Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta, Namaskārām,
Sat Shri Akaal, Vanakkam and Ayubowan
Dear Families
This coming week we celebrate two great Feast Days of the Church year – All Saints Day and All Souls Day. As a faith community, we will be gathering to pray and share reflections as we remember all those who lived their lives faithfully by responding to God’s call to mission and have now gone to Heaven. Some of these people have been given the title ‘Saint’ by the Church and have their own special Feast Day, such as St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, and St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
We are reminded that we are ALL called to be saints by living our lives in response to God’s mission – proclaiming the Good News, witnessing to our catholic faith and responding to the needs of others – this is what it means to be missionary disciples just as the Saints modelled for us!
Benedictine Sister, Joan Chittister, reflects on how we influence others: “Those who have lived well for their own time have lived well for all times … Not only do we die into resurrection ourselves but if we have lived with respect for life, for the living, we leave resurrection in our wake as we go. The way we live ripples across time, touching people we never see, changing places we never went, singing a sound that never ends.”
As we embrace memories of all those we have known who are no longer with us in this life, we give thanks to God for the ongoing ripples from their lives that touch our own.
Introducing our New Board Members …
Kia ora koutou,
I want to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me and gave me the opportunity to represent our parent community on the School Board. I really value being part of this wonderful school and feel grateful to have the chance to give something back. I’m looking forward to learning lots, working with the rest of the Board, and contributing in ways that help make our school an even better place for our tamariki to learn and grow.
Ngā mihi nui,
Michelle Porter
Parent Elected Member
Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School Board
DRS Report
All Saints/All Souls Feast Days
November begins with a double feast in remembrance of those who have died. This coming Saturday 1st November, we celebrate the Feast of All Saints and the following day on Sunday 2nd of November we commemorate All Souls Day. On both these days we are reminded of all who have lived as faithful Christians. We are inviting all our school whānau to attend our special liturgies to celebrate both feast days. On Friday 31 October, our school will be gathering at 9:00am to celebrate the feast of All Souls. Then on Monday 3 November, we will gather again at 9:00am to celebrate All Saints Day as part of our morning liturgy before assembly.
Reconciliation
On Tuesday 4 November, our students who have already received the Sacraments in the Church will be having time in Reconciliation with Father Mathew and other priests. Reconciliation is one of the healing Sacraments that offers time for reflection and time for our students in prayer to mend their personal relationship with God. This is a beautiful Sacrament that prepares us for Advent as we get closer to the birth of Jesus.
Sacramental Programme Registration
Registration is open for students wanting to go through the Sacramental Programme next year to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Contact St Mary’s Papakura Parish Office at (09) 299 6056 or email them at office@stmaryspapakura.org.nz before registration closes on Friday 5 December.
PTFA News …
Sponsors Needed for the HTCPS Colour Fun Run – Friday 28th November
Includes:
- Company / Brand / Family name listed as a sponsor on all newsletter and Hero notices about the event
- Ability to put flag / sign / table up at the BBQ stall
What your sponsorship covers:
- Purchase of food items to run the stall (e.g. Sausages & bread)
- Donation towards the school playground fund
All proceeds from the BBQ stall go towards the HTCPS playground fund
Where possible, it would be great if you could volunteer to help run the station
Station Sponsor – $250 (up to 5 available)
Includes:
- Company / Brand / Family name listed as a sponsor on all newsletter and Hero notices about the event
- Ability to put flag / sign up at your station
What your sponsorship covers:
- Rental / purchase of items for stations or to run the event
- Donation towards the school playground fund
Where possible, it would be great if you could volunteer to run the station
Thank you for your support and looking forward to seeing you all there!
HTCPS PTFA
Calendar Art Reminder!
Follow these instructions to place your order online:
1/. Go to www.kidsartworks.com
2/. Use the Entrance Code: KZ8081
3/. Enter your child’s room & name when prompted
Orders are open until Tuesday 28th October and payment can be made over the website via credit card or account2account.
Please reach out to the PTFA if you have any questions at all, on our email ptfa@holytrinity.school.
Teaching and Learning News
Dance Curriculum
On Wednesday 22 October, our tamariki and kaitiaki had fun with dance and movement sessions led by facilitators from Dance Curriculum. Each learning community had an opportunity to learn dance formation and movement which they performed and shared with the whole school at the end of the day. Our staff also enjoyed sharing their own dance moves as well.
