Week 10 - Term 3
Kia ora koutou
Susan Wood, our Principal has been in Japan for the past two weeks with a group of students as part of a student exchange, I am sure they will all come back with plenty of stories from their adventures. Next term we have 20 students heading to Great Barrier Island for a week, 20 students heading to the Blue Mountain Adventure Camp in Tongariro National Park for 3 days and the whole school having the opportunity to camp overnight in the Karangahake Gorge. All of these trips we offer provide a chance for our students to thrive in education outside of the classroom.
In term four we do have some exciting learning happening at school including athletics and we hope to get the pool open as the weather warms up. We will also be starting some dance practice for our Year 8 end-of-year Social, a color run for some fun. All students have submitted their business plans for the Maeroa Twilight Market, there has been some really entrepreneurial big thinking that needed to be supported with some basic budgeting skills for realistic profit and loss forecast and a lot of excitement about learning. The Maeroa Twilight Market is a major focus for Term 4 and a specific newsletter in early Term 4 will come explaining how this works, but talk with your child it would be interesting to hear about their take on things so far.
The past few weeks have definitely been a busy end to the term and the following newsletter covers academic achievements, creative endeavors, athletic victories to community service initiatives, every accomplishment has contributed to making this term a resounding success. It is fantastic to see students reap the rewards of commitment, enthusiasm, talents, and skills. I would like to take this chance to thank our staff members for encouraging students to give new things a go, coaching and mentoring the various groups, parents, and whaanau that have been Uber drivers, referees, coaches, and cheerleaders. It certainly takes us all to create these opportunities for our students.
It is unbelievable that we are 3/4 of the way through the term, for our year 8 students many have already enrolled at high school for 2024 and I encourage those who are still making decisions to commit and reach out to your chosen school. This provides a sense of purpose and security for children and it means they can be involved in any transition that the high school provides.
Our returning year 7s, usually, stay with their current teacher for another year however if you would like to request a change please email ataylor@maeroa.school.nz. Class changes are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If students would like to try for the Sports Class, GaTE, or Reo Rua class in 2024 students can pick up an application in the first week back.
Our new year 6 students start their transition process with enrolment interviews in the first week back, if you know of families that are in-zone but have yet to enrol please encourage them to contact the school so they do not miss out on this important opportunity for a smoother start at intermediate school
As we head into Term 4 a reminder that students are expected to wear school shorts or skirts, these can be purchased from New Zealand Uniforms in Tristam Street. Trackpants are not allowed.
We hope you enjoy the break with your children and we look forward Term 4.
Amanda Taylor
Deputy Principal
School Production - Sleeping Cutie
This week, a group of talented, committed, courageous and confident students took to the stage to sing, act and dance their way through a twisted version of fairy tales in "Sleeping Cutie". We were entertained and very proud of their mini-production. Thank you to Mrs. Sasso, our dance and drama specialist teacher, for her guidance and direction.
A review from Elsie, who was the show's narrator - Production was a massive roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. You could never know who would attend practices as people were always sick and busy. But we could all agree that we are glad it’s over and that we all did the best we could under the circumstances. The stress goes out the window once it’s over, and that can come as a relief to people!
I think the best part about the production was the performing itself and seeing the crowd's reaction when we made some jokes, sang some solos, and danced some dances. The songs the crowd reacted to the most were Shake Your Tail Feather ( we all did well executing the dance ), I’m too sexy ( Josh did well interacting with the crowds ), and Bad ( because Keira did a great job of being humorous without breaking character ).
We practised for 10 weeks starting in Term 2 Week 10; we presented the show on Tuesday, 19th September 2023. We always practised hard, cooperated ( including Mrs. Sasso ), and were proud of the outcome. Would we do it again? Yes, and I ( and all the 2023 cast members ) definitely think the new year 8’s and the new year 7’s should give production a go in 2024.
Kia-O-Rahi Rippa Rugby
Congratulations to our school Kia-O-Rahi Rippa Rugby team who worked exceptionally hard to win the Waikato schools tournament that was held on the 12th of September. The team represented the school with pride and beat out 13 intermediate schools to become the champions for 2023. Thank you Mr. Tudreu and Mrs. Tawake for coaching the team.
Jump Jam 2023
On Saturday, the 16th of September, 12 students participated in the Strictly Jump Jam competition held at Hamilton Boys High School. These students have been practising for the past two terms and won 2 awards for excellent technicality and performance skills.
