Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta
Dear Families
Last week, the Education Review Office Team spent some time with us as the conclusion to the New Schools Readiness Review process. In their feedback to the Senior Leadership Team/Manutaki and Philip as BoT Chairperson, they shared with us about the strong, caring and nurturing culture that was evident across the school. They spoke about the settled positive tone and the established language of learning observed across the learning communities. They also recognised the skill set of the Board of Trustees and the commitment shown by them to this role on behalf of the school community. As part of the process, the ERO Team will complete a written report which will be shared with our school community once it is finalised. Thank you to our BoT and school community who continue to support us as we “live out” this wonderful and privileged opportunity to create a special place in the heart of Takanini – a place of Christ, a place of love, a place of learning, a place of belonging and a place of community.
2018 Staffing
At the end of this year, we farewell Mrs Julie Kippen and Mrs Tanya Rowe who have sought teaching opportunities in other schools. Both Julie and Tanya have been with us this year as Foundation Staff and we extend our grateful thanks to them for all they have contributed as Holy Trinity staff and school members. We wish them every blessing as they take up their new positions. We are currently underway with finalising our school staffing for 2018 and will inform our school community once this is confirmed.
Digital Online Reporting to Parents
We are looking forward to sharing our term’s learning with our families including individual students’ National Standards achievement levels in reading, writing and maths. Teachers/Kaitiaki and students are currently working with assessments and recording evidence of their progress and achievement to share with families through the LINC-ED online parent portal. Reporting information will be published for families to access online from Monday 27th November. Some students in Years 0/1/2/3 will have received their interim and anniversary National Standards reporting last term as it is aligned to the students time at school. If you are unsure of how to access the LINC-ED parent portal, please call in to the school office for support with accessing the link and setting up of a password.
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Conferences will be held Thursday 30th November from 1:45pm. This is an opportunity for Teachers/Kaitiaki and your child/ren to share and celebrate their learning progress and achievement from throughout this school year. We would like students to be present too so they can also share in and contribute to this learning conversation about their learning goals, learning successes and challenges. Conference times will be for 15 minutes. We will inform you of the “booking conference time” procedures in the near future.
Orientation Morning for 2018 New Families
On Wednesday 29th November, our school will host new families joining us in 2018. During this time, families and children will be welcomed by our school, have an opportunity to spend time in Learning Communities and have time with the Senior Leadership Team/Manutaki who will share school information in preparation for the 2018 school year.
DRS News
Whanau Learning Rotations
This week, we have been learning about our house patrons in our Whanau groups. Our students were involved in Whanau rotations where they learnt about the inspiring life and journeys of our patrons – St Mary MacKillop, Bishop Patrick Dunn, Venerable Suzanne Aubert and Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier.
Ask your child to share their learning around these four inspiring people.
Religious Education in the Learning Communities
In Learning Community Moana we have been learning about the Communion of Saints.The Communion of Saints is a special bond between the saints in heaven, the living on earth and the souls in purgatory on their way to heaven.
The people who are undergoing purgatory are being made ready to be with God. People who are in heaven are with God and the people who are living are on their journey to God. Saints are role models,inspiring people, who leads others to God. The souls in purgatory can pray to the saints to help them on their journey to be with God. The people on earth can pray for the souls in purgatory too and can pray to the saints to pray for them. The saints in heaven can pray for the souls in purgatory and can pray for us on earth so that we can follow their example and live holy lives.
By Preston
Learning Community Moana
All Saints Day
All Saint’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of November. All of of the Saints are in heaven. Saints are good people. They are brave people. Saint Francis is the saint of animals. He can also talk to animals. Saints love God’s creation. Saints can do miracles. They love God. All of Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School went to Mass. It was in Taamaua/ school hall.
By Harveer
Learning Community Awa
Learning Community News
Learning Community Moana
Our focus this term is JOURNEY and I have learned about two people’s journeys. Nelson Mandela and Amelia Earhart …
I have been learning about Nelson Mandela. My group and I had to pick one person that inspires people. Nelson Mandela inspired people by standing up for others. It shows how anyone can speak up, no matter how old or young – you can make a difference in the world. I have learned that Nelson was adopted when he was ten because his father died. Also, that he was locked in Jail for twenty seven years for being an activist against apartheid in South Africa. I have learned that Nelson Mandela shows Unity/Kotahitanga because he wanted all people to be treated the same – fair.
I decided to choose Amelia Earhart because she showed one of our school’s Gospel Values – Resilience. She practised and practised to fly planes and she became the first female to fly across the Atlantic Ocean alone and that she attempted to fly across the largest ocean in the world but failed. Amelia Earhart teaches us to be resilient just like her.
By Dafydd
In LC Moana we have been learning about inspiring people and their journeys. My group chose Martin Luther King Jr and I learned that he helped to bring equality between people of different races and colours. His journey showed me that he took a risk by standing up for other people and to make his country equal. He showed resilience/ngawari because he never gave up or stopped fighting for the right thing. Martin Luther King Jr taught me to never give up and to have positive thoughts – never think negative!
We also learned about the famous New Zealand explorer, Sir Edmund Hillary. I couldn’t believe that he managed to climb the tallest mountain the world, Mt Everest, but he did! He showed me that we can do anything and that we need to try our best and show lots of courage. Sir Edmund Hillary showed excellence/hiranga because he worked with many people to conquer Mt Everest. Sir Edmund Hillary taught me to have faith in what I do and to believe in myself because we all have different gifts from God.
