us to serve, nurture, and sustain our common home.
In Technology, the focus has been on using the design thinking process to identify and respond to needs in our community. Learners followed the KWHLAQ/EDPIT model by discussing what they know about looking after hauora, empathising with an audience, defining problems, and brainstorming solutions. For their transfer task, they created some truly amazing innovations including their own recipes, calming tools, the High-Five/Handshake Spot, the Kindness Tree, and the 5 Cups a Day water challenge. These creations showed both creativity and compassion, as students thought carefully about how their ideas could make a positive difference in the lives of others.
It has been inspiring to see our learners working with enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork across both Technology and RE. Their reflections showed not only how much they have learned, but also how they are learning to put their faith into action. By combining design thinking, innovation, and Gospel values, they are discovering ways to encounter Christ and to care for themselves, others, and our common home. LC Ngahere is proud of the amazing effort and thoughtful ideas our students have shared.
Maunga
In Learning Community Maunga for our RE learning, we have been deeply engaged in composing songs inspired by parables from Bible stories. This initiative provides tamariki with a unique opportunity to connect with their faith while expressing their understanding through music.
Through these songs, they are inspired to serve, nurture and promote the caring and sustainable management of our common home . In doing so, they learn that caring for creation is an integral part of living out their faith.
Following this innovative approach, we integrated elements of music—such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics—into our songs. These songs serve as a powerful way for children to share the Gospel message, fostering a deeper sense of community, faith, and environmental responsibility.
In Technology, our learners actively engaged in designing innovative prototypes aimed at helping their target audience navigate daily life more easily and comfortably. Using the design thinking process—an approach that emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing—they developed thoughtful solutions tailored to specific needs. For instance, some learners created a gluten-free cake designed for individuals with gluten allergies, ensuring they can enjoy delicious treats without health concerns. Others developed a mixed berry smoothie specifically formulated for those with strawberry allergies, offering a tasty and safe beverage option.
Throughout this process, the learners conducted testing of their prototypes, sharing their creations with their target audience to gather valuable feedback. They actively collected insights on what aspects of their products worked well and what areas needed improvement. This feedback allows them to refine their designs, making adjustments based on real user experiences and preferences.
Moana
In LC Moana we have been very busy completing tasks to show our "Innovation" learning. In RE the learners have created prototypes that help spread the message of various Old Testament stories, showing how different people responded to God's call. We've seen puppet shows, a Scratch game, posters, books, an interview and many other forms of sharing. In Visual Arts, our tamariki have been busy finishing their crosses which will shortly be displayed in Taamaua. The task was to decorate the crosses in innovative ways; we have crosses with flowers, stones, paint, cardboard rolls, crumpled paper, and lots of other materials. They are looking great!
In Technology our learners designed prototypes that would address a need in one of the Earth's natural systems. Using the Design Thinking Process, our learners came up with ideas like a water-sucking blanket to help during floods, rubbish-collecting robots, a sink that stops water wastage, a garden system that uses greywater, a recycling hub and lots more. We also asked the learners to reflect on how their prototypes help look after our common home and encourage others to encounter Christ. Their thoughtful reflections showed a deep understanding of how innovation, care for creation, and faith can come together to make a meaningful impact on our world.
Sports News
St Anne's Shield Sports Tournament
Next Tuesday 9th September will be our annual St Anne's Shield Sports Tournament held at Bruce Pulman Park, Takanini. All of the South Auckland Catholic Primary Schools gather together to compete in this day of sports. We pray for good weather as our netball and football teams prepare for a great game day. Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School will be the hosting school for this tournament and it would be wonderful if we could have our whānau come along to help support our children and also our PTFA who will be selling refreshments on site.
Hauora/WellBeing News
Awhi Team – Peer Mediation
Our Awhi Team peer mediators continue to give out their special stickers to learners they see doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. For the next two weeks, our peer mediators will be looking for tamariki who are showing the Gospel value of kotahitanga/unity.Te Wiki o te Reo Māori
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – 14-20 Hepetema 2025
Next week we will be celebrating Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), which runs from Sunday 14th to Saturday 20th September 2025. This year marks a special milestone – the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.
