Week 7 Term 3 2025
Kia ora koutou,
I would like to sincerely thank our Maeroa whaanau and community for your support of our recent Teacher Only Day. This valuable time allowed our teachers to work alongside a facilitator, deepening their understanding of the new Mathematics Curriculum. The day provided an opportunity for staff to collaborate, plan, and strengthen their practice so that we can better meet the needs of our students as the curriculum changes take effect. Your support in making this possible is greatly appreciated.
Over the last two weeks, we have been studying financial literacy as part of our Maths programme in preparation for the Maeroa Twilight Market in Term 4. Ask your child about it - hopefully, they have begun to think about their business idea, as we are entering the stage where they will work as part of a group to create and plan a profitable market stall. This learning also ties in with Literacy learning, where we are currently focusing on persuasive writing and language, as well as Inquiry Learning, Social Studies, as we explore the various aspects of an Economy. Students in the past have typically given us feedback that they love Maeroa Twilight Martjer, and while it is challenging, it is very rewarding. More information about how the Maeroa Twilight Market works will be available before the end of the Term.
Next week, we farewell our students who are travelling to Tauranga to take part in the New Zealand AIMS Games. This is an incredible event, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the country in their intermediate age range. Our Maeroa students will be competing in basketball, netball, futsal, gymnastics, golf, cross country, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
We wish each of them all the very best as they represent Maeroa Intermediate. We know they will compete with pride and enthusiasm, showing determination, teamwork, and great sportsmanship. Whatever the outcome, we are proud of the commitment and dedication they have shown in preparing for this exciting opportunity.
We have another small group of students heading out next week to Turangawaewae Marae to support the Koroneihana event. I'm sure that they will shine as they serve their community and represent ours. I understand that many of the students will head out with their whānau at some stage next week, which provides an opportunity for growth and connection.
Looking ahead, in Week 10, two groups are off on exciting adventures. A group of 20 heads to Tongariro National Park for a 3-day outdoor adventure, challenging themselves and stepping outside their comfort zone with a range of adventure activities and opportunities for new friendships. Then another group of nine students is heading off to Japan for two weeks. They will have a wonderful time being immersed in Japanese family life, experiencing day-to-day living in a Japanese home. Our students will also spend time in Japanese schools and enjoy some unforgettable experiences, including visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. We know this cultural exchange will be an incredible opportunity for them to grow, learn, and create lifelong memories.
Ngaa manaakitanga,
Susan
Principal
2026 Maeroa Enrolments
By now, most Year 8 students will have enrolled for 2026 and may have heard whether they have been accepted or are on a waiting list through the ballot system. If you have not heard, please contact the appropriate High School.
For our current Year 7 students staying at Maeroa, you do not need to re-enrol for 2026. Your enrolment will roll over, and you will most likely stay with the same teacher, unless a request has been made by the family or the school decides that a fresh start is a better option. If you have a request, please email Amanda Taylor at aaylor@maeroa.school.nz with an outline of the request. We can not accommodate all requests, but we will take it into consideration when building classes next term.
If you are in Te Puaawaitanaga Reo Rua, Sports Class, or Te Arapoutama GaTE Class, you will stay in that class for 2026 unless a request has been made or the school has indicated that this is not the best fit for next year.
If you are in a mainstream class and would like to apply for one of the specialised classes, then you can. At the beginning of Term 4, a form will be available to complete, and Year 7 students will need to participate in appropriate testing/trials to determine their suitability. There are limited spaces, and applying does not guarantee acceptance, but it will be considered.
If you have a Year 6 child who is looking to enrol for 2026, enrolments close on Wednesday, 10 September at 3 pm. Enrolment packs are available from our school office.
Waimaths Competition
On Thursday, 21st August, two teams (a Year 7 team and a Year 8 team) represented Maeroa at the 2025 Wai Maths Competition. With over 30 schools competing, it was an intense evening where teams had just 45 minutes to solve as many of the 20 challenging questions as possible. Both Maeroa teams performed exceptionally well, finishing in the top 10. Our Year 7 team placed 8th in their division, while our Year 8 team, missing 2nd place by just one point, achieved an impressive 3rd place. Congratulations to both teams for your hard work, determination, and for representing Maeroa with such pride and excellence.
