Term 1 Week 9 Newsletter #3 2026 – St Joseph's Pukekohe

To Love/AROHA	To Learn/ĀKO	To Lead/ĀRAHI

St Joseph’s Catholic School

“Excellent Education befitting our Catholic Character”

94 Seddon St Pukekohe 2120

Term 1 Week 9 2 April 2026 Newsletter #3

Principal’s Message

Tena Koutou Katoa Talofa Lava Kamusta Malo e lelei Mauri Malo ni Faka talofa atu Namaste Greetings to all

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, it is wonderful to pause and reflect on all that has been achieved across our school community so far this year. The term has been filled with rich learning, growing friendships, and many opportunities for our tamariki to shine.

It has been especially heartening to see the strong sense of whānau and community throughout the term. Our recent school fair was a highlight, bringing together our school and parish community while also showcasing this special sense of belonging to the wider Pukekohe community. We have been incredibly proud of the talents of our tamariki, seen in their performances at both the fair and the Franklin Multicultural Festival, as well as their participation in school swimming, various sports tournaments, liturgies, and assemblies. Alongside these moments, there have been many rich learning opportunities across the school, all of which continue to remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive and faith-filled community.

There has been plenty of excitement and meaning in this final week of the term. A significant focus has been our Holy Week liturgies, which have helped bring the Easter story to life for our tamariki. On Monday, we began with our Palm Sunday liturgy, remembering Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem and the way people welcomed Him as their King. On Wednesday, we shared in a Washing of the Feet liturgy, reflecting on Jesus’ call to serve others with love, humility, and compassion. This afternoon, we will gather for our Easter liturgy, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and the hope and new life this brings to us all.

As we look ahead to the term break, it is a well-earned time for rest and renewal for both students and staff. I would also like to sincerely thank our staff for their hard work and commitment to our tamariki and community. Each day, through their care, dedication, and example, they are being Christ to our children, nurturing both their learning and their faith. While the holidays provide a chance to recharge, they also lead us into one of the most important seasons in our Catholic calendar.

Easter is a sacred time where we remember the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a message of hope, renewal, and new life. Through the risen Christ, we are reminded that even in times of challenge, there is always the promise of light, love, and new beginnings. I encourage all families to take time, if possible, to participate in parish celebrations during this special season and to reflect on the meaning of Easter together.

As Acting Principal, I would like to thank you for your continued support of our school. It is a privilege to serve this community. Remember to come back to school in term 2, in your winter uniform.

Nga manaakitanga ki a koe.

I wish all our children and their families a safe, restful, and blessed Easter break. May this holy season bring peace, joy, and a deep sense of Christ’s love into your homes.

Ngā manaakitanga ki a koutou katoa.

Special Catholic Character

Values Awards

Arahi

Kylah Hampton-Batten – For being a great example on Road Patrol. You were attentive and had good calling. Well done! You showed wonderful Arahi!

Alex Lilley – For being a great example on Road Patrol. You were attentive and had good calling. Well done! You showed wonderful Arahi!

Aroha

Alice Birmingham – For showing Aroha by helping her friends to make the right choices and being a good role model to others.

St Joseph’s Day

We celebrated the Feast of St Joseph with a meaningful prayer liturgy in the morning, followed by fun and laughter during our tabloid sports. A wonderful day enjoyed by all!

St Joseph’s Day Values Awards

The following awards were awarded to tamariki who displayed our school values during our tabloid sports event.

Arahi & Aroha

Philip Ahn – For showing the values of Aroha and Arahi through the way he took care of a junior student in his group.
Ella Datuin – For showing the values of Aroha and Arahi through the way he took care of a junior student in his group.
Ava Farrell – For showing the value of Arahi and Aroha as you demonstrated fantastic support for your team and displayed wonderful sportsmanship.
Felix Teoro – For showing good leadership and support for students in your team.
Alex Lilley – For showing good leadership and support for students in your team.
Anthony Helu – For showing good leadership and support for students in your team.
Grace Millar – For showing fantastic support for your team and wonderful sportsmanship.

Aroha

Kingston Blundell – For showing excellent support and encouragement.
Jack Kneebone – For continually encouraging the members in your team.
Feausi Kamea – For supporting the younger students in your team.
Arlo Williams – For showing kindness and patience with your team, helping all of the children to do their best in the activities.
Arie Cassidy – For showing kindness to the younger students.
Mason Flynn – For great enthusiasm throughout Tabloids
Naomi Lane – For your enthusiasm and fantastic football skills.

