Manurewa Intermediate School

‘MANUREWA MONTHLY’

FEBRUARY 2022

Our school newsletter - communicating with our school community the last Wednesday of every month

76 RUSSELL ROAD • MANUREWA • MANUKAU CITY 2102

Ph: 09 266 8268 • Fax: 09 267 5633

www.manurewaint.school.nz

THIS IS THE NEWSLETTER OF:

NAME: ____________________________ ROOM: _________

Greetings, Kia Ora, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, Bula Vinaka, Malo e lelei, Talofa Lava, Taloha, Kia Orana, Ni Hao, Buenos Dias, Chao, Malo Ni, Habari Dobar Dan, Namaste, Salam

OUR TERM VALUES:

Manaakitanga Respect

Engagement Teamwork

Communication

“MANUREWA MONTHLY”

Our Newsletter, “Manurewa Monthly” is published every month, coming home approximately the last Wednesday of each month. Listed below are the publication dates

with the current issue highlighted. Our intention with this newsletter is to ensure the communication between home and school is frequent, effective and relevant by keeping

you fully informed about all that is going on in our school, and also, to share with you some student work.

Our newsletters are a very in depth summary of the past month, and take much time to put together. We do this because we want you to know what is going on, and whilst I realise

perhaps, a very small minority of you read the newsletter it is still important we do this for that small minority because you deserve to know and we want this formal outlet for

students to showcase their learning.

Publication Dates:

Term Week Issue Date of Issue

1 1 1 Wednesday 8 February

1 4 2 Wednesday 2 March

1 8 3 Wednesday 30 March

2 1 4 Wednesday 4 May

2 4 5 Wednesday 25 May

2 9 6 Wednesday 29 June

3 2 7 Wednesday 3 July

3 6 8 Wednesday 31 August

3 10 9 Wednesday 28 September

4 2 10 Wednesday 26 October

4 7 11 Wednesday 30 November

4 9 12 Wednesday 14 December

Newsletter Edition 02/2022

He mihi mahana kia koutou - A warm greeting to you all!

Our first formal monthly school newsletter of the year as we move into week 4 and a revised version of the timetable as highlighted in the curriculum letter from our Associate Principal sent home on Monday this week.

We have once again been blessed with a large intake of outstanding young people - our Year 7 students as well as numerous new Year 8 students to add to our outstanding Year 8 cohort. It is inspiring to appreciate very early on that the next generation of M.I movers are every bit as amazing as the last. It certainly makes our task of growing great humans into “adventurous risk takers, who are persistent and focussed achievers” a much easier task!

I trust you also received my welcome letter on the first day of school which had a number of points in there reflecting the values and beliefs we espouse. As we know schooling is about much more than teaching. It is about nurturing growth, encouraging development, supporting effort, recognizing achievement, broadening horizons, challenging viewpoints, guiding progress, instilling values, fostering ideas. In my speech I also said in case you weren’t aware in 2017 we had great success winning the 2017 Prime Minister’s Supreme School Award, as well as winning the Excellence in Engagement Award, and that coupled with our back to back 4-5 year ERO review has spurred us on to continue the great work we try to do for your child/ren every day. We know, based on years of experience, and trial and error, that the systems and structures in place really do work. As the latest ERO report said: “The school’s processes and actions very effectively help to achieve excellence and equity for learners…attributable to highly effective school leadership; a deep commitment to strong engagement between the school and its community; a responsive curriculum, effective teaching and opportunities to learn; the building of professional capability and collective capacity that increases teachers’ knowledge, skills and adaptive expertise; and the use of internal evaluation, inquiry and knowledge building for improvement and innovation.” As you can see all staff were affirmed in this and we want and need this to continue, with our community’s help!

I am excited and incredibly happy to get back in to a new school year…I love my job and I love being at Manurewa Intermediate…I want to get to know all our learners, I want to work with the staff to help our learners…and I want everyone to love being here! I also really want us all to make 2022 the best year yet! One of the most enticing aspects of a new year is the opportunity for a fresh start. Returning, or in many cases establishing routines with a positive mind-set and clear head can set the tone for the coming months, and the first few weeks of a new school year can often provide just the right amount of perspective to set new goals and objectives. But a fresh start means nothing if you don’t take the time to plan your approach.

As a staff we are looking forward to providing what opportunities we can for all of our students to participate and shine in as part of the MIS experience and we want that experience to be as awesome as possible for every student over their two years with us.