Wai Maths
Maeroa Netball 2025
The netball season has ended, and the nine school teams have braved the conditions on a Saturday morning to play netball, make new friends, and learn about the importance of winning and losing.
The Year 7A team went through the season undefeated, winning the Saturday morning Year 7 A-grade and the Waikato Intermediate and Middle School Tournament. Congratulations to the Year 7 Cobras, who finished second in their grade. Although the rest of the teams had mixed results over the season, often with very close outcomes, and in only one game, it did not result in a top-three finish.
Every year, we rely on the goodwill of volunteers to coach and manage the teams, and without them we woudl not be able to offer the sports that we do. We extend a heartfelt thank you to those who donate their time and energy to serving our school community.
Maeroa Gymnastics Success
Last week our Maeroa Gymnastics team competed at the Waikato Gymnastics Regionals. Our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship—encouraging one another, supporting their opponents, and even welcoming gymnasts who had come alone into their group.
We were proud to achieve placings across a range of apparatus events, as well as two overall placings. Congratulations to Sidney, who placed 1st overall in the Flyers category, and Kyla, who placed 3rd overall in the Twisters category. Ka mau te wehi!
Gymnastics
Daffodil Day Fundraiser
🌼 Daffodil Day Mufti Day Success! 🌼
Today, our Leo Club organised a very successful mufti day fundraiser in support of Daffodil Day. It was fantastic to see so many of our students and staff dressed in bright yellow, or wearing creative yellow accessories, to show their support.
Prizes were awarded for the best-dressed individual and the best-dressed class, adding to the excitement of the day. It was also wonderful to see the creativity and spirit our students brought to their outfits.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed — your efforts have made a positive difference while also bringing a lot of fun and colour to our school community!
Koru Badges
A big congratulations to our students who have earned their Koru Badges over the last two weeks.
Bronze: April, Danica, Sophie, Lyla, Sophie L, Taiheke, Te Ahitea, Riley, Tyrese, Koby.
Silver: Ronan, Danica, Sophie, Jamie, Lyla, Leah, Nikita, Anthony, Aaliyah.
Gold: Danica, Sophie, Norma-Rose, Nahla, Troy, Angel, Israel, Kiara, Dylan.
Platinum: Jo-Jo, Lily.
Star: Giselle, Khloe, Manassah.
Super Star: Mikayla, Marshall.
Everyday at School Counts!
Our attendance data from 14 July – 28 August shows that just over half of our students (53%) are attending regularly. While this is a positive sign for many, we do have concerns:
- 21% are irregularly absent (missing 1 day every 2 weeks).
- 16% are moderately absent (missing 1 day a week).
- 11% are chronically absent (missing 2+ days a week).
This means that more than 1 in 4 students are missing a day or more every week. Regular attendance is the key to success, especially because maths happens in Block 1 and literacy in Block 2, so even being late means missing important teaching.
How You Can Help
- Please make sure your child is at school by 8:30 am every day, ready to start at 8:45 am.
- If your child is away, contact the office with a clear reason.
- If you do not ring to advise us of the reason your child is absent, then your child is marked as truant.
- Encourage positive routines at home (early bedtimes, bags ready the night before).
Together, we can lift attendance and make sure every child gets the very best out of their learning at Maeroa.
Teaching Boundaries
Building Resilient, Responsible, and Self-Regulated Children, in today’s world, we’ve made life safer and more convenient for our children—sometimes too safe. Take trampolines, for example. While nets around trampolines were designed to protect children, research clearly shows that the presence of safety nets has, ironically, led to an increase in injuries. Why? Because children may not understand the concept of boundaries, they may become more daring without fully grasping the risks involved. This sanitised approach is evident in other areas of childhood development. As the late Celia Lashlie wisely said: “Clear boundaries need to be set, but a [child] needs to feel free.”