Congratulations to Evie Annabell, Harata Marriner-Collins, Te Pewhairangi Morgan, Stevie-Jay Napier, Poppy Pye, Kryselle Raerino, Legend Robinson-Martin, Amani Sykes, Letiyah Te Ngaio, Shiloh Bowden, Lydia Waldron and Khloe Woodward.
The team definitely had everyone up on their feet with their energy and we had feedback from the coaches from the other schools who said we had the friendliest group of kids. So proud of the Jump Jammers and their commitment to working as a team.
Winter Hockey 2023
Thank you to Maya Champion who is one of our very committed hockey-loving staff for organizing and supporting Hockey this year.
Winter Hockey began in Term 2 with many new faces to the sport, and it was great to see the turnout to our trials. We had three teams enter the Waikato Intermediate competition,
The Maeroa Panthers were our top team, with a great coach in Natasha Grainger and manager Liz Harrison. I appreciate the player's commitment to this team as being the top grade. They had to play a few late Friday night games.
Maeroa Flickers had a brilliant first-time coach in Sarah Taylor and manager Sarsha Burt, who showed massive improvement throughout the season. I was lucky enough to umpire most of their matches with the help of Dave Hodges, and we both agree these players stood up and played their absolute best each week.
Finally, Maeroa Aftershock was our team with some players who had never picked up a hockey stick before. This team stood out to me as they never gave up, especially when facing some very skilful teams. Their coach Nick Smith, and manager, Stephanie Booth, encouraged these players each week to try their best and opened their eyes to the awesome sport of hockey!
Below is a picture of our certificate winners from our prize-giving. Tayla Gibbons (Panthers, Most Coachable), Madisyn Majurey (Panthers, Players' Player), Jayden Ridgway (Panthers, Most Improved), Keira Wright-St Clair (Flickers, Most Coachable), Emily Taylor-Lamb (Flickers, Players' Player), Jacob Hodges (Flickers, Most Improved), Neha Krishna (Aftershock, Players' Player), Belle Baker (Aftershock, Most Coachable), Leah Ngaronga (Aftershock, Most Improved).
Leo Club 2023
The Maeroa Intermediate Leo club is a group of students who, with the support of the Dinsdale Lions, work to help others in the community.
We have had a busy few weeks this term with visits to the local rest home, helping residents with their recreational activities, and spending time talking and sharing stories. We have also been raising money by selling ice blocks and hot chocolates at school and creating bookmarks designed by Sasha Hands, which we have been selling at the school library.
Last week, we presented the prizes for the winning entries for the Lions Peace Poster competition.
The winner was Annie Barclay, who will now submit her entry to the national competition. From left to right, the photo below shows Daniel, Sammy and Annie with her winning entry.
Next term, we'll be using the money raised to present gifts of support and encouragement to people in need in our community.
Peace Poster Competition Winners
Sasha selling her bookmarks
An afternoon at the local rest home
Girls Rugby 7's
On Tuesday, 1st August, Mrs Waru and Whaea Jas took a group of girls to Campbell Park in Morrinsville to participate in the WIMS Inter-Intermediate 7-a-side rugby tournament. The competition among the schools from the Waikato region was powerful this year, keeping all players and spectators at the edge of their seats.
Maeroa went up against local rivals Peachgrove, Fairfield and Berkeley during the pool games. Giving their best in each game, our girls worked together as a team and secured a spot in the semi-finals with a win against Fairfield and two draws against Peachgrove and Berkeley.
The semi-finals saw Maeroa go up against the hosting team of the tournament, Morrinsville. Morrinsville was ready for anything, and they certainly wouldn’t let us take it out again this year. The crowds cheering loudly made it an intense semi-final for our girls. By the end of the semis, Maeroa didn’t get the desired result but moved on to play Berkeley again for the 3rd and 4th place positions.
It was a close game against Berkeley. By the time the final hooter had echoed across the field, it was neck and neck for both teams, concluding in a deadlock. The fate of the game rested on one last try. With great determination, both Maeroa and Berkeley fought hard for that golden point. Ultimately, Berkeley emerged as the victors for 3rd, securing 4th place for our team.
A series of highs and lows unfolded throughout the day for our team and the supporting whanau. However, unphased by the challenges they faced, our girls maintained the same positive energy that they carried from the morning’s start. Their dedication to upholding the values of Maeroa and representing our school with pride didn’t go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated.
A heartfelt thank you extends to all who stood by the team’s side during the lead-up to the tournament and on the eventful day itself. Your support truly made a difference.
