Chapel Downs NEwsletter • June 2025 •

Our Year 6 girls were treated to an inspiring assembly hosted by Lincoln and Charlotte from the Warriors Community Foundation. We were privileged to welcome two outstanding athletes from the Warriors Women’s team—Kalyn Takitimu-Cook and Olympic medalist and sevens star Michaela Blyde.

The visit was part of the League in Libraries competition, which celebrates storytelling and literacy through sport. Kalyn and Michaela shared their personal journeys, spoke about their favourite books, and answered some thoughtful and enthusiastic questions from our students.

It was a truly uplifting experience that left our girls feeling motivated and excited about both reading and sport—a wonderful reminder of the power of strong role models and positive messages.

OSC Rippa Rugby Tournament

Two Year 6 teams proudly represented Chapel Downs at the recent Otāra Sports Cluster Rippa Rugby Tournament. We’re incredibly proud of both teams for getting out there and giving it their all—especially those who were playing in their very first tournament!

Both teams demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience throughout the day. Our mixed team played exceptionally well and came away with a well-deserved second place—ka pai! While our boys’ team didn’t place, they showed impressive determination and perseverance in some tough matches.

A huge thank you to all the whānau and supporters who braved the weather to cheer on our teams—your encouragement made all the difference!

OSC Netball Tournament

Our Year 6 netball team represented Chapel Downs with pride at the Ōtara Netball Tournament. The girls demonstrated outstanding teamwork, supporting each other and showing great sportsmanship towards the opposition. Their perseverance really shone through as they settled their nerves after the first game and grew in confidence with each match.

A big thank you to all the friends and whānau who came along to support—your cheers and encouragement gave the team a real boost!

Year 5 & Year 6 Trip to the Maritime Museum

As part of our Term 2 Science Inquiry, Exploring the Oceans, our Year 5 and 6 students visited the Maritime Museum to deepen their understanding of ocean exploration.

Students took part in hands-on workshops led by the museum’s educators, where they had the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and explore key scientific concepts. We also spent time in the galleries, making connections to our Term 1 inquiry, Migration and Settlement, and discovering a wide range of fascinating exhibitions.

Out on the pontoon, we fed the ika and learnt about sea life below the surface. Back in the classroom, we investigated ocean food chains and discussed how long different materials take to break down in the sea.

It was a fabulous day of learning, both inside and outside the museum. A huge thank you to our amazing parent helpers for making this trip possible!

Swimming Success – Thank You Find Your Field of Dreams

Our Year 3 to Year 6 students are nearing the end of their 2025 swimming lesson programme. Over the past few weeks, they’ve worked hard to develop their confidence and skills in the water.

The final lessons will focus on essential water safety, including practising how to wear a life jacket in deeper water, along with practical assessments of the swimming techniques they’ve learned throughout the programme.

We’d like to give a huge thank you to the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation for generously sponsoring our students in this valuable learn-to-swim initiative. Your support makes a real difference in keeping our tamariki safe and confident in the water.

Swimming Days:

• Tuesdays - Rooms 4, 5 and 34. Last lesson on 24 June.
• Wednesdays - Rooms 3, 7, 13, 25, 27, 30, 31, 32, and 39. Last lesson on 25 June.
• Fridays - Rooms 8, 23, 24, 26, 28, 29, 41, 43 and 44. Last lesson on 27 June.

Building Work Update

It’s great to see steady progress being made around the school. The development of the new hard courts is well under way, and the senior playground is currently being manufactured — we’re looking forward to having this installed next term! Work also continues on the new classroom block, with compacting and concrete work taking place on site. Brosnan will continue construction throughout the upcoming school holidays, and we’re excited to see the progress when we return after the break.