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Principal’s message:
The decision to take strike action was made collectively by educators across the country and was not taken lightly, as we understand the disruption it causes for our families. This advocacy is centered on the critical need for better resourcing and working conditions that will help schools attract, retain, and support skilled teachers now and into the future. Thank you to everyone who has supported the school and our staff.
Board Update: Smooth transition and new Presiding Member
Last week, the Board of Trustees held its first meeting, which marked a busy but successful start to the new term.
The meeting included an important transition and training session for both new and continuing members, focusing on the essential role of governance. We are committed to ensuring all members are fully equipped to serve our school community effectively.
A key item on the agenda was the election of the new Presiding Member. We are pleased to congratulate Greg Sandrey on being elected to this role! Greg will lead the Board with the full support of all members, including our former Presiding Member, Andrew Stevens.
We extend our sincere thanks to Andrew for his dedication and leadership, and we look forward to working with everyone to achieve the best outcomes for our learners.
Here are the Board members:
- Greg (Presiding Member)
- Michael
- Andrew
- Manjeera
- Denhem
- Tash Giles (Staff)
- Devika (Principal)
Message from Greg
I’m honoured to have been appointed as the Presiding Member of the Takapuna Primary School Board. I want to sincerely thank my fellow Board members for their support and trust, and I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to help lead and serve our school community.
A heartfelt thank you also to the outgoing Board for their dedication and commitment to progressing our school, and in particular to Andrew Stevens, who has led the Board with purpose, calm, and clarity in his role as Presiding Member. His contribution to Takapuna Primary has been instrumental, and I’m especially grateful for his ongoing support and guidance during this transition and we are extremely lucky to have him staying on as a Board Member.
Anzac and Ellery as TPS students — and Kelly, who is part of the incredible teaching team here, represent my deeply personal connection to this amazing school. Our family is fully immersed in the daily life of TPS, and I feel privileged to contribute to such a vibrant, values-driven environment. I am continually inspired by the leadership of Devika and the passion of our staff, students, and wider community.
I care deeply about the future of our school, and I want our community to know that I am here for support — not just as a Board Chair, but as someone who is invested in creating the best outcomes for every learner, every teacher, and every family connected to Takapuna Primary.
Important Message: Prioritising attendance and punctuality
As we move through the term, we want to emphasise how critical regular attendance and punctuality are to your child’s success and well-being at Takapuna Primary School. Every day at school counts, it builds continuity in learning, strengthens friendships, and helps your child feel connected and settled.
Our Approach to Attendance: The STAR process
To ensure all students receive the support they need to attend school consistently, we are required from 2026 to follow a national framework called the STAR (Structured Timeline for Attendance Review).
The STAR process is a proactive and supportive system designed to partner with families when a child’s attendance dips below acceptable levels (which is typically anything under 90% attendance).
Lateness Matters
Arriving even 5–10 minutes late can disrupt the whole class, cause your child to miss crucial early instructions, and affect their confidence as they enter an already settled environment.
Ready, Set, GO! TPS Athletics Day at Onewa Domain
Get ready to cheer! Our whole school Athletics Day is set for Tuesday 4th November at Onewa Domain. Our learners have started their learning and will be excited to showcase their skills in running, jumping, and throwing.
To ensure a great day with buses, equipment hire, and the venue, we are asking for a small contribution of $5 per child. Please make your contributions on Hero.
Playground Update: The countdown is on!
We are incredibly excited to announce that the transformative work on our new playground addition is set to kick off on Monday 3rd November! That’s only a few weeks until we begin watching the magic happen. Prepare for a great new space where our children can climb, create, and explore!
Tackling Rangitoto: Learning beyond the classroom walls
Our Kererū students enjoyed a magnificent day on Tuesday, trading the classroom for the slopes of Rangitoto! This trip was a perfect example of learning outside the classroom (EOTC) in action.
Exploring local attractions like this helps bring history, science, and physical education to life. It was wonderful to see our learners challenge themselves, collaborate, and discover new things about our environment. Scroll through the photos below to see the importance of a change of scenery!
Just wanted to say thank you to you and the team for organising the trip today. It’s always a mammoth task, but the children loved it and I appreciate all your hard work. Parent of Year 6 student.
LIT EX competition at Northcote Intermediate
Takapuna Primary competed in the first ever LitEx competition! This is a Literacy-based event where students compete in teams to answer questions about authors, famous literature, and library-related topics.
The students select a runner who must race the answers to judges who mark them and then issue the next set of questions. What a great event! Our teams did really well and showed a high level of collaborative skills and competitive spirit.
We are proud of you all.
Hats!
A friendly reminder to all students and staff: Hats are compulsory during Term 4. Please ensure your child has their school hat and wears it during all outdoor activities, including playtime, lunch, and PE.
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
Upcoming Events and Important Dates:
Week 4: Monday 27th October – LABOUR DAY – No School
Week 6: Friday 14th November – School Disco night
Week 8: Monday 24th November – School Board Meeting 6:00pm (contact takapunaboard@tps.school.nz)
Week 9: Monday 1st December – Whole school Beach Picnic Tuesday 2nd December – Year 6 Graduation evening
Week 11: Monday 15th December – Pizza, wheels, non-uniform day Tuesday 16th December (last day of school)
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
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