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Welcome, nau mai, afio mai, namaste, konnichiwa, nĭ hăo, talofa, komosta, vanakkam, auybowan,
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Newsletter
10 March 2026
Term 1
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We are officially over the halfway mark for the term, and it is wonderful to reflect on how busy and vibrant our school has been! A huge thank you to all the whānau who joined us for our recent partnership hui, your engagement is so valued. If you were unable to attend, please be sure to contact your child/ren’s class teacher/s. This week is another busy one: our Explorers have begun their swimming programme, and we extend a warm St Brendan's welcome to two student teachers from Victoria University, Camdyn Beazley and Erin Gardiner. Finally, thank you for the incredible whānau art created yesterday, some of which is now proudly displayed in House groups in the hall. If you couldn't make it to school, collect a template from your child/ren's class teacher/s or the office. One piece of art per family. Pop into the hall for inspiration.
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Welcome to St Brendan's!
We are so happy to welcome new students and families to our school. A special welcome to our new friend, Mila, in Room 3!
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Our School Board
We had our first Board meeting recently. Megan Diamond is our Presiding Member, Julie Stewart is our Deputy Presiding Member, and Jennifer McClure is our Board Secretary. We have wonderful people on our Board, which consists of elected community members and appointed Proprietors’ Representatives. Our elected Board members: Megan Diamond, Jennifer McClure, Kathryn Koberstein, Michael Jannson. Our Proprietors: Julie Stewart, Norm Tufue, Jithin Jose, and Fr Maleko. Our Staff Representative is Sarah Chard. Our Minute Secretary is Clare Owen. And, as principal, I am a full member of the Board. I thank the Board for their ongoing support of our school.
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Our School Plan
Our 2026 St Brendan's Annual Plan is driven by our vision of Inspiring Navigators and guided by our whakatauki, "He Waka Eke Noa – We work in unity, we rise, fall and keep going together." This year, we continue to focus on the three core areas of Collaboration, Curriculum, and Character.
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Key initiatives for 2026 include:
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- Collaboration: Deepening our engagement with our community to ensure all voices and cultural aspirations are reflected in our school's decisions and practices.
- Curriculum: Implementing the new English and Mathematics curricula by building pedagogical practice based on the Science of Learning, while strengthening assessment and fostering student agency. We will also enhance the integration of our Catholic faith and Social Teaching Principles.
- Character: Promoting student identity and well-being across the school, developing profiles to track student competencies, and enriching our students' faith journey through student-led activities.
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All our efforts are underpinned by our school values of God's Irresistible GRACE: Gospel, Respect, Aspire, Compassion, and Explore, as we work to create an environment where every student is supported to thrive.
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Major Property Work: Update
This term, our significant refurbishment project for Rooms 6 and 7 is officially beginning, bringing us closer to providing new learning spaces for our tamariki, team, and community. As previously advised, this work will necessitate the temporary relocation of our Year 2-3 classes (Room 6 will move to the Hall and Room 7 to Room 2). You will see evidence of this project and the room relocations occurring before the end of this term.
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While this project will have a temporary school-wide impact, we know from our experience last year that our community is wonderfully adaptable, and we will navigate this adjustment together. We thank you in advance for your continued patience and understanding as we move forward with these vital upgrades.
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Thank You!
Thank you for your continued support as we move through the second half of Term 1. We are blessed at St Brendan’s, and I am grateful for the way we support and encourage one another. It has been a busy and vibrant first half term, with so much learning and growing already evident.
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SCHOOL DONATIONS & ATTENDANCE DUES
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YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE: 2026 SCHOOL DONATIONS
We are grateful for the way our community supports St Brendan's. Your generous contributions ensure we can continue to provide an exceptional and enriching learning experience for every student.
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While the Government provides core funding, our school relies on contributions to bridge the gap and fund vital programmes that make a real difference, such as our swimming lessons and educational field trips.
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Direct Impact: How Your Donations Help
Your voluntary donations directly support essential resources and opportunities for our tamariki, including:
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- Swimming Programme: Essential water safety skills, transport, pool entry, and instruction.
- Digital Learning Subscriptions: Enhancing learning.
- Educational Outings: Curriculum-based trips, including transport, entry fees, and facilitation.
- Religious Education Resources: Supporting our faith-based learning.
- School-Wide Programmes: Funding for additional teaching resources and enriching activities.
- Technicraft (Years 7 and 8): Providing practical skills and learning opportunities.
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- Years 1-6, $200
- Years 7-8, $280, Includes Technicraft
- Families, Maximum $500, Maximum donation per family
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- Bank Transfer: Account Number: 12-3140-0356504-00 (Please use your child’s name as a reference).
- Hero App: Pay by card via the Hero app. (Please note a processing fee applies).
- Cash: At the school office.
Important Information about Donations
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- Voluntary Contribution: Donations are voluntary, and we welcome whatever you are able to contribute.
- Tax Deductible: School donations are tax-deductible. You can claim a rebate of 33.3% from the IRD.
- Receipts: For your tax rebate, please download or print your donation receipts via the Hero website (receipts are not available in the app).
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We understand that not all families are in a position to make a donation, and we welcome any contribution you are able to make, including those from members of your wider family, which would be gratefully received.
