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Kia ora TPS whānau  Like us
Principal’s message:
We recently received a disturbing report from a grandparent about a serious near-miss involving two of our students at the Byron/Bracken roundabout.
This incident, which thankfully didn’t result in an accident, is a stark reminder of the dangers on our streets during drop-off and pick-up times.
We are also hearing reports of children crossing busy roads without supervision and drivers stopping in ways that block crossings. The safety of our children is a community effort, and we are asking for your help.
Please talk to your children about:
- Using designated crossings and waiting for the signal.
- Riding bikes safely and cautiously.
- Looking both ways before crossing any road.
Additionally, we urge all drivers to be extra vigilant, patient, and to always be mindful of children. Let’s work together to ensure our streets are safe for everyone.
Curiosity in Motion: Save the date! (Tuesday 9 September)
We are thrilled to announce “Curiosity in Motion”, a special afternoon event showasing our incredible learning in Science and Technology. Our students are busy preparing to share their amazing projects and discoveries with you. Please see the poster below for times you can pop into the classrooms. Please note: children will be dismisssed to the care of their parents at 3:00pm as usual.
Financial Literacy learning with ASB:
Kererū and Tūī learners have been fortunate to participate in the Get Wi$e Financial Literacy Programme run by ASB. Learners discussed business enterprise and financial goals. It was great to see the students excited about money and what they could aim for in the future.
Cultural Ambassadors:
Recently Kou Watanabe (Kereru A), one of our School Cultural Ambassadors, ran a lunch time session to demonstrate a traditional Japanese game called Kendama. Kou brought along a wooden Kendama toy and then helped us to make a simple version from a paper cup and a ping pong ball. Everyone had a great time making and playing the game. Some learners even managed the more tricky version of two cups. It was tricky to master but lots of fun.
Property update:
We are still working with the Ministry of Education to be able to complete the works by the sandpit, we are mindful that this is taking longer than anticipated but unfortunately we have to remain patient and hopefully this is resolved soon. Meanwhile, it is great to see the fabulous development happening in our Native Grove area behind the school pool. Rakesh, our caretaker, is working very hard to create a new play space for our students and we’re hopeful this can be open during school time in Term 4.
IMPORTANT SCHOOL COMMUNITY GROUP (SCG) NEWS:
The SCG is looking for new members to step into the roles of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer as the current team finishes up. The SCG organises some of the events we all love like Pizza Day, Sushi Fridays, Discos and the Quiz Night. Without new people, some of these may not happen in 2026. Questions welcome – email scg@tps.school.nz
School policies:
Each term, the whole school community is invited to review and comment on specific policies and procedures. This feedback is captured using the review button on topics that are under review. The review topics for each term are listed on the Current Review and Review Instructions page.
General feedback:
At any time, members of the school community can send general feedback on a topic to the school by clicking the green feedback button on the top right of the page.
Schooldocs:
Username: takapunaprimary
Password: deedsnotwords
Are you ready to make a difference? Train to be a teacher with us in 2026
The Teachers’ Institute’s Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary, School-based) offers you the chance to gain teacher registration in just one year, while learning hands-on at our school every day. This programme is perfect for anyone considering a career change, returning to work after a break, or even after an OE.
Pay no tuition fees for the year. For more information, visit teachersinstitute.org.nz
Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
Term 3 Board meeting: Monday 1 September: email takapunaboard@tps.school.nz for further information
Wheels, pizza & non-uniform: Thursday 18 September
Last day of term 3: Friday 19 September
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Regards, Devika & the TPS Team
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Our school is trialling a new online safeguarding and monitoring service to continue to keep students safe while using devices at school.
This service works on all school-managed devices and Google accounts, whether they are used at school or at home as long as the student is signed in with their school log in.
If a student uses their school Google account to sign into Chrome on any Chromebook (including a personal device), the service can monitor activity in that Chrome session. This allows us to identify and respond to any online activity. In some cases, this may include taking screenshots if unsafe or concerning behaviour is detected.
For students bringing their own device (BYOD), the service only monitors activity when they are signed in with their school Google account. Personal activities, out of school hours should be done under a personal Google account, which is the responsibility of the student and their parents/caregivers to manage.
We will be reviewing how well this service works during the trial to make sure we are using the most effective tools to support student safety and wellbeing online.
Tash Taylor
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School Board Elections 2025 – Takapuna Primary School
Voting Open
Voting in our School Board elections has started and you are now able to vote in the election.
