week 8 term 2 2023
Tēnā koutou
Week 8 of term 2, the time has gone so quickly this term. On Friday 30 June school finishes for term 2.
Once again, throughout this term, our students have had the opportunity to be involved in so many activities here at school from sports to cultural opportunities. I am hoping that you are all encouraging your child to be involved in some extra-curricular activity here at our school. These activities are advertised in the school's daily notices every day. These daily notices are also put on our school's Facebook site every day for parents to also know about.
Extracurricular activities are essential for students because they allow them to learn about themselves and their interests. They also help them develop skills that will help them in their future careers and life. They are also crucial for students because they allow students to make friends, improve their social skills, and get involved in new activities that might not otherwise be accessible to them. They can also help students find their passion in life.
Taking part in extracurricular activities at school teaches life skills that aren’t always taught at home or in school, like how to accept failure even when you think you deserve it. Students have an opportunity through extracurricular activities at school to learn about teamwork, develop strong communication skills, experience what it feels like to stand on stage in front of an audience, time management, and many more. They are also taught to work with others for a good outcome.
At the student conferences your child will be able to talk with you about the extra-curricular activities they have been involved in at school.
Staff sickness - this week we have had a number of staff absent from school due to illness. We have been able to cover the classes so far but this is getting increasingly difficult to find relievers to work at our school due to sickness right across Hamilton. Thank you for being so understanding when we have to split classes so we have not had to send students home.
School Values - you will see scattered through our newsletter our school values. This term we have been focusing on Matauranga, Whakamiha, Tikanga and Manawanui. Every week at assembly I focus on a school value, talk about it and show a short video clip, all of our quotations on the daily notices are also based on one of the current school values. You may want to discuss some of our values with your child at home. Values are important in life because they influence our behavior, personality, attitude, thoughts, and decision-making.
Ngaa mihi nui
Susan Wood - Principal
Pasifika group visits Kensington Radius Care
Our amazing Pasifika group visited Kensington Radius Care on Thursday. Our students were so kind, caring, and compassionate towards the residents. Our students were definitely demonstrating our school values. They put on a wonderful performance. Thank you Mrs Tawake and the students of the Pasifika group.
Pasifika group
Waikato Intermediate Chess Day
This week our chess team went to the Waikato Intermediate Chess Day to play against some very accomplished teams. They demonstrated great strategy play and enthusiasm for the game of chess.
WIMS Chess Competition
What is the importance of attendance?
Going to school is critical for our children’s futures. The evidence is clear that every day of school matters, missing school leads to lower achievement. In New Zealand, learners are expected to attend school every day the school is open.
Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. This relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child's school career.
To make school a priority, there are things you can do at home, and things you can work alongside the school on:
- talk to your children about why it is important to go to school every day – ask them what they want to be in the future. Their education is the key to doing well in life
- be positive about school
- have a consistent good morning routine, so its not too rushed and they have time to get everything they need
- don't let them have the day off just because they would rather be at home
- don't keep them at home when you know that they are just nervous about school – talk to your child and talk to the school about how they are feeling
- check-in regularly with your child, and listen to what they are telling you or not telling you - this may make it easier to pick up on any worries they have
- If your child is often sick then we can support by doing a referral to the Public Health Nurse to see if they can support you and your child.
Show Quest
On Tuesday evening I had the privilege of attending the Show Quest to watch our students perform. I felt very proud of their performance and I thank Mrs Dionne Sasso for the time and effort she has put into this along with our students who have been practicing for quite some time for this event. Students will be recognised at an assembly in the near future for their commitment and effort.
Show Quest is a great event for our students for many reasons:
- Student-led programme - students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, plan and lead rehearsals, and work collaboratively with their peers
- Students have a platform to shine a light on what’s important to them and express their views onstage
- Inclusive programme with roles for students in all areas - on-stage performers, planners/directors, backstage, lighting, costume/makeup.
- Strengthens bonds with peers and feeling of belonging within a school community
- Enhances physical well-being - movement through dance which is a great alternative or accompaniment to traditional PE or sport
- Students are exposed to different cultures, viewpoints, and ideas - which helps to develop a deeper understanding and empathy for others
Show Quest 2023
Learning ConferencesThursday 20 July & Friday 21 July - week 1 term 3
This is a time for you to come into school with your child to hear about their learning and engagement at school.
During the appointment, your child will talk through their learning and goals, and you will be able to talk through progress and achievement with their teacher.
Your child should attend the conference with you so that they are part of the learning conversation, as we want this to be a positive experience for everyone involved.
Your child's teacher will send home a form for you to fill in so you can indicate the times that suit you best.
Appointment times will be allocated on a first-come basis. Your child’s teacher will notify you and confirm your appointment time with you. Appointments are approximately 15 minutes. If you require more time to speak with the teacher then you can arrange to get another appointment.
School reports will be sent home the following week after the Learning Conferences.
Important Information:
- Thursday 20 July - Students will be sent home at 1.15 pm. However, if you need your child to be supervised at school until 3 pm - there is a place on the form for you to fill in if you require supervision for your child.
- Friday 21 July - Students only attend school for their appointment time and can wear mufti. Alternatively, the school can provide full-day supervision if needed - regular class programmes will not run. Please indicate on the form if you require your child to be supervised from 8:45 am - 3 pm on this day.
School Facebook Page
A reminder that our school daily notices are published each day on our school facebook site. They are read to the students in the mornings at about 9 am and then published on the fb site. Please follow us on facebook it is one of the way we communicate with our school community.
Gully working Bee
Maeroa Intermediate Gully Working Bee on Saturday 24 June
We are restoring our school gully and need your help! We have made amazing progress but still have lots to do. Our main task for this working bee will be planting trees, weeding and creating a new access path.
We are hoping many families will be able to join us on Saturday 24 June, 9-12pm. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and become involved in a project that will make our environment a better place! There are certainly lots of tasks that students and younger siblings can do, so the whole family can be involved. It also gives Maeroa students the opportunity to earn an Enviro koru. Morning tea is provided. Please email Julie Yeoman at jyeoman@maeroa.school.nz
Many thanks
Julie Yeoman