Highlights from the second half of Term 3
Principal’s Message: Continuing Wholeheartedly
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As Term 3 draws to a close, we thank the Lord for His faithfulness to our school community. The second half of the term has provided opportunities for our students to share their learning, develop perseverance, and use their gifts alongside others.
In our previous newsletter, we reflected on wholehearted service through Romans 12:11–12. This remains an encouragement as we finish the term: “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.” A transformed life is expressed not only in significant achievements, but also in the daily willingness to work diligently, encourage a classmate, receive correction, and keep going when something is difficult.
Thank you to our teachers for their care and preparation, and to our parents for working alongside us in your children’s education. Our partnership matters as we seek to help each child grow in knowledge, character, and love for the Lord.
We trust that the term break will provide time for rest and renewed strength. May the Lord watch over our families, and may we return ready to serve Him wholeheartedly in the final term of the year.
With every blessing
Prasad Patchigalla
Principal
Celebrating Our Students' Academic Progress
Our Term 1 and Term 3 Progressive Assessment Test (PAT) results show an upward shift in achievement bands for Years 3-10 students assessed in both terms.
In Mathematics, the proportion in the upper band (Stanine 7-9) increased from 41% to 70%.
In Reading Comprehension, the proportion in the upper band (Stanine 7-9) increased from 36% to 59%.
In Writing, the proportion in the upper band (normal distribution estimate Stanine 7-9) increased from 32% to 60%.
What stanines mean
A stanine places a test result into one of nine relative achievement bands for the student’s year-level reference group. Stanines 1–3 represent the lower range, 4–6 the middle range, and 7–9 the upper range. The normal distribution of NZ students' reference proportions is 23% in the lower band, 54% in the middle band, and 23% in the upper band.
Celebrating Our Young Scientists
Following the announcement in Newsletter #5, we are pleased to share further details of our students’ achievements at the regional NIWA STEM Fair. The prizegiving was held at Howick College on Friday 4 September, recognising projects selected from around 300 entries.
- Abigail Sunga — Second Place in her category and a special award from the Baking Industry Research Trust for the best use of flour.
- Olivier de Boer — First Place, Year 6 Science and Technology.
- Hannah Lim — Second Place, Year 6 Science and Technology.
- Sonya Prasad — Highly Commended, Year 6 Science and Technology.
We give thanks for the opportunities our students have to investigate God’s creation and develop their scientific thinking. Thank you to the teachers and families who supported their work.
Celebrating Our Cultures
On Friday, 18 September, students and staff celebrated the diverse cultures we have at our school by wearing traditional clothing.
Duke of Edinburgh: Perseverance on the Track
On Thursday 10 September, a group of our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award students completed their first tramp in the Waitākere Ranges. They covered 24 kilometres and climbed more than 1,000 metres, putting their map-reading and navigation skills to the test.
This demanding challenge required both physical endurance and mental determination. Congratulations to the students on completing it, and thank you to Mrs de Boer, our Duke of Edinburgh Leader, for organising this opportunity.
Rooms 3 and 4 Share Their Learning
Our Years 3–6 students presented a special assembly on Monday 14 September. It was encouraging to see the students playing their part and sharing their learning with the school community.
Thank you to Mrs Barnes and Mrs Peasley for preparing the students, and to the families who joined us to encourage them. Opportunities to present before others help our students develop confidence and learn to contribute as part of a group.
Working Together: Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences
Thank you to the families who joined our Parent–Teacher–Student Conferences from 15–17 September. These conversations allow us to consider each child’s progress, recognise areas of growth, and agree on practical next steps based on Progressive Assessment Test (PAT) results.
We encourage parents to continue these conversations at home and help their children follow through on the goals discussed. If you were unable to meet with your child’s teacher, please contact them to arrange a suitable time.
As a school, we have seen our students move several Stanine bands, indicating their academic progress through PAT assessments.
Our Boardwalk in the Local News
Following the boardwalk opening featured in Newsletter #5, our own Emma Lim has written about the occasion for the Times newspaper. It is encouraging to see a student using her writing skills to share a school story with the wider community.
Read Emma’s boardwalk article.
Looking Ahead to School Camp
Our Years 5–13 school camp is scheduled for 4–6 November. Please continue to pray for the preparations, the staff and helpers, and the students who will attend.
The camp notice and permission slip have been sent home. If you have not yet returned the permission slip, please do so promptly. Further information about what students need to bring will follow.
End-of-Term Assembly and Holiday Arrangements
Thank you to all families who attended our End-of-Term Assembly on Friday 25 September at 1.30 pm. Students from across the year levels presented a musical performance, and certificates were awarded.
Important Dates: Term 4
- Monday 12 October: Term 4 begins.
- 4–6 November: School Camp, Years 5–13.
- Friday 11 December: Thanksgiving and Senior Prizegiving.
- Wednesday 16 December: Junior Prizegiving and final day of school. School finishes at 1.00 pm, with no After School Care.
Correction: An earlier newsletter heading incorrectly listed Tuesday 15 December as the end of Term 4. The correct final day is Wednesday 16 December. We apologise for any confusion.
Term 3 Photo Album
A selection of photographs shared for Newsletter #6.
