ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Kia ora whānau

This morning we acknowledged our Year 5 & 6 children who have volunteered for leadership roles for 2026. These leadership roles support both students and staff. They are a wonderful way for students to develop their leadership skills while at the same time giving back to our school community.

Towards the end of 2026 we were able to connect with our school iwi. Our iwi is Ngāti Pāoa. As a school we have been involved with the Maori Achievement Collaborative (MAC) for a few years. Connecting with our iwi is an important part of our journey. It reflects our strategic plan which includes the weaving of Te Ao Māori into all that we do.

Last year the NZ Catholic Education Office contacted Catholic school Boards of Trustees to clarify that the New Zealand Catholic Church encourages our Catholic school boards to continue to give effect to Te Tiriti as an essential component of our special character responsibilities.

On one of the teacher-only days, prior to the children returning from the Christmas break, our teachers visited the Ngāti Pāoa marae on Waiheke Island. We were welcomed onto Piritahi Marae and spent that day listening to the story of Ngāti Pāoa and Piritahi Marae. We look forward to continuing this learning journey with the support of Ngāti Pāoa and MAC and sharing it with our children and their whanau.

Have a wonderful weekend

Ka manaakitia e te Atua

Alister Bridgman
Tumuaki

The Principal’s Message will cover the following topics:

Lent
Zippit Book Bags
PTFA’s Upcoming AGM
Shore-to-Shore Fun Run/Walk
Parish News
Community Notices

LENT

In our Lenten challenge this week we are asked to think about Living Water – Te Wai ora.
Water is life sustaining – it is a chance for us to think about how we can ensure everyone has access to the things they need in life. It is also a good time for us to talk as families about how we can protect and use water wisely.

Stations of the Cross – Expression of Interest
The parish of St Joseph’s is once again asking the children of St Joseph’s School to lead the Stations of the Cross liturgy on Good Friday morning (3rd April) at 10am. This is a very significant and special liturgy to be involved in, for both the students, families and the parishioners of St Josephs. Comments from children in the past have been, “I felt like I was there.” “I now understand the story more.” “What powerful prayer.”

If your child who is in Year three to six would like to be involved in the liturgy e.g, readings, acting, crowd scenes, singing with the parish, please email annettew@sj.school.nz with an expression of interest to be involved this year.

ZIPPIT BOOK BAGS

This year we require all our students (Year 1 – 6) to have a zippit (book bag). The zippit (book bags) protect school readers, library books and the children’s books and notices, when they take them home in their school bags. Please could you arrange for your child to have a clear plastic book bag. Many of the children would have used a zippit (book bag) in their first few years at St Joseph’s. Alternatively they are available to be purchased at the school office for $11.00. Thank you for arranging for your child to have a zippit (book bag).