Kia Ora Ngā Whānau

The school year is now in full swing and there have already been many and varied happenings designed to give our school community the chance to develop the characteristics identified in our strategic vision.

Māramatanga (High Level understanding)

Students are settled in classes and launching themselves into the curriculum with enthusiasm.  Teachers are deliberately trying to create a co-constructed programme of learning with the students by gathering students ideas about contexts for learning and ways in which they can conduct their learning to suit their needs and learning styles. Teachers have been working together to take students' ideas and weave them into the curriculum.

A visit from the "Science in a Van" crew this week saw students excited and engaged in science.  It was great to be able to have these experts share their show with us. This was paid for from the annual family donation requested from everybody.

Kotahitanga (Unity and Common Purpose)

The Easter Fair Committee is in full swing now. We absolutely rely on the Māpua Easter  Fair to support our goal of keeping class sizes below the Ministry of Education funded level. We believe this has a very real impact on student achievement. To make the fair a success year after year after year, we really need everyone to help wherever they can. Please check out the information sent out and in this newsletter to see how you can help. We are at the least enjoyable stage of the planning - where it feels like we are never going to have enough support to make it happen. Our committee needs us all to step up and help in every way we can. If you are away on the day of the fair, please check in with Liz at liz.ussher@rmaecology.co.nz to see how you can help in the lead up.

We had a fantastic turn out to the AGM of our PTA.  Thanks to everyone who came along full of enthusiasm for supporting our school.  The first meeting of the new team is scheduled for Wednesday 5 March in the staffroom at 7pm.

Thank you to the outgoing committee who have supported the school in a variety of ways during the 2019 year.  Your support has allowed us to offer a rich and varied curriculum and to make the most of opportunities for learning that we may not have been able to access otherwise.

Whānaungatanga (A Sense of Belonging and Community)

Thank you to everyone who came along to our School Picnic and Learning Team Information Meetings.  This was a good chance for everyone to ask questions, meet teachers and learn about routines in their child's learning team.

Rangatiratanga (Leadership)

It is great to see our tauira (students) who are in the same class for the second year in a row stepping up and use their leadership skills.  They are helping new people settle, reassuring those around them who are feeling nervous and loving being the big kids who know what is going on.  It is great to see so many of our young people have this opportunity to shine.

The first of our Senior Team camps took place in week two. (Just two days into the term. Anna - you are a superstar!!!) Our outdoor education programme is designed over the years to offer a variety of environments in which students can learn and grow.  Ngaio class certainly made the most of the beautiful environment at Mistle Toe Bay in the Marlborough Sounds to push themselves and be all they could.

Thank you to everyone who has supported their child, helped on camp, volunteered for road patrol, come along to PTA, worked tirelessly on the Easter Fair, parent helped, taken transport, or any of the number of other things parents do to support us.  We make a great team, so let's keep working together to make a difference in the lives of ngā tamariki o Te Kura o Māpua!

Ngā Mihi Nui

Sharon Prestidge

Deputy Principal