Our staff is a dedicated and hardworking team - always ensuring that excellence in programme delivery is maintained. The staff welcome parent contact and feedback; and are more than willing to discuss anything with you; remembering that class time is paramount. An appointment through the school office or via email directly with the teacher ensures your queries or concerns are addressed with the attention they deserve.

So finally welcome to an exciting year and we look forward to working with you as you find your part in the Manurewa Intermediate experience…where we are on track to develop students who are “Adventurous Risk-Takers, who are persistent, focussed and achieving”.

Iain Taylor PRINCIPAL

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

PS - the lack of COVID commentary is deliberate. The newsletter is about celebrations! We plan to keep it that way (and there is enough COVID updates in our other communications).

At Manurewa Intermediate School the only way we can work our magic with students is if they are here at school, on time, every day. This is the simplest most important thing you can do for your child. Skipping days here and there, leaving early or arriving late all stop your child from having the best chance of succeeding at school. So please don’t be offended if we ask why your child was not at school, or why they are late - and this could be via a phone call or even an in person visit.

The only reason a child should be absent is if they are sick themselves or isolating as a close household contact (and if the latter we should know about this immediately please!). It is important to reiterate that if your child is NOT Covid positive or at home isolating as a close contact of a household member, the best thing for your child is routine and consistency. This means coming to school as per normal. This is because it is giving them consistent learning and social engagement with their friends, as well as getting them physically out there and moving!

M.I.S ATTENDANCE TARGET

This month our target is 93% of children here every day and only 5% late every day.

Let’s meet it and beat it!

ATTENDANCE

Term 1 Diary Dates

MANUREWA INTERMEDIATE WHANAU CALENDAR 2021

Week

Mo

nth

Week

Beg

inn

ing

Mo

du

le

TERM ONE

First day: Tuesday 8th February

Last day: Wednesday 13th April

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Te Reo

Valu

e

Assem

bly

Ho

liday

s and

oth

er dates

1

Feb 22 3 Mon 7: Waitangi Day Holiday (observed)

Tues 8: MODULE 1 STARTS – MI SCHOOL LIFE - Day 1, Term 1, MI Whanau Day - 8.30am: Powhiri - Newsletter 1 out today

Wed 9: - 8.45am: Get Set Go Assembly - Period 3 + 4 Sports Trials Thurs 10: 8.30am: Get Set Go Assembly - Period 1 + 2 Mini Athletics Frid 11: 8.45am: Get Set Go Assembly

Iain NIL Mon 7 Waitangi Day

Holiday (observed)

2

14 Mon 14: NEW WORLD CAMP SHOPPING BEGINS (all week) Wed 16: 9am to 2.30pm: MI Swimming Sports (Papatoetoe Pols) Thurs 12: DEAR: Year 8 HPV Talk (all Year 8’s in Hall)

Iain NIL

3

21 Mon 21: MODULE 2 STARTS – MI SURVIVAL CAMP Weds 23: Kauri and Tawa depart for Survival Camp Kowhai and Rimu return from Survival Camp BOT Meeting Fri 25: Kauri and Tawa return from Survival Camp

NIL NIL

4 Mar 28 Mon 28: MODULE 3 STARTS – RISK TAKER – MI Way (Timetable begins) UNIFORM CHECK ALL WEEK 8.45am: Get Set Go Assembly Tues 1: Zone Softball – Boys (tbc) Weds 2: Newsletter 2 out today Thurs 3: Zone Softball Boys (save day)

R22 R3

5

7 Tues 8: Zone Softball – Girls (tbc) Thurs 10: Zone Softball – Girls (tbc)

R75 R4

6

14 Tues 15: 15th to 17th Leadership Councils Camp (at Camp Morely) Fri 18: Mid Term Break

NIL R6 Fri 18 Mid Term Break

7

21 Tues 22: Zone Cricket (tbc) Wed 23: BOT Meeting

R24 R9

8 Apr 28 Mon 28: Photolife Class and Individual Photos (half our all day) Tues 29: Counties Manukau Tag (tbc) Weds 30: Newsletter 3 out today

R26 R11

9 4 Tues 5: Zone Football – Boys (tbc) Thurs 7: All day – Year 8 HPV Dose 1 (Hall) Fri 8: Zone Football – Boys (Save day tbc)

R32 R12

10

11 Tues 12: 8am to 8pm Student Involved Conferences Weds 13: Last day of Term 1 Thurs 14: Staff Only Day Fri 15: Good Friday

NIL R13 Thurs 14 Staff Only Day

Fri 15

Good Friday

Term 2

Monday 2nd May – Friday 8th July

Week 4 - Friday 4 March - Room 22

Week 5 - Friday 11 March - Room 75

Week 6 - Friday 18 March - NIL (mid-term break) Week 7 - Friday 25 March - Room 24

WHO’S ON ASSEMBLY THIS MONTH

Our assemblies are every Friday in the Hall at 10.05am. Parents/Caregivers are more than welcome to join us and I ask if you could please sit at the back of the hall on the right. This is obviously once Whānau are allowed back onsite and our assemblies are being held in person. Until then we will continue to have our assemblies online with students watching via the video link in their classrooms. You are also able to watch this live via our Facebook page.

