Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Namaste, Ni Hao, Bula, Hola, Kumusta
Dear Families
What a wonderful, warm, heart filled welcome we celebrated with our new families and students on Tuesday morning. It was also great to see the happy, smiling faces of our children and whānau returning for another year of schooling. As our community grows, we are heartened by the kindness, arohanui and generosity of our families who reach out to support those who are new, who need a helping hand with transport, who need support and extra love as they settle into their new environment. THANK YOU – this is what it means to be Holy Trinity people!
As a Catholic School we share in the goals for Catholic education … to be a place where we communicate Christ, helping to form Christ in the lives of others … a place to encounter the loving God so that each person and child experiences a genuine and ongoing encounter with Christ … a place to grow in knowledge and understandings of Christ’s teachings … a place where Christian witness is nurtured and strengthened within the community of our Lord’s disciples, the Church.
This is our hope for our school community – that together we grow/flourish in unity and in learning, loving and serving in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The photos below depict our new students receiving welcoming certificates and their family/whānau prayer kete, celebrating our holiday birthday children as well as Mr Malele setting the scene with reminders about wearing of uniform, sun-hats, knowing the school boundaries and how to be cared for by the duty teachers!
Staffing for 2020
Welcome to Mr Andrew Malele, Deputy Principal and Kaitiaki/Teacher of Learning Community Moana – Years 6/7/8 and to Mrs Heidi Perese, Kaitaki/Teacher of Learning Community Awa Years 2/3. We are thrilled to have both Andrew and Heidi join our leadership, teaching team and staff teams respectively. They have kindly shared a little bit about themselves to help us get to know them better. Ka mau te wehi!
Mrs Heidi Perese
Warm Pacific greetings to our Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School Community. My name is Mrs Heidi Perese and I feel so blessed and excited about joining this wonderful community of learning as a Kaitiaki/Teacher. It is my belief that being a teacher in a Catholic School is both a calling and a privilege. You can find me in the Learning Community of Awa this year and I look forward to all the collaborative learning experiences we will have in 2020.
Mr Andrew Malele
Ko wai au?
Ko Te Puke O Tara te maunga, Ko Manukau te awa, Ko Ngati Hamoa te iwi, Ko Polynesian Airlines te waka!Learning Community Staff and Spaces
As we await the relocatable buildings that are coming on site in preparation for our increasing number of students, we have had to have a shuffle around of Learning Community spaces – please note the changes for 2020 and do pop in and see us in our new homes!
Learning Community Moana = Years 6/7/8
Mr Andrew Malele – teacher, Mrs Mel Notley – teacher, Mrs Kay Hey – teacher, Mrs Hannah Lendrum – teacher
Learning Community Maunga = Years 4/5
Mrs Ana Silva – teacher, Mr Quenten Brown – teacher, Mrs Amila Wijesuriya – learning assistant, Mrs Hilda Pritchard – learning assistant
Learning Community Awa = Years 2/3
Mrs Maria Speechlay – teacher, Miss Alana Gaynor – teacher, Mrs Heidi Perese – teacher, Mrs Kirstie Thorpe – teacher, Miss Angela Aiesi – learning assistant
Learning Community Whenua = Year 2
Mrs Lynn Rhode – teacher, Miss Vincet Lautua – learning assistant
Learning Community Ngahere/Taamaua = Year 1 (older)
Mrs Lainee Davies – teacher, Mrs Mavis Chung – teacher
Learning Community Ngahere/Library = Year 1 (new)
Mrs Susan Champion – teacher
ESOL Learning Assistant/Librarian
Mrs Carolyn Harvey – learning assistant
Administration Area
Miss Peta Lindstrom – principal
Mrs Jennifer Quarterman – office administrator
Mrs Viv Smith – office administrator
Caretaker
Mr Allan Quarterman
Senior Leadership Team
Miss Peta Lindstrom – principal, Mrs Maria Speechlay – deputy principal, Mr Andrew Malele – deputy principal, Mrs Ana Silva – director of religious studies, Mrs Susan Champion, lead teacher Learning Community Ngahere
Change of EXIT at the END of the Day
Now that our students and family numbers have increased, we are opening two gates … one by the Reception Area and one by the central entrance area, to ease congestion at home time. Students from Learning Community Ngahere-Taamaua, Learning Community students from Maunga and Moana will be using the Reception Gate to exit, at the end of the day.
