Junior School Athletics
Junior School Athletics have a go day. Mr. Cotton summed up the recent junior athletics day when thanking the parents for coming. He commented on the fact that the children raised their effort levels in front of their parents/whānau, as he thanked the large crowd for coming to support and encourage their children. I was only able to attend the final sprint races and absolutely loved watching the children's multitude of expressions, effort, and journey down the track. It ranges from sideways glances at their competitors, looking at parents/grandparents, not looking at the track, and probably running an extra meter as they weave their way towards the finish line. Running isn't for everyone; others are absolute naturals with running styles that are highly efficient and could belong at high-level athletic events. The really special thing that stands out is that our junior team really works hard on developing a "Make it Happen" attitude within our students from the first day they arrive at Maungatapere School. Well done to our whole junior team for what you do for the students within your care, guidance, and instruction.
We often share the extremely positive feedback and comments we receive from members outside our school when our middle and senior school participate in the wide range of sporting events, EOTC/Camps, Mathex, Science Fair, and Central Ag day events. On Monday, it reaffirmed how our school develops and fosters a really strong value system, school vision (Nurturing confident, capable, and connected learners who strive to fly high).
STAR DOME education visit feedback: Two different teachers shared some feedback from the Star Dome educators, who have visited over 40,000 students with their roadshow and Maungatapere School stands out as one of the best for student behavior and engagement. This is extremely high praise and should really be celebrated by our parents, teachers, and, most importantly, the children. What fantastic feedback. We are really proud of the tone and attitude of Maungatapere School students.
End of Year Organisation: School Prize Giving Assembly
The School Prize Giving Assembly will be held on Friday, 12th December at 1.00pm after lunch. The school will assemble for our end-of-year prize-giving. We will run the same format as last year. The bleachers will be set up for parents/whānau along the grass behind the basketball hoops and the trampoline, with the stage area facing the bleachers. The children will sit in the middle.
Senior student leaders will MC the event, with our kapa haka rōpū very keen to share their absolute passion for kapa haka and performance with our whole community. Senior student leadership members are then acknowledged, followed by class 'School Awards', then finally the Year 8 leavers and Year 8 major school awards for Leadership, Technology, Sports, Mangakahia Lions Citizenship, Eagle's Endeavour, and Dux Award.
We anticipate that this programme will run between 1 and 1.5 hours. You are welcome to take your children home afterwards. After School Care will be running this Friday.
Last Day of School
Monday, 15th December is our last day of school. This is a full day of instruction, mostly about the final clean-up and preparing for 2026. After School Care will not be available on this day, as the Board of Trustees has supported the staff function as a thank you for our mahi throughout the year. Our After School Care staff are a very important part of our team who will be attending our end-of-year staff send-off. I would like to acknowledge our fantastic After School Care team, run by Debbie Godfrey, for the care they provide and the service to our school community. Well done, team, and thank you.
Final Events/Trips for the Year
We have just had the final interschool sporting events with last week's Year 7/8 athletics and yesterday's Year 5/6 athletics at Kensington Athletic Track. Once the results are sent through, we will pass these on for acknowledgement. Parents' support at these events is always essential and appreciated.
That leads me on to the last school events for this busy period of the year. Tomorrow we have the Year 5 to Year 8 beach trip with a very large crew of parent volunteers. The weather forecast is for 27℃ with the odd shower and strong NW wind. Enjoy your community day and keep those children safe and happy at the beach.
Next Thursday is the Colour Run, which is always a spectacle for parents and a highlight for children, with funds raised going back to the children's EOTC events. Next Friday the Year 3/4 children head to the beach for their beach day. All of these events depend on our fantastic parental/whānau support, which leads me back to the beginning messages in my message about the fantastic tone, attitudes, and values our students have instilled in them.
It takes a village to raise a child. Well done to our village.
Looking ahead for our 'Village' to start 2026
The first 2026 school day for children is Monday 9th of February.
We will start with a whole school powhiri to welcome new students and staff to our school. On Tuesday the 17th February in week 2 please put aside your evening for our first whole/school/village event - The School/PTA picnic - 5pm at school. This event will be a great way to begin the year as a community.
Regards
Terry Brock
