|
Newsletter #12 | Term 3 Week 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From our Principal - Marie Todd
The lighter mornings and evenings are a welcome addition, meaning daylight savings is near with Summer just around the corner. This term has had no shortage of sporting events, school trips, speeches, and musical performances. Our school's high-quality and diverse curriculum continues to provide students with valuable opportunities for learning and growth. As Term 3 draws to a close, we want to celebrate the hard work and commitment of our students, staff, and you - our parent community, whose support is always vital to the success of our school.
|
Congratulations to Sarah Crawford and Paul Bickerton, who were voted as parent representatives to the Churchill Park School Board, and to Barry Woolcott, who was re-elected. Thank you to all the parents who put their names forward. It is encouraging to see so many parents who are prepared to give up their time to support our school. Our school Board operates on a staggered tenure system, with members serving a three-year term. This means that Board elections are held in a cycle, with three positions up for election this year and the remaining two positions in 2026. This approach ensures continuity of governance and allows experienced members to remain on the Board while welcoming new voices.
|
Last week, I attended the New Zealand Principals’ Conference in Wellington, where principals from all over New Zealand came together to listen to a variety of presenters regarding education and leadership. One of the major themes was leading in the current climate, ensuring those all-important connections in a world filled with social media, and where we choose to place our attention. From attention-grabbing news headlines to social media platforms, all are vying for our valuable time and influencing our choices. Now more than ever, we need to be modelling and teaching our children how to be responsible digital citizens, while also prioritising opportunities to slow down, switch off, and truly connect with one another as a family. As my son was swinging a golf club inside on the weekend and chipping wiffle balls in my direction (much to my dismay), this allowed us to pause, laugh together, and turn the bad weather into a chance to connect. I hope the holiday break affords you time together where your attention is focused on connection and relaxation, allowing you to balance what makes you and your family happy.
|
To make the entrance to the school safer, the tall trees along our boundary adjacent to the gully, hall, and office area will undergo a makeover and be pruned to create a hedge. In the short term, the trees may look a little bare and uneven, however, this is a normal stage in the process. Pruning encourages healthy new growth, which will gradually fill these gaps and create a thicker, more uniform hedge. Over the coming months, you’ll see fresh shoots developing, and within a season or two, the hedge will provide the safer shelter and greenery we are aiming for. This will be taking place in the first week of the holidays, so please be mindful of this area if you are coming into the school.
|
We are proud to be one of the few schools that welcome the community to enjoy our grounds, and it is wonderful to see our play areas being so well used by families and neighbours. If you are using the school grounds over the holidays, we ask that you help us care for our courts and play areas. In particular, please keep bikes off the turf, bike tyres, especially when turning sharply, can tear the artificial grass and damage the base layer beneath. This not only shortens the life of the turf but also affects the quality of play for our students. We have also had some recent incidents of graffiti on our outdoor tables. Please keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour and let us know if you notice anything of concern. Together, we can keep our school environment safe and enjoyable for everyone. Please feel free to contact either Darryll, our caretaker, 021 145 7110, or me on 021 220 7138.
|
As we say farewell to Abbey Neil-Clark at the end of this term, we welcome Lisa Payton and Jennifer Kang, who will be sharing the teaching responsibilities of Room 5. Huge thanks to Lisa for her support throughout the school this year, due to changes in staffing circumstances, she has stepped in seamlessly to ensure continuity of learning for our students, in maintaining our quality teaching and learning programmes. We also welcome Jennifer Kang back to the Waitemata Whānau, her experience teaching senior students will no doubt support a smooth transition.
|
We would like to share that Vicki Patten is currently on extended health leave and will remain on leave for the rest of the year. We know you will join us in sending our best wishes her way. Anne-Maree Beveridge, Deputy Principal, and Kynan Watt, Assistant Principal, continue to provide leadership and guidance as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Please feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions, we are only too happy to help.
|
Lastly, thank you to the PTA for organising what sounded like a very successful Beats & Bingo evening. It was wonderful to hear about the great turnout and the laughter shared on the night. A huge thank you also to everyone who supported the school through the many auctions and joined in the fun, helping to raise valuable funds that go directly back into enhancing opportunities for our students. I heard the ‘Principal for the Day’ auction sparked some very competitive bidding. I look forward to spending the day with the winning recipient, sharing a glimpse into school leadership.
|
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, October 6th, to begin Term 4.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
NB - Updates and changes can occur as necessary
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 Term Dates
|
Term 3: Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September
|
Term 4: Monday 6 October – Wednesday 17 December
|
Public Holidays (that fall during term time)
Labour Day – Monday 27th October
|
2026 Term Dates
|
Term 1: Monday 2 February - Thursday 2 April
|
|
Term 2: Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July
|
|
Term 3: Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
|
Term 4: Monday 12 October – Tuesday 15 December
|
Public Holidays (that fall during term time)
Waitangi Day - Friday 6 February
|
|
ANZAC Day (Mondayised) - Monday 27 April
|
King’s Birthday – Monday 1 June
Labour Day – Monday 26 October
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Board Election Update
|
We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Parent Board elections. Congratulations to Barry Woolcott, Paul Bickerton, and Sarah Crawford, who have been duly elected to the Board.
