Newsletter 19 March 2026

Kia ora TPS whānau                                  Like us

 

Principal’s Message

1:1 Conferences with teachers – NEXT WEEK

Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25th March (afternoon & evening bookings available) Our 10-minute 1:1 meetings are a vital “check-in” point. Your children are welcome to attend with you. Bookings are OPEN on Hero.

Celebrating Our Global Community

Once again, we were fortunate enough to celebrate our rich cultures that make up our school family. It was a spectacular week filled with pride, learning, and connection.

Highlights of the celebration included:

Our Traditional Shared Lunch: A delicious way to experience the flavors of our community.

The Cultural Parade: A vibrant display of heritage and tradition.

Parent Visits: We loved having families join us in the classrooms to share their stories.

Student Voices: It was a joy to hear our children confidently speaking their native languages over the school sound system.

What a truly special week for everyone involved.

 

 

Curriculum & Reporting: Looking ahead

Last night, we held an information session to share how Takapuna Primary is navigating the Ministry of Education’s latest curriculum changes. It was great to see so many families engaged in how these updates will shape our students’ learning journeys.

The Ministry has introduced a refreshed approach to how we teach and report on student progress. Key areas discussed included:

• Curriculum Implementation: Our transition to the updated English (Structured Literacy) and Mathematics & Statistics learning areas.
• New Reporting Standards: From 2026, all schools are moving toward a more consistent reporting framework. This includes clearer progress descriptors and insights into how your child is tracking against national expectations.
• Our Unique Approach: How we are weaving these requirements into the vibrant, supportive learning environment we value here at Takapuna Primary.

 

Missed the Session?

We will upload the full slideshow presentation to Hero.

School Donations: Bridging the Gap

Government funding only covers the basics. Your voluntary donation is essential to bridge the gap between a bare-minimum budget and the functional learning environment our students deserve.

Your contribution directly funds:

• Staffing & Support: Teaching Assistants to manage diverse classroom needs
• School Property: Maintenance of the swimming pool, playgrounds, and essential sunshades (not funded by the Ministry at all).
• Enrichment: Access to kapa haka, music, sports & specialist teachers.

2026 Suggested Donation: You can access this on Hero now.

• $260 per child | $420 per family

[NEW] Learning Support & Inclusion Fund

For families who have asked how they can help more, or who are in a position to do so. This year, we have introduced a dedicated “Learning Support” budget line. This fund is used exclusively to increase Teacher Aide hours and specialised resources.

By contributing to this additional support, you help create a better balance within the classroom. While no single fund can solve every challenge, these extra “sets of hands” are designed to reduce pressure on our teachers. Our goal is to ensure that every student has a better opportunity to receive the care and attention they need to grow.

If you are in a position to help – either personally, through your business, or have family/friends that want to donate please let us know your pledge via the links below. You can choose to be acknowledged in our newsletter or remain completely anonymous.

For a parent of a TPS student Click here

For a business or extended family/friend donation Click here

Key dates for Term 1:

Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 March – Whānau 1:1 conferences with teachers

Sunday 29 March – Shore to Shore event

Friday 27 March – TPS Tryathlon

Monday 30 March – Board Meeting 6:00pm

Tuesday 31 March – Pie, Wheels and Non-uniform

Thursday 2 April – Teacher Only Day (No School)

Friday 3 April – Easter Friday (No School) & end of term 1

Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers or any of the leadership team if you have any further questions.

Regards, Devika and the TPS team. 

The Kereru Team had a fantastic two days at Lake Pupuke during their Education Outside The Classroom experience.

TPS Sports

Link to school website here:  click here

Term 1 Sports Calendar

Swimming Clusters 2026 team  

Good luck for your swimming meet on Friday at TPS from 9:30am-11:00am.

Cricket Tournament

Year 5/6 TPS team are participating in the TCC Super 8’s tournament at Onewa Domain on Tuesday 24th March, have fun.

TPS Run Club

Registrations are open, register HERE  

Shore to Shore Run/Walk

Registrations close Sunday 22nd March. Register here and run with your class mates and teachers. Race day is Sunday 29th March, meet at Takapuna Grammar School at 9:00am and look for the TPS school flags to gather together. Race Packs will be collected on Thursday 26th March and delivered to your child’s classroom teacher.

