Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta, Namaskārām,
Sat Shri Akaal, Vanakkam and Ayubowan
Dear Families
What a wonderful way to end Term 2 by gathering as a school faith community this frosty morning to celebrate Te Tau Hou Māori – Matariki together!!! We commenced with Karakia and then a shared breakfast with our whānau before participating in the Matariki learning activities. The tikanga of Matariki is a time for whānau. As we prayed together, the dawn rose through the darkness, and we remembered and prayed for our whānau and ancestors who are no longer with us, we prayed in thanksgiving for all we have now in the present and for this time of renewal.
This special time for Holy Trinity whānau allowed us to celebrate Matariki as a time that unites us as community, connecting in friendship and sharing in gratitude and respect for the gifts of God’s creation!
Thank you to our wonderful PTFA team, our Board members and staff for sharing manaakitanga through the gift of hospitality, kai, korero and kotahitanga – unity!
Ngā mihi o te tau hou – A Blessing for the New Year
May the light of Matariki remind us that God is always with us
May we carry hope, kindness and peace wherever we go
May we care for God’s creation
Strengthen the hauora of those around us
and walk as followers of Jesus every day.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amine.
Mānawatia a Matariki – Celebrate, honour and welcome Matariki!
Thanks for a Great Term 2 …
Once again, we have raced through another term of busy school life and now find ourselves already at the July School holidays!
So as we go on holiday, we pause to give thanks to God for all that has been achieved as a school community.
We give thanks to God for our staff and the dedication they show in working with each child as they grow in their learning and personal development.
We give thanks to God for our children who take on the opportunities and challenges of school life with willingness and positive attitudes.
We give thanks to God for our families/whānau who continue to support their child and school in the many shared activities and events AND we give thanks to God for all those who lead and support our school through governance (School Board), prayer and spiritual life (our Parish Priest), fundraising and social events (our PTFA)
May we all be blessed for the work we do to nurture and grow this special school community in learning ka ako, loving ka aroha and serving ka manaaki.
School Board News …
Community Consultation and Engagement
Over this term, we have had many great conversations with our families as we have gathered to celebrate language weeks, independence days, planning for special event days coming up, etc. These conversations help us understand what matters most to our community, what is working well, and where we can grow. The information shared also provides great direction for us as a school, as the Board begins to formally develop the 2027-2028 Strategic Plan.
Our google form survey is another opportunity for families to contribute to the direction and priorities for our school over the coming years.
Please read the HERO Community notice which has the attached the google form link that everyone can access to share further considerations.
In considering the key focus questions you might also like to reflect on the following:
- Why do I send my children to Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School?
- What do I expect from the school with regard to my children’s education and learning?
Thank you to so many of our school community who have spent time sharing thoughts, ideas and perspectives in Terms 1 & 2.
Many thanks
Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School Board
DRS Report
CAN DRIVE – THANK YOU!!
A heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful whānau for your generous donations of canned food to support our local St Vincent de Paul ‘Can Drive’. Your kindness and compassion will make a real difference to many families in our Takanini and Papakura community who are facing hardship this winter.
Our school has been running the Can Drive for St Vincent de Paul for many years and this week, it has been an overwhelming experience to see the families coming in with their children bringing alive the Catholic Social Teaching of Solidarity – to stand alongside our sisters and brothers in need and recognising our shared humanity by reaching out and help where we can.
We want to especially acknowledge a couple of our school families who went above and beyond in their generous donations. The Nielsen family donated 563 cans for MacKillop whānau. Mahlani’ Ava, her grandmother Mrs Malgas and their family donated 482 cans for Aubert whānau. There are simply not enough words to fully express the gratitude we feel for the incredible compassion and generosity shown by you all! Together, we have made a difference in helping our community.
The Can Drive was also a way to earn house points for each whānau group. This year we have collected the most cans that we’ve ever had.
With a total of 1771 cans, we congratulate MacKillop Whānau for collecting the most cans!