Up-cycle Garden Challenge 2025
Our school has been chosen to participate in the Up-cycle Garden Challenge for the Parnell Festival of Roses in November. This is an Auckland Council project and we are very appreciative of the $400 grant we have received to support us in purchasing art and construction materials to decorate the boards. We have students from Learning Communities Ngahere and Whenua who are the creators in the project along with Mrs Buzmion (leading the design) and a great team of whānau helpers who are busy with the artwork!
Up-cycling is a practice in which “old” products get to be modified and get a second life as they’re turned into a “new” product. In a garden, this could be many things!
THANK YOU to all our whānau who have contributed so much of the required recyclable materials and plants for display to add into the garden design. The theme that our school is doing is “Dancing in the Rain”, where we will draw stick people on the panel board, wearing up-cycled gumboots, blue milk bottles for rain and an old, broken umbrella which we’ll repurpose.
Good Luck to our creative team and THANK YOU for representing our school at the Auckland Council Up-cycle Garden Callenge – we are so proud of you!
Hauora/Well-Being News
Eye Health Aotearoa
As a follow up to the whole school eye screening assessments completed at the end of last term, the Eye Health Aotearoa Vision Bus will be on site, at school from Monday 17th – Wednesday 19th November to further assess students who were identified with visual issues.
Students who did not pass the school screening assessment will undergo a full screening test this time – receiving a complete Eye Examination from Vision Bus Aotearoa. And if needed, they will be provided with donated glasses.
Having the Eye Vision Bus in school will help to raise the importance of eye health and provide the much needed support for the Vision Bus to be in all schools.
We are very grateful to the School of Optometry and Vision Services (University of Auckland) and Eye Vision Aotearoa teams for this wonderful opportunity for our students and families.
Learning Community News
Learning Community Moana
LC Moana has been busy with a range of exciting learning activities over the past few weeks! Our students have been working hard on their Big Transfer Task for our connected curriculum concept learning “SERVE”. The students have been creating special items for care packs to share kindness within our community. As part of this project, they’ve been learning valuable sewing skills, including how to thread needles and stitch by hand — showing fantastic patience, focus, and creativity.
Another highlight has been our Sound Map activity, where students explored auditory awareness of the natural environment. They took time to listen closely to the world around them and record the different sounds they heard — a calming and thoughtful way to connect with nature.
Recently, our learners also completed their reading assessments, and the kaitiaki were thrilled to see excellent progress in their reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence. It’s wonderful to see how much dedication and effort our LC Moana students are putting into their learning.
Keep up the great mahi, LC Moana!
Sports News
Athletics
Next Thursday 30 October, we are having our whole school Athletics Fun Day with children participating in activities based on athletics skills of running, jumping and throwing. Our day will commence with a briefing at 10:30am, followed by whānau group rotations on the field with different activities facilitated by teachers and Counties Manukau. We welcome all our whānau to join us for a fun day outdoors!
Save the Dates: Term 4 2025 End of Year Special Events and Activities
Please save the date for these ‘end of Term 4’ celebrations events and activities. These are all family/whānau events and we are delighted to warmly welcome our school families and wider school community to be part of each special event and activity where we celebrate who we are as a catholic school – rejoicing in our catholic faith, our students achievements and our school’s achievements from throughout 2025.
Thursday 30th October
Whole School Athletics Day 11:00am – 2:30pm
Community opportunity to meet with our new Board members
Friday 31st October
Rosary and All Souls Liturgy 9:00am-9:45am in Taamaua/school hall
Monday 3rd November
All Saints Liturgy/Assembly 9:00am-9:45am in Taamaua/school hall
Thursday 20th November
Orientation Morning for 2026 New Families and Students 9am – 12pm @ school
Friday 28th November
Praise-giving Awards Afternoon 12:00pm @ school in Taamaua/school hall
Friday 28th November
PTFA School Colour Fun Run 5:00pm – 6:30pm @ school
Monday 1st December
Liturgy and Assembly for Other School Leavers and Service/Leadership Awards 9:00am @ school
Wednesday 3rd December
Whole School End of Year Mass – Blessing and Acknowledgement of 2025 Year 6 Leavers and their families @ St Mary’s Church, Papakura 1:00pm followed by afternoon tea for Year 6 leavers and families back at school
Thursday 4th December
School Supporters and Helpers THANK YOU Morning Tea 10:30am @ school
Wednesday 10th December
Whole School Whānau/Family Picnic and Nativity Liturgy celebrations 5:00pm – 7:00pm @ school
2026 School Dates
The School Board has approved the 2026 school dates as:
Term One 9 weeks Tuesday 3rd February – Thursday 2nd April (84 ½ days)
Term Two 11 weeks Monday 20th April – Friday 3rd July (106 ½ days)
Term Three 10 weeks Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September (100 ½ days)
Term Four 9 weeks Monday 12th October – Friday 11th December (88 ½ days)
School must be open for 378 half days in 2026
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
Term 1 – Week 1 Friday 6th February Waitangi Day
EASTER – Friday 3rd April, Saturday 4th April, Sunday 5th April, Monday 6th April
Term 2 – Week 2 Monday 27th April – ANZAC Day
Term 2 – Week 7 Monday 1st June – King’s Birthday
MATARIKI – Friday 10th July
Term 4 – Week 3 Monday 26th October Labour Day
2026 TEACHER/STAFF ONLY DAYS:
Ministry of Education approved Curriculum Days allocation is x 2 full days – school will be closed for instruction. These dates are still to be scheduled.