North Harbour Basketball Competition

Semester 1 started this week and TPS wish the following teams all the best for their season; Takapuna Alley Oops, Takapuna Wizards, Takapuna Tigers, Takapuna Slam Dunks and Takapuna Stars. Some of the teams still need players so if your child is keen register  here.

Girls got Game Basketball

This is the second last session with Coach, please remember to stay for the whole session to practise your ball handling skills.

TPS TRYathlon

Friday 27 March. Registrations are closed now.

Congratulations to the 132 registered athletes!

On the day organisation
All registered TRYathletes will wear Non Uniform for Friday 27th March (all day).

Every registered participant needs to sign in at 8:20am to their specific area to get their ‘Race Day’ number written on their arm and leg. Each athlete can put their named bottle of water in the bike transition zone at race time.  After each whanau race, parents/whanau of each cyclist are encouraged to take bikes/helmets home as there is limited storage space at TPS.

Race Times

(*the finish time can be subject to change on the day)
Kiwi –  9:15-10:00am     Tui- 10:15-11:15am    Kereru  11:30am-1:00pm

Sign in area

Race numbers given out

Kiwi – school flagpole      Tui- Pupuke area      Kereru – Rangitoto area

Bikes – 8:20am drop off time – All bikes and helmets need to be dropped in specific whanau  areas before their race and left until set-up time. Only the cyclist can move their bike to the bike transition area. After each race can parents/whanau of cyclists please take their bikes/helmets home.

Kiwi – straight to bike transition area and park at their allocated number

Tui – straight to Pupuke area and park at your allocated number. 10:00am is time to  move bikes to Bike Transition area.
Kereru – straight to behind Rangitoto building and park at your allocated number. 11:15am is time to move bikes to Bike Transition area.

Race clothes/gear for athletes

All registered athletes will wear Non Uniform for Friday 27th March (all day)
Swim– swimming togs (must be on under clothes on arrival to school)

Optional – goggles, rash top, swim cap and a named drink bottle of water

Cycle– helmet, closed shoes, tshirt, shorts, named drink bottle of water.

Individual- clothes go over wet togs (NO CHANGING)!

Optional- small face cloth to dry face and feet

Run– closed shoes, hat, shorts, tshirt and a named drink bottle of water.

Volunteers needed for TPS TRYathlon

If you are able to help as a race marshall for any of the whanau events in Bike Transition area, Running course and Water Spotter.  Please can you send an email to sports@tps.school.nz

Netball 2026

Registrations are open until March 20th, register here . We still need players for the Year 5 and Year 4 team, please consider playing netball for TPS.

Rippa Rugby Tournament

North Harbour Rugby are hosting their Annual Primary School Rippa Rugby festival for 2026 and this is a two day tournament on Thursday 21st May and Thursday 27th August. The aim is to encourage children to get active and give rippa rugby a go! If your child is in Year 3-6 and keen to have a go, you can register here . Registrations close on Tuesday 21st April

Yummy Sticker

Charts here. Or ask at the office for a hard copy and please keep collecting as many yummy stickers as you can and raise money for TPS sports gear.

Playground games at TPS

 

 

Community Notices
Anyone keen to make up a TPS Rugby Team to send to the Babaa’s Fun Day on May 17th?

If you are, please email sports@tps.school.nz.

 

 

Local Westlake old boys Jacob and Arlo are running a Rugby Skills Holiday Camp this April holidays that is designed specifically for primary school players who want to build confidence and develop their rugby skills in a fun, positive environment. The camp sessions will run on;

Wednesday 15 April — 9:00am–12:00pm
Thursday 16 April — 1:00pm–4:00pm
Click on the link below to register and support our local innovative rugby players.

Primary School Registration:

https://forms.gle/5PbNbGcG76qaMUt69

Multi-Sport Camp’s are designed to give children a chance to explore a variety of sports in a fun and supportive environment. Welcome to SportsCamps4Kids, where kids come to enjoy an engaging and supportive environment for participating in sports. Our two-day camps are designed and led by experienced PE teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to each camp. Our dedicated coaches use their expertise to foster fundamental skills, encourage teamwork, and ensure every child has a fantastic time. With a focus on both fun and fundamentals, our program is perfect for keeping kids active and excited during these school holidays!

