Maungatapere School
Newsletter 19 Sep 2024
From our Principal
Y7/8 Activity Week Recap
What an exciting and fun-filled week we had during our Activity Week! Here’s a look at the amazing activities our students participated in and their thoughts on the week’s events, that a group of students shared with me.
Monday – Tabloid Sports We kicked off the week with athletic challenges in Tabloid Sports. From the egg and spoon race (with a tennis ball twist!) to the 3-legged races, blindfold guiding, and the dress-up relays, there was no shortage of laughs and competition. The hula hoop chain race and javelin rocket throwing added an extra layer of thrill. Students described the day as “fun,” “interesting,” and filled with moments that had them feeling nervous but excited!
Tuesday – Master Chef Students traded in their crocs for aprons during Master Chef Day, where they created their own mini-restaurants and cooking stations. With 500g of mince, tortillas, lettuce, and burger sauce as the main ingredients, each team had to design a dish and present it to the judges. Judging categories included best table setup, food presentation, teamwork, and overall quality. Some even brought their own spices to elevate their recipes! It was an incredibly enjoyable and creative experience, with students loving the freedom to design their own dishes.
Wednesday/Friday – Native Art with Mrs. M Art day was an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity. Under the guidance of Mrs. M, students created beautiful pieces of native art featuring animals, birds, sea creatures, trees, and flowers on 30cm round plywood discs. The outcome was nothing short of spectacular! The art is of such high quality that we’re now debating where best to display these beautiful pieces around the school. Students are proud of their hard work and excited to share it with the community.
Thursday – Kensington Park Stadium Sports Day was an energetic and enjoyable sports day. Students played Pickleball, a new game that’s a fun blend of tennis and table tennis, using a plastic ball with holes. They also enjoyed games of unihoc and basketball. Students expressed how much fun they had and are thrilled that Whaea Kimmy, we think has ordered a Pickleball set for the school so they can continue to play!
The six Year 7/8 students who shared their experiences, had a different favourite day of the week, but all agreed that the entire week was really enjoyable and full of fun. A big thank you to Miss Little, who was the lead organiser and made the week such a success!
We’re already looking forward to the next Activity Week!
NZ AIMS Games in Tauranga
The NZ AIMS Games in Tauranga was a fantastic experience for our students, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and incredible sporting talent. We extend a huge thank you to Hayley Taylor, the key organiser, for coordinating parent support, accommodation, and information, ensuring everything ran smoothly over the seven-day event. A special shoutout to the many parents who tirelessly helped fundraise, making this opportunity possible for our students.
A heartfelt thank you to Sonja and her dedicated team, who ran the after-school basketball programme to fund the basketball players participation. The basketball team also pitched in by umpiring after-school fundraising games, showing their commitment to making this experience happen. The weekend kicked off with a fast-paced, physical 3v3 mixed basketball event, giving our learners a fantastic opportunity to build confidence. We were so proud of their attitudes and sportsmanship throughout.
Our cross-country runners faced a challenging course, competing against high-level athletes who specialise in running. Y7 Isla Gibson 135/146, Y8 Katie Holmes-Libbis 115/133, Y8 Holly Duffy 71/133, Y8 Jake Butel 70/129. Their gutsy performances in the large, fast fields were a credit to them and their hard work.
Jackson Leigh, our sailor, competed in a different boat than usual, navigating through challenging 20 to 25-knot winds. Over several days, he adapted, steadily moving up the field as he mastered the Optimist class.
Kassidy Taylor represented us in indoor bowls, where I had the pleasure of watching her semi-final knockout round. The intensity in the room was palpable, and her skill and focus under pressure were remarkable. She should be incredibly proud of her achievement.
The 5v5 basketball team fought hard, finishing 47th out of 84 teams. The level of physicality and complexity in basketball at this level was something I hadn’t fully appreciated until now. Our team displayed tremendous skill and determination, matching their opponents in talent and working seamlessly together.