Regular assemblies serve as a vehicle to further enhance our positive school tone and climate, to foster a corporate school spirit and to share information. But even more importantly assemblies are a means to share our collective experiences and to celebrate and acknowledge each other – acknowledging achievement and the effort exerted – regardless of the end result.

It is an opportunity to give “all our kids a pat on the back” for their efforts and also to reinforce to everyone our high behaviour expectations. Whānau MI Bucks are given out and individual student certificates awarded. If your child is receiving a certificate you will receive an invitation letter to attend the assembly where I will present the certificate to your child. Likewise, feel free to attend because you want to, regardless of whether your child is receiving a certificate or not. Come and join the frivolity and sense of our community

2/03 O’liviah Hohepa-Bromwich

3/03 Nevaeh Johnson, Owais Sahib

4/03 Shanav Chand, Caution Cumming, Arhiana Samupo-Lahega, Elijah Asafo, Dayton Edwards, Malaea Etuale, Kendryek Monga

5/03 Jehrvae Smith, Samuel Taitiri-Witeri

6/03 Nivenso Alefosio

7/03 Kahurangi Fataiki, Jairus Rasos

8/03 Levi Hepi, Robert Manukau-Hoetawa, Vaimoana Titoa, Ta-Janea Ngapera

9/03 Aphareus Posimani, Joseph Gifford, Jairus Sa’u, Lazarus Sa’u

10/03 Artemis Bidois, Antonio Leota-Wira

11/03 Sharleen Grace, Scott Ula Fonua

12/03 Kaesynn Mafi

13/03 Tekiteki Kinikini

14/03 Mafi’ila Vakapuna, Tua Dixon, Keilani Hansen

15/03 Maylene Fulu, Tavai Moa, Jay Vagavao Jnr

17/03 Alijay Tekii-Taione

AFFIRMATIONS

The following students are having birthdays over the next four weeks. We wish you an early Happy Birthday and trust you have a wonderful day!

NB: There may be times when we inadvertently ‘miss’ a birthday – please let us know if we do, so we can acknowledge it in the next newsletter. It is important that we do this so please do not feel bad telling us.

We would like to say Happy Birthday to...

18/03 Briana Diaz

19/03 Hariria Tawhi

20/03 Morales Laupola, Viliami Vea, Lexy Grace

21/03 Vincent Leiataua, Kiani Leiataua

22/03 Kikorangi Wiremu, Khadejah Feite

23/03 Joesaiah Koloamatangi, Imeleta Etuale

24/03 Cerah Fenton, Sanchez Misavi, Devo Ellis

25/03 Dean Haa-Rewha, C Jay Toko-Moses

26/03 Novro Kolo, Andreas Lisone, Ariana Paese, Shakera Williams, Tupou Fuimaono, Mina Saboonchi

27/03 Rico Walker, Benjamin Oti, Laima Penehuro-Aleepati, Chrymzen Tusi

28/03 Arapeta Grace, Richard Sapolu

29/03 Anya Bhan, Anaiya Anand, Aysha Khan, Kennedy Rakuraku-Kirkwood, Yousif Younan

And also a belated Happy Birthday to those of you who had a birthday over the first three school

weeks! Happy Birthday to –

8/02 Mateo Fatu, Janet Eteuati Fepuleai, Lucas Thomas

9/02 Ashneeta Prasad, Fatu Amosa, Mataele Taki, Sione Uluaki

11/02 Cornelius Carcia-Masigan Tua, Jasmine Parsons

12/02 Sione Tahilanu

13/02 Samuel Key, Enitoa Moala

14/02 Herepete Hokai, Armelia Isara, Sione Lasike, Raynesh Prasad, Maniah Samate, Katana Chapman