Students from Learning Community Ngahere-Library, Learning Community Whenua and Learning Community Awa will be using the central gate exit as is normal.
External Reviews
At the end of 2019, we completed our first three years of being a newly established school. This means we are now due for external reviews both through the Education Review Office (ERO) and through the Catholic Schools Office (a Catholic Special Character Review).
This means having external auditors on site with us from ERO, from Monday 17th February to Thursday 20th February. This is our time to ‘shine’ and to ‘share’ our school’s journey through this establishment phase. We will be presenting and sharing with the ERO Review Team aspects of our school’s curriculum design, responsive curriculum, student achievement data, noting trends/patterns, strengths and areas of improvement, equity and excellence, learning communities in action, further developments for our school and the strengths we can draw on going forward.
And just two weeks later, we will be participating in our first Catholic Special Character Review. Our reviewers are Mr Phil Mahoney and Mrs Christine Smith from Catholic Education Services. They will be joining us on Wednesday 11th March to Thursday 12th March.
Together with Board members, staff, whānau and students, we can look forward to celebrating our journey with both of these Review Teams!
DRS Report
Waitangi Day Liturgy
On Wednesday 5 February, we gathered as a school whānau to commemorate our national Waitangi Day with a school liturgy. Each Learning Community presented their own class treaty as we are reminded of the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which is New Zealand’s founding document that was signed on February 6 1840. We gathered in remembrance of a historical event that marked the beginning of peace and unity. We pray in gratitude that the spirit of peace continues to thrive and flourish in our beautiful Aotearoa today.
Morning Prayers/Karakia
Prayer is a very important part of our school culture. We begin each school day with prayers in our Learning Communities which our students lead alongside their kaitiaki/teachers. Our staff also gather together every Tuesday morning at 8:00am for prayers in the staff room. We would like to invite you to come in and join us for our morning prayers on Tuesday in the staff room or with our children in their Learning Communities at 8:50am. It is a beautiful way to begin our day by giving thanks to our loving God and asking for his guidance for the day ahead.
Beginning of Year Mass
Next week on St Valentine’s Day, Friday 14 February, we have a whole school beginning of year Mass which will be led by Father Peter Murphy of St Mary’s Papakura. We begin our year by giving thanks to God for his constant love for us in the way he is present in our everyday lives. You are welcome to join us as we gather as a school family in Taamaua (school hall) at 9:00am.
Ash Wednesday
We have Ash Wednesday Liturgy in Taamaua (school hall) at 11:00am with Father Peter Murphy of St Mary’s Papakura on Wednesday 26 February. You are invited to come along and join us as we begin our Lenten journey this year.
Sacramental Programmes
Enrolments are now due for the preparation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and first Holy Communion. The year begins with parent meetings on either Sunday 9th February or Tuesday 11th February at St Mary’s Parish in Papakura. For more enquiries please contact Barbara Lee – 027 476 1419.
Attendance Dues 2020
Attendance Dues for 2020 invoices will be sent electronically to families over the next two weeks.
This year, the Board of Trustees has opted for the Government Donation Scheme for 2020. This means that our school will receive $150 per student as a donation payment. This will be received through our 2020 Operational Funding Grant. The monies received will be used for all Curricular related expenses for our school’s teaching and learning programmes.
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 on the invoice
- Automatic Payment to be set up via internet banking to ASB school account
- Payment can be made at the school office – cash or Eftpos
Please see Jennifer Quarterman (Office Administrator) or Peta Lindstrom (Principal) in the strictest confidence if you have any concerns or questions regarding the payment of Attendance Dues.
The Auckland Common Fund Ltd Hardship Scheme is available to help with the payment of attendance dues where families face financial hardship. It is a means of helping parents and caregivers who have a real and just need. Please contact Peta Lindstrom (Principal) if you require further information in regards to the scheme.
PTFA
PTFA – Parents, Teachers and Friends Association
The PTFA Team are holding their second meeting for 2020 this coming Tuesday 11th February 7:00pm in the school staffroom. Last year was a great fundraising year for the PTFA and they undertook their role with much enthusiasm and with many ideas! They have been wonderful at supporting the Board of Trustees and Staff by planning, organising and running activities and events that promote school community “Unity and Friendship” and also encourage opportunities for fundraising. This is a great group to be involved with so please do come along and be part of all the fun. All are welcome!
