week 6 term 3 2024
Kia ora koutou,
It is with great sadness that we learn of Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu's death overnight. He was a very respected leader and will be deeply missed.
As we move into the latter half of Term 3, it’s been fantastic to see our students' commitment and enthusiasm in various activities across the school. This week marks the conclusion of our winter sports season, with our hockey and netball teams wrapping up their games. A huge congratulations to all our players for their hard work, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the season. Your efforts, whether in training or on the field, have been commendable, and we are proud of each one of you.
Looking ahead, our focus shifts to the upcoming AIMS Games in Tauranga during Week 8. Our students are gearing up for this exciting opportunity to represent our school in various sports. The AIMS Games is a prestigious event; we know our teams will do their best. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their preparation.
In addition, in Weeks 9 and 10, we will see a group of our students heading off to Japan with me. Our base is Makuhari Junior High School. Students from Makuhari visited us earlier this year, and this is an annual event. This trip is a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange, and I’m sure it will be an unforgettable experience for all involved. This weekend, we have a meeting with all the other intermediate schools going to Makuhari from across the Waikato. This will be an exciting day as our students meet the other students going to Japan. Sixty students are going on this trip, nine from Maeroa.
Thank you to our coaches, teachers, and parents for your unwavering support of our students. Your dedication makes all the difference in their success and enjoyment.
Ngā mihi nui,
Susan Wood - Principal
He kura kua ngaro ki tua o Rangi-whakamoe-ariki, moe mai raa.
(A chief that has passed to the great beyond, rest in love.).
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, the seventh Maaori monarch of the Kiingitanga. He succeeded his mother, Kuiini Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, and was a highly respected leader who will be deeply missed.
The Kiingitanga, or Maaori King movement, was established in 1858. The origins of this movement date back to 1856 when Matene Te Whiwhi and Wiremu Tamihana Tarapiipipi (the Kingmaker) set out to find a leader who could unite the Maaori people. They initially approached Pootatau Te Wherowhero, but he declined, citing his old age.
They then sought other prominent Maaori leaders, including:
- Topia-Tuuroa of Whanganui
- Te Heuheu of Tuuwharetoa
- Te Haapuku of Ngaati Kahungunu
- Te Amohau of Te Arawa
- Te Kani a Takirau of Te Tai Raawhiti
- Te Waka Nene of Ngaa Puhi
- Tiitokowaru of Taranaki
All these leaders declined the role. Eventually, a hui (meeting) was held at Puukawa (Taupoo), where it was unanimously agreed that Pootatau Te Wherowhero should become king. It is said that he was well-suited for the role due to his extensive whakapapa (genealogy) connecting him to every waka (canoe) and his ability to provide for and maintain the kingship, given his fertile lands, abundant waters, and well-developed infrastructure.
Pootatau Te Wherowhero was crowned King in 1858 and reigned until his death in 1860. His line of succession includes:
- Kiingi Taawhiao
- Kiingi Mahuta
- Kiingi Te Rata
- Kiingi Koroki
- Kuiini Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu
- Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu
The Kiingitanga has been a cornerstone of Maaori identity and unity for 166 years. It is a movement that belongs to the people, with Waikato being the guardians of the Kiingitanga. The decision on the next monarch will be made by the nation.
In his final speech at his coronation, Kiingi Tuuheitia emphasized the importance of unity, saying, "We must continue to work together to become united, to be better people, to be better New Zealanders."
On behalf of the Maeroa school community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Makau Ariki, me te whare Kaahui Ariki at this time.
Kiingi Tuuheitia's leadership, dedication, and vision were beacons of strength and unity for Maaori and us all. We deeply respect his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind.
Paimaarire
Photo credit: Te Ao Māori News
Year 8 Social
Year 8 End-of-Year Social
We are excited to announce that the Year 8 End-of-Year Social will take place at the end of Term 4 on Wednesday, 11 December. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our Year 8 students to celebrate their time at our school and enjoy a fun-filled evening together. Families are not expected to buy new clothes, shoes, etc., for this event. It is a social for Year 8 students; it is not a ball.
Please note that attendance at the social is by invitation only. To be eligible, students must consistently demonstrate good behaviour and maintain regular attendance throughout the year. Those who have faced challenges managing themselves or have had poor attendance may not be invited to attend.
We encourage all Year 8 students to continue making positive choices as we approach the end of the school year.
Teacher Only Days - Term 4
We will be having two teacher-only days in term 4 to focus on new curriculum initiatives. Our teachers will be on site for professional learning, but our school will not be open to students.
- Friday, 8 November
- Monday 11 November.
Koru Badges
Congratulations to our students who have set goals, stayed focused, worked hard and earned their Koru badges over the last two weeks.
Bronze: Charlie, Bradburn, Leon Andrews, Kobe Sykes, Alexander Rolton, Maria Moore, Meila Raureti, Kiara White.
Silver: Lucy Walters
Gold: Rocco Duncan
Platinum: Ayesha Bombales, Savanna Botha, Leah Ngaronga.
Star: Leah Ngaronga
Super Star: Arya Harish, Chelsea Hattingh
Daffodil Day at Maeroa
Many of our students participated in the Mufti Day fundraiser for the Cancer Society. Our students raised $500 to donate.
Daffodil Day 2024
Why is good attendance important?
We all have such busy lives, and there is always more to be done, and not enough time to do it. Does this sound familiar?
Let’s take a step back to examine why punctuality is such an important character trait and why it is important to practice punctuality with your child from a very young age.
An Important Key to Your Child’s Success
Research shows that children with consistent school attendance learn more. Regular school attendance is vital if children are to fully benefit from the many learning opportunities. A student who is 10 minutes late every day will miss 30 hours of instruction during the year, definitely a significant loss in the teachable moments that you can’t get back.
Children who are late or absent can never recover what is most important: the discussion, the questions, the teacher's explanations, and the thinking that makes learning come alive.
While punctuality will promote learning, arriving late to school can also be very disruptive for the child, the teacher, and the other students in the class.
A child’s success in school and, ultimately, in life depends on having a solid educational background, one that can only be gained through punctuality and regular school attendance. When the child grows up, he will quickly learn that employers seek reliable, dependable and responsible people to fill employment positions.
Regular attendance at school is also important in promoting social development. Developing positive attendance and timekeeping habits at a young age will serve the child well throughout his/her life.
What does your child miss when they arrive late?
- The opportunity to participate in the beginning of the class day and share experiences and conversations with their friends
- The opportunity to understand what is happening for the day
- The opportunity to get settled in and be ready for the day with their friends
- The opportunity to participate in all the fun activities that start right at the beginning of each school day
What can you do to help your child to be punctual every day?
- Make sure your child stays healthy by eating nutritious food and getting enough exercise.
- Establish a regular bedtime to ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep, awakes rested the next morning and has enough time to prepare for school.
- Show your child why education is important. Give specific examples of how education helps people succeed.
- And most important – Lead by example.
Research shows that attendance is the single most important factor in school success.