Maungatapere School

Update on BYOD: Chromebook Options & Ordering

As we transition to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model, we have partnered with PB Tech to offer four recommended Chromebook options for our families. These devices have been selected to ensure they meet the technical demands of our classrooms while providing a range of price points and durability features.

Purchasing Through PB Tech

Our dedicated school portal features four distinct Chromebook models, ranging from reliable entry-level units to more robust, ruggedised versions and versatile 2-in-1 touchscreen options.

View the options and order here: PB Tech BYOD – Maungatapere School

Key Details for Parents

• Arrival Date: Please note that these devices are not to come to school until the start of Term 3. This timeline allows us to ensure our classroom systems and infrastructure are fully prepared for the rollout.

• Alternative Retailers: You are more than welcome to purchase a device from another retailer if you prefer.

• Mandatory Specifications: If you choose to buy elsewhere, the device must be a Chromebook (running ChromeOS) and should meet these minimum specifications to ensure it is compatible with our school’s management and learning software:

  • Memory (RAM): Minimum 4GB.

  • Storage: Minimum 32GB (64GB is recommended).

  • Screen Size: Minimum 11.6 inches.

  • Battery Life: Must be able to last a full school day (at least 8–10 hours).

  • Durability: We highly recommend a "ruggedised" or "education edition" model to withstand daily classroom use.

Using a standardised platform like ChromeOS helps our teachers provide consistent support and ensures all students have access to the same digital tools. Thank you for your support in getting our students tech-ready for the second half of the year!

15 May 2026 Pink Shirt Day

22 May 2026 Year 7/8 Tech

29 May 2026 Bake Sale

1 Jun 2026 Kings Birthday Holiday

2 Jun 2026 Term 2 New Entrant Second Intake

5 Jun 2026 Year 7/8 Tech

17 Jun 2026 School Photos

19 Jun 2026 Year 7/8 Tech

22-30 Jun 2026 Life Education

3 Jul 2026 Year 7/8 Tech

3 Jul 2026 Last Day Term 2

20 Jul 2026 Teacher Only Day

21 Jul 2026 First Day Term 3

21 Jul 2026 Term 3 New Entrant First Intake

Mason Guitry Rm14 Staying focused in class and his great work ethic this term.

Ambry Mitchell Rm10 For his increased confidence in class this term.

Isla Duff Rm7 All round growth in confidence in learning and rocking it!!! Keep it up Isla!

Maeve Palcic Rm2 Fully engaging in all of her learning and actively trying to use what she has learnt in everyday activities.

Chelsea Kennedy Rm6 It is wonderful to see you developing as a learner in Room 6. The way you ask questions and share your knowledge is a highlight of our class.

For five weeks every Thursday, fourteen girls from four different classes come together to play sports, learn about their health and mental health, and become more confident with sport and communication. This is the Go Girls program. The Heart Foundation comes in and teaches us about the food groups and the benefits of eating healthy. Mental health is an important thing in life so someone comes in and talks about how we can cope with life's stresses and what causes us to be stressed in the first place. The sports that we play in Go Girls are gymnastics and soccer. In the last week of the program, soccer and gymnastics are combined to make a fun game to play. Go Girls created fun and lasting memories that the girls will never forget. So far in Go Girls we have completed gymnastics, soccer and the Heart Foundation have come in.

Venia’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because it was really enjoyable to help show her friends how to do certain things.

Lucy’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she got to try new things and socialise with others.

Isla’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she liked to play with the ribbons.

Annalise’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she does it as a sport.

Arya’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she liked playing soccer and scoring goals.

Amelia’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she won the game of soccer.

Rosa’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she liked kicking the ball around.

Matilda’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she enjoyed playing with the ribbons.

Essy’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she enjoyed playing with the ribbons and doing handstands and cartwheels.

Khali’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she liked kicking the ball.

Samara’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she liked dancing with the ribbon.

Heidi’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she was better than the other team.

Charlie’s favourite part of Go Girls was gymnastics because she learned how to properly play with ribbons.

Myia’s favourite part of Go Girls was soccer because she learned how to be patient while playing the games.

Yesterday’s Winter Sport threw some tough weather at us, but our students showcased resilience, and school pride. Whether they were staying dry indoors or battling the elements on the fields, turf or court, the sportsmanship and support for one another were next level!

A huge shoutout to all our parent volunteers that took time out of their day to manage our teams. We couldn't have done it without you! Was awesome to see whanau stop in and support throughout the day as well. So proud of everyone involved for keeping the vibes high!

Lots more photos on our Facebook page.

Support staff letter

This week our school acknowledged all support staff and showed them how much they mean to us! Carol, Debbie, Frosty, Cassie, Andrena, Janey, Bridget and Marion, These amazing people were celebrated for all they do. Whether it's managing the newsletter, running ASC or helping out in the classrooms. They're the multitasking magicians that hide behind the flow of our school. Frosty keeps our school manicured, with his ride-on, weedeater and hedge clippers. Carol always brings a laugh with her humorous personality, Debbie always has a smile on her dial and makes ASC fun! Janey and Bridget wear so many hats, they do the mahi and we get the treats! Marion is a Teacher Aid that gets the small, important jobs done that always return top tier. Andrena is welcoming and supportive and makes people feel comfortable. Cassie is helpful, kind and caring and helps supervise in ASC. Our school really does appreciate all our staff do, and are so grateful to have people like them!

By Rosie Townsend and Tamsyn Booth

A small group of our students shared their Anzac writing and art with the residents of Mountain View Rest Home across the road from our school. This is something that we do with the help of Judy Jenkins on a regular basis. It is a lovely time of sharing for both the residents and our young people.

Remember that transport changes must be with the office BEFORE 1pm each day. The afternoon is a busy time in our office and this gives us time to get messages to students and make changes.

Reminder: Please do not park in the bus bay before or after school. We have had several incidents where there hasn't been room for our buses.

Our school is smoke and vape free at all times. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Last year, a large number of our school community participated in an online maths programme called Maths Buddy. It is a programme to use for homework and to consolidate learning that is happening at school. Its availability, curriculum focus, and presentation provide immediate, independent, and encouraging feedback. The programme does not replace classroom teaching; rather, it offers children the opportunity to practise taught concepts with support at home.

The link between parents and teachers to support your child’s learning is also very important. Maths Buddy could be used in a variety of ways:

1. As part of the daily maths programme within the class, and/or
2. As part of the class homework programme.
3. Independent of school as a home support programme.

Please discuss with your child’s teacher how they intend to use the programme this year.

If you have not already done so, you can explore the programme at www.mathsbuddy.co.nz.

To continue using the site please purchase your students 2026 subscription here

An individual login will be promptly given to your child, giving them access to the entire Maths Buddy programme and its improvements until the end of January 2027.

Those who have already brought the 2026 subscription will receive the login by Monday 23 March.

Kind regards.
Daniel Cotton

If you have not been able to set the new app up on your phone, give the office a call or pop in and we will help. The app will be used for all communications with parents.

Email: office@maungatapere.school.nz

Principal: principal@maungatapere.school.nz

BOT Chair: botchair@maungatapere.school.nz
Website: https://www.maungatapere.school.nz/
Location: Mangakahia Road, Maungatapere, Whangarei, New Zealand
Phone: 09 4346743
Facebook: facebook.com/maungatapereschool