Maungatapere School

Kia ora koutou,

Building Updates and School Library

Our building project is progressing faster than anticipated, with the aluminium joinery arriving sooner than expected. Due to this, Room 1 will temporarily relocate to the library starting Wednesday next week. This disruption is expected to last between 1.5 to 2 weeks for Rooms 1, 2, and 3 while the new window joinery is installed.

Impacts on Library and Book Issues

Effective immediately, we will no longer be issuing individual library books to students. Maxine and Mrs. Lescher will communicate with each class regarding the return of currently issued books. Moving forward, class teachers will receive a class set of books that will remain within the school. During this time, our librarian, Maxine McClenaghan, will work directly within classrooms to provide targeted support for learners.

Reading Remains a Priority

While our school library is temporarily unavailable, we encourage you to utilize the excellent resources at the Whangarei Library to borrow books for your children during this time.

Ag Day

Thank you to all the wonderful parents who have supported our Ag Day Food Tent. We have successfully filled the additional 21 spaces required, thanks to the support from parents across

all student age levels. This support is crucial for our ongoing commitment to providing an exciting EOTC program for our Year 7/8 students. We have confirmed our bookings for the 2025 program and will be sharing this information with parents of our current Year 7/8 students during this term.

Ag Day will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, just three Saturdays away. We encourage families to continue supporting their children by raising and training animals or creating exhibits. Ag Day is a cherished tradition at Maungatapere School and within our community.

The Ag Day Parent organizing team has been diligently working behind the scenes to ensure a successful event. This day relies on the support of our community, including judges, extended whanau, teachers, and most importantly, the children.

Sun Safe

As we enter Term 4, we want to remind parents and students about our sun-safe policy.

During this term, all students are required to wear sun protection, including hats. We encourage everyone to get back into the routine of applying sunscreen and wearing hats before heading out into the sun. I personally learned a hard lesson about the importance of sun protection. Recently, I had to visit a skin clinic to address sun damage on my face, a result of not following sun-safe practices during my younger years. The damage is done, emphasizing the importance of protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun.

Physical Education

Physical Education classes are shifting their focus to athletics training during P.E lessons. Over the holidays, Mr. Frost completed the 100m running track, and I brought in a trailer of sawdust for the long jump pit. We are fully equipped to continue balancing academic and physical learning.

Athletics Days

Mark your calendars! Our Year 0-4 school athletics day will be held on November 13th (Week 5), and the Year 5-8 athletics day will take place on November 19th. We encourage you to come out and support our children in these exciting events.

When: Monday 21st of October, Week 2, Term 4.

No school for students on this day.

What: Curriculum teacher-only day

We will be using this MOE approved Teachers Only Day to work with Ali Booth MOE Curriculum Lead unpacking the new curriculum areas of Mathematics and English. This will help us be more prepared to plan for the very fast paced changes happening in New Zealand Education.

Ngā mihi,

Terry

At the end of 2024 we will lose several long serving members of our Board of Trustees with their children leaving our school.

If you are interested in being part of the board please email the board chair.

botchair@maungatapere.school.nz

Please remember to return sports uniforms, netball uniforms and jackets ASAP to the office.

Please return all Ag Day, Netball and Prizegiving trophy's to the school office.

21st October Teacher Only Day

23rd-24th October Water Safe

28th October Labour Day - No School

2nd November Ag Day

5th November Junior Talent Show Auditions

6th November Senior Talent Show Auditions

7th November Central Ag Day

8th November Talent Show FINAL!!!

13th November Year 0-4 Athletics

14th November Mangakahia Cultural Festival

19th November Year 5-8 Athletics

20-21st November Water Safe

27-28th November Water Safe

27th November Year 7/8 WPSSA Athletics

28th November Year 7/8 Cake Stall

3rd December Room 5 & 11 Waipu Farm Park Trip

4th December Room 10 Waipu Farm Park Trip

4th December Year 5/6 WPSSA Athletics

6th December Colour Run

13th December School Disco

16th December Year 8 Leavers Dinner

18th December Prizegiving and Last Day Term 4 (half day)

With the upcoming summer holidays fast approaching; the time spent on devices and communication between friends naturally increases.

Here is an article to consider and keep in the back pocket around online behaviour; particularly around nasty comments and how to navigate these.

The Ag Day Colouring Competition is available for the kids from the Office.

Most of our communication is done via our school app, Facebook and email. If you haven't already, follow our Facebook page and download the app (SchoolAppsNZ)

Email: office@maungatapere.school.nz

Principal: principal@maungatapere.school.nz

BOT Chair: botchair@manugatapere.school.nz
Website: https://www.maungatapere.school.nz/
Location: Mangakahia Road, Maungatapere, Whangarei, New Zealand
Phone: 09 4346743
Facebook: facebook.com/maungatapereschool