|
|
|
|
A huge thank you to everyone who put their names forward. It’s inspiring to see such strong community spirit and so many people willing to contribute their skills and energy for the benefit of all our children.
|
Our school Board operates on a staggered tenure system, with members serving a three-year term. This means that Board elections are held in a cycle, with three positions up for election this year and the remaining two positions in 2026. This approach ensures continuity of governance and allows experienced members to remain on the Board while welcoming new voices.
|
We would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Melinda Williams and Ben Coleman for their service on the Board. Their commitment and contributions have helped guide the school and strengthen our community, and we are deeply grateful for their mahi.
|
|
On behalf of the Returning Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goldie Amnesty
|
Our Goldie supply is running low. If you have any at home, please return them to the school office. Thank you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Values Certificates
|
School Values Certificates are given out on the even weeks of term in whole school assembly. Congratulations to the following students for receiving certificates.
|
|
|
|
|
Room 1 - Sooah C, Lucas C
|
|
Room 2 - Jett B, Maclaren S
|
|
Room 4 - Olly R-H, Martin G
|
|
Room 6 - Brody E, Finley B
|
|
Room 7 - Albert V, Anna L
|
|
Room 9 - Eliza F, Katey F
|
|
Room 11 - Eli O, Sylvie H
|
|
Room 12 - Oliver S, Willa B
|
|
Room 13 - Georgia B, Emma C
|
|
Room 14 - Oliver S, Aurella M
|
|
Room 15 - Florence W, Nicki O
|
|
Room 16 - Hudson B, Maci E
|
|
Room 17 - Ted B, Brodie K
|
|
Room 18 - Chiara CA, Saxon D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to everyone who gave so generously on Daffodil Day. We raised $550! Ka Pai Churchill Park School.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irish Dancing
|
Congratulations to Daisy D in Year 8. Daisy came second in the Auckland Regional Irish Dancing competition. Daisy has been Irish dancing for seven years and recommends it to any boy or girl who would like to give it a go. Well done, Daisy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to our water polo team!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marimba Festival
Last Saturday, our Marimba Band students took part in the 20th celebration of the Marimba Festival, at Barfoot & Thompson Stadium in Kohimarama.
And what a celebration it was! Called "Top Hits", the 10 pieces we had prepared were a collection of the best from past years. From South American rhythms (Tango) to Māori waiata (Ngā Iwi E) to classical (Canon by Purcell), we joined 11 other schools at the 12 pm show, playing to a huge audience who were clearly enthralled by such talented students.
A big thank you to our CPS musicians who performed the solo piece "Go!" and contributed to solo improvisations, ukulele and kazoo playing, and cyclone sound effects. Ka rawe CPS Marimba Band!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yummy Sticker Promo
|
We will be sending in our sheets of Yummy stickers early next term. We've got quite a few... but we'd love more! The more stickers, the more free sports gear for our school! You can download a sheet from their website, or pick one up from the office. Thank you to everyone who has contributed already. Keep munching!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising Opportunity
|
Our annual Year Book will come out in December 2025. There is advertising space available to promote your brand to a targeted audience. See here for information on rates and sizes.
|
|
Leave a lasting impression today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Payments
|
The School Donation remains at $525. Most parents will be entitled to claim a tax rebate - if you are a top tax rate payer a 33% reduction is available.
|
|
|
|
Please make school payments through your mykindo account. There are several methods to add funds to your account. Add regular topups if you'd like, then allocate to payments when you're ready, or just pay as you go. mykindo is also where you can order school lunches. Set up your kindo account.
|
|
NB: The school no longer has an EFTPOS terminal. All payments are to be made via kindo or DC, please. DC with your child's name to: 12-3027-0387931-000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School Lunches
|
Order school lunches through kindo to be delivered to Churchill Park School on Monday to Thursday. Check out your kindo account for suppliers and menus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent Notices and Information:
|
Although accepted for publication in this section, Churchill Park School does not necessarily endorse, nor accept responsibility for any of the information contained herein:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Come and support our very own staff band 'Old School' - rockin' at the Churchill Club on Saturday 11 October!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching
|
|
|
As a parent, watching your child struggle with an eating disorder can feel overwhelming and exhausting. I know this journey personally, both from lived experience and from supporting a loved one, and I also know that full recovery is possible. Through eating disorder recovery coaching, I walk alongside young people and their families, helping them make peace with food, movement, and their bodies. You and your child can be supported every step of the way. Let’s connect and arrange a free consultation today.
|
|
Rebecca, WithLoveED Certified Eating Disorder Recovery Coach (CCIEDC)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sticking around Auckland these school holidays?
|
We are taking our last Auckland NPC home game of the season out into the community to Auckland Grammar School and it promises to be a fun, family event. We have a big kids activation zone so you can sit back and enjoy the game whilst the kids are entertained. Plus, we have loads of giveaways and prizes up for grabs! There's something for all ages. Kids just $5 and Adults $10 Earlybird until Monday 23 September. There will be lots of food and beverage options available so lock your tickets in and see you there!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
