Week 9 Term 2 2025

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangamaha, tīhei Matariki 

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki

Manawa maiea te ariki o te rangi

Manawa maiea te mātahi o te tau




“Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamua”  

~ Let’s look back and reflect on the first half of our year ~ 

What a whirlwind of learning, connection, and growth it’s been! As Term 2 comes to an end, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the awesome things that have been happening at kura so far this year.

He timatanga kaha ~ Starting Strong in Term 1

We kicked off the year with a warm pōhiri, welcoming new kaiako, tamariki and whānau into our school whānau. Our staff also spent valuable time at Houngarea Marae, learning together and connecting deeply with our kura’s whakapapa and kaupapa. From the very start, we placed a big focus on Whakawhanaungatanga – building strong, positive relationships within our school community.

Heretaunga takoto noa whānau had a great time at Camp Tukituki, with tamariki stepping out of their comfort zones and into new challenges. Swimming sports were another highlight – with Year 3-6 tamariki showing courage and effort in the pool, topped off by a fun (and competitive) staff vs student relay.

As we reached the end of the term, we reflected on the amazing mahi our students had done. From learning about Kahurānaki Maunga and its significance to Ngāti Kahungunu, to participating in Mitre 10 Tough Kids (we almost hit our 200 student goal!), there was so much to celebrate. Our school and house leaders have also stepped up, showing great leadership across the school. 

Te wāhanga o Ngāhuru ~ Term 2 ~ New Seasons, New Learning

Autumn truly settled in, bringing cooler mornings and vibrant leaves across the school grounds. Our learning this term has flowed with the journey of the Ngaruroro awa, linking our place-based context to the changes in nature and ourselves. It’s been inspiring to see how our tamariki are exploring these kaupapa.

There’s also been plenty happening outside the classroom. We’ve installed new rugby and soccer posts, and our barefoot rugby teams have kicked off the season. Mahi tukutuku has been full steam ahead, where a group of kōtiro are learning traditional weaving from Whaea Pare – a beautiful example of mātauranga Māori in action.

Titiro whakamua ~ Looking Ahead

As always, our kaiako are continuing their own learning too, engaging in professional development in the new Maths & Stats curriculum, ensuring we’re offering the best possible teaching for our tamariki.

We’re only halfway through the year, and already we’ve seen such growth, joy, and resilience from our ākonga. Thank you to all our whānau for the ongoing support, encouragement and involvement. Together, we’re making 2025 a year to remember!

Matariki 2025

What an exciting week we’ve had at kura celebrating Matariki. A big mihi to ALL OUR WHĀNAU who joined us at kura to share in the learning and celebrations. If you weren’t able to join us, check out our facebook page or school website to see some exciting coverage across the two days.

An event this size takes a number of people to ensure our tamariki enjoy a range of experiences and fun, e mihi ana ki a koutou. 

Lastly, to our tamariki, you were ALL OUTSTANDING! You have learnt so much, you performed amazingly yesterday and worked hard across the week showing all our school values of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga. 

Mānawatia a Matariki mā Puanga ~ Let us celebrate Matariki and Puanga 

TŪ AKE NE!



Learning in Action

Our talented new entrant kaiako in Heretaunga ararau constantly find exciting and responsive strategies to engage our tamariki within their foundation skills and the Maths & Statistics curriculum. Tamariki engage in 1-1 counting while developing and building their fine motor pincer grip. Kia kaha tamariki mā. Tū Ake Nei!

Matavai Pacific e-newsletter for parents and caregivers

Matavai is our monthly e-newsletter offering key updates, Pacific education stories and details of upcoming events. Share with Pacific parents and communities through your school. 

Subscribe for free at:Subscribe to Matavai Pacific e-newsletter – Mailchimp 

Read the latest issues here: Matavai issue – 13 June  

NZ ITF U18 Taekwon-Do Championship 2025

On June 9th, Noah Round, Kale Round, Dhyan Patel, Taika Fletcher, Paul Keesing, Harper Aukuso and Eleandre Abanio were selected to take part in the NZ ITF U18 Taekwon-Do Championship which was held at Hastings Christian School. The tamariki took part in a number of individual and group exercises. Overall they performed well with the following medals achieved: 

  • Eleandre Abanio - Bronze for Patterns

  • Paul Keesing - Bronze for Team Self Defensive 

  • Noah Round - Bronze for Team Self Defensive

  • Kale Round - Bronze for Team Self Defensive

  • Dhyan Patel - Gold for Patterns, Silver for Sparring, Bronze for Jump Kick and Team Self Defensive

Ka mau te wehi tamariki mā, great achievement for you all. Tū Ake Nei

Heretaunga ararau trip to the MTG

Our new entrant tamariki had a great day visiting the MTG, learning about, exploring and interacting with the range of Matariki activities. They also enjoyed a walk along the Marine parade and finished at the playground. It was a great day of excitement, not only for the bus ride but for all the new experiences had by all tamariki. Mānawatia a Matariki

Message from Nurse Wendy

Please ensure ALL UNIFORM IS NAMED CORRECTLY.

With the weather getting colder PLEASE ensure your child is coming to school with their school jersey and appropriate footwear everyday.

If you are aware that we are still waiting on forms to be signed or any other documentation such as birth certificates and immunisations, please get these to the office ASAP. We are still waiting on some forms from 2023/2024! Any borrowed uniform also needs to be returned.

Please remember to send a water bottle and a piece of fruit for brainfood with your child every single day.

We are currently seeing an increase in tummy bugs going around at the moment. This is just a friendly reminder that if your child has been vomiting or has had diarrhoea, as per the Te Whatu Ora guidelines they can only return to school 48 hours after their last event. This is to ensure they are no longer infectious and passing the bugs on to others here at school.

IF your child are unwell, please keep them home and let the office know either by text: 027-351-9488 or leaving a message on the absentee answer phone: 878-8757, press 1 to leave a message. PLEASE do this before 8.50am.

Absentee Cellphone

This is just a reminder that the absentee cellphone is TEXT ONLY. We are unable to answer or listen to any voice messages left on the text cellphone. Please send a text with your childs name, classroom and reason for absence.

If you would like to leave a voice message please call us on 878-8757, press 1 for absentees and leave a detailed message with your childs name, class and reason for absence.

Important Upcoming Dates

Last Day of Term 2:  Friday 27th June

First day of Term 3: Monday 14th July

Whānui Celebrations: 23rd and 24th July

Y3-6 Cross Country: TBC

Staff Only Day (School closed for instruction): Friday 15th August