16/02 Grahame Purcell

17/02 Katara Beattie, Ioane Tapusoa

18/02 Attojo Memea, Hoani Taua, Aiden Coutts, Metuatane Paulo

19/02 Paulyn Ah-Lam, Roselyn Ah-Lam

20/02 Corde Puna

21/02 Axel Shepherd-Williams, Sefita Tekii Taione, Brandon Bishop-Manihera

22/02 Lavinia Takau, Eashan Sharma

23/02 Rosalinda Ah-Lam

24/02 Kiriana Kahua Gates

25/02 Rakai Kiwara

26/02 Christina Laulua, Rishan Mohammed, Calley Pu’epu’emai, Xavier Tuaau

27/02 Kilioni Fifita

28/02 Waimarie Benioni, Jett Denton-Woodhouse

1/03 Naleah Ioane, Elias Kaipo, Breah Mclean

a) PAT ON THE BACK – to all the students for a wonderful start to the new school year amidst such disruptive circumstances. Things have gone very smoothly and it is great to see you all getting stuck in already and with great attitudes. Way to go! There is a really nice atmosphere about the school – happy, cooperative, supportive and industrious students. The place is “a buzz” with activity and there is much “constructive energy” permeating the school. We are all set for an awesome year, regardless of our challenges that we are ensuring become our opportunities.

b) STUDENT LEADERSHIP – during 2019 we reviewed our student leadership structure, in an attempt to

introduce more opportunities for leadership experiences for more students - and especially those

demonstrating a passion for leadership in specific areas. To that end we disestablished our school

councillor roles and created the “School Senate”, which is the overarching leadership group with various

portfolio councils feeding into the senate. We have been very pleased how much more successful it has

been in giving a wider range of our students leadership opportunities.

The various councils feeding into the Senate are the:

• Community Council

• Cultural Council

• Curriculum Council

• Eco Council

• Pastoral Care Council

In addition there are also Whānau Leaders, where each whānau selects their own Whānau Leaders. Their role is purely associated with whānau activities. If you would like more information about these Councils and how the whole system works, feel free to contact Ms Brook, Associate Principal.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR STUDENT LEADERS

THE SENATE:

NAME: Room: NAME: Room:

Khloe Laumahina 62 Miriam Rabuka 32

Iosefa Tusani 26 Prisha Singh 67

Xavier Ainea 32 Sharleen Grace 19

Jordy Peleti 22 Katea Tohi 13

Jeremiah Moemai Iosia 19 Azariah Tukariri 22

COMMUNITY COUNCIL:

Name Room Name Room

Alderick Rauti 27 Novro Kolo 35

Xavier Ainea 32 Crystal Pelu 62

Mordekai Follas 75 Jordy Peleti 22

Andreas Lisone 70 Chloe Stevens 75

Manaia Hetutu-Davis 62 Gabrielle Seymour 30

CULTURAL COUNCIL:

Name Room Name Room

Azariah Tukariri 22 Katea Tohi 23

Aanav Lal 33 Jinell Paul 22

Leyton Bishop 67 Kamryn Pask 28

Figota Sanele 13 Esha Faamausili 70

Kepu Tu’uheava 27

CURRICULUM COUNCIL:

Name Room Name Room

Jeremiah Moemai Iosia 19 Halo Matthews 22

Rishik Maharaj 69 Trudy Pouono 69

Lora Elisara 33 Miriam Jorce Rabuka 32

Mila Tautogia 11 Kumiko Taukolo-Purea 25

Mateo Fatu 75

ECO COUNCIL:

Name Room Name Room

Kahtrel Cocker 62 Prisha Singh 67

Taugaola Scanlan 71 Sharleen Grace 19

Emeth Casey 69 Stig Jensen 69

Cherish Tupaea 35 Lilly Plows 12

Kikorangi Wiremu 6 Mica Rivera 79

PASTORAL COUNCIL:

Name Room Name Room

Khloe Laumahina 62 Iosefa Tusani 26

Annastacya Fatu 26 Amos Evans 22

Doreen Uta Perese 69 Leighton Leevard 62

Fabianni Napara 22 Monaro Mitchell 30

Amy Young 6 Demetrius King 6

c) MI BROTHERS 2021 COUNTIES SPORT AWARDS – the postponed

2021 Counties Sports Awards were held February 9th at the

Weymouth Club Rooms. These were meant to be held last year

but were moved due to COVID. The MI Brothers 2021 team were

finalists in the Junior Team of the Year, which they won. This is a

true testament to the old boys from past years as well as 2021 in

building the foundations for the continual success that the club

has and for the “brotherhood” these boys have together. It

speaks to the sacrifice they have given in their quest for coming

first in Counties, to their whanau in supporting the journey the

boys go on each season. It also speaks volumes to Manurewa

Intermediate and to the culture in allowing for rugby union to

flourish. This will be used as a platform to take the club to new

heights and continue to give Manurewa Intermediate success out

on the field and make the school the true powerhouse of rugby in

South Auckland.