We have had 12 nominated for 5 spaces for parent representatives on the Takapuna Primary School Board. We have appointed an Election Pilot as the Returning Officer for the election, and you will be receiving voting information directly from them.
Everyone who is eligible to vote in the election will receive voting instructions on how you can vote, as well as the candidate statements and photos that have been provided.
If you have any questions about the election process, please contact the Returning Officer directly on 0800 VOTENZ (0800 868 369) or election@electionpilot.nz.
Don’t leave it to the last minute
Elections close at 4:00pm on
Wednesday 10th September.
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Are you a Facebook and Social Media Expert?
Takapuna Primary School Alumni Network needs your help!
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TPS recently launched an alumni group on Facebook. We’re just in the beginning stages and we need someone who can assist with the growth of the group by attracting members. The objectives of the TPS Alumni Network are:
- Build a database of TPS alumni
- Develop connections with TPS’s current staff and students
- Enhance current students’ understanding of TPS’s history
- Offer fundraising opportunities for alumni to invest so TPS can continue its high-quality educational standards
- Promote TPS’s brand in the community
- Host alumni events
- Begin the path towards TPS’s 150th reunion in 2029
- Create an online archive of TPS class photos, memorabilia etc.
Please join the Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/666338743056767
If you would like to assist by helping us develop the Facebook group, please contact us at alumni@tps.school.nz
The time commitment is approx 1-2 hours per month.
Thank you.
TPS Board of Trustees
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Students leaving at the end of the year:
If your child is in year 1,2,3,4 or 5 and leaving TPS at the end of the year, please email office@tps.school.nz to let us know. Please include the school they will be attending (if known) and/or the area you are moving to.
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SCHOOL DONATIONS – an investment in our students
Our mission at Takapuna Primary School is to deliver a great quality learning environment that supports a quality education. To support this, we are seeking your help.
Your school donations make a very real difference to us as a state-funded public school. Our basic costs are met by the Ministry of Education, but it’s the money we receive from our school community that really allows us to provide opportunities, equipment and teaching beyond what is funded by the government. As an example, we would like to undertake further enhancements including sun shades, and also to enable wet weather use. This funding is therefore so important in providing a high-quality learning environment (both in and out of the classroom).
The school donation for 2025 is $250 per student, or $400 for families with two or more students. We can arrange weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments via internet banking if this helps spread the cost. Importantly, donations are tax deductible so approximately one third of every donation can be claimed back as a tax credit. That means for a $250 donation you receive $83 back in your wallet. Your actual donation cost is just $167.
To make your donation payments please go to the ‘Hero’ app and click on the ‘Finance’ tab. Alternatively, any payments can also be made directly into the school bank account 12 3026 0792484 00 – if doing so, please ensure you include your child’s name and ‘donation’ as reference on the payment.
We do understand these are uncertain times and managing financial priorities can be difficult for some families.
Any queries regarding payments can be directed to our accounts team: accounts@tps.school.nz
If you would like to know more about how the School Board operates, and/or would be interested in understanding how else you can help, please contact: takapunaboard@tps.school.nz
For Takapuna School Board information and meeting dates:
https://www.tps.school.nz/bot/
Thanks so much for helping to support our growing and vibrant community.
Kindest regards
Takapuna Primary School Board
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History of Takapuna Primary School
(since 1879)
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We found this photograph in our archives. The photo was taken in 1952.
Underneath the photo was written, “Rose planting with Mayor and Principal Preston”.
I wonder what the occasion was?
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In 1962, a group of TPS boys were invited to visit the House of Representatives in
Wellington. In this photo they are standing in front of Parliament building. Travelling by
train, they had two very busy days meeting Ministers and seeing the sights.
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Clothing donations needed
If you have any spare school uniform, boys/girls underwear or navy blue/black socks, we would appreciate these to use as spare clothes for the Sick Bay.
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TPS SPORTS
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Jumping June prizes should be safely in your possession. If you haven’t received your prize, please contact sports@tps.school.nz
School Cross Country Results – Congratulations TPS for participating in the school cross country event on Friday, so good to see so many smiling faces cross the finishing line.
These students from Year 4 to 6 placed in their races and will be representing TPS at the Clusters Cross Country on Friday 5th September.