The Parents’ Role: Guide, Not Friend
You are not your child’s friend; you are their parent. You are responsible for their physical and emotional well-being, ensuring their safety and helping them navigate life’s challenges. It’s also your role to teach them right from wrong. Sometimes, this requires tough love—saying no and trusting them to make their own choices.
Boundaries Are Like Netball Rules
Parenting is a lot like playing netball. There are clear boundaries and positions on the court. If a player or ball crosses those pre-determined lines, the whistle blows. Play stops, and the reason is explained; possession is then handed to the other team. Set your boundaries and let your child roam freely within them. If they cross a line, calmly let them know, enforce a pre-determined consequence if appropriate, and explicitly teach the desired behaviour. Role-playing is an excellent way to reinforce this.
Boundaries at Home: Practical Examples
In our family, we have a simple rule: everyone must say hello when they arrive home (even at 3 a.m.) and goodbye when they leave. This is about respect and politeness. Once, our daughter left without saying goodbye. When I realised, I called her and let her know she had crossed one of my boundaries. She was apologetic, and it hasn’t happened again. Even her friends now follow this rule. It might seem insignificant, but if I had let it slide, it could have opened the door for other rules to be broken. Boundaries matter, even in the small things.
Consistency Is Key
Boundaries create security and safety. They signal: “This is the way we do things around here.”
Consistency is essential. If the rules constantly change or are not reinforced, children feel unsure and unsafe. They will push boundaries to test their strength and clarity. Imagine playing a game of netball where the boundaries keep shifting. It would be confusing and unsettling. Children need predictability to thrive.
Tip: Decide on your rules and display them clearly. These are your family’s boundaries.
Pick Your Battles
Family therapist Dr Margot Brown offers great advice: “If it won’t matter after 72 hours, it never did. If you don’t feel the need to react after 72 hours, don’t at all.” Choose what you can control, can’t control, and want to control. For example, stop worrying about the tidiness of their bedrooms. Close the door and pick your battles.
What Will Others Think?
Stop Comparing! Theodore Roosevelt said: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
It’s easy to scroll through social media or see other families and wish your life looked more like theirs. Stop! They are only showing the best parts of their lives. Trying to be like others is exhausting and unrealistic.
Speaker Lisa O’Neil puts it perfectly: “What happens in your home is normal for your family.” For example, our family eats dinner at the table every night. My children find it odd that their friends eat in front of the TV or in their rooms. Similarly, we didn’t nag about homework. It was their responsibility, not ours. We allowed free access to technology after school until 9 p.m., and our children mostly managed this well. You don’t have to agree with our rules—they are our rules.
“I’ll Trust You Until I Can’t”
As children grow, trust becomes crucial in striking a balance between freedom and responsibility. I’ve always told my children:
“I will trust you until I can’t.” When they were young and said they were going to the park, I trusted them. As teens, when they went to parties, I trusted them when they said they wouldn’t drink—even though I knew their friends were drinking. They never disappointed us. In fact, they were sometimes the only sober ones at the party—a proud parenting moment! Trusting your children doesn’t mean you’ll rescue them when they fail. It means loving them unconditionally while allowing them to face consequences and learn life lessons. “With freedom comes responsibility. If you want to experience more freedom in life, you must take more responsibility for your choices.”
Boundaries Are Protective, Not Restrictive
Boundaries are not about controlling children or saying no all the time. They are about providing safety and guidance while allowing freedom to make choices and learn from the outcomes. When children experience the consequences of their actions within the safety of home and family, they learn resilience, responsibility, and self-regulation—essential skills for life. Set your boundaries, enforce them with consistency and love, and trust your children to rise to the challenge.
Karen Boyes
Karen Tui Boyes is a champion for Lifelong Learning across nations, industries and organisations.
Upcoming dates
Week 8
- ASB Get Wise Financial Education Starts
- NZ AIMS Games Week
Week 9
- 10 September Maeroa Enrolments for 2026 close
Week 10
- 15 September - Japan trip leaves
- 19 September - out-of-zone enrolments for Fraser High close
- 19 September - term 3 finishes
- 28 September - Japan trip returns
Week 1 Term 4
- 6 October - term 4 begins
