Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta, Namaskārām,
Sat Shri Akaal, Vanakkam and Ayubowan
Dear Families
Welcome to another busy term of school! It was an honour to welcome our newest students to school this Monday along with their whānau and to welcome new staff who are joining our school family. We hope you feel the wairua of the Holy Trinity within you and around you as you enter this wonderful community of learning ka ako, loving ka aroha and serving ka manaaki!
First Communion Celebrations
What a joy it was to be a part of the First Communion Masses this weekend!
Often people will talk about receiving the Eucharist as ‘going to Communion’. When Catholics process up to receive the Body and Blood of Christ it is a sign of our unity, with each other and Christ.
The day of someone’s first communion is big for Catholics and is often accompanied by great celebrations. Traditional Catholic children are prepared for First Communion at the age of discretion around seven or eight years.
Parents and the parish community prepare the child together recognising that parents are the first educators of faith. (source CDA website Life in Faith)
THANK YOU to the St Mary’s Parish, Papakura Sacramental Team who have guided our students on their journey towards receiving the Eucharist this weekend. A special note of love and thanks to our very own teachers, Mrs Sahlee Cortez and Miss Jennifer Anacleto for their significant role in preparing our students for this holy sacrament.
Dear Lord,
We thank You and praise You for the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist.
We ask You to bless all those who received Your Body and Blood for the first time.
You have provided for us richly through the gift of Your Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
Receiving the Holy Eucharist is a tremendous blessing,
And we ask You to help even young children to prepare well before receiving You.
Help us to grow in love for You each day of our lives.
Help us to always appreciate the great gifts You have given us for our salvation.
Lord, hear our prayer!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Staffing Update
Welcome to …
Ms Brooke Rowe who joins us as a Learning Assistant from the beginning of Term 3. We are excited to have Brooke working alongside us in Learning Community Whenua. Brooke has a special role in helping to support our brand new five year olds entering school and will help with easing the transition from their early childhood settings to commencing their primary schooling. We look forward to Brooke sharing her gifts and talents with us as she contributes to the students’ learning and well being and becomes a valuable member of our Support Staff team.
Mrs Bernie Fitzpatrick also joins our teaching team as a Classroom Release Teacher (CRT) – Bernie will provide release time for teachers on Mondays and Tuesdays of each week. Bernie has a wealth of experience in catholic schooling here in South Auckland so we feel very privileged to have her teaching alongside us until the end of the year. Bernie replaces Mr Bruce Wilson who has held this role for the last few years – Bruce has taken on a full time position as Director of Performing Arts at a local intermediate school. We are hugely proud of Bruce and wish him well as he undertakes this new role!
From our School Board …
Tēnā koutou katoa, e te whānau o te kura
What a busy and blessed end to Term 2 we have shared together.
The PTFA’s Matariki prayer breakfast was a beautiful gathering of whānau and community, united in gratitude for the new year and the promise of new beginnings. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou – our heartfelt thanks to the PTFA for their wonderful hospitality and to all who came along to share in the manaakitanga.
We also thank our community for the strong turnout to the Mahi Tahi Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences in the second to last week of term. These conversations, between school and whānau, are sacred moments of partnership which remind us that we are all called to work together, as the Trinity works in perfect communion.
The Board is deeply appreciative of the feedback shared through our community consultation process. Your voices will be integral to shaping our new strategic plan – because a school built on kotahitanga must be built together.
We are delighted to share some encouraging news about attendance. In Term 2, 74% of our tamariki achieved regular attendance, that is 90% or above, or fewer than five days away from school for the term. This is a significant improvement from 66% in Term 2 of last year. He hua nui tēnei mō tō tātou kura, this is a wonderful achievement for our school community. Regular attendance is a cornerstone of learning and wellbeing, and we are grateful to our whānau for their partnership in ensuring our children are present, engaged, and ready to grow. Thank you for the trust you place in us each day.
We also acknowledge our wonderful staff, who worked diligently to meet the requirements and deadlines for the refreshed New Zealand standard school reports. We hope these were clear, helpful, and truly reflected the growth and gifts of your tamariki.
As we move into the new term, may the Holy Trinity continue to bless our kura, our families, and our shared journey.
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui.
With every blessing,
Jason CJ Farley
Presiding Member
Te Poari – Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School Board
From our PTFA …
HTCPS Movie Night Fundraiser – Friday 31st July!
- Date: Friday 31st July
- Location: St Ignatius of Loyola College
- Doors open: 5.30pm
- Movie starts: 6pm
- Tickets: $6 each (available to purchase on the night)
All whānau is welcome! Children must have a caregiver/parent on site with them for the duration of the movie.
