Week 9, Term 3 2025
- Kia ora koutou,
- Koru Badges
- Enrolments 2026
- Teacher Only Days
- Gully Working Bee
- MTM Maeroa Twilight Market
- Japan 2025
- NZ AIMS Futsal 2025
- NZ AIMS Rock Climbing 2025
- NZ AIMS Netball 2025
- NZ AIMS Golf 2025
- NZ AIMS Mountain Biking 2025
- NZ AIMS Cross Country 2025
- NZ AIMS Boys Basketball 2025
- NZ AIMS Gymnastics 2025
- NZ AIMS Rip Rugby 2025
- Term dates 2026
- Our School Crest
Kia ora koutou,
As we come to the end of Term 3, next week on 19 September, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your support, encouragement, and partnership throughout this busy term. It has been a term filled with learning, growth, sport, cultural opportunities, and community events, and none of this would have been possible without the ongoing support of our whaanau.
Our students continue to thrive when home and school work together, and it has been wonderful to see so many of you at events, supporting teams, volunteering, and encouraging your children in their learning.
We now look forward to Term 4 — always an exciting time in the school year. This term will bring with it interviews for incoming students, kapa haka competitions, end-of-year celebrations, and, of course, the Year 8 social and final assembly. It is also a time when we encourage all students to maintain their focus, finish the year strongly, and make the most of every opportunity offered to them.
I wish all our students and their families a safe and refreshing holiday break. Thank you again for everything you do to support our kura and our tamariki. We look forward to seeing everyone back, ready for a positive and productive Term 4.
Ngaa mihi nui,
Susan
Principal
Koru Badges
Congratulations to our students who have earned their Koru Badges over the last two weeks.
- Bronze: Jorja, Grace, Noah
- Silver: Kale, Espoir, Jaxon, Aston, Skylar, Gypsy
- Gold: Khyshi, Hunter, Iyla, Lenard, Keaton
- Platinum: Oceana
- Star: Levi
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.” —Estée Lauder
Enrolments 2026
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 get in touch with 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 the family or the school has made a request and 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 consider them 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 available, and applying does not guarantee acceptance; however, your application will be considered.
If your child is in Year 6, in our school zone, and you have not yet enrolled them, please do so asap.
Teacher Only Days
We have two teacher-only days coming up in term 4.
- 10 November
- 11 November
This means our school will not be open for students on these days as our staff are all involved in professional learning.
Gully Working Bee
Saturday 20 September 9am - 12 noon
We are restoring our school gully and need your help! We have made fantastic progress over the past 5 years, but still have lots to do. Our main tasks for this working bee will be repotting plants, weeding, moving tree logs to edge pathways and planting trees. If you are confident using a scrub cutter, please let us know, as there is a new area that you could help us with.
We hope many families will join us on Saturday, 20 September, from 9-12 pm. This is the first Saturday of the school holidays. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and become involved in a project that will make our environment a better place! All Maeroa Students will need an adult to accompany them during the working bee, but there are tasks that younger siblings can assist with, allowing the whole family to be involved. It also allows Maeroa students to earn an Enviro koru. Morning tea is provided. Please email Julie Yeoman to let us know how many people are attending. jyeoman@maeroa.school.nz
MTM Maeroa Twilight Market
Mark your calendar - Thursday 13 November, 5.30–6.45 pm
As part of our Financial Literacy Inquiry, students will run stalls at our Twilight Market, supported by a student-led Business Community. They’ve been busy researching, budgeting, pricing, and marketing their ideas, with the goal of learning about profit, loss, and problem-solving. Families are asked to let students take the lead—this is their chance to experience entrepreneurial thinking.
Come along, support our learners, and celebrate their hard work!
Japan 2025
On Monday, 15 September, a group of 9 Maeroa Intermediate students will be joining 60 students from across Waikato Intermediates to depart for Japan at 5 am. Over the next 14 days, our students will be hosted by Japanese families, fully immersed in Japanese culture. They will attend classes at local schools, experience Japanese schooling firsthand, and participate in cultural exchanges.
The trip also includes visits to some of Tokyo’s iconic attractions, such as Disneyland, Disney Sea, and Tokyo Tower. This incredible exchange with Makuhari Junior High School has been running for more than 30 years and offers life-changing experiences for our students.
Looking ahead, families interested in their child being considered for the 2026 exchange will have the opportunity to apply early next year. One prerequisite is hosting a Makuhari student in March 2026, and students must also demonstrate positive behaviour and responsibility.
NZ AIMS Futsal 2025
This year saw 17 energetic, determined, skilled and excited Futsal players leave Maeroa Intermediate on Friday evening, 29th August, ready to face their opponents at Baypark Arena and Haumara Recreation & Sports Centre in Mt Maunganui and Tauranga respectively.
