Joy as new school opens in Takanini

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Auckland’s diocese’s newest primary school, Holy Trinity Catholic Primary School in Takanini, celebrated its official opening on June 9.

Auckland Bishop Patrick Dunn thanked “the Holy Trinity for which the school is named” for the successful establishment of the school.

“The sun is shining even in the middle of winter,” he noted.

Establishment board chairman Philip Cortesi and principal Peta Lindstrom both thanked Bishop Dunn, vicar for education Linda McQuade, Catholic Education Services manager Philip Mahoney and diocesan property manager Michael Stride as well as education ministry and ERO representatives who were instrumental in getting the school running.

Mr Cortesi said the work of the establishment board is now done and it’s time to hand over the responsibilities to the school’s first board of trustees.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the Catholic diocese of Auckland for having the vision and establishing a Catholic primary school here in Takanini and making it a living reality,” he said.

Ms Lindstrom also thanked St Mary’s, Papakura parish priest Fr Peter Murphy and St Anne’s, Manurewa parish priest Fr Mike Wooller, SM, for their support of the school.

“We’re more than just a building. We’re a community where learning is expected, where we strive to excel, where we show compassion, respect and resilience, where integrity is valued and where we come together in unity,” said Ms Lindstrom.

Ms Lindstrom said the school now has 72 children and 11 staff. “The children do lead the way,” she said, noting that on the first day of school in February, in just a few hours, the children were “children praying together, happily eating their morning tea, playing outside in the summer sun and establishing friendships”.

“Every day you (the children) arrive in school bright eyed and bushy tailed with a spring in your step and  an infectious eagerness for learning. Your hopes and dreams, along with your families’ hopes and dreams, are our hopes and dreams, too. And we will do our best for you,” she promised.

The day started with a powhiri and a liturgy at the school hall.

A tree was planted outside the school and the original sod that was ceremonially dug two and a half years ago was put back into the lot.

Bishop Dunn then blessed the huge cross in front of the school.

The celebration ended with a light luncheon and a tour of the learning communities.

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Rowena Orejana

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