MacKillop Whānau = 729 cans
Aubert Whānau = 545 cans
Pompallier Whānau = 295 cans
Patrick Dunn Whānau = 202 cans
May God bless each one of you for your kind and giving hearts. You have been a source of hope and comfort to many families in our community and we pray that God blesses you all abundantly for your generosity.
PTFA News …
A huge thanks to our PTFA team for the many events they have organised for our students and whānau this term.
There are a lot of tasks and organisation that has to happen in the background to ensure that each activity is planned well and caters for all.
Thank you to Louise Ruegg, our PTFA Chairperson for her excellent leadership of this dedicated and hard working team.
Our recent school DISCO was a great night of fun, music and dance and the children absolutely loved it! The PTFA raised over $2,000 for the playground which was a fantastic effort! Special thank you to sKids personnel for helping out and donating the raffles for this event and to the Learning Community Moana whānau and teachers who supported with the Bake Sale! Thank you also to all the volunteers, PTFA, staff and board who helped set-up, ran stalls, cooked the BBQ, cleaned up and so much more!
PTFA Term 3 Events …
Movie Night – Friday 31st July
We will be running a Movie Night at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
We have received a Heller’s Sausage donation
BBQ fundraiser including: sausages, drinks, lollies, and raffle
Read-a-thon – Monday 20th July – Friday 21st August
Raise IT website fundraiser – 4 week period
Run from 27th July to 21st August
2nd Hand Book Sale at school
Weekly challenge to win prizes – drawn each Friday
HTCPS Cultural Groups Performance Evening – Thursday 17th September
Held at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
BBQ fundraiser including: sausages, drinks, lollies, and raffle
Teacher Only Day
School will be closed for students on Friday 14th August Term 3.
Teachers and Support Staff will be involved in our second professional development and learning day about the newly released New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, Mathematics and Statistics Learning Area. This is a Ministry of Education approved Teacher/Staff Only Day.
This teacher-only day will provide our school with a dedicated time to understand and engage with changes across The Mathematics and Statistics Learning area of the NZ Curriculum. It is an opportunity for our kaitiaki to share ideas and expertise and to grow in our confidence in implementing the refreshed curriculum and assessment changes.
Please make alternative arrangements for your child/ren on this day.
Airfield Road – Roadworks Update
The Vector Project people confirmed work that will be happening on Airfield Rd this coming week and across the holiday period.Duffy Books in Homes
By now all our tamariki will have hopefully brought home their two free books, funded by the Ministry of Education. We thank the Ministry and our School Board for their continued support of the Duffy Books in Homes programme in our kura. Continuing to read for fun over the two week break is a great way to keep this term’s learning going, and to help build that love of reading that can last a lifetime.‘Duffy Books in Homes’ School Co-ordinator
Congratulations News …
Huge congratulations to Caleb De Vera from Learning Community Moana for his wonderful achievement in reaching “FIRST PLACE” in the CHALLENGE – a national competition for maths multiplication learning. Caleb had the highest points in the whole of New Zealand because of his determination, perseverance, dedication and top notch learning ability! Caleb kept going with the challenges because he realised he had a chance of taking the first place spot!
Caleb’s certificate says ” Caleb you’ve proven that with a little practice each day, big goals can be achieved – WELL DONE Times Table Master!”
WOW! Caleb we are so proud of you and your achievement – fantastic news! Ka mau te wehi – Well Done to you!
Congratulations also to …
The recipients of the 47th Annual Counties and Coromandel New Zealand Modern School of Music Competitions with over 300 entries.
Thank you to St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College …
Our Year 5 students and staff send “huge congratulations and thanks” to the Performing Arts Team at St Ignatius College on the successful and wonderful “Dare to Dream” production. Ka mau te wehi! You are AMAZING!
Sports News
Term Highlights and Upcoming Events
As we come to the end of Term 2, we would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the important events that took place. Our netballers were active throughout the term, dedicating time to training and participating in ongoing tournaments. With the incredible support from our parent helpers, they achieved a milestone by claiming 1st position in Grade C North Countries Netball — a proud moment for our school community.