Arahi

Kylah Hampton-Batten – For showing great leadership through Tabloids and always being organised.
Adeline Shields – For showing great leadership through Tabloids
Tapuaki Ahokava – For demonstrating good leadership with your team.
Alianah Abrio – For showing good leadership in your team
Rayan Lijo – For showing good leadership in your team.
Naomi Logan – For showing good leadership in your team.
Destine Arthur – For showing good leadership skills and being so organised.
Isabella Burton – For showing good leadership as she guides the young children to the activities and being so organised.
Alianah Abrio – For showing great leadership.

Ako

Zyon Hampton-Batten– for showing so much enthusiasm towards your team

Ako & Arahi

Sophia Hewitt – for demonstrating to our younger students how to complete the games and activities.

Holy Week

We began our Holy Week with a Palm Sunday Liturgy led by Ako JL. On Wednesday our Year 6’s led a Washing of the feet liturgy where our school leaders washed the feet of some of our youngest tamariki. We will end our term with a whole school Stations of the Cross led by some of the Year 4 & 5 children.

Key Dates

Term 2 Key Dates

Please note these dates are subject to change For further dates see calendars on the website at: www.stjosephs.co.nz or the eTAP app

School Board News

SCHOOL POLICIES

SchoolDocs T1 Review: This term we are reviewing some of the policies in the Safety On and Off School Grounds section: Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Harmful Substances Policy (board), Sun Protection (board), Digital Technology and Online Safety (board), and Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices. Review closes 2nd April

A link to our school policies can be found on our school website or through www.schooldocs.co.nz

Go to www.schooldocs.co.nz/
Click Search for your school
Start typing the school’s name (St Joseph’s School Pukekohe) and then select it from the dropdown list.
Enter the community username: stjosephspukekohe and password: mission.

Thank you to our school community for participating in our triennial board elections.

If you would like to contact the Board directly at any time, please do so through our email address schoolboard@stjosephs.co.nz

Our next School Board Meeting is Wednesday 13th May at 7:00 pm

At St Joseph’s, we know that regular school attendance is essential for every child’s learning and success.

Our goal is for 80% of our students to attend school at least 90% of the time.

Our attendance has remained fairly steady over Term One and while there is room for improvement, we have made a good start to the year. Thank you for your ongoing support with this.

As we reach the end of Term One and the days grow cooler, we’re mindful of the winter months ahead. We love seeing our students at school every day, but we know winter can bring illness. If your child is unwell, please prioritise a speedy recovery at home so they can get back to their learning and friends as quickly as possible.

St Joseph’s School Pukekohe Attendance Management Plan

For any questions or concerns regarding attendance, your child’s teacher should be the first point of contact. Requests for holidays during term time or for extended periods of absence should be submitted to the principal – Principal@stjosephs.co.nz

School Notices / Upcoming Events

Term Dates 2026

Term 1 – Tuesday 3rd February – Thursday 2nd April

Term 2 – Monday 20th April – Friday 3rd July

Term 3 – Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September

Term 4 – Monday 12th October – Tuesday 15th December

Please email the office if your children are taking a holiday during the school term. stjoesoffice@stjosephs.co.nz

School Attendance Dues

Thank you to all parents who have paid their compulsory Attendance Dues for the whole year, or for the term, or set up regular payments.

Term 1 Attendance Dues of $136 should now have been paid in full, and Term 2 dues are expected to be paid by week 5 of Term 2 – or a regular payment plan should have been set up. If paying by instalments, please ensure all dues for the year are paid in full by 30 November. (See our website Information/Fees & contributions/Financial contribution). We collect and forward Attendance Dues to our Proprietor, The Catholic Diocese of Auckland.

If you are experiencing financial difficulties in paying your attendance dues you are welcome to make an appointment to see the Principal in confidence or contact Carol at Auckland Common Fund 09 360 3040.

Bank Account: St Joseph’s School (Pukekohe) Board 12 3023 0338374 01 Ref: student name

School Start Time

Students are expected to be at school by 8:30 am. Teachers are not in class until 8:15 am. Parents, you need to ensure your child is at school by 8:30 every day. Thank you. Please note that any children who arrive at school before 8:15 are not supervised. Some children are arriving at school before 8:00 am!

