Kioranga,
Welcome to our first ever Moriori Language Week! This is a momentous occasion as we celebrate the revival of ta rē Moriori, a language of peace, identity, and extraordinary resilience. Moriori are the Indigenous people of Rēkohu (Chatham Islands), with a unique culture and identity distinct from mainland Aotearoa. Ta rē Moriori is a taonga (treasure) being revitalised after generations of enforced silence. This language carries within it the wisdom, stories, and worldview of the Moriori people, knowledge that enriches all of Aotearoa. This week serves multiple vital purposes. It connects us with Moriori heritage, educates communities about indigenous language revitalisation, and reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and honour all Indigenous languages. Every word spoken in ta rē Moriori is an act of cultural survival and celebration.
Join us greeting each other with kioranga (hello) or me rongo (peace) next week. If you have a minute, check out this site here
KEEP ALERT / KIA MATAARA
Two newsletters left this year, people. We have lots of events on so please use the Skool Loop calendar carefully and stay in touch. The next newsletter will be the last normal one, then the Christmas one with classes, stationery lists etc etc. Below is how to check the details of an event that your child might be involved in. Choosing today’s A&P Show as an example.
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES / KO TE PANONITAKA O TE ĀHUATAKA
Unfortunately, we have had to turn many families away from St Anne’s again this year as we are full. Many wanting bilingual catholic education and unfortunately we are the only catholic school offering this. Please, if you know that you are moving out of town therefore moving schools, and haven’t told us, please do so immediately so we can inform people on our waitlists before they commit to other schools.
CLASSWORK (ROOM 8) / MAHI KARAEHE (RŪMA 8)
This term we have been reading this amazing book called The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. Part of our work was making clay sculptures. It was so much fun, and at times, our hands got dried clay all over them. The book is about a toy rabbit made out of porcelain who has a huge adventure with many ups and downs. In my opinion it’s one of the best books I have ever read and everyone should have a try reading it. Be warned it is an emotional rollercoaster. – Nathan Reddock of Rm 8
By Milly Walker of Rm 6
Year 7s: This term for Tech, I’m in robotics with the year 7 group. The first thing we did was make a windmill shaped cup which had a bug on top attached to a clip which was folded up. It also had a handle that we used to spin the bug around. Most of the material was cardboard and plastic.
The next week we were making the same thing but out of wood. First we assemble the pieces like a puzzle which is made into a box frame. Next we used the computers to find images we wanted to use to be the spinning part like the bug. We will get those parts the following week to finish that project.
The week after that, we were using our computers again to make this device make a light pattern shown on the computer like a smiley face. The device was plugged into the computer like a USB. The device could also count how many steps u have taken or if you shake it it will show a random number.
The following week we coded engines on the computer again to make them spin and used lego to make a moving robot. We go to race them and keep track of the time.
By Raizen Ferreras of Rm 6
Pictures of some finished tech work from this year.
