ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Tena koutou whanau

This morning we had beautiful Matariki kura prayers led by HG 3. The year 5/6 children had learnt a new waiata which they sang to the school. The prayers reflected the nine stars of Matariki. Matariki is the Māori new year. Next Friday, 10 July, NZ has the Matariki public holiday. The children learnt, at prayers, that like Easter, the date for Matariki (the Māori lunar new year) is determined by the moon. Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster. Traditionally, communities gathered to feast, share stories, fly traditional kites, and look for signs of the upcoming harvest. There will be a variety of Matariki celebrations around Auckland. Check out the Auckland Council website.

Last night we had our Matariki Disco. It was a great evening for the children. They came along decked out in their sparkles and purchased glow sticks and danced the night away. Our thanks to the PTA and the Carmel College students for all the work they did behind-the-scenes; and for their support of the children and their whanau on the night. A very special thanks to Marlo and Eli who were the DJs. This was their last disco. They have led out discos for five years and have been absolutely AWESOME disco role models for our children. We thank them and wish them every success next year with their university studies.

Our Matariki week began with our Matariki breakfast on Monday morning. It was lovely to see so many whanau joining in on this special occasion. Our thanks to the parents, and the Rosmini and Carmel students who supported the staff in making this event happen. A great way to celebrate the beginning of Matariki week.

This was followed by the opening of our Book Week with the Book Character Parade in the hall. What an array of book characters. The children looked AWESOME in their various outfits. Check out the photos below. Our thanks to everyone who was able to support Book Week through purchasing a book or two from the Book Fair. We have yet to get the final results for the sale of the books. However, on Monday we sold more books than the whole of last year’s Book Fair. Thank you all for your generosity. The school receives a commission on the books we sell and this is used to purchase books for our library. Thank you so much.

It was nice to see so many parents take up the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher to discuss their report and progress for the first half of the year. A survey will be coming out via email for you to give feedback on the report. While there is not a lot we can change due to the fact it is designed by the Government/Ministry of Education, it would be interesting to know what you thought about the information you received. Look out for the email.

Thank you so much for your support of YCC today. It was great to see a few of the children turn up this morning in their outfits from last night. This is an outreach programme led by the NZ Catholic Principal’s Association. This year’s recipients are Takuilau College of Tonga and the funds raised will be used for music and learning resources. Thank you.

Thanks also for your support this term and we look forward to welcoming the children back on Monday, the 20th of July.

Alister Bridgman

Tumuaki

The Principal’s Message will cover the following topics:

Matariki Breakfast & Book Parade
Term 3 Sports Registrations
St Mary’s Ponsonby Visit
Important Term 3 Dates
Matariki Disco
Parish News
Community Notices

MATARIKI BREAKFAST & BOOK PARADE

TERM 3 SPORTS REGISTRATIONS CLOSE JULY 6TH

Reminder – registrations to play Sports for St Joseph’s Primary School in Term 3 2026 close on 6 July.

The following sports are open on our school EnrolMy site for Term 3 registrations. All details such as dates, locations and cost can be found on the registration site.

Sports registrations

Breakers Basketball – Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, Years 5 & 6

North Harbour Basketball – Years 2-4, Years 5 & 6, Years 5 & 6 Girls only

Splash Polo – Years 3-6

Any questions please email sports@sj.school.nz

ST MARY’S PONSONBY VISIT

This week we were able to experience a performance from the St Mary’s College Orchestra. All of our children attended the performance in the hall. The orchestra performed several pieces and the children were a wonderful audience.