Chapel Downs Newsletter
40th Year : 1985 - 2025
Kia ora, Talofa, Mālō e lelei, Bula, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Aloha, Kamusta, Xin chào, Nǐ hǎo, Konnichiwa, Annyeong haseyo, Selamat siang, Sawasdee ka/krap, and Namaste to everyone!
Principal’s Message – 40th Year 2025
Kia ora e te whānau,
Celebrating 40 Years of Chapel Downs Primary School
This year marks a very special milestone—40 years of Chapel Downs Primary School serving our local community. Since opening its doors in 1985, our school has grown from a small local primary into a vibrant and diverse learning community that reflects the richness of the families we serve.
Over the years, Chapel Downs has seen generations of learners come through its classrooms, many of whom now return as parents, caregivers, and even staff. Our traditions of celebrating culture, valuing relationships, and striving for excellence have remained at the heart of who we are.
As we embark on a new journey with the exciting development of a junior college for Years 7 to 10 on our site, it is a wonderful time to reflect on our past while we continue to build our future. This expansion represents a new chapter in our story—one that will provide greater opportunities for our learners while staying true to the values that have guided us for four decades.
Last week, we proudly acknowledged and celebrated members of our staff, both past and present, who have each dedicated 15 years or more, of service to our school and community. Their loyalty, care, and commitment have helped shape Chapel Downs into the strong and thriving school it is today.
Looking ahead, when we reach our 50th year, we will celebrate this milestone together as a community and make the most of the wonderful new facilities that will be developed on our site over the next decade.
Ngā mihi nui,
Vaughan van Rensburg
Principal
Two Principals over the years!
We are especially proud that in these four decades, our school has been guided by only two principals, a true reflection of stability and commitment.
June McMillan (Principal 1985 - 2012)
Vaughan van Rensburg (Principal 2012 - present)
Acknowledging Long Service
Last week, staff and Board members came together to recognise those who have given 15 years or more of service to Chapel Downs Primary School.
Although she was unable to join us, we would like to especially acknowledge June McMillan, who dedicated an incredible 27 years of service to our school and community.
A special assembly was held for our visitors, where our Kapa Haka and Pacific Island groups performed, and the whole school sang together in celebration. During this assembly, we also took time to acknowledge June’s remarkable contribution.
Following the assembly, a smaller gathering was held to honour the many staff members who have served Chapel Downs for over 15 years. Among them, Cath McNair stands out for her outstanding 38 years of service. Cath has held a number of leadership roles, from Assistant Principal to her current role as Special Education Needs Coordinator.
We are incredibly proud of all our staff, past and present, for the contributions they have made to education and to the Chapel Downs community.
We also recognised the outstanding commitment of two long-serving Board of Trustees members, Shirley Chapman and Bryce Turner, who have each given over 20 years of dedicated service. Their leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping our school’s journey.
Chapel Downs has been built on the dedication of people like these—those who have given so generously of their time, skills, and passion for the benefit of our students and community.
Room 40 helping us to celebrate
Room 40 (Year 1) felt like VIP's as they celebrated this awesome anniversary with our school. They found creative ways in which they could make the number 40 using the math resources in their room. Great thinking skills Room 40! Happy 40th Anniversary Chapel Downs!
Our School Logo Over The Years
Building work over the years
New prefabricated classrooms have been added
The old B classrooms were relocated across the field and repainted to match the new rooms - all to make room for the junior college construction
Steel framing going in for the junior college
View from the front gate
Artists impression of what the first new junior college block will look like