Kiwi Academic Competitions
In a resounding testament to our students' dedication and academic prowess, this year's Kiwi Science, English, and Math competitions have yielded exceptional results that have left our school community bursting with pride. 135 of our students across years 7 and 8 took on this academic challenge.
The data collected from all the students who took part nationally in the current year is separated into the year levels. The national data for each competition subject area and year level is then ranked. The cut-off between grades is calculated using the percentiles for each subject area and year level. A student who scored less than the 50th percentile receives a grade of ‘Participation’. A student who scored in the top 50% of scores receives a grade of ‘Achieved’. Merit is within the top 25%, Excellence is within the top 9.5%, and Distinction is within the top 0.5%
In Kiwi English, we had 55 talented students who achieved remarkable outcomes, with 14 securing "Achieved’, 3 earning"Merit," and an impressive 6 earning "Excellence" recognition. The crowning glory was our very own Eva Wilson, who not only achieved the highest score but also did it with the fastest time in all of New Zealand, earning her the esteemed "High Distinction" title.
Kiwi Math, too, saw our students rise to the challenge, with 16 earning "Achieved", 8 earning "Merit", and 3 achieving the esteemed "Excellence" status.
In the field of Kiwi Science, 22 students displayed their scientific prowess, with 7 securing "Achieved," 5 earning "Merit," 1 basking in "Excellence," and the zenith of achievement going to Daniel Kelly. Not only did he achieve the coveted "High Distinction," he also clinched the top score in New Zealand, a feat truly deserving of admiration.
As a token of their efforts and extraordinary achievements, Eva and Daniel will be awarded $100 book vouchers from the University of Canterbury, an excellent effort and result!
AIMS Futsal 2023
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On Friday, 1st September, the above students travelled to Mount Maunganui to participate in the annual AIMS Games for Futsal. Both teams had three pool games on Saturday, with the first being played at 10.40 a.m. and the last starting at 6.40 p.m.
The second day of play determined which placing each team would compete for. Over the next 4 days, both teams played many teams of varying skill, which required our teams to dig deep with skill, sportsmanship and attitude.
The girls competed for 1st to 16th places and came 10th out of 21 teams. The boys competed for 17th to 32nd places and came 18th out of 38 teams.
Both teams demonstrated high sportsmanship, competitiveness and an extremely high level of enthusiastic encouragement throughout the tournament. This encouragement flowed over to other schools who mentioned how awesome it was to hear and see the chanting and positivity throughout the stadium.
It was an absolute pleasure and privilege to be with these students for a week who did themselves, their whaanau and our school proud with their attitude and determination. I’d like to make mention of our coaches, Jonelle Abbott and Glenn McLennan, who have spent the past two and a half terms coaching these athletes each week before school. Without their determination, perseverance and dedication our AIMS campaign would not have been possible. A special shout out to Brendan MacGregor, who was our parent helper. We couldn’t have done this without you.
Cultural Day
Today, we had our school Cultural Day. You might wonder, "Why do we have Cultural Days?"
There are billions of us; we all come from different places, speak different languages, and have unique traditions. Isn't that amazing? It's like a colourful mosaic made up of all our different cultures.
Cultural Days are all about celebrating this diversity. When we celebrate our Cultural Days, we get a chance to learn about the cultures of our friends and classmates. We learn about their traditions, the foods they eat, the music they listen to, and the stories they tell.
But Cultural Days are not just about learning but also about building connections. When we celebrate together, we show that we respect and appreciate each other's cultures. We make friends with people from different backgrounds, strengthening our communities and working towards a more peaceful one.
Cultural Days also help us preserve our traditions. Seeing how proud others are of their cultures reminds us to think about our culture. We can pass down our customs, stories, and values to the next generation, just like our parents and grandparents did for us.
By having Cultural Days, we create a sense of belonging for everyone. No matter where we're from or our backgrounds, we can join the celebrations. It's a time when we can unite as one big school community.
Cultural Days remind us that, despite our differences, we are all part of one big human family. We can celebrate our unique cultures while celebrating the things that unite us – our love for laughter, our hopes for a better world, and our dreams of a brighter future.
That's why we have Cultural Days! They remind us to appreciate and respect each other's cultures, learn from one another, and celebrate our diversity. Doing so makes our communities stronger, more colourful, and full of understanding.
Thank you to the students and staff that made our cultural day so much fun.
Cultural Day Gallery