We are looking forward to a great evening – see you there!
The Parents, Teachers & Friends Association (PTFA) are having their next meeting, Monday, 27th July. We would love to see you there! We will be focusing on getting our plans together for our remaining 2026 events!
This is open to everyone and is a great way to meet some of our HTCPS parents and friends!
Date: Monday, 27th July 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: School Staffroom
This is a great opportunity to contribute your ideas and volunteer support for the upcoming 2026 events, get an update on what’s happening at school, and chat to other parents.
Ngā mihi nui,
HTCPS PTFA
DRS Report
First Holy Communion Masses
This weekend, we have 19 students receiving their First Holy Communion at one of the Masses over the weekend; either Saturday at 5:00pm or Sunday at 8:30am or 10:30am. We celebrate with these children as they receive the Body and Blood of Christ, hence, a full participant in the church. We congratulate:
Isla Pagalunan, Zheian Rosales, Felicity Calutan, Freya Ah Ling, Alexander Farley, Lilith Farley, Ryleigh Juanta, Chloe Wee, Ace Mantos, James Ostle, Eryn Maniti, Sierra-Marie Watkins, Liam Cristobal, Amaya Friis, Enzo Tabobo, Gabe Ah Ling and Zoe Porter.
St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College Feast Day Mass
On Friday 31 July, our peer ministry leaders will be attending the special Feast Day Mass for St Ignatius at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College. Our Senior Leadership Team will accompany our students as we join in the celebration at the college.
Whole School Mass
On Wednesday 5 August, our school will be celebrating our beginning of Term Mass with Father Tony King-Archer at 9:30am in Taamaua/school hall. We invite all our school whānau to join us as we ask God to bless our work ahead of us this term and to bless our school community as we continue our journey this year.
Catholic Caring Foundation Mass
On Wednesday 12 August, some of our staff and students will be travelling to celebrate a special Catholic Caring Foundation Mass at Christ the King Parish, Owairaka. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Steve Lowe, with a theme of promoting the dignity of each person and reminding ourselves to love our neighbours as ourselves. It is also the Mass where six of our senior students are recognised and acknowledged for the work they do in service to their school and Parish community.
Catch the Waves (Peer Ministry Team)
We are excited to let our school know of our new name for our “peer ministry team”. In discussion with Mrs Silva and Miss Lindstrom, we have come up with the name of ‘Catch the Waves’. Yes, through our prayer reflections and daily talks with God, we want to send the waves of God’s love and grace to all people! Catch the Waves is the name we want you to remember. Let the waves of God’s love and grace pour over you and soak you. It’s the life giving water of God’s aroha and we want everyone to feel that love, stirred within them and then send the waves for others to be saturated in.
For me, as a Peer Ministry Leader, I think that the Daily Talks with God has influenced me to be able to connect with God and be more in His presence. I feel close to God now, because talking and praying with God makes me feel like a huge amount of weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am sure that all my team feel closer to God than ever after these daily talks. Being part of Catch the Waves has helped me know more about God and want to be like his disciples more.
Elaina (Year 5)
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. sKids will be opearting a day’s programme here at school in Taamaua – further information to follow.
Teaching and Learning News
Connected Curriculum / PRESERVE
Our concept learning this term is “Preserve”. Throughout the term, our learners will explore the understanding that the way we preserve stories empowers us to live as people of hope on our Catholic journey, now and into the future.
Our curriculum focus learning areas are Technology and Dance (The Arts). In Technology, learners will use the design thinking process to explore different ways to preserve stories. In Dance, they will use the elements of dance to tell stories that inspire and encourage us to live as people of hope.
To guide their learning, learners will explore these essential questions:
- Why do we preserve stories on our Catholic journey?
- How can the way we preserve stories of our Catholic journey empower us to live as people of hope, now and into the future?
Learning Community Newsletters with Curriculum Focus
Our Learning Community Term 3 newsletters will be published on HERO next Friday. We encourage you to take a few minutes to read them, as they provide an overview of the learning your child will be involved in throughout the term, including Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Religious Education, Technology, Health and Physical Education and Dance.
The newsletters are a great way to find out what your child is learning at school and how you can support their learning at home. They also give you an opportunity to talk with your child about their learning and celebrate their progress throughout the term.
Cultural Groups Update
Our cultural groups will continue to meet throughout this term on a fortnightly basis on Mondays from 9.30–10.30am. Your child is participating in one of the following cultural groups: Māori Kapa Haka, Filipino, Pasifika, Indian or Diversity.