 

Click on this link to register https://www.sportscamps4kids.co.nz/ 

 

My name is Arlo Leith, and together with Jacob Buckley, we are running a Rugby Skills Holiday Camp this April designed specifically for primary school players who want to build confidence and develop their rugby skills in a fun, positive environment.

The sessions will focus on the fundamentals of the game including passing, catching, tackling technique, footwork, and overall game confidence through engaging drills and small-sided games.

I captained the Westlake Boys First XV last year and have experience competing at regional and national level. Jacob is an outstanding leader and Academy of Sport athlete, and together we are passionate about helping younger players develop their skills and love for rugby.

The camp sessions will run during the school holidays:

Wednesday 15 April — 9:00am–12:00pm
Thursday 16 April — 1:00pm–4:00pm

Spots are limited to 50 players per session to ensure quality coaching and individual attention.

Primary School Registration:
https://forms.gle/5PbNbGcG76qaMUt69

 

Hello everyone, I hope everyones having an amazing year so far.

Our bookings for the Teacher only day (2nd April) and our holiday programme are available now. Come and join in the fun where we will be playing sports, cooking amazing food, creating masterpieces and much much more!

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

 

Updating Contact Details:

If you have moved to a new address, changed your email or contact phone numbers, it is important to update us 

https://www.tps.school.nz/update-student-details/

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 2026 is $260 per student, or $420 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 $260 donation you receive $86 back in your wallet. Your actual donation cost is just $174.

To make your donation payments please go to the ‘Hero’ app and click on ‘Student Billing’. 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 

IMPORTANT

Please make sure that if your child is LATE arriving to school, OR RETURNING to school after an appointment offsite, they MUST sign in at the office BEFORE going to their classroom.

Swimming Days

Please help your child to remember their togs/towel on designated swimming days.

History of Takapuna Primary School

(since 1879)

MATHS CORNER

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday 24 March – 3 Way Conferences (3:30pm – 7:00pm) Book on Hero

Wednesday 25 – 3 Way Conferences (3:30pm – 5:30pm) Book on Hero

Sunday 29 March – Shore to Shore event

Wednesday 1 April – Last day of Term 1

Thursday 2 April – Teacher Only Day (no school)

Monday 20 April – Start of Term 2

Monday 23 April – Maths Parent Evening (hall) 6:00pm-7:00pm

Click here for School Calendar

COMMUNITY NOTICES

 

A brand-new indoor light festival is coming to Auckland these school holidays.

For 10 days only, Dreamer transforms the New Zealand International Convention Centre into a glowing world of colour, light and interactive installations designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

Perfect for families, Dreamer is fully indoors (all weather) and open during the day – making it an easy school holiday outing.

Family passes (2 adults + 2 children) are just $35 + booking fee, and under 5’s are free.

3–12 April 2026 | 10:00am–4:00pm daily

www.dreamer.nz

Links Below:

 

 Digital Parenting

 

this-will-be-fun

 

intentional-affection-why-hugs-still-matter

ONLINE SAFETY HUB + PARENT SAFETY APP (QUSTODIO)

We have partnered with Linewize by Qoria to provide a dedicated online safety hub website with parent resources for all parents. Delivering insights by world leading safety experts, this central hub helps parents build knowledge to take an active role in your child’s online safety. The hub includes special access to the world leading Qustodio parent safety app used by over 8 million parents.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR CHILD AT HOME?

All families and whānau now have free access to resources, information and free tools to help keep tamariki safe online when using their devices at home.

• The latest advice from experts including social media, app & game risk reviews

• Difficult online safety conversation starters for Parents & FAQ’s

• Guides to help you support your child’s online development 

• Qustodio Parent App – FREE tool for parents to protect children’s devices at home.

VISIT OUR HUB AT

https://tps.onlinesafetyhub.nz/

With Qustodio Parent App for Families – Free ‘My School’ Qustodio Access Parents Can:

• Manage screen time, social media, app and youtube limits across multiple different devices

• Receive instant search alerts

• Filter websites, images, videos & searches

• Block apps, websites and games

• Protect screen-free moments such as mealtimes and bedtime by pausing the internet & locking the device

*Qustodio works across multiple different devices – iOS, Chromebooks, Android & Windows. Works with apple screentime and Google Family Link.

How to get started

1. Visit the Online Safety Hub.

2. Create your free parent account via the main page (scroll down)

3. Install Qustodio on your child’s devices