What lay ahead were 5 days of intensive games, tired and sore bodies and an experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
The legacy that the ‘24 AIMS Futsal teams left behind was upheld, with our chants being repeated by various schools, as well as with our teams. The ‘25 AIMS Futsal teams totally embodied the Positive Vibes campaign where we lost count of how many coaches, managers, parents and family members told us how impressed they were with our sportsmanship, positivity, compassion and determination.
Both teams faced tough opposition throughout the competition which stretched their skills, capacity and provided opportunities for growth, both individually and as a team. The boy’s team came away with 4 wins, 1 draw and 5 losses to come 8th place overall out of a total of 53 teams.
The girl’s team came away with 5 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses to come 18th overall out of a total of 26 teams.
It is always heartening to see two teams bond together, support one another, help lift spirits and celebrate success with one another and come away at the end of the week as one team.
As always, campaigns like this are not able to go ahead without the support of parents and whaanau. We appreciate each and every one of you who was able to come and support us on the sideline or through your email messages.
Jaimee and Becks, thank you for all that you did during the week. You truly helped to make the campaign a success.
And to Glenn, the coach of both teams. Your vision, drive, determination and willingness to coach both of these teams from the beginning of Term 4 last year is a testament to your belief that all students should be part of something bigger than themselves. These students are very fortunate to have had you as their coach. Thank you for all that you do for Futsal at Maeroa Intermediate.
Mel Rye - Teacher in charge of Futsal
NZ AIMS Rock Climbing 2025
An Amazing Week at AIMS Rock Climbing!
What an awesome week we had watching Bella McMinn (Year 8) and Lucy Fredrickson (Year 7) compete in the AIMS Games Rock Climbing event!
The competition kicked off with the Year 7 qualifiers on Sunday, 31st August. We arrived bright and early for an 8:30 am briefing, and the event was impressively well-organized—starting right on time each day. There were 38 Year 7 girls, 30 Year 7 boys, 43 Year 8 girls, and 44 Year 8 boys tackling the climbs on Day 1. Only the top 30 from each group would move on to the quarterfinals—although all Year 7 boys made it through as numbers allowed.
Lucy climbed brilliantly, finishing 4th in the qualifiers, which meant she advanced to the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
The Year 8 qualifiers were held on Monday, 1st September, and Bella gave a strong performance, placing 7th.
Each climber completed a circuit that included four top-rope climbs (with automatic belays and one attempt per climb), three bouldering problems, and two runs at the speed climb. Some of the competitors were incredibly fast and experienced — some had been climbing for over six + years and had even competed at national and international levels. It was inspiring to watch!
Day 2: Quarterfinals
Quarterfinals brought together 120 climbers (30 from each gender and year group), and the pressure was on. Time limits were tighter, and only the top 15 from each group would move on. The quarterfinals included three top-rope climbs, two bouldering problems, and two speed climbs. It was nerve-wracking waiting for the results to be posted at around 5 pm.
Bella had a fantastic day, placing 3rd, and Lucy also did well, finishing in 7th—both earning spots in the semi-finals!
Day 3: Semi-Finals
Things got serious on Wednesday. Only the top five climbers from each group would advance to the finals, and the climbs were noticeably tougher. Lucy, with less experience at this level, gave it everything she had—and it paid off. After a tough day of climbing, Bella placed 4th and Lucy 3rd. We were stoked that both girls made it to the finals!
Day 4: Finals
By Thursday, the climbs were at their most challenging—designed for the very best. Many less experienced climbers couldn’t even get started on some routes. Speed climb times became a crucial factor in the final rankings. The Year 8s especially faced some seriously tough competition.
In the end, Bella finished an outstanding 5th overall for Year 8 girls’, and Lucy achieved 3rd place in the Year 7 girls’ division!
We’re so proud of both girls for representing Maeroa with grit, determination, strength, and impressive problem-solving skills. It was an exciting and inspiring week—and a fantastic result for Bella and Lucy!
Kelly Fredrickson - Proud Mum and Supporter
NZ AIMS Netball 2025
AIMS Netball Team Shines at AIMS Games in Mount Maunganui
The AIMS Netball Team represented our school with pride and determination at the AIMS Games in Mount Maunganui, playing an incredible 10 games and securing eight wins with only two losses. The team’s sportsmanship, skill, and teamwork on and off the court made this an unforgettable tournament and a proud moment for our school. Numerous umpires and schools complimented the team in the way they showed sportsmanship during their games.
