Newsletter 17 July 2025

Kia ora TPS whānau                                  Like us

 

Principal’s Message:

 

Welcome back to Term 3, Takapuna Primary Whānau!

As the winter season unfolds, we extend a very warm welcome back to all our families for what promises to be an incredibly enriching Term 3!

This term, we’re placing a special focus on these key areas:

• Boosting our fitness leading up to Cross Country events
• Developing future-ready skills through a dedicated Technology focus across all year levels
• Practical life skills with Financial Literacy workshops, run by ASB Bank

We also believe strongly in community partnership and have several special opportunities for you to connect with the school:

• Parent Curriculum Evening
• Personalised 1:1 Parent Conferences to discuss your child’s unique progress
• Our captivating ‘Curiosity in Motion’ showcase evening, where you can witness the incredible learning happening across our school

Staffing news:

A warm welcome to Phoebe Irving!

We are absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of our new Learning Support Assistant. Phoebe will be supporting our students and teachers in room 6a & 6b (Year 0 & 1), working alongside Hannah and Stefanie.

Important Update: Specialist Music & STEM during Term 3

We would like to inform you that our Music and STEM teacher, Harmony, will be on leave for the duration of Term 3. We are currently ensuring plans are in place to continue providing engaging learning experiences in these areas throughout the term with classroom teachers.

 

School news and updates:

Welcoming International Students to Takapuna Primary!

Takapuna Primary is delighted to welcome International Students for short-term stays, enriching our classrooms and fostering a truly global learning environment. These students will primarily be learning alongside our local tamariki in classrooms across the school, adding diverse perspectives and cultural exchange to our daily routines.

Takapuna Primary Community Council

We’re excited to share a new initiative designed to strengthen the partnership between our school and our incredible whānau. The Council will meet once or twice a term to discuss various aspects of school life.

As this is a new initiative, we are beginning with a small group of parent representatives to ensure we establish a strong and effective foundation. While we are not seeking additional members for the Council at this time, please know that your feedback and ideas remain incredibly valuable. We will invite input from the wider community on specific topics. Look out for opportunities to contribute through surveys, feedback forms, or designated input sessions advertised in our newsletters.

The Community Council is an advisory and feedback group; no decisions are made by this group.

If there was anything specific you would like to discuss, please do email me on devikat@tps.school.nz

Curriculum Information Evening

We invite you to join our Principal and Curriculum Leaders (Associate Principals) for a focused session on the curriculum changes shaping English and Mathematics learning.

Date: Monday 21July 

Time: 6:00 PM (seated) 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM (1 hour)

Location: Takapuna Primary School Hall

For: Parents & Caregivers only

*No need to RSVP, please arrive at 6:00pm to make a prompt start from 6:15pm.

Open Learning Environments

I understand that the recent statements from the Minister of Education regarding open learning environments may have raised questions and concerns amongst our parent community.

While the Minister’s comments do not align with our current school design in our 6a and 6b space as well as Rangitoto building, our commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience remains our focus. Children have been learning in these environments for years at TPS and I have yet to see any data to show they are not making excellent progress.

We have the most wonderful teachers at TPS who are highly skilled, collaborative and student centred. I hand on heart do not see that children learning with these teachers are at any disadvantage. Currently we are supporting teachers in single classrooms just as much with student needs and space layout as the open spaces.

The core of our educational philosophy remains centered on individual student growth and success. We value your partnership and encourage open dialogue as we navigate these discussions together, so I encourage you to come and chat with me directly if you have any questions.

Spotlight learner – Jimmy in 6B

In 6B we have been focusing on listening to all of the sounds we hear in words. Jimmy wrote an amazing descriptive piece about trolls, using his letter sound knowledge. Amazing work Jimmy! 

 

 

 

Property updates:

Killarney Street carpark: extended closure

Killarney Street carpark will remain closed for at least one more week. This extended closure is due to an unforeseen delay in the removal of our empty building next to the sandpit. During the demolition, small traces of asbestos were detected in the soil. The Ministry of Education and its contractors have spent the holiday period safely and professionally removing all traces of it.

Please be assured:

• The detected asbestos was non-friable (the least hazardous type), caused by old building debris.
• Levels were low and contained, and air quality was constantly monitored by specialists.
• All asbestos was removed, the site is safe for staff and tamariki.

For further questions, please contact Sarah Ochtman-Corfe at saraho@tps.school.nz

Team Newsletters:

These will be shared early next week by classroom teachers, they are also available on our website for future reference.

Attendance and lateness:

A friendly reminder that taking children overseas during school term time is not considered a justified absence and the Principal does not approve leave requests for travel. If you choose to take children out of school during term time, please remember that classroom teachers are not responsible for providing additional learning or filling in any gaps after their return.

Additionally, all students should be arriving at school before 9.00am. We will keep reminding all students about the importance of arriving on time and being at school. Your support makes a big difference and it is very much appreciated.

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. Come along to the library on Monday 4th August at 3:00pm to find out more. 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

SCG Pub Quiz

We look forward to a fun night with some exciting prizes. This includes spot prizes, silent auctions and prizes for teams on the night! This is an adults only event.

Tickets MUST be purchased by emailing the SCG. You can purchase individual tickets or a whole table!   scg@tps.school.nz

Are you ready to make a difference? Train to be a teacher with us in 2026

Many of you will be familiar with David Ferguson, former Principal of Westlake Boys High School, who is now the CEO of the Teacher Training Institution (TTI). We’re pleased to share that Takapuna Primary has been selected as one of only 30 partner schools across Auckland to host TTI student teachers 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. What’s more, trainees receive a stipend and pay no tuition fees for the year.

Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently open. For more information, visit teachersinstitute.org.nz

 

Upcoming Events and Important Dates: 

Mihi Whakatau: We welcome all new students, families and staff in the hall at 9:15am tomorrow (Friday 18 July)

Parent Curriculum Information Evening: Monday 21 July in the school hall at 6:00pm

Term 3 Board Meeting: Monday 28 July: email takapunaboard@tps.school.nz  for further information

3 way (parent, teacher, student) conferences: Bookings will be available for Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 August

Wheels, pizza & non-uniform: Thursday 18 September

Last day of Term 3: Friday 19 September

 

Regards, Devika & the TPS Team

Are you a Facebook and Social Media Expert?

Takapuna Primary School Alumni Network needs your help!

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

 

Enrolments 2025:

If you have younger siblings turning 5 years old in 2025, please enrol NOW to assist us with planning.

https://www.tps.school.nz/enrolment/

Updating Contact Details:

If you have moved to a new address or changed your email or contact phone numbers, it is important to update us by emailing office@tps.school.nz

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 $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 

Thanks so much for helping to support our growing and vibrant community.

Kindest regards

Takapuna Primary School Board 

History of Takapuna Primary School

(since 1879)

In 1923, the school had tennis courts. If you look closely you can see the Anzac Memorial Gates to the left and people working in the garden. The tennis court used to be where the Anzac carpark is now.

Donations Required:

If you have any spare school uniform, boys/girls underwear or navy blue/black socks, we would appreciate these to use as spare change clothes in the Sick Bay.

TPS SPORTS

School Cross Country date change – Cross Country will now be held on Friday August 22, Week 6. Please mark this in your whanau diary and come along to support your child run.

TPS Bike Track and Pump Track is open for Term 3 riders

Thank you to the Bike Ambassadors for continuing to maintain our school bikes and monitor the riders on the pump track and bike circuit. The bike track is open on Monday’s and Thursday lunchtimes 1-1:30pm and each of the whanau groups get a turn once a fortnight. If your child can ride a bike then please encourage them to try cycling at TPS on Monday’s and Thursday’s.

Rippa Rugby Festival is coming up in a couple of weeks at Onewa Domain – registrations are closed.

When: Term 3 Thursday 14th August   (Save Day- Tuesday 19th August)

We have registered one of each of these teams Boys Year 3/4   Girls Year 5/6    Boys Year 5/6 

Football Festival for Year 3-6 students – registrations open NOW

North Shore United has invited TPS to participate in their football festival register here

Where: Bayswater Park

Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
When: Tuesday 9th September

Rain date: Wednesday 10th September

Cost: FREE

Format: The games will be 5 aside games with 6 to 7 players for each team. It’s a fun, non-competitive festival, so we encourage complete newbies to get involved too.

TPS Basketball – This competition is for Primary School students and is played on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Register here
Tuesday Leagues: Year 2-4 Mixed, Year 2-4 Girls and Year 5 & 6 Girls
Wednesday Leagues: Year 5 & 6 Mixed
Semester Two will commence on Tuesday 12th August and Wednesday 13th August 2025
Uniform: Sports shoes, navy blue shorts and each player will need to purchase a numbered TPS Basketball Singlet ($50.00) from the school office.
Fees: Fees will need to be paid before your child is allocated a team.

TPS Netball – All the best for your first game of Term 3 this week.

Takapuna Splashes– TPS have entered a team into the Term 3 Splash Polo league starting on Sunday 20th July – Sunday 14th September  at AUT Millennium Pool, this will be your second term playing as a team and you will be growing in confidence and developing your skills base. Have fun!

TPS in Action

TPS Run Club – Great effort to see 15 runners turn up for Run Club on Wednesday morning. If you would like to join us email sports@tps.school.nz or register here. Thanks to the ‘Running Guides” who keep our runners safe on the course and are encouraging all the way. If your child is registered to run on Wednesday mornings please send them with another pair of shoes and socks as the ‘runners’ feet and shoes get very wet.

 

Tui and Kiwi shoot hoops – on Tuesday’s we lower the basketball hoops for Kiwi and Tui. Great to see so many tamariki having a go.

Touch Rugby and Rippa Rugby Taster – On Tuesday this week TPS students had the opportunity to take part in Rippa Rugby Taster with Chris and Theo and they all looked like they were having fun. If your child would like to sign up for the Monday after school rippa rugby sessions register on enrolmy.com/msports-northshore

Basketball X-Sport

Sport X Basketball program will be running a trial coaching session next Wednesday 23rd July for Years 0-4 at lunchtime on the basketball court. If your child is interested in attending these sessions.

Win a share in 200k worth of sports prizes

 

 

We are collecting these stickers from Yummy apples.  When your sheet is full of Yummy            stickers return it to school and we will give you another sheet. If you buy bags of apples, there is a special sheet for you. You can get more sheets from the office. These stickers are being collected until the end of the term. By collecting these Yummy stickers we are able to get sports equipment for our Tāmariki to use during morning tea and lunchtimes.

                                                                                For more information see here. 

 

NEW! Basketball X at Takapuna Primary School!

Takapuna Primary School Courts

Wednesdays, starting July 23rd (9 weeks)

3:00pm – 4:00pm

$155.00

 https://sports-x.nz/auckland/product/takapuna-primary-school/

020 4111 3590 / regand@sports-x.nz

Chess Power –  Register now for Term 3

What a fantastic effort TPS Chess Club!

MATHS CORNER

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 21 July                 Parent Curriculum Information Evening (6:00pm)

Thursday 24 July               Pub Quiz Night Fundraiser Hauraki Social Club (7:00pm)

Tuesday 29 July                 TNIS Information Evening

Click here for School Calendar

2025 Term Dates

COMMUNITY NOTICES