TOP TEAM
A big congratulations to our students who took part in Tuesday’s Top Team event with Sport Canterbury. Top Team is a fun and inclusive series of interactive challenges designed to build teamwork, communication and problem‐solving. The afternoon was full of energy, great effort and plenty of laughter as everyone worked together to take on the tasks. We’re proud of how our students supported one another and showed that being active can be everyone’s game. Mr Isherwood
KĀHUI READING QUIZ
Yesterday, some of our most avid readers across the senior schools took part in the Kāhui Ako Reading Quiz 2025, a fast-paced event inspired by Cantamaths meets General Knowledge Quiz. Teams from across our Kāhui Ako (St. Mary’s, St. James and Catholic Cathedral College) competed in rounds based on five fantastic books: Dawn Raids, Trash, Ghosts on the Hill, The Wild Robot, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. A big thank you to Mr. Halkett and Mrs. Fleming for all the work they put into preparing the teams and preparing content for the quiz. – Mr IsherwoodBEACH ED
Next week, our senior classes are heading to Sumner for the Surf Life Saving New Zealand Beach Education programme! Beach Ed is a full-day, hands-on experience led by qualified surf lifeguards and designed to support the New Zealand Curriculum’s focus on well-being and teamwork.On Monday, 19 November, our Year 7 & 8 students will go to Beach Ed, and on Wednesday, the 19th, our Year 5 & 6 students will go. All students will learn practical water skills and how to stay safe at the beach. We’ll be travelling by bus, leaving St Anne’s at 9:00 am and returning around 2:30 pm. Please make sure students come prepared with:
– Togs (or wetsuit) worn under clothes
– Towel, hat and sunscreen
– Plenty of food and water for the day
Mr Isherwood
PRIZE-GIVING
We’re looking forward to celebrating another year at St Anne’s School with our annual prize-giving on Monday, 8 December, starting at 5:00 pm. The event will once again be held at Catholic Cathedral College, and all whānau are warmly invited to join us. Prize-giving is a special opportunity to acknowledge the effort, achievements, and spirit of our students, as well as to farewell our wonderful Year 8s as they prepare for the next step in their journey.
Mr Isherwood PARIHAKA DAY / TE RĀ O PARIHAKA
What is the significance of the 5th of November for us as Catholics in Aotearoa New Zealand? You might think, ‘that’s Guy Fawkes day’, and you’d be right, but it’s much more than that. Guy Fawkes was a Catholic who acted against a government that oppressed Catholics and was hung, drawn and quartered because of it…not the most uplifting excuse to celebrate with fireworks. More importantly, in our national context, November 5th is the memorial of the day the peaceful Christian village of Parihaka was raided and destroyed by our Government. Room 7 learned about ‘The Day of Plunder’ in class last week and put together a liturgy to pray in remembrance. We sent an open invitation to all classes to join us on 5/11. As it turned out, the whole school and Fr. Tang joined us. It was a beautiful service. Mr Halkett
GOOD TO GO PROGRAMME
A huge mini to Jan from Christchurch City council. Our tamariki spent the afternoon learning about how to travel safely on buses. Then making fruit smoothies using a bicycle powered blender. A great sunny Friday afternoon at St Anne’s. Mr Shanahan
ATHLETICS
Congratulations Prudence Halkett and Sienna Fuataga! We are thrilled to celebrate Prudence and Sienna for qualifying for the Canterbury Athletics. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off—what an incredible achievement! We can’t wait to see you shine on the track. Ngā mihi nui ki a, Prudence rāua ko Sienna, mō ō kōrua mahi nui me te whakapau kaha. Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui i ngā whakataetae e haere ake nei! – Mr Shanahan
Photos of the zones!
PLAY / WHAKAARI
Last week, Room 4 (all in different production groups) performed NZ’s version of Chicken Little (The Crazy Kākāpō) fully in te reo Māori. Great acting, pronunciation, and energy. We loved it!
I tērā wiki, kua whakaari a Rūma Whā (he maha kā rōpū) i tētahi momo o te kōrero Chicken Little, ko Te Kākāpō Pōrangi te ikoa, i te reo Māori anake. Rawe te whakaari, te whakahua, te ngoi hoki. Rawe ki a mātou.
MORNING MOMENTUM / ĀKA ATA
What a start to this! Students are enjoying energetic mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 am to 9 am.
The Tamai Sport coaches will run activities in touch, football, and cricket, designed so students can join in easily, whether they’re there for the whole session or just popping in for a go!
A huge thank you to Kyla and the Tamai Sports team for continuing to support our school and keeping our tamariki active and engaged.
WERUWERU KURA RAUMATI / SUMMER SCHOOL UNIFORM
The burn time is now 24 minutes. Students need hats to play or learn outside. We are having a special on our hats in the office until they are gone, they are $5 if you need one. Please bring cash or do a bank deposit with your child’s name clearly there as a reference.
