ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents

Thank you to the families and students who were part of the school’s Good Friday liturgy held in our church. It was wonderful to see so many families and parishioners at this Holy Week liturgy. Our students were amazing. They shared the story of the cross beautifully. Great readers, amazing actors and beautiful singers in the choir. Our thanks to the parish youth who supported our choir along with Vivianne the pianist.

On Monday at 9.15 am, the school will be leading the Parish Mass. Monday is the feast day of St Joseph the Worker, our school’s namesake. Parents and whanau are welcome to join us for this Mass, which will be followed by morning tea in the staffroom.

After morning tea, we are having our school talent show. At the end of last term students shared their talents with a selection panel and the students selected will be performing to the school and whanau on Monday. The show will begin at 11 am in our school hall. We anticipate the show will end by 12.30 pm. Parents and whanau are welcome to join us.

My thanks to the students who participated in the Takapuna ANZAC parade on Tuesday. Thank you to their parents for allowing them to represent our school community at this very special event in which we remember those New Zealanders and Australians who have died in wars to ensure the freedoms we have today. We also remember those who are currently in the armed forces and are stationed around the world. LEST WE FORGET

Ka manaakitia e te Atua.

Alister Bridgman
Principal

The Principal’s Message will cover the following topics:

Welcome
ANZAC Day Parade
Measles
Mother’s Day PTFA Fundraiser
Devonport Field Trip
Sports Notices
Community Notices

WELCOME

We would like to extend a big warm welcome to our new entrants who have joined St Joseph’s this term:

Elvin, Fleur, Isabella, Jayred, Margo, Nicollene, Noah and Zayden

And a hearty “Welcome back to Year 2 from your world travels, Elliot!”

We are so blessed to have you and your families joining our school community.

ANZAC DAY PARADE

MEASLES

Are You And Your Whānau Protected From Measles?

With people travelling overseas again, there’s a risk that someone with measles could unknowingly bring the disease back to Aotearoa.

Measles spreads easily and quickly, usually between people who are unimmunised or only partially immunised. It can be serious and life threatening. In the 2019 measles outbreak in Aotearoa more than 30% of the people infected had to be admitted to hospital.

The best protection against measles is the free MMR vaccine. It will protect you and your whānau, and prevent the virus from spreading.

You will be protected against measles if you:

• Had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine
• Had measles before
• Born before 1 Jan 1969.

If you’re unsure if you or your tamariki have had any or both doses of the MMR vaccine, check by calling your GP or hauora provider. Alternatively, check your Plunket Well Child Tamariki Ora book. If you’re still not sure, be safe and get immunised – there are no safety concerns with having an extra dose. MMR vaccines are free at your local health provider and many pharmacies.

As measles still occurs in many countries, if you’re travelling overseas these holidays it’s especially important to be immunised to prevent the risk of being unknowingly infected and causing an outbreak in Aotearoa on your return.

More information about the measles vaccination can be found here:

Measles vaccination – Ministry of Health

MOTHER’S DAY PTFA FUNDRAISER

Please note: The next PTFA Meeting is this coming Monday, May 1st at 7:15pm in the Staff Room. All of the St Joseph’s school community is most welcome to join us (please do!). Thanks… the St Joseph’s PTFA

DEVONPORT FIELD TRIP

KAKARIKI DEVONPORT TRIP

Reported by: Willow, HG4

Since our learning has been based around Pātoune (a highly significant Northland chief) and Māori culture, the Kakariki team went on a trip to Devonport on Thursday, March 30th.

First, we visited Pātuone’s grave in Devonport! It was so cool to see such an old grave! I was so amazed that he lived till 108 years old!

Mr. Rae was very informative and told us many facts about Pātuone, the peacemaker between the British and the Māori.

After that, we headed off, walking to our next stop, the Devonport Historical Museum! After a quick snack, we went into the museum in groups. We heard from a volunteer historian who showed us the geological landmarks pointing to areas where Māori tribes had fought in the past. and how the land has changed.

I thought it was so interesting how many of the items were from the 1800’s! There was such a cool typewriter that we could write on, a movie room with an old projector, and a piano that lots of talented, budding pianists in our Kakariki team played!

Next stop – a massive walk up North Head/Maungauika!

Firstly, we learnt about where the Māori grew and stored Kāi on the terraces. Secondly, we hiked towards the summit of North Head – Maungauika – to take a look at the engine rooms. It was so dusty in there!

Then we rested by the big ‘vanishing’ gun! An archaeologist knew a lot about the gun that disappeared underground between shots! He also told us about past invasions including the Japanese and the Russian navy. We were told about moa bones left over from Māori eating them and they were found in an archeological dig directly below on the cliff edge.

At that stage we were right up at the top where we had breath-taking views over Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf! When we walked downhill to the tunnels where we got to explore, some kids claimed they saw bloody handprints on the wall! Haha. It was so cool but scary at the same time!

Then we walked downhill to Cheltenham beach for a lunch stop with the whole team! I was so happy to stop!

After lunch, Mr O’Connor led the way to the Tainui Waka Monument on Torpedo Bay waterfront. After he gave us some information about that, we started to walk back to the bus, filled up with information.

Before we knew it, we were back at Saint Joseph’s! It was a wonderful, but very tiring journey! I’m so happy I got to experience this! It was a very memorable trip.

SPORTS NOTICES

Rippa Rugby

Thank you to those who have registered for the Rippa Rugby tournament which is on 25 May at Onewa Domain.

We have some spots available in our Year 5/6 Mixed team. So if your child is keen to take part, please email sports@sj.school.nz with your child’s name and Year group no later than Tuesday 2 May at 3pm. The cost is $25 and includes both tournaments, which are on 25 May and 27 July.