Thank You

a) THANK YOU 1 – on behalf of myself and all our students to our “fantastic staff”, be they teachers or support staff. The beginning of a school year is a very exhausting time, and even more so currently, and the staff have been doing a fantastic job! Your efforts and commitment are much appreciated.

b) THANK YOU 2 – to our Board of Trustees who support your child and whanau so much from a financial perspective – we charge you nothing and the only expense you have is the school uniform. Already, in just three school weeks, the stationery packs, Student Diary Planner, Whanau Band, would have cost you $50.00, let alone all the other resources and activities the Board provide, which many schools would charge for. And the one to one laptop provided to your child each and every day at school, and free school lunches. Your appreciation and gratitude is valued!

There is often much discussion in schools about recognition of children for their achievements/success/accomplishments and at times it seems just the minority is recognised. Whilst it is important in a competition situation (e.g. sporting event or an actual competition in dance, drama etc), when the goal is to win, the competition is vital. But it is also important in a learning context that not just the top learners achieving at a high level (where we see the end result) are recognised. Just as important is the acknowledgement of effort – and especially so, sustained effort. To recognise and acknowledge added growth/improved progress is important and our assemblies and newsletters are a forum for this, as will our three learning conversations at our Student Involved Conferences during the year.

We all have to believe in and develop a learning culture where to learn you also have to be willing to fail, to make mistakes, to screw up and then be able to learn from those opportunities and experiences. Karen Boyes, CEO/Educationalist of Spectrum Education NZ articulates this belief and also says it takes reflection and time. To learn to learn, you must know that it is hard to learn new information, but the more we do it, the easier it gets. As adults we need to step back and let children struggle and work it out for themselves. I see so many children displaying learned helplessness because a teacher or parent is constantly jumping in to rescue and help them. We need to showcase the effort and the journey not just the result.

When praising your kid/s, praise their effort, concentration, strategies and give specific feedback. Comments such as, “Your persistence really paid off in completing your work today”, is far more effective than saying “great work”. So have a think about this and see what you can do to acknowledge the effort and success of your kids!

“This year will be full of challenges. It is a given. However, you have before you the opportunity to make 2022 whatever you want it to be. And the one thing that has the greatest bearing over whether you achieve your goals is you. Attitude is key, and maintaining a positive outlook can make all the difference. Get involved in everything going on and don’t act as if you are entitled to everything…give back too! I want you all to learn how to be more grateful and appreciative for all you are given – that is all students and yes whanau all of you as well! We are having a real focus this year on service and giving back – giving back to the school itself by doing jobs within our school community, and also externally to the wider community we live in. SO much is given to our kids and whanau and it is important we all learn how to give back and to appreciate what we are given. To show gratitude!

So make sure you enjoy the year that is before you. You will never get this time again and you must use it well!”

Effort V Accomplishment/Success

And along with putting in sustained effort we need a great attitude and we need to appreciate what we are given…as I said in my speech on Day 1…

Room 22 It's been great to be back at school I’m sure all would agree and Room 22

would like to share what we have been up to and what we have enjoyed

so far at MI. Meeting all the old and new students in our class was great

and we spent the first week getting to know each other, the school

grounds and other members of the

MI community. We have learnt a

lot about the school culture and

expectations through Mr Taylor’s

assemblies, our Whanau meetings

and in the classroom. We have

enjoyed working together as a

class on mini classroom projects

and team-building games, working together to overcome challenges.

We also enhanced our understanding of the school's Keys to Success

and the term 1 Values and how they relate to us.

During week 2 we began to learn the Haka and continued our education around school life and how we

conduct ourselves inside and outside of school. All in all, we have loved our start to MI life and look forward

to what the future will bring. #LovingthatMIlife

Below we have highlighted some of the things we have enjoyed the most so far this term:

WHAT HAVE WE ENJOYED SO FAR AT MI?

“So far this term, I have really enjoyed being off timetable, getting to know all of the students individually and

building that class culture. I have also been really impressed with all the passion and respect demonstrated by

all of them. LETS GOOOOOOOO!!!! Shot team”

Mr Shephard

“So far this term I have enjoyed playing touch at lunch because it is very competitive. I also like playing games in

class like silent ball, capture the flag.”

Amos Evans

“So far this term, I have enjoyed my time in RM 22 even though I have only been with them for 2 weeks. I like

playing with the twins Wharariki and Kahu because they're kinda competitive [like ME].”

Jinell