The theme for 2025 is: "Ake ake ake – A forever language."
We encourage our tamariki and whānau to take part in simple ways, such as greeting others with "kia ora", starting conversations with "mōrena", or enjoying waiata in te reo Māori at home or on the way to school.
As part of our celebrations, our Māori whānau will gather on Monday 15th September to share kai prepared by our tamariki.
You can also click this link to explore resources and ideas for supporting te reo Māori at home.
Whole School Vision Screening
Our school has been selected for an initiative that involves all of our children participating in vision screening. At NO cost!!
This is part of the University of Auckland's Children's Vision Screening Programme. A team of Optometry students and qualified Optometrists from the School of Optometry and Vision Science will test our children's vision at school on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th September, at no cost to the parents.
The team working with us are from Eye Health Aotearoa.
The best part is that if the children don't pass the screening test then they will be invited for a Full Comprehensive eye-test at The University of Auckland Vision Bus to be on site at school at a later date AND if the children require glasses then these will be provided free of charge!
This is a wonderful health initiative that will benefit our children.
An information note will go home to families this week asking for you to withdraw your child if you don't want them to be examined – we won't be doing individual permission slips as we have this agreed to as part of our HERO enrolment form.
Duffy Books in Homes Programmes
St Ignatius of Loyola College Information Evening
for Year 5 Students and Families
Dear Families
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College invite all Year 5 students and their families to attend an Information Evening about 2027 enrolments on:
Wednesday 10th September 6:00pm – 7:00pm at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School.
The Information Evening will be held in Taamaua/school hall.
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College staff will host this evening for our Holy Trinity 2025 Year 5 students and families.
sKids Holiday Programme
sKids are offering reduced prices for their September Holiday Programme. Please see the information attached.
HHQ Kids Fest_sKids Holy Trinity _V5
Reminders!
School Board Election Voting Closes
Dear Parents
A friendly reminder that the 2025 School Board Election Day is getting close!!
If you have not voted yet, you have until the election day: Wednesday 10th September before 4pm.
Many Blessings
Jocelyn Ochoa
Returning Officer
School Parking
Please be considerate when parking at the front of the school in the morning drop off time. If you are at school early and sitting and waiting in your car for the school gates to open at 8:30am, PLEASE park in a designated car-park space so that cars arriving closer to the 8:30am time can use this drop off area to "drop and go". We are receiving complaints from families about not being able to park safely to let children out as this designated drop and go area is full of parked cars. Thanks for your understanding.
Upcoming School Events
Gathering School Liturgy and Assembly led by Mrs Davies/LC Maunga and Mrs Cortez/LC Awa
Monday 8th September @ 9:15am in Taamaua/school hall
Cultural Group Practice
Monday 8th September 9:30am-10:30am
St Anne's Shield Sports Day Tournament
Tuesday 9th September @ Bruce Pulman Park
School Board Elections Voting Closes
Wednesday 10th September @ 4:00pm
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College Information Evening for 2025 Year 5 students
Wednesday 10th September @ 6:00pm – 7:00pm in Taamaua/school hall
Duffy Books in Home Role Model Assembly
Friday 12th September @ 11:30am in Taamaua/school hall
Cultural Group Practice
Monday 15th September 9:30am-10:30am
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Language Week Celebrations
Monday 15th – Friday 19th September
Māori Whāanu Hui/Shared kai – hangi
Monday 15th September @ 3:15pm – 5:15pm in the school staffroom
School Cultural Group Evening Performances
Wednesday 17th September 5:30pm – 7:30pm in Taamaua/school hall
Whole School Vision Screening
Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th September in Taamaua/school hall
Thanksgiving School Liturgy for Longstanding Board Members
Friday 19th September @ 9:15am in Taamaua/school hall followed by morning tea
Term 3 Concludes
Friday 19th September 2:50pm
Term 4 Commences
Monday 6th October 8:50am
Upcoming Community Events
Artz on Show School Holiday Programme
The September School holidays are fast approaching so it's time to start our marketing campaign for our upcoming School Holiday Workshop. Our September theme is MOANA! Our Karaka Workshop will run from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th September 2025.