As part of their learning this term, students will continue preparing for the Cultural Performance Evening, which will be held on Thursday 17th September. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their learning and celebrate the cultures within our school community.
We are looking forward to this special evening and will share further details with you on HERO closer to the time.
Learning Community Parent Education Workshops
Following the positive conversations during our Mahi Tahi Learning Conferences, we are excited to invite you to our first Learning Community Parent Education Workshop.
Throughout Term 3, we will be offering three parent workshops designed to support you in helping your child with their learning at home. Each workshop will provide practical ideas, strategies and resources that you can use to build your child’s confidence, support their progress, and help them achieve success in reading, writing and mathematics.
Workshop 1 Thursday, 6 August
Where: Learning Community Whenua, Learning Community Ngahere, Learning Community Awa, Learning Community Maunga and Learning Community Moana
Morning session: 8.30am – 9.00am
Afternoon session: 2.15pm – 2.45pm
(You only need to attend one session.)
Positive Puberty Plus
On Tuesday 11 August, we will be having a Parent Information Evening at 6:00pm in Taamaua for all the parents/caregivers of our Year 5/6 tamariki on the “Positive Puberty Plus Programme.” This programme will be run by Nest Consultants which will cover changes in our Hauora/well-being, focussing on the physical changes in our body and ways to cope with these changes.
Rehu Tai Speeches
This year some of our Year 5/6 students are working on their speech and presentations to compete for being school representative to attend the local Rehu Tai Speech Competition. This year, the theme for Rehu Tai is “Our Roots, Our Voices, Our Future”. The theme encourages students to focus on the concept of belonging and making connections, to people, to the land, to their ancestors. It’s a great way to highlight the connection with our concept this term – PRESERVE. How can we preserve our stories?
‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani – Cook Islands Maori Language Week
‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani – Cook Islands Māori Language Week / 2 – 8 August 2026
The 2026 theme for Cook Islands Māori Language Week is “Me kite koe i te tuatua i to’ou reo tupuna, e turanga rangatira tena nō’ou no te uki amuri atu” – With our language as our foundation, we will embrace the future.
Book Week 2026 is Coming Soon!
On the 13th of August, we will be holding our annual Book Character Parade. This is a chance for all our tamariki and kaitiaki to come dressed up as their favourite book character. We encourage everyone to start thinking now about what they would like to wear to the parade so there is plenty of time to gather what is needed. It’s a fun, exciting way to end our Book Week and something our learners and staff look forward to every year.Book Club
The latest issue of the Book Club catalogue is one you do not want to miss.Duffy Books Co-ordinator
Duffy Books in Homes
Duffy Books in Homes is running a competition this term to encourage learners to explore their imagination and tell the stories that matter to them.Duffy Books Co-ordinator
Hauora/WellBeing News
Awhi Team Peer Mediation
Sports News
Welcome Back for Term 3!
We are excited to kick off another term filled with engaging sporting activities and opportunities for our tamariki. This term, our major focus is the St. Anne Sports Shield for Year 5/6 students, where we will be fielding both soccer and netball teams. The competitions are scheduled to take place in late August, and we are looking forward to seeing our students showcase their skills and team spirit.
In the same week, our Year 5 and 6 students will participate in the North Counties Inter-schools Year 5/6 Basketball Tournament at the Bruce Pulman Basketball Courts. This will be a fantastic opportunity for our talented basketball players to gain experience, develop their skills, and enjoy friendly competition.
Additionally, on Friday, 28 August, we will be holding our own Whole School Cross Country. This event encourages all students to participate, promote fitness, and enjoy some outdoor activity with their peers.
Inter-schools Cross Country at AGC Strathallan
On Thursday, our Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented our school at the Cross Country competition held at ACG Strathallan, Karaka. Despite the cold and wet weather, our tamariki showed incredible resilience, determination, and perseverance, giving their very best and completing the course with great effort.
A special congratulations to Charlotte, who achieved 2nd place in the Year 5 Girls category, and Makarios, who placed 6th in the Year 6 Boys category. We are incredibly proud of their outstanding achievements!
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parent helpers who generously gave their time to support our team throughout the day. Your encouragement and assistance made a real difference, and we truly appreciate your commitment to our students.
We look forward to a vibrant and active term ahead!
Congratulations News!
We are very proud to announce wonderful achievements by two of our senior students in a nationla andinetranation maths competition.
Congratulations to Bisman Patria/Year 5 who won third/3rd prize in New Zealand and Australia’s biggest Mental Math Competition in the Foundation Level 2 (Above 9 category) conducted by SIP Abacus ANZ.