Airfield Road – Upcoming Work – Vector upgrade of electrical equipment in Takanini
Thursday 23rd October 2025
Hello,
Upcoming work on the electricity network in your area
Vector owns and operates electricity and gas networks across the greater Auckland region. We’re constantly working to ensure they are safe and reliable.
We’d like to let you know about upcoming work we are doing to upgrade electrical equipment in your area. The work will also support the development of a new data centre, which will deliver essential information storage and exchange services to the wider community. The work, which will happen in phases, is scheduled to start early November 2025 until approximately mid-2026.
The initial phase of the project involves excavation to install new ducts, followed by temporary surface reinstatement. Once we’ve finished, upgrades to electrical installation will begin, with the final surface reinstatement scheduled in 2027 (we’ll keep you updated as we go).
We appreciate this is a significant amount of time to be in your area and are committed to getting it finished as quickly and quietly as we can. We have coordinated with Auckland Transport to minimise disruption to you and your community as much as we can. Some of the things we’re doing to reduce this impact include: always maintaining access to homes and businesses, temporary parking changes to maintain traffic flow, signage boards, and the use of noise mats.
Work will take place on the following roads (which will be signposted):
- Airfield Road (1–90)
- Porchester Road (252–314)
- Takanini School Road (20–56)
- Nancy Wake Street (West)
The first phase will begin on Airfield Road, between Porchester Road and Takanini School Road, followed by Takanini School Road.
Click on the link to access the map Airfield Rd – Notification Letter 2025.10.23 (1)
During the work period please expect the following:
- Excavation work – there will be excavations in the roadway which will be barriered off for safety. Where required, mats will be used to reduce noise and vibration from construction equipment.
- Work hours – Monday to Sunday, 7am–7pm. Some late evening work (until 10pm) may occur for critical tasks.
- Noise management – Noisy activities (e.g., concrete cutting, hydro-vacuuming) will be limited to 8am–6pm as much as possible.
- Parking and access – Temporary street parking restrictions on Airfield Road. Property access may be limited at times. Affected residents will be notified in advance.
- Power outages – In 2026, planned outages may be required. Affected customers will receive advance notice.
The work will be carried out by Stockman General Contractors on behalf of Vector. If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Jenkins of Stockman General Contractors on 021 329 982 or email lisa@sgc.co.nz or Marty Arwani on 027 475 0042 or marty@sgc.co.nz
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience – thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,
Graeme Marshall – Vector Project Manager
Reminders!
School Summer Uniform to be worn from Tuesday 28th October
Students are expected to be in the correct school uniform from Week 4 of Term 4, Tuesday 28th October (after Labour Day weekend). This includes the short sleeved blouse or shirt, open toed black school sandals and the school sunhat. Please name all items of clothing so that they can be returned to the children immediately when found.
Our School uniform is only available for purchase from NZ Uniforms on 20/5 Lambie Drive, Manukau.
All students are required to wear the correct school uniform for summer as listed below.
Girls Uniform
Tartan skort/Cullottes
Blue short sleeved monogrammed blouse (summer)
Black open toed school sandals (summer)
Navy bucket sun-hat monogrammed
Navy monogrammed school polar fleece OR school jacket
Boys Uniform
Navy shorts
Blue short sleeved monogrammed shirt (summer)
Black open toed school sandals (summer)
Navy bucket sun-hat monogrammed
Navy monogrammed school polar fleece OR school jacket
Please note that the school monogrammed jersey is still able to be worn as we remain in the ‘phasing out’ period of this item.