Year 1s-Nellie, Isla, Lacey, Austin, Miki, Beau
Year 2s – Kayla, Bella, Eden, Braxton, Liam, Sarp
Year 3s- Alesha, India, Charlotte, George, Nicholas, Aaron
Year 4s-Emily, Sooah, Amber, Avnee, Sea-ahn, Dihen, Julius, Kye Yang
Year 5s – Mila E, Indie, Layla, Cindy, Fionn, Noah L, Arjun, Ollie
Year 6s – Summer, Mila, Manon, Danika, Ryan, Bailey, Romeo, Luca
    
TPS Team Reflections
Touch Rugby Registrations are open for Term 4. If your child is interested in playing for TPS please register here
TPS Basketball
Takapuna Tigers
A great win to the Tigers 16 – 12 over Vauxhall this week. After the other team didn’t show up last week. It was wonderful to get back out there on the court.
Takapuna Slam Dunks – All five had to play the whole game and they did their best on defence, shooting and creating space.
Takapuna Stars – A tough game in Week 6 but that aside, the Stars worked really hard running up and down that court relentlessly. Definitely can all be proud of themselves.
Takapuna Hawks – Confidence on the court is growing with each game and it was great to see each player put into practice what they’ve been learning at training. Last game in particular was a team effort.
Congratulations to Bailey, Joel and Hudson who got to learn some basketball skills from the legend Steve Adams, thank you for representing TPS so well.
TPS Netball – It’s a wrap for the 2025 netball season.
Congratulations to Year 6 Takapuna Tornadoes who came 2nd in their grade. Year 5 Takapuna Super Shooters placed third in their grade. Takapuna Tulips, Year 4 are the winners of their grade. Amazing effort to you all.
Takapuna Tornadoes – In Week 6 the team had an absolutely amazing game. Feeling determined with a half time score of 7-2 to Waiheke Island. The team dug deep and left everything on the court. Fantastic teamwork, fitness and focus lead to a convincing win 14-11.
Takapuna Super Shooters – Have had a great Term 3 with three wins and one loss. The team worked really hard on their marking and pivoting. It’s really paying off with games now being played at a much faster pace and more accuracy. They won their last 2 games well and finished 3rd in their division.
Takapuna Tulips – Have been practicing their footwork and have improved a lot over the last couple weeks. They won their game 7-0 on Monday. Congratulations Tulips, for coming first in your Division.
Takapuna Sunflowers – A close game and we came back in the fourth quarter to win in the last second.
Spring League Term 4
Registrations are open for Term 4 netball on Thursdays (Year 1 to 6) and Saturday mornings (Year 4 to 6) at both Northcote.
There is information up on the website about the options available, costs, etc. Click here https://www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz/2025-spring-leagues/spring-leagues-2
Rippa Rugby Festival – The tournament was played on an amazingly sunny day. TPS showed their best sportsmanship on the field and were all smiles, outstanding behaviour was noted.
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TPS students in Action
In Week 6 and 7 we have had so many sporting opportunities for our TPS learners. During morning tea and lunch times you can play; dodge ball, cricket, football, basketball, netball, skipping, handball and on Mondays and Thursdays the bike track is open. Games are a fun time to socialise, develop hand/eye skills and become a team player. Give it a go!
Community Sports notices
Touch Rugby Registrations are open for Term 4. If your child is interested in playing for TPS please register here
TPS Run Club – We meet at Collins Street gate every Wednesday morning at 8:05am. If you would like to join us register here.
Yummy apple stickers
This promotion will be ending at the end of Term 3. Please return your sheets to the office by the end of the term.
Ngā mihi nui for all your support!
Applications for the 2026 Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlonTM are now OPEN!
Race day is Sunday 22nd March 2026 at Point England Reserve, Pt England.
Join us at your local event and celebrate a fun day out.
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Does your daughter love the outdoors, camping and water activities?
Awataha Young Mariners is now open for new members. Our dynamic group is for girls aged 8-19, and we get involved in sailing, rowing, kayaking, unforgettable camping experiences and more!
Your daughter will need to bring her sense of adventure, water confidence, willingness to learn and a parent helper!
Club nights, 24 Craig Road Milford, Mondays 6-7:30pm (winter), 5:30-8:30pm (summer), term fees $65.00, camps additional.
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MATHS CORNER
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Monday 1 September Term 3 Board Meeting
Thursday 18 September Pizza, wheels & non uniform day
Friday 19 September End of Term 3
Monday 6 October Beginning of Term 4
Wednesday 8 October 2026 out of zone applications close (yr 1 & 2 ONLY)
Tuesday 2 December Graduation (Year 6) details to come…
Click here for School Calendar
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