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ARCHDIOCESE OF WELLINGTON (ADW) ATTENDANCE DUES
Attendance Dues ($595 per child) are compulsory and are required for enrolment at a Catholic school.
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- Payment: Dues are payable directly to the Archdiocese of Wellington (ADW). The school cannot accept these payments.
- Tax Status: Attendance Dues are not tax-deductible.
- Assistance: If you require assistance with Attendance Dues, please contact Veronica Sawers (principal@stbrendans.school.nz) to discuss the available options.
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ADW Donations ($50 per child) are voluntary. These will be detailed on the invoice.
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OPTIONAL EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY FEES
Fees for optional activities like Floorball and Basketball will be requested separately throughout the year.
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- Tax Status: These optional activity fees are not tax-deductible.
- Separate: These fees are separate from your school donation.
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TE WAKA WHAKAPONO - NAVIGATING WITH CHRIST
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ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION IN WELLINGTON
The Wellington Irish Society invites schools to celebrate St Patrick’s Day at the Waterfront. This is a celebration of Irish culture, and our school has a connection through our patron saint, St Brendan.
Please let us know if your family is interested in joining our St Brendan's group at the parade by Thursday, 12 March by completing the survey shared earlier on HERO (2 March).
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BISHOPS' LENTEN APPEAL
The beginning of Lent marks the start of the Bishops’ Lenten Appeal. Donations can be made to Caritas directly via direct debit or credit card through the Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand website https://www.caritas.org.nz/ways-to-give . The bank account for Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is 03-0518-0211216-000. Please use “Lent” as the Code and your first and last name as particulars.
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SCHOOL NEWS - NGĀ MAHI O TE KURA
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2026 HOUSE LEADERS
We are pleased to introduce our 2026 House Leaders. These students have been recognised by their peers and teachers as young leaders who consistently demonstrate our GRACE values.
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As House Leaders, they will help lead house events, encourage participation, build team spirit, and support younger students across the school. We look forward to seeing them grow in confidence and leadership as they serve our school community throughout the year.
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Congratulations to the following students on their leadership appointment.
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Alfred J
Bonnie J
Cameron S
Cordelia K
Elodie B
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Henry L
Khloe V
Leven-Faatau T
Lucia L
Michael L
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Molly C
Nia M
Rianne F
Roya D
Soren W
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I am delighted to introduce our 2026 Student Council, a dedicated group of student leaders from Years 3 to 8 who were recently presented with their badges at our school assembly. These representatives work alongside teachers and House Leaders to ensure that student voice is at the heart of our school life. Their role is vital in bringing a student perspective to our daily activities, identifying ways to improve student wellbeing, and finding creative solutions for life on the playground.
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Our councillors are committing to a Code of Conduct deeply rooted in our GRACE values. Whether they are acting as kaitiaki of our school playground or showing the courage to speak with sincerity, they serve as role models for all their peers.
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This year, the Council will be busy planning and supporting and promoting school initiatives, including Movin' March, House Events, and our schoolwide PB4L. Meeting regularly to discuss ideas from their classrooms, these students act as a bridge between the staff and the student body.
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As the lead teacher on the Student Council I look forward to seeing the "caring action" and the leadership this team will contribute to our St Brendan’s school community throughout this year.
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PARISH MASS TIME CHANGE
We were recently advised of a change to our Parish Mass times at Our Lady of Grace (OLOG).
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- New Time: Wednesday morning masses are now scheduled at 9am.
- Classroom teachers will be in contact with specific details.
- If it is raining, we will advise of any changes via Hero by 8am.
- You are very welcome to join us at these masses.
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MOVIN' MARCH : 2-31 March 2026
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GRACE AND GRATITUDE - HE KŌRERO AROHA
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- Thank you for supporting last week’s non-uniform day, we raised $338.70 which will be donated to the Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Lenten Appeal. Your generosity and support help us make a difference for those in need.
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TE ARA O NGĀ UARA - LIVING OUR VALUES THROUGH PB4L
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PB4L : WALKING WITH GRACE: Weeks 4–6
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COMMUNITY NEWS - NGĀ PITO KŌRERO O TE HAPORI
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ST JOSEPH'S CHAPEL FOR FAMILIES AT OUR LADY OF GRACE
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The St Joseph's Chapel for Families (formerly Family Room) is now open during Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church.
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PREFERENCE FORM SIGNINGS AT OUR LADY OF GRACE
Father Maleko will be continuing to do Preference form signings at Our Lady of Grace Church on Tuesday afternoons between 3-4pm.
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NEW GIRL GUIDE UNIT! FREE OPEN NIGHT!
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Exciting news! A new Guide unit is opening in Upper Hutt to start Term 2. We're now accepting registrations to attend our Open Night on Monday, 23rd March.
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Orongomai Guides will meet on Mondays during school term, 6pm - 7.30pm at the Wesley Centre Hall, 1 Benzie Avenue, Elderslea, Upper Hutt. The new unit will be led by two experienced volunteers.
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If you know a 9 - 12 ½ year old girl who would love to get outdoors, learn new skills, be active in the community, challenge themselves, and make new friends, then please complete this form to reserve a spot: https://forms.gle/jBHSUNHkQSse9GGg9
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56 Palmer Crescent, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt 5019
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office@stbrendans.school.nz
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