Meeting: Tuesday 11th February 7:00pm in the school staffroom
PTFA CAR BOOT FAIR!!!!
Learning Community News
Learning Community Maunga
Learning Community Maunga learned about the historical event around the Treaty of Waitangi and used this to create our own class Treaty. We learned that the Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the Maori people and the British settlers that came to New Zealand. Our learners enjoyed interesting facts they came across such as Bishop Pompallier being there at the signing of the Treaty and how he advised Governor Hobson to add in the importance of religious freedom in Aotearoa. This means we protect the faith of all people living in New Zealand. What a beautiful taonga Bishop Pompallier contributed to our Treaty!
Curriculum News
Concept Learning 2020
Kia ora e te Whānau,
Our overarching concept for this year is Whakapuāwai – To Flourish and Blossom. We want our learners to flourish and blossom as their belief in their God-given gifts inspires them to serve and make a positive difference in our world.
This term’s concept is around Taonga and we want our learners to understand that Taonga are treasures that come in many different forms and shape who we are and how we flourish and blossom in our world.
The three essential questions that will help us to unpack this concept are:
How do we identify Taonga?
Why care about Taonga?
How does Taonga affect us?
We look forward to the sharing of stories about Taonga in your family, that may have been passed down from generation to generation.
Music Tuition Lessons at School
New Zealand Modern School of Music will again be offering music tuition for students on site at school. This is at a cost to the parents.
Guitar or ukulele lessons – Wednesdays with Jenni Smith
Keyboard lessons – Thursdays with Leanne Stewart.
If you wish to take up this opportunity please contact the tutors:
Leanne Stewart is offering solo in-school lessons on Wednesdays. Quality, creative and fun music tuition! $19 for solo 20 minute lesson. For more information and to register please contact Leanne Stewart.
Scholastic Book Club
The first issue of the Scholastic Book Club catalogue for 2020 was handed out to students this week.
Sports News
P.E. Uniform
All LC Maunga and LC Moana students need a Physical Education uniform at school every day. This is to be used for fitness and Physical Education lessons. Learning Community kaitiaki for students in LC Awa, Whenua and Ngahere will inform whānau of the days that the P.E. uniform is required for our younger students.
Home sports equipment at school!
We have a range of sports equipment for all students to use at interval and lunch. To avoid a range of issues at Holy Trinity, we strongly discourage any personal sports equipment coming to school.
School Carpark and Sports Equipment
We understand that from time to time some sports equipment does end up over the fence. If you see any equipment over in the carpark, could you please return it by throwing it back over the fence, your help will be very much appreciated!
Summer Sports Day
North Counties Year 5 & 6 Summer Sports Day
When – Tuesday the 10th of March
Where – Bruce Pulman Park
North Counties Year 7 & 8 Summer Sports Day
When – Tuesday the 17th of March
Where – Bruce Pulman Park
On these days, we will need some help with parent supervision and some help with basic refereeing such as keeping the scores for some teams. If you are able to help please indicate on the permission slip, which will be going home with senior students next week.
Regards
Mr Quenten Brown
Sports Coordinator / Kaitiaki
Health & Safety Information
Vistab
If children are late to school or need to leave/return during the day for an appointment, please come through to the Reception Area to sign in/out using the Vistab electronic system before entering the Learning Communities. The screen is easy to use and is set up on the front desk. This is a Health and Safety measure that allows us to know where children are at all times.
Traffic
As our school roll is increasing, more traffic is noticeable in the car-parking area. All designated parking spaces are now available so please only park in these designated, marked carparks. The Bus Bay may be used for pick up and drop off but do take care with pedestrians and moving vehicles in close proximity. You may like to leave “pick up” for your child until after 3:00pm once the first wave of traffic congestion has passed!
Sun sense!
With hot summer days upon us, we are encouraging the children to bring their own water bottles to school so that they can hydrate during their school day. Water is the only drink permitted at school. School sun-hats must be worn whilst outside and are part of the school uniform. Children with no sun-hats will only be allowed to play in shaded areas during break times. Due to various allergies and reactions to sunscreen, children are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen from home for use at school.