NOHO MAI, TĀKARO MAI / STAY AND PLAY
Every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm during Term 4 we have Stay and Play! This is going so well and children are loving it. For it to continue, one important rule must be followed, it is ABSOLUTELY COMPULSORY for an adult to supervise their children and ensure the students are participating properly and following the rules. Thank you for this!
Where: School grounds
When: Wednesdays @ 3pm (Term 4)
TALANOA MINUTES / KO KĀ MINITI MAI I TE TALANOA
Talanoa 2025 – Minutes
22 October 2025
Staff Present:
Mareta Togiaso-Pelenato
Ateliana Tiatia
Dallas Wichman
Jo Smart
Daniel Richards
Josh Halkett
Palo Shanahan
BOT Present:
Janette Bradbrook
Talanoa Reason:
Naming of the unit
Tatalo Amata
Ateliana
Faitauga Tusi Paia
Mareta
Tautalaga o le Pule Aoga
Recorded:
Talofa Lava,
Malo lava le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā, e muamua avatu le vi’iga ma le fa’afetai, i tatou Tama, i le lagi mo lenei afiafi matagofie. Ou te tu la’i atu, i le ‘ava, ma le fa’aaloalo tele, avea ia lo’u leo fai, ma fofoga taumolimoli o le aoga Sagata Ana, Ia alofa mai le Atua e fa’atasi mai ma fesoasoani mai, auā le tatou mafutaga
Malo le soifua manuia
Welcome everyone and thank you for coming. To the new parents and family here, I am Dallas Wichman, I have been the principal here for ten years now. Two of my children have been through here. I am a NZPPA Exec Member (New Zealand Pasifika Principals executive committee of 10 leaders representing pasifika principals). I am a trained Tautai o le Moana facilitator – a programme for pasifika principals or principals of pasifika learners.
I recently had a sabbatical in which I spent time learning Cook Islands Māori (where I connect to through my father), spending time in bilingual units in Auckland, helping some language revitalisation work in the Cook Islands in which recently won an award for at the Tu Rangatira awards in Auckland, and learnt a little Samoan during the time.
I am so proud of our tamaiti, and our faiaoga, Ateliana for their work this year. Wow, one year is almost done and you can really see the improvement and the confidence levels increasing. Thank you for your trust in us and in Ateliana to begin this endevour ourselves. Thank you to her parents and aiga for their support in making resources and assisting her in this role. To all of you who helped provide food for our pasifika principals last year. I am so thankful for that support and for always backing me. It makes the effort so worthwhile.
Next year, we will have two bilingual Samoan rooms and it will start here (Mission Centre). I am not firm on this placement, but it will be the best place for the start of 2026 as we are doing up rooms 3 and 4 and 5 and 6 over the break and early next year. 2026 will be the year to launch our unit officially, i.e. with media and lots of attention and this is no small thing. With our school we have put thought into every detail as although dual language and heritage language units and classrooms are very common in Auckland, here, they are rare. Leaders are just seeing (maybe understanding is the right word) the need, seeing the research and now few of us starting.
When we officially open, we want the kinks ironed out and showcasing our best self. We expect visitors from around the country in support of our direction. I know some of the NZPPA, Tautai o le Moana, reo Moana, MPs etc will come. We would love your help in this event. If you have skills you can bring to it, just let us know. Otherwise, just being there in a supportive way.
Today the focus is naming, whilst this isn’t a school within a school, we do want the words to either inspire us, teach us, and/or represent us.
Small group discussions
Groups presented names that they had come up with before the talanoa and came up with some during the time. Discussions were on possible names and what was important to consider, i.e. relevance to Catholic character and a pacific lens.
Share back
Groups presented back ideas to the group. Comments made that our faith needs be included as that is the reason for the school. Also, it is possible to have names for rooms and the whole unit. This will definitely be considered.