Our cross-country team has been tirelessly training, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. Their dedication continues to inspire us all.
Looking ahead to Term 3, we have exciting events planned. In Week 1, we will participate in the Inter-schools Cross-Country event, followed by the much-anticipated St Anne’s Sports Shield for South Auckland Catholic Schools, scheduled to take place in late August.
As we head into the much-awaited holiday break, we would like to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to whānau for their ongoing support and solidarity. Your commitment in standing by our school and filling in the gaps when needed is truly appreciated.
Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable holiday!
Ngā mihi
Mr Kumar
Sports Co-ordinator
HJ Elite Soccer Academy After School Programme
Term 3 After School Soccer Programme
“We’re excited to announce that HJ Elite Academy’s After School Soccer Development Programme is back for Term 3!
This fun and engaging programme is designed for both boys and girls who are new to soccer or looking to further develop their existing skills. Our focus is on:
- Recognising and nurturing each child’s individual abilities
- Supporting age-appropriate skill development
- Most importantly, making sure every child enjoys the journey
To register: click here *payment plan available “
Other Schools Information …
De La Salle College enrolments are open for Year 7 & 9 2027 (all other year levels are subject to availability), we encourage parents to enrol now for 2027. You can pick up an enrolment pack from our school office or print it out from the school website www.delasalle.school.nz
For all enrolment enquiries please email: enrolments@delasalle.school.nz or ph Bianca on 2764319 ext 816.
Upcoming School Events
Term 3 Commences 8:50am
Monday 20th July
School Whakatau of Welcome and Gathering Liturgy
Monday 20th July @ 9:15am in Taamaua/school hall
HTCPS Finals for Rehu Tai Speeches Year 5/6
Monday 20th – Friday 24th July
Fr Tony King-Archer visiting Learning Communities
Wednesday 22nd July 10:00am – 11:30am
School Board Monthly Meeting – Strategic Planning
Wednesday 22nd July 7:00pm in the staffroom
Inter-schools Cross Country – Year 5/6
Thursday 23rd July at ACG Strathallan
First Communion Mass – St Mary’s Parish, Papakura
Friday 24th July at 5:00pm
First Communion Masses – St Mary’s Parish, Papakura
Sunday 26th July at 8:30am and 10:30am
PTFA Monthly Meeting
Monday 27th July 7:00pm in the staffroom
PTFA Movie Night Fundraiser
Friday 31st July 5:30pm – 8:00pm at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
Term 3 Concludes 2:50pm
Friday 25th September
Term 4 Commences 8:50am
Monday 12th October
Upcoming Community Events
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Whānau from across Tāmaki Makaurau will gather under the stars next week to celebrate Matariki, with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hosting this years national hautapu ceremony.
Alongside this, Auckland Live is bringing Matariki ki te Manawa to the city centre, a programme of free and exciting activities running from now until 21 July, perfect for the school holidays.
Matariki ki te Manawa invites families to plan a fun outing and experience the Māori New Year through a range of art, storytelling, performances and other activations inspired by the people and stories of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Led by Pou Auaha Ataahua Papa (Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Ngāti Mahuta), experiences on offer for whānau include:
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Tūrama, the award-winning light installation on Queen Street that tells the story of Wai Horotiu, the ancient stream that once ran beneath the city
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He Ara Hīkoi – Free ticketed guided walks through the light trail.
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Matariki Taimoana – A spectacular light and sound show at the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with an activation at Silo Park on July 6 from 6pm and again on July 11
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New works from celebrated artists and storytellers including Graham Tipene, Angus Muir Design, Phil Wihongi, and Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole
With plenty on offer for tamariki, kaumātua and the entire whānau, we’d love for your whānau to come together, reflect, remember, look ahead and celebrate the Māori New Year while exploring Matariki ki te Manawa.