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

The Second-hand uniform shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 2:30 – 3:00 pm.

Winter uniforms are available now for the start of Term 2. The uniform shop will be open during the holidays on Thursday 16th April 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

New items can be purchased from The Uniform Shoppe on Glasgow Road, Pukekohe

School Individual/Class Photos

Order slips for individual photos have been sent home with your child. They have extended the free delivery date to Friday 24th April. Class Photos (Year 2-6) are currently being processed and prepared by Masterpiece Photography. We appreciate your patience and will send out more information once this becomes available to us. Please contact Masterpiece Photography directly if you have any questions at info@masterpiecephotography.co.nz

Celebrations

Aroha

We thoroughly enjoyed having our first Tabloid Sports Day and a huge thank you to all the older students who helped support and guide the younger children through the activities. We have been busy in our classrooms with our day to day learning. It’s lovely to see all students interact with one another across the three classrooms during break times. We enjoyed celebrating St Patrick’s Day and St Joseph’s Day.

Ako

In the Ako Team, our learners have been busy exploring hands-on learning across the curriculum. Our Year 3 students have been developing their understanding of measurement, using metres and centimetres to measure a range of objects around the school, taking their learning beyond the classroom. Meanwhile, our Year 2 students have been investigating materials and their properties, and are now applying their knowledge to design and build bridges using a variety of materials. It has been wonderful to see their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in action.

Arahi

Our Year 6 students recently showcased their expertise on the behaviour of light through a wonderful Tuakana Teina session with Year 4.

After mastering the mechanics of reflection, refraction, and ray diagrams in their science lessons, our seniors stepped into the role of teachers. They shared their knowledge through posters, presentations and hands-on experiments, guiding their younger buddies with patience and leadership. It was a proud moment to see our Year 6s empower the Year 4s, proving that the best way to master a subject is to teach it to others!

Swimming

A huge congratulations to our Year 4-6’s on a wonderful swimming sports on Tuesday, 10th March. It was a day full of hard work, effort and fun!

Two weeks ago, Adeline Shields, Mahalia Littler and Zoe McAlister represented our school at Franklin Swimming Sports. They showed sportsmanship and made our school proud with their support of one another. Adeline placed 2nd in backstroke, 3rd in butterfly and freestyle, and she was a part of the North Group Relay team that placed 1st by 0.02 of a second!

Rippa Rugby

Congratulations to all our Year 3 and 4 students who participated in the Franklin Primary Schools Rippa Rugby Tournament. It was fantastic to see how much everyone improved their rippa rugby skills throughout the day, while also demonstrating excellent teamwork and sportsmanship.

A big thank you to our wonderful parents for their support. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without you!

Community Notices

PTA/Friends of St Joseph’s School Notices

To our School Community,

On behalf of the organising committee, we want to extend a big thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 School Fair. This event is our largest fundraiser of the year and we are incredibly proud of the way our school community came together to support it. We would like to say a special appreciation to our dedicated teacher liaisons, Mrs Burns and Mrs Logan. Your guidance, organisation and commitment were instrumental in bringing this event together.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Friends of St Joseph’s PTA. The many months of planning, personal time and hard work you all devoted to the event are deeply appreciated. We are extremely grateful for your commitment and the outstanding effort you put into making the fair such a success. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Nicola Hewitt for the significant amount of behind the scenes admin and organisation she provided. Your dedication helped keep everything running smoothly.

To all our parent volunteers, thank you for generously giving your time to assist with stalls, rides, food preparation, setup and cleanup. Your willingness to help in so many ways was truly invaluable. We would also like to sincerely thank all the parents for their ongoing donations in the lead-up to the fair. Your generosity played an important part in making the event possible.

A special thank you to Peter Fa’afiu, a former school family member, for generously returning to support us as the MC for the day. Your contribution added greatly to the success and enjoyment of the event.

We also wish to acknowledge Mrs Hall for her ongoing support and leadership. Your guidance helped ensure the event ran smoothly, and we greatly appreciate the encouragement you provide our entire community. We hope you feel very proud of what has been achieved.

Finally, congratulations to all of our raffle prize winners.

Thank you again to everyone who played a part in making this event such a wonderful success.

Renee Farrell