The netball team, like the basketballers, showcased high levels of skill, strategy, and fitness. Competing against teams with players the size of full-grown adults, they responded with clever game plans and determination. As Whangārei Netball's Intermediate top division winners this year, they played their final game against their arch-rivals Kamo Intermediate. Ironically, Kamo placed just behind our team in both the Whangārei competition and at AIMS Games.
Our girls should be incredibly proud of their 35th place out of 136 teams – a huge achievement for both Whangārei teams!
In gymnastics, Mia Ruawhare and Nathan Watts delivered incredible performances. Mia finished 7th on beam, 4th on floor, 6th on bar, 10th on vault, and 5th overall out of 10. Nathan excelled with 4th on floor, 1st on vault and pommel, 7th on rings, and 6th on high bar and parallel bars, finishing 4th overall out of 7. It was amazing to watch them compete at such a high level.
Finally, a massive thank you to the wonderful team of parents and Whaea Kimmy who travelled with us and supported our students throughout this competitive event. Our children had an energetic, high-pressure week and often improved their performances under the intensity of this national stage. They should all be immensely proud of their achievements.
Teacher Only Day - Term 4
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
Past Students
Past students Xavier Kuindersma (TAS) and Susannah Hovell (WGHS) both blitzed the Northland Regional Spelling Bee Competition held at Whangarei Girls High School on Tuesday 17 September.
They now travel to Wellington where they can compete in the 2024 Aotearoa New Zealand Spelling Bee Final on Saturday 2 November.
The Spelling Bee Champion wins the 2024 Spelling Bee Trophy and $5000 for the advancement of their academic studies.
Whangarei Netball - Prizegiving
Our Year 7/8 Netball teams have had an outstanding season and were rewarded with the following awards at the Whangarei Netball Prizegiving this week.
Best All Round Team – Stunners
Championship Winners Section One – Stunners
Section One Runner Up for Prelim Round – Stunners
Highest Goal Average Runner Up – Stunners
Intermediate Championship Section 9 Runners Up – Rockets
Least Goals Scored Against – Rockets
Millie Taylor – Best Defender of the Year and Best Overall Player
Devon Neumann– Best Shooter
Return Sports Uniforms
Please remember to return sports uniforms, netball uniforms and jackets ASAP to the office.
Trophys
Please return all Ag Day, Netball and Prizegiving trophy's to the school office.
Mountain View Rest Home Visit
Our students shared their goats and lambs with the residents at Mountain View Rest Home this week.
School Term Dates
20th September Netball prize giving 3-5.30pm
27th September Last Day of Term 3
14th October First Day of Term 4
15th October Out of Zone Ballot closes
21st October Out of Zone Ballot Drawn
21st October TOD
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!!!
14th November Mangakahia Cultural Festival
6th December Colour Run
16th December Year 8 Leavers Dinner
18th December Last Day Term 4 (half day)
Linewize Online Safety Hub
Facebook is a multi-purpose social media platform where users can view and share thoughts, photos and videos; organise events; private message each other; and even buy and sell goods and services. If set up properly, Facebook does offer relatively robust privacy and parental controls. However like all social media apps and websites, these all come with problems that need to be navigated and discussed as a parent. Have a look at the article and useful tips and tricks for navigating Facebook.
https://maungatapere.onlinesafetyhub.nz/parent/reviews/facebook
Ag Day Colouring Competition
The Ag Day Colouring Competition will be available for the kids from the Office on Monday. This could be a fun holiday activity.
MAUNU TENNIS CLUB
SENIOR opening - Saturday September 21. 10.00 am. Thereafter Saturdays at 1.00 pm
TWILIGHT - starts October 3. 5.30 pm
LADIES DAY - every Wednesday . 9.00 am
JUNIOR OPENING - October 15. 3.15 pm
Queries - Ray or Sue Webb. 09 4346 898 or 027 2743 860
Temporary access to the office
School Hours
Communication
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)
THANK YOU!! To our generous sponsors
About us
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