ST JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
TAKAPUNA
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Kia ora Whanau and Parents,
Welcome to the week in which we celebrate Diwali – a Hindu celebration of lights that signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness every day. This is normally celebrated here in Auckland in Aotea Square. You are able to join the celebrations online this year.
As a school we are blessed with families of many cultures. Each culture has special celebrations throughout the year. These often originate from a religious base. It is wonderful that we can share in these celebrations and in turn, our tamariki can develop a greater understanding and awareness of the world they live in.
Today New Zealand remembers Parahaka, an important part of our country’s history. Next year we will see the introduction of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum. As with all the NZ Curriculum Statements, it will be taught from Year 1 – 13. The three areas of the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum are outlined below:;
Understand – Three Big Ideas
- Maori history is the foundational and continuous history of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Colonisation and its consequences have been central to our history for the past 200 years and continue to influence all aspects of New Zealand Society
- The course of Aotearoa New Zealand history has been shaped by the exercise and effects of power
Know – Three National Contexts
- Whakapapa me te whanaungatanga – how the past shapes who we are today
- Tūrangaawae wae me te kaitiatanga – the relationships of individuals, groups and communities with the land, water and resources
- Tino rangitiranga me te kāwanatanga the history of contexts over authority and control – Te Tiriti o Waitangi
Do – Three Inquiry Processes
- Identifying and using sequence
- Identifying and critiquing sources and perspectives
- Interpreting past decisions and actionsAs a school we will begin incorporating this new curriculum within our programme of learning.
The Principal’s Message will cover the following topics:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Distance Learning
- Parish
- NZ Sculpture Onshore
- Support
Ka manaakitia e te Atua
Alister Bridgman
Tumuaki
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are the children starting back at school on Monday 15 November?
The Minister of Education announced that Auckland schools may be accepting students back in a staged format beginning Monday 15 November.
When will we hear if this is happening?
The Minister of Education will make an announcement at some stage next week.
When do the schools hear when children are returning to school?
School principals and teachers hear at the same time as parents… at the Minister’s stand-up announcement on the COVID-19 updates which are televised live.
Who is allowed to go to Bubble School?
“At Alert Level 3 more businesses and services are open, and some parents and caregivers will have to leave home in order to go to work. In these cases, any child who can’t be supervised at home by an appropriate person, needs to be able to attend school. Schools must be open for these children to attend.” – MOE
DISTANCE LEARNING
If you have any questions regarding the distance learning programme for your child, your child’s teacher will be happy to assist. Please contact them through their email address.
These are a great way for your child to be supported with their learning from the Team Google Sites. Teachers are able to guide the children on their learning at home and share with them effective ways in which they can do the variety of activities that are provided. The zoom sessions are also a great opportunity for the children to see their friends from their home group. Please encourage your child to join their zoom sessions.
Activity Packs
- These continue to be available on a weekly basis
- Activity packs are printed packs that are made up of a mix of some activities from the Google Site
- Available for collection from the ‘Pick Up Drop Off Zone’ in front of the school office from 8 am Monday – Please stay in the car and please wear a face covering
- Available as a PDF which teachers will email to you on request
Team Google Sites
NZ SCULPTURE ONSHORE
This is a biannual event that sees artists and schools exhibit their sculptures at Fort Takapuna Reserve. The money raised from this event goes to Women’s Refuge. Our school was to have an exhibit at this year’s exhibition.
Today NZ Sculpture Onshore opens their online exhibition. There are more than 100 works featured in this exhibition and you will be able to look, enjoy and purchase the stunning pieces online. Event curator Sally Lush says the works are by more than 80 emerging and established artists from around New Zealand, with a mix of crowd favourites who have exhibited at previous events, and others offering fresh and exciting new perspectives. Check it out.
SUPPORT
If you or a family you know requires support through what has been a very long lockdown, please consider contacting one of the following agencies:
If you wish to donate to St Vincent de Paul, food and/or money, you are welcome to drop your donation off at the school office. All food that the children bring to school goes to our Parish St Vincent de Paul group, who in turn distribute it to people in need.