It would be impossible to single out just one player, as every member of the team made a valuable contribution. Our defensive unit of Leihana, Harlow, Khodie, Irene, and Mila formed an unbreakable wall, pulling off numerous intercepts and forcing turnovers with their relentless energy and communication. In the mid-court, Rylee, Marli, and Maisyn impressed with their flair, speed, sharp passing, and seamless links between defence and shooters, helping to maintain our team’s flow and control.
Our shooters, Harmani, Cavalli, Lukah, and Kyla, were exceptional, demonstrating speed and agility to create space, feeding the ball in with precision, and shooting with accuracy under pressure. Each player brought their own strengths to the team, creating a well-rounded squad that made everyone smile.
A huge thank you goes to all the whaanau who supported us every day from the sidelines, and a special acknowledgement to Ruth for her outstanding work managing the team throughout the tournament. The AIMS Games was a fantastic experience for all involved, and this talented team showed not only their netball ability but also their dedication, teamwork, and school spirit.
Sandra Carter - Teacher in charge of AIMS Netball
NZ AIMS Golf 2025
Dylan had a big week, finishing up 63rd in a very strong field of 89 - some very impressive young golfers out there, that’s for sure! He improved with each game, kept his head up, representing himself and his school well, and has come away with a hunger to return again next year. He was unlucky to break his three wood early in round 3, leaving him without one of his favourites.
NZ AIMS Mountain Biking 2025
Our students did well in the AIMS Mountain Biking Competition.
Levi Dibben placed 45th, and Thomas Kneebone placed 54th out of 106 in the Year 8 Boys division. Well done boys!
NZ AIMS Cross Country 2025
Levi and Jackson performed well in the cross-country.
The morning of the cross country, they were up against wind, rain, mud, and it was cold, terrible weather, but they both dug and ran really well.
Levi, for year 8 boys, came away with 59th out of 152 with a time of 12.15.63, and Jackson, for year 7 Boys, came 83rd out of 130 with a time of 13.05.41.
NZ AIMS Boys Basketball 2025
The AIMS Boys Basketball Team went into their campaign with one goal in mind, to take their talent and new skills into a competition to make their whanau, coaches, school and past Maeroa Basketball AIMS teams players proud.
The preparation included training after school, training early in the morning, and training on the weekends to improve their stamina and grit. They played games every Tuesday evening to gel as a team, and for a few months before the tournament, they played against high school teams and regional teams set up by their coaches to give them some hard competition. Their whaanau supported them every step of the way to get them to their best.
This year's team consisted of boys who were a true team. They trusted each other, trusted their coach, trusted their plays and trusted themselves. This belief led them to the top 16, then the top eight, then the top four to battle it out to get to the top two teams out of a total of 86 teams from around New Zealand.
In the final game, the team gave it their all. With their whanau and supporters in the bleachers, their coaches on the sideline who had their backs to the very end, they played the best they could on the day to receive well deserved silver medals.
The boys showed commitment, dedication, communication, encouragement and brotherhood. They showed respect by never once letting a referee's call or another team's behaviour deter them. Their coaches took all that on for them, so they could play their games to the best of their ability, which they did every time they took to the court.
A true team.
Karyn Grey - teacher in charge of AIMS Basketball
NZ AIMS Gymnastics 2025
Alba Matenga competed at the AIMS games for Maeroa in Gymnastics. She placed 14th overall. She has also been selected for the Waikato Nationals Squad for Step 5.
Amazing Alba!
NZ AIMS Rip Rugby 2025
Our Maeroa Rippa Rugby team proudly took part in the AIMS Games for the second year in a row, and what an incredible week it was! On the first two days, the team went unbeaten, winning all seven games. Day three brought tougher competition, but with grit and determination, we secured a place in the top 18 of the draw. Finals day was a stunner in the Bay of Plenty, and although the team was feeling the effects of a long tournament, they dug deep and gave it their all. Throughout the week, the team played a total of 13 games, winning eight and finishing an impressive 14th overall out of 72 teams. We are so proud of the way our tamariki represented Maeroa with skill, teamwork, and heart! A massive thank you to Cody Price for his time and commitment to coaching this team, and our management team crew, Kylie McCluskie and Jordan Lousi.
Katrina Banks - Teacher in charge of Rippa
Term dates 2026
Term 1: Monday 2 February - Thursday 2 April
Term 2: Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July
Term 3: Monday 20 July - Friday 25 September
Term 4: Monday 12 October - Wednesday 16 December
Our School Crest
The Banner Head – ‘I will not cease from mental fight’ – reminds us all that life is a learning journey that requires commitment, determination, perseverance and tenacity.
Our students will learn the necessary skills to become lifelong learners.
