Chapel Downs Newsletter September 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 – September 2025
Kia ora e te whānau,
A very warm welcome to all the tamariki and whānau who have recently joined our school community. It is always special to see new families becoming part of Chapel Downs.
This term has already been filled with colour, vibrancy, and celebration. Our Culture Day was a wonderful highlight, reminding us how proud we are of where we come from and the rich diversity within our school.
Our Year 6 Boys’ and Girls’ Football teams had a fantastic day out at the Ōtara Schools Cluster Football Tournament, showing great teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Our Year 2 classes also enjoyed an exciting trip to the Howick Historical Village, where they explored and investigated life in the past.
Learning continues to flourish across the school. Maths Week provided fun and challenge, and it was wonderful to see our children engaging so enthusiastically in their learning. Looking ahead, we are excited for the Year 6 Camp happening Wednesday to Friday this week, which promises to be a memorable experience.
Ngā mihi nui,
Vaughan van Rensburg
Principal
Otara Sports Cluster Football Tournament
Our Year 6 Boys’ and Girls’ Football teams had an amazing day at the Ōtara Schools Cluster Football Tournament at Rongomai Sports Centre. Both teams showed outstanding heart, teamwork, and perseverance as they took on other schools. We are so proud of their sportsmanship, determination, and all-round awesomeness!
A big thank you to Mrs Sewjugath and Mr Chalmers for coaching our teams. Thank you also to Mrs Bailey and Miss York for running the whole tournament for our cluster, and to Mr van for his support with the organisation.
Culture Day
We loved celebrating the many cultures that make up our Chapel Downs community. It was wonderful to see both students and staff proudly dressed in their cultural attire. Our assembly was full of energy and belonging, with flags waving and everyone showing pride in where they come from.
Year 2 Trip to Howick Historical Village
Last month, our Year 2 classes visited the Howick Historical Village. Despite the chilly winter weather, everyone had a fantastic time exploring what life was like in the past, especially playing games and discovering toys from “the old days.” If you haven’t been before, the Village is a wonderful place to visit and explore as a whānau.
Year 6 Camp
Tui Ridge Park 10-12 Sept
Happening this week!
Our Year 6 students are looking forward to their camp at Tui Ridge Park near Rotorua. This will be a fantastic education outside the classroom experience for them.
The students will be travelling to camp by bus on Wednesday 10 September, leaving school at 7:45am. We kindly ask that families keep the area in front of the Chapel Road gate clear that morning so the buses can park safely for pick up.
Building Work Update
The steel framing is now being put into place, and it’s very exciting to see the first building taking shape. We are loving the sight of the big green crane in action and are fascinated by the scissor lift and other vehicles and tools being used to move the massive steel beams into position. With the framing going up, we can now begin to see the height and size of this new building—it’s all becoming very real!
Mana Kidz Survey
Mana Kidz provide a valuable health service at our school (with permission), including rheumatic fever screening, checks for sore throats and some skin conditions, and treatment for headlice.
They would love to hear from parents and caregivers about how the Mana Kidz service is working for your whānau, whether it’s meeting your needs, and how it could be improved.
To help them, please take a few minutes to complete their short survey. You can access the survey by scanning the QR code in the photo above or the survey can also be accessed here: https://forms.office.com/r/8Fp5s46mUB
Term 3 Important Dates
- 10 to 12 September - Year 6 Camp at Tui Ridge Park
- 19 September - Whole School assembly at 1.45pm (All welcome to attend)
- 19 September - Last day of Term 3
Term 4 Important Dates
- 6 October - Term 4 starts
- 6-29 October - Life Education Caravan at Chapel Downs
- 27 October - Labour Day holiday
- More Term 4 important dates will be in our next newsletter
2025 Term Dates
- Term 1: 28 January - 11 April 2025
- Term 2: 28 April - 27 June 2025
- Term 3: 14 July - 19 September 2025
- Term 4: 6 October - 10 December 2025
- Public holidays during term time: 6 February Waitangi Day, 2 June King's Birthday, 20 June Matariki, 27 October Labour Day.
2026 Term Dates
- Term 1: 27 January - 2 April 2026
- Term 2: 20 April - 3 July 2026
- Term 3: 20 July - 25 September 2026
- Term 4: 12 October - 8 December 2026
- Public holidays during term time: 6 February Waitangi Day, 3 April Good Friday, 25 April ANZAC Day, 27 April ANZAC Day observed, 1 June King's Birthday, 26 October Labour Day.
ENROLMENT information
If your child is turning 5 in the next 12 months please ensure you enrol them as soon as possible. With the roll steadily growing at Chapel Downs this will enable us to keep a track of how many New Entrants we can expect in the future. Please click on the form below to enrol online
Keeping contact details up to date
It’s important that we are able to contact parents and caregivers quickly in case of an emergency, illness, or urgent matter involving your child.
If you have recently moved house, changed your phone number, or updated your email address, please let us know as soon as possible. Keeping your contact details current helps us ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.
You can update your details in any of the following ways:
- Call the school office on 09 274 8002
- Email us at office@chapeldowns.school.nz
- Send a written note with your child