Kua haehae ngā hihi o Matariki (The rays of Matariki are spread). Thank you to everyone who came along to the inaugural Matariki Celebrations. The early morning gathering was truly a memorable experience, filled with warmth, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community.

Matariki, the Māori New Year, holds a special place in our hearts and culture. During this significant time, people, whānau (family), and communities come together to reflect on the year's passing, celebrate the present moment, and plan for the future.

The Matariki festivities allow us to pause and remember the year that has gone by. It is a time to honour and cherish the memories of our loved ones who are no longer with us, through shared stories and heartfelt remembrance. It is an occasion for feasting and celebration, where we come together with our relatives and friends. Sharing delicious kai (food) and engaging in activities strengthens the bonds within our community. These moments of togetherness, like our Matariki morning, foster a sense of belonging and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

As we look towards the future, Matariki instils hope and a sense of anticipation for the bounty that lies ahead. It symbolizes the beginning of a new season and encourages us to set intentions and plan for the coming year. Through our collective aspirations, we strive for growth, prosperity, and a nurturing environment for our school and wider community.

Due to the overwhelming response, we aim to make our Matariki celebration an annual event on our school calendar. We want to continue to embrace the traditions, values, and cultural significance of Matariki. Doing so reinforces our commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our school community.

Thank you to our talented kapa haka group and the students (Piper, Isobel, Sam and Marcus) who shared their beautiful poems, adding an extra layer of depth to the event. Your support and active participation have made this event a reflection of our vibrant and inclusive community. We look forward to many more Matariki celebrations in the years to come.

Kua haehae ngā hihi o Matariki

School Initiative Stocktake

We are committed to providing our students with the best possible educational experience and nurturing their overall well-being. As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we are conducting a school-wide stocktake to ensure that teaching and learning time is utilized effectively. 

We recognize the significance of offering a variety of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. These extracurricular activities, such as clubs and groups, provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and fostering a sense of community. We also know that the importance of these initiatives may vary for each student and family.

We invite you to participate in a brief survey to gather valuable insights and understand your perspective. Your feedback will help us gauge the importance of these extracurricular activities in relation to your child/ren's educational journey. Your responses will assist us in optimizing the allocation of teaching and learning time, creating an environment where every learner can flourish and thrive.

To complete the survey click on the link - School Initiative Survey. 

Learner Conferences - 26 July and 27 July

This is a reminder that next week we are hosting Learner Conferences. This is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to discuss their child's mid-year report, progress and achievement. 

The Learner conferences are a fantastic time to share in your child's learning journey, and this time, based on your feedback, we are doing things a little differently.

• All Learner Conferences will take place in the school hall.
• Before or after your learner conference, your child's workbooks and learning will be available for you. Please encourage your child to take you to their classroom and show you what they have been up to!

To book your Learner Conference, please visit the School Bookings tab on your HERO app. 

As always, if you have any feedback or questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

Noho ora mai 

Lucy Naylor 
Tumuaki