Talanoa
Dallas was questioned about the shape of the unit, starting age, amount of speaking. His general reply is that he knows the research, but research in practice can be context specific, what works in one place, maybe not another. It will be a fluid process and we will continually re-evaluate with feedback and assessment guiding us in all decisions. The plan for 2026 is somewhat fixed now with one class roughly being years 3-5 and one being years 6-8.
Tatalo
Motu Togiaso
Next Steps:
– Cut off for any more names 1 December 2025
– Shortlist the names
– Choose name (this may or may not be before the 2026 year starts)
KĀ HERE / POLICIES
A reminder, if you are interested and would like to take part in our termly reviews of policies, or are interested in any, they can be found here. Please follow the link and then have a look around!
He mea maumahara tēnei, mēnā tō hiahia, tirohia kā here, mahia kā arotake hoki. Kai konei kā here. Whāia te honoka, kātahi, tirohia!
UPCOMING EVENTS / KĀ TAIOPEKA E HAERE MAI ANA
If you have any questions, please email or talk to the person whose email address follows the reminder. If there is no email address, it is just something to be aware of.
Mēnā he pātai āhau, īmēra atu te īmēra kua tuhia, kōrerotia ki te takata kua whakaikoatia. Mehemea kāhore he īmēra, he mea hai whakamōhio noa iho.
TERM 4 / WĀHAKA WHĀ (If an event is for your child and you have misplaced the notice, go the the calendar entry on the Skool Loop app for all the information you need for the day)
WEEK 6 / WIKI ONO
Thursday 13 November – Miniball – Cowles Stadium 4.30pm palo@stannes.co.nz
Friday 14 November – Show Day (NO SCHOOL)
WEEK 7 / WIKI WHITU (Moriori Language Week)
Monday 17 November – Beach Education – Years 7 and 8 – palo@stannes.co.nz
Tuesday 18 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Tuesday 18 November – Tamai Sports – Touch Rugby – Linfield Park 3.30pm/4pm/4.30pm – palo@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 19 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 19 November – Beach Education – Years 5 and 6 – dean@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 19 November – Stay and Play Softball 3pm School grounds – palo@stannes.co.nz
Thursday 20 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Thursday 20 November – Miniball – Cowles Stadium 3.30pm palo@stannes.co.nz
WEEK 8 / WIKI WARU (Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week)
Tuesday 25 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Tuesday 25 November – Last Day of Tamai Sports – Touch Rugby – Linfield Park 3.30pm/4pm/4.30pm – palo@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 26 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 26 November – Canterbury Athletics Sports – palo@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 26 November – Road Patrol Training (for those with permission returned) – dean@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 26 November – Stay and Play Softball 3pm School grounds – palo@stannes.co.nz
Thursday 27 November – Morning Motivation – 8.30am-9am – School Grounds palo@stannes.co.nz
Thursday 27 November – Miniball – Cowles Stadium – Time TBC palo@stannes.co.nz
Friday 28 November – Antarctic Centre Trip – Room 9 – ateliana@stannes.co.nz
Friday 28 November – Road Patrol Celebration – dean@stannes.co.nz
Sunday 30 November – Junior Mass Years 0-4 – 10.30am – Compulsory attendance please – josh@stannes.co.nz
WEEK 9 / WIKI IWA
Tuesday 2 December – Willowbank – Room 9 – ateliana@stannes.co.nz
Thursday 4 December – Nativity Play – Rooms 1 and 2 – 2.15pm – St Anne’s Church jo@stannes.co.nz december@stannes.co.nz
WEEK 10 / WIKI TEKAU
Monday 8 December – 5.30pm Prizegiving @ Catholic Cathedral College dean@stannes.co.nz
Tuesday 9 December – Leavers Dinner Time TBC @ Winnies Ferrymead dean@stannes.co.nz
Wednesday 10 December – All Cultures Day
Friday 12 December – 12.30pm finish
Te Atua te aro’a ‘ē kia manuia,
Dallas Wichman
Tumuaki / Principal / Pū ‘Āpi’i Ma’ata