Crimestoppers!
Crimestoppers is a completely anonymous service where anyone can report information about suspicious or criminal activity. This could relate to things happening within your community, at home, or around the neighbourhood. It’s an amazing resource that helps keep our communities safe.
Our School Community Officer, Senior Constable Lisa Ross, is asking our school community to help raise awareness about the Crimestoppers service!
Situations Vacant
Project and Music Coordinator – Catholic Diocese of Auckland
Are you looking for a role where you can make a positive impact in the lives of young people? Do you have experience in the areas of music ministry and events? We’re looking for someone who answers “Yes!” to become our full-time Project and Music Coordinator. You’ll be part of a tight-knit team implementing a bold new strategy for ministry to young people in the Diocese of Auckland. To learn more, please visit: www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/staff-vacancies/
Upcoming School Events
Labour Day Weekend/Public Holiday – school closed
Monday 27th October
Monthly PTFA Meeting – planning for School Colour Fun Run
Tuesday 28th October @ 7pm in the school staffroom
Rosary Prayer
Wednesday 29th October @ 9:00am in Taamaua/school Hall
Monthly School Board Meeting
Wednesday 29th October @ 7pm in the school staffroom
Whole School Athletics Day
Thursday 30th October 10:30am – 2:30pm @ school
Community opportunity to meet New Board Members @ School Athletics Day
Thursday 30th October 11:00am – 1:00pm @ school
All Souls Day Liturgy and Rosary Prayer
Friday 31st October @ 8:50am in Taamaua/school Hall
School Gathering Liturgy/All Saints and Assembly – Mrs Fernandes/LC Whenua and Mr Kumar/LC Maunga to lead
Monday 3rd November 8:50am Taamaua/school Hall
Reconciliation on site for Years 4-6 students who have received the sacraments
Tuesday 4th November 11:00am Taamaua/school Hall
Up-Cycle Garden Challenge ‘Build Day’
Saturday 8th November @ Parnell Rose Gardens
Up-Cycle Garden Challenge ‘SHOW DAY’
Sunday 9th November @ Parnell Rose Gardens
Outdoor Education Day on site for Learning Communities Maunga and Moana students
Tuesday 11th November @ school
Year 6 Supported Learners Transition Morning at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
Tuesday 11th November @ St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, Drury
Year 6 Students Transition Day at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
Wednesday 12th November @ St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College, Drury
North Counties Inter-schools Year 5/6 Athletics Day
Wednesday 12th November
Outdoor Education Day on site for Learning Communities Awa and Ngahere students
Thursday 13th November @ school
PTFA Ice-Block Sales Day – lunchtime
Friday 14th November @ school
School Gathering Liturgy/All Saints and Assembly – Mrs Buzmion/LC Whenua and Mrs Davies/ LC Maunga to lead
Monday 17th November 8:50am Taamaua/school Hall
Vision Bus Aotearoa on site for further screening of identified students
Monday 17th/Tuesday 18th/Wednesday 19th November @ school
Mahi Tahi Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences – allocated bookings to be made available
Wednesday 19th November @ school from 1:30pm – 7:00pm
Orientation Morning for 2026 New Families and Students
Thursday 20th November @ 9:00am at school
Mahi Tahi Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences – allocated bookings to be made available
Thursday 20th November @ school from 3:15pm – 5:30pm
Praise-giving Awards Celebration
Friday 28th November 12:00pm @ school in Taamaua/school hall
PTFA School Colour Fun Run
Friday 28th November 5:00pm – 6:30pm @ school
Liturgy and Assembly for Other Leavers and Service/Leadership Awards
Monday 1st December @ 9:00am in Taamaua/school hall
Whole School End of Year School Mass/Acknowledgement and Blessing of 2025 Year 6 Leavers
Wednesday 3rd December 1:00pm @ St Mary’s Parish Church, Papakura
followed by afternoon tea for Year 6 leavers/families back at school
School Supporters and Helpers Morning Tea
Thursday 4th December 10:30am @ school
Whānau/Family Picnic and Nativity Liturgy celebrations
Wednesday 10th December 5:00pm-7:00pm at school
Term 4 Concludes for the 2025 year at 1:00pm
Tuesday 16th December