By Stephen
Kids for Kids Choir
LC Moana recently participated in the Kids for Kids Choir, a World Vision fundraiser concert at Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau. After practising the songs for weeks, they were ready and on Wednesday night they were off to sing the night away with a number of other schools. It was a great event, for a fantastic cause and all the students who took part enjoyed the night immensely. A HUGE thank you to Mrs Rowe for her dedication with the choir. From the hours of practice, to the late night at the event itself, her enthusiasm and effort is greatly appreciated.
Awa
In Awa we have been learning about Journeys. We know that there are many journeys in life. Sometimes we have happy journeys and sometimes sad ones, but God is always with us. God works through other people. We also know that we are on a Learning Journey and how far we go, depends on how hard we work. We were encouraged to do good things in life by learning about the lives of the Saints and some inspiring people. Then we had a look at look at our own Faith Journey and made some beautiful pictures to show what helps us to grow closer to God and what takes away our Mana. Here are just some of our pictures.
Whenua
In Learning Community Whenua we are working hard at creating our own personal life journeys through the Arts, English and using ICT to put into our time capsule at the end of the year. We plan to open this time capsule when we are big seniors in Maunga and use it to reflect back on our journey here at Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School.
Learning Chats
School Information
Swimming
Next week we have swimming for all students at Massey Park Pools in Papakura.
Students need to remember to bring:
– Togs and towel
– School uniform
– Swim cap and goggles optional
Please name all clothing and equipment.
Whenua and Awa have asked for parent help with getting students changed back into their uniforms at the pools. If you are able to help, please let the kaitiaki know. If you have not yet done so, could you please pay the $20 fee at the office as soon as you can.
Here are the travel and lesson timings for the three Learning Communities:
Whenua:
9:00am get on bus
9:15am swim lesson starts
10:15am swim lesson ends
10:30am get on bus
10:45am arrive at school
Awa:
10:00am get on bus
10:15am swim lesson starts
11:15am swim lesson ends
11:30am get on bus
11:45am arrive at school
Moana:
11:00am get on bus
11:15am swim lesson starts
12:15pm swim lesson ends
12:30pm get on bus
12:45pm arrive at school
This will be an exciting week for students and a great way for them to learn new skills outside the classroom.
Athletics
In weeks 7 and 8, students will be practising athletics skills at Bruce Pulman Park. This will lead us to the School Athletics Event in Week 9.
In week 7 and 8, on Tuesday and Thursday, we will be gathering as a school after lunch and walking down our newly finished path to Bruce Pulman park. In our Whānau groups we will rotate around a mix of run, jump and throw activities.
In week 9, on Tuesday, we will once again head to Bruce Pulman park to participate in a School Athletics Day. More information will be sent out next week.
Nativity Journey Help!
Whenua and Awa are preparing to share the nativity journey with you all at our family picnic in a few weeks time. We are going to be very busy learning the words to our songs, practising all of our actions, dancing, acting and narrating. If you could help in any way (lending costumes or items for props, helping with sewing, making part of the set etc.), it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support.
Please contact Julie Kippen in Awa or Tanya Rowe in Whenua if you can help in any way. Julie (jkippen@holytrinity.school.nz Tanya (trowe@holytrinity.school.nz)
End of Year School Events
Please note dates and times for our school end of year events. As this is our Foundation Year, we hope families will be able to join with us for the various activities and events so that together we can truly celebrate all we have accomplished during this establishment phase.
Orientation Morning for 2018 New Families
Wednesday 29th November 9:00am
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Thursday 30th November from 1:45pm
Morning Tea “Thank You” to Community
Friday 8th December 10:30am – 11:00am
Celebration of Learning Evening and Family Picnic
Thursday 14th December 4:30pm
Family Picnic, sharing of Journey Concept learning and stories, Nativity Journey and Carols
End of Term School Mass and Praisegiving
Tuesday 19 December 1:00pm
Final Assembly
Wednesday 20 December
School concludes for 2017
Wednesday 20 December 1:00pm
Foundation Yearbook
To celebrate our Foundation Year, we are compiling photos to create a Foundation Yearbook which highlights our first year as a school family. If you are interested in ordering a Foundation Yearbook, please complete a form available at the school office and return with $10 payment per book to the Office by Friday 24th November 2017. You are welcome to order more than one copy for other whanau/family members. Our thanks to Cheryl Schuster and Kirstie Thorpe who are the editors for this project. We know you will enjoy and treasure the memories captured in the Foundation Yearbook!
Upcoming Events
NO School Assembly and Prayer on Monday 20th Nov as Swimming Programme commences
School Swimming Programme commences
Monday 20th – Friday 24th November
Counties Manukau Sports Coaching continues
Wednesdays for Term 4
Baptism Programme for nominated students/families
Wednesday 22nd AND 29th November 5:30pm-6:30pm in the staffroom
Students’ Online Digital Reports available – email notification
Friday 24th November
School Assembly and Prayer
Monday 27th November 8:50am – Learning Community Awa to lead
Orientation Morning for 2018 New Families
Wednesday 29th November 9:00am in Taamaua
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Thursday 30th November commencing 1:45pm
With God’s Blessings
Peta Lindstrom
Principal
Community Notices
BLESSED SISTERS
On behalf of the Pilgrimage Committee we would like to extend our thanks to all who donated goods for our sale, purchased items & food, gave their time to support and helped to set up and pack down our Blessed Sister Initiative this past weekend. We are truly blessed and most appreciative to you all for your continued support.
Love & kindness
Our Pilgrimage Committee
