Principal’s Message: Growing in Care and Courage
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we reach the halfway point of Term 4, we thank the Lord for His faithfulness to our school community. These weeks have brought opportunities to welcome new families, learn beyond the classroom, attempt unfamiliar challenges, and serve one another in practical ways.
We began the term reflecting on Romans 12:13–15: sharing with those in need, practising hospitality, and rejoicing and weeping with others. Alongside this, our staff have been considering Colossians 3:12–17 and the kindness, patience and forgiveness that should characterise a Christian community. “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14).
These are not simply themes for an assembly or a Bible lesson. They shape how we welcome a new classmate, encourage someone who is finding an activity difficult, respond to correction, and repair a relationship when things go wrong. We want our children to grow in both knowledge and Christian character, learning to act with courage while caring for those around them.
Thank you to our staff, parents, volunteers and Board members for the many ways you have supported our students this term. The camp and junior activities have been a particular reminder of how much is made possible when our community works together.
As we look towards examinations, Thanksgiving and prizegiving, please continue to pray that we will finish the year with diligence, gratitude and love for one another.
With every blessing
Prasad Patchigalla
Principal
Welcoming Our New Students and Families
A warm welcome to the students and families who have joined Tyndale this term. We invited families to a special Welcome Assembly on Monday 2 November, with whānau standing alongside their children as we prayed a prayer of blessing over them.
Joining a new school brings both opportunities and adjustments. Please help us make our new families feel at home by introducing yourselves, including others in conversation, and encouraging your children to be thoughtful and welcoming classmates.
School Camp: Confidence, Teamwork and Perseverance
Our Years 5–13 students attended Chosen Valley Christian Camp from Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 November. We were thankful for favourable weather and the opportunities for students to take part in activities that challenged them physically and mentally.
Camp offered much more than a change of scenery. Students practised communicating, working together, showing patience and empathy, and encouraging one another to try something unfamiliar. These experiences provide valuable opportunities to grow in confidence, perseverance and responsibility.
Thank you to Mr Bruno Barnes for organising the camp, and to the staff, parent volunteers, Board members and guest speaker who supported the students. We are also grateful to everyone who helped with meals, transport, food donations and financial contributions, and to the staff who kept the school running while others were away.
The generosity of our school community helped make this experience possible. We thank the Lord for each person who played a part.
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Wheels Day for Our Younger Students
While the older students were away at camp, our New Entrants–Year 4 students enjoyed their own special event: Wheels Day on Thursday 5 November.
Thank you to Mrs Peasley, Mrs Fowlie, Mrs Malabed and Mrs Fe’ao for preparing and supporting the day. We were pleased that our younger children could enjoy a special shared experience at school, and we appreciate families’ cooperation with the temporary gate closure, which helped keep the activity area safe.
Learning About Fire Safety
Our younger students’ fire-safety learning included a fire engine visit on Friday 30 October. Meeting firefighters helped connect their classroom learning with the people who serve our wider community.
Thank you to the visiting firefighters for giving their time. Learning about safety is an important part of helping children become thoughtful and responsible, and we encourage families to continue age-appropriate conversations about fire safety at home.
Swimming: Building Essential Water-Safety Skills
The swimming lessons for Years 3–6 began on Friday 30 October through the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Community Swim Programme. The lessons are scheduled to continue through to Friday 11 December.
Learning to swim is an important life skill, particularly as we approach summer. Thank you to Mrs Peasley and Mrs Barnes for accompanying and supporting the students, and to the programme organisers for providing lessons and transport.
Please help your child arrive prepared with a suitable swimsuit, towel, goggles and a bag. All belongings should be clearly labelled.
Learning and Preparing for the Weeks Ahead
Classroom learning continues alongside our special events. Following camp, an English writing task invited students to recount a memorable experience, using precise verbs and sensory details, and to reflect on why it mattered. This connects experiences beyond the classroom with the careful development of writing skills.
Our Exam Week is Monday 23–Thursday 26 November. Please encourage steady revision, sensible routines and sufficient rest for Years 7-13 students. Students who are unsure about their preparation should speak with their teacher so that questions can be addressed and practical next steps agreed.
Staff learning continues too. On Thursday 12 November, Mr Dieuwe de Boer attended a microscope-servicing workshop alongside staff from other Christian schools. This practical training will help us care for our science equipment and prepare it for future classroom use.
Working Bee: Saturday 14 November
Please join us for our school Working Bee on Saturday 14 November, from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Jobs include weeding, spreading mulch and playground bark, tidying the orchard, and working on pavers and cobblestones. If you can, please bring useful tools such as a weed eater, blower, broom, spade, wheelbarrow or garden fork.
We will provide a sausage sizzle, and drinks will be provided for a light lunch. Thank you for helping us care for the grounds and facilities entrusted to us. For more information, please contact Stephen Bain at accounts@tyndalepark.school.nz.
Mainly Music: Welcoming Young Families
Mainly Music resumed on Friday 16 October, welcoming young children under 4 and their families for singing, movement, time together and morning tea.
Thank you to May and the Mainly Music team for serving these families. If you know someone with young children who may like to join, please encourage them to contact the school for current session details.
Looking Ahead to Thanksgiving and Prizegiving
Preparations are under way for Thanksgiving and Senior Prizegiving on Friday 11 December at 7.00 pm, including a school production, Witness of Christ: Life of Peter. The production traces Peter’s call, confession, failure and restoration, and his witness for Christ.
Please set aside this evening to join us as we give thanks to God and recognise our students’ learning and service. Junior Prizegiving will be held on Wednesday 16 December at 12.00 noon.
Important Dates: The Rest of Term 4
- Saturday 14 November, 8.00 am–1.00 pm: School Working Bee.
- Monday 23–Thursday 26 November: Exam Week.
- Friday 4 December: Sports Day with other Christian schools.
- Friday 11 December, 7.00 pm: Thanksgiving, Senior Prizegiving and school production.
- Wednesday 16 December, 12.00 noon: Junior Prizegiving and distribution of reports.
- Wednesday 16 December, 1.00 pm: School finishes for the year. There is no After School Care on this day.