Foods
Great to see the healthy food options that children have for their morning tea and lunches! Please note: lollies, chewing gum, bubble gum and chocolate are not permitted as food items at school.
Litter and Recycling
We are strongly encouraging the children to bring home their litter from morning tea and lunches. This supports the school with recycling and also informs you of foods eaten or untouched! As our first step in contributing to the caring of God’s creation, we have no rubbish bins placed outside so individual’s food and drink rubbish needs to come home.
Reminders!
OfficeMax have had a huge influx of school stationery orders via MySchool in the past week and some of you may experience delayed delivery of your child’s stationery order. Delays are likely to affect those who have placed orders in the last week of January or later.
If you need assistance with your order please contact My School directly, by phone 0800 724 440 or email enquiries@myschool.co.nz.
Please also note that you can pick up orders on the same day at OfficeMax either in Manukau or Mt Eden. If there are items not in stock they will backorder and deliver it directly to you.
School Bell Times
8:50am School commences
8:50am Morning Block
10:30am First Break
11:00am Middle Block
1:00pm Second Break
1:40pm Afternoon Block
2:50pm School concludes
2020 School Dates
Term One – Tuesday 4th February to Thursday 9th April
Term Two – Tuesday 28th April to Friday 3rd July
Term Three – Monday 20th July to Friday 25th September
Term Four – Monday 12th October to Wednesday 16th December
Uniform
Thank you for the way you have helped the children prepare for their school year. They look very smart in their uniforms and most children now have the required school stationery. Please ensure all uniform clothing is named clearly, so lost items can be returned. With this summer heat, it is very important that children have the correct summer uniform … short sleeved shirt/blouse, navy shorts, tartan skort, black open-toed school sandals (NO socks and shoes) and a navy bucket, school monogrammed sun-hat. Hair is to be tied up with navy/blue, red or black ties/ribbons only and stud earrings to be worn rather than hoop earrings for health and safety purposes. NZ Uniforms are the stockists of the school uniform: 20/5 Lambie Drive, Manukau ph: 09 950 6747.
Newsletters/Communication
School newsletters will be distributed electronically every fortnight commencing this Friday 7th February. Families will be sent an email alert with the school newsletter available through the browser or by clicking on the button to open up the newsletter. This should ensure that the formatting of text and images remains the same. Our internal student management system for most communications is through LINC-ED. You will receive an email alert for community notices and also when student’s learning has been published to be shared with you. Please check that you are signed in and able to access the LINC-ED parent portal. All student reporting is completed and published electronically on this site. Call in to the school office if you require any assistance with set-up of Linc-Ed.
Upcoming Community School Events
Please mark this date on your calendar Thursday, 5th of March where we invite you to come with your family and have a picnic dinner here at school. There will be an opportunity for you to meet the staff who will share learning community information and time for mahi tahi about learning maps and learning goals.
School Gathering Prayer and Assembly – Mrs Speechlay to lead
Monday 10th February 9:00am in Taamaua/Hall
Board of Trustees meeting – ERO preparation
Monday 10th February 6:00pm in the Board Room
PTFA Meeting
Tuesday 11th February 7:00pm in the Staffroom
Beginning of Year School Mass
Friday 14th February 9:00am on school site Taamaua/Hall with Fr Peter Murphy presiding
Whakatau – to welcome ERO Team – School Gathering Prayer and Assembly – LC Awa to lead
Monday 17th February 9:00am in Taamaua/Hall
Eduction Review Office personnel on site
Monday 17th February to Thursday 20th February
Dedication Mass for all staff in Catholic Schools
Tuesday 18th February 7:00pm @ Christ the King Parish, Owairaka
Counties Manukau Health Gardasil 9/Boostrix Talk (for Year 7/Year 8)
Thursday 20th February and Thursday 27th February
FAMILY PICNIC and MAHI TAHI EVENING
Thursday 5th March from 5:00pm
Community Day – this Saturday at Bruce Pulman Park
Upcoming Community Events
Click in the link for a GREAT recipe for sweetcorn fritters – Heart Foundation! Easy-Meals-Sweetcorn
For interested students and families … Term 1 Gymnastics programmes are available through the Gymnastics and Recreation Centre at Bruce Pulman Park ph: 09 295 0020