We also received wonderful news about a remarkable feat achieved by Mehtab Singh /Year 6 who recently took part in the New Zealand National SIP Abacus & Mental Arithmetic Competition 2026 held Auckland on 19/07/2026
Mehtab Singh won first position in both Round 1 and the final Round 2 of this competition by competing against some of the best young minds in the world, bringing honour to New Zealand.
Mehtab’s dedication, hard work, and focus have resulted in this achievement, and his family couldn’t be prouder. Ka mau te wehi/you are amazing, Mehtab!
HJ Elite Academy After School Term 3 Soccer 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 “
Term 3 Attendance Dues – Now Due
Term 3 Attendance Dues are now due. Financial statements were sent out by HERO this past week. All Term 3 Dues must be paid in full unless you are making regular automatic payments. We are required to send these funds to the Diocese each month.
Please note that there are 3 options for payment of the Attendance Dues and Catholic Special Character Contribution
- Full amount paid by Internet Banking to ASB school account – details for payment are on the statement.
- Automatic Payment to be set up via internet banking to ASB school account
- Payment can be made at the school office – cash or Eftpos
Many of our families choose the AP (Automatic Payment) option to make a small payment each week or fortnight which helps families to manage their financial budget for the year. This is a very good option and one that is encouraged by our school. For those families paying by Automatic Payment (AP), please note that 2026 payments must all be completed by 1st December 2026.
Please see Carmel Stewart (Office Administrator) or Peta Lindstrom (Principal) in the strictest confidence if you have any concerns or questions regarding the payment of Attendance Dues.
Financial Assistance is available for payment of Attendance Dues.
Reminders!
Managing our School Roll
Holy Trinity is now “managing” our school roll for 2026. Some of our learning spaces and year levels are now at capacity for the year. This includes students who are already pre-enrolled for the 2026 year. The lack of further buildings/learning community spaces means we are in a position of having to manage school enrolments for new inquiries. Families are welcome to place their child on the preference waiting list for 2027 – this does not guarantee a placement for 2027 as we will only be able to accept siblings as a first priority.Upcoming School Events
Cultural Group practices
Monday 27th Jul 9:15am -10:30am @ school
PTFA Monthly Meeting
Monday 27th July 7:00pm in the staffroom
Cultural Group practices
Monday 27th July 9:15am -10:30am @ school
PTFA Second Hand Uniform Shop OPEN
Tuesday 28th July 3:00pm – 3:30pm – mezzanine floor in Taamaua/school hall
Book Club Last Orders Due
Friday 31st July
PTFA Movie Night Fundraiser
Friday 31st July 5:30pm – 8:00pm at St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic College
Cook Islands Language Week Celebrations
Monday 3rd – Friday 7 August
School Gathering Liturgy and Assembly – led by Miss Anacleto and Mrs Nadan/LC Awa and Mrs Ali/LC Moana
Monday 3rd August @ 8:50am in Taamaua/school hall
Whole School Mass celebrated by Fr Tony King-Archer
Wednesday 5th August @ 9:30am in Taamaua/school hall
Curriculum Learning – Parent Education Workshops
Thursday 6th August @ 8:30am-9:00am and 2:15pm-2:45pm in the Learning Communities
Book Week Celebrations
Monday 10th – Thursday 13th August
Cultural Group practices
Monday 10th August 9:15am -10:30am @ school
Positive Puberty Plus Parent Presentation
Tuesday 11th August 6:00pm – 7:30pm in Taamaua/school hall
Caring Foundation Mass – Peer Ministry Team and Senior Leadership Team
Wednesday 12th August 11:00am @ Christ the King Church, Owairaka
Book Week Character Parade
Thursday 13th August 9:30am @ Taamaua/school hall
Book Week Treasure Hunt
Thursday 13th August 1:30pm-2:30pm around school!
Rehu Tai Inter-schools Speech Competition – Years 5/6
Thursday 13th August
Teacher/Staff ONLY DAY – school closed for students
Friday 14th August
School Gathering Liturgy and Assembly – Celebrating the Feast of the Assumption led by Mrs Davies and Mrs Chung/LC Maunga
Monday 17th August @ 8:50am in Taamaua/school hall
Celebrating Indian Independence Day – Indian school families
Monday 17th August
Tongan Language Week Celebrations
Monday 17th – Friday 21st August
Term 3 Concludes 2:50pm
Friday 25th September
Term 4 Commences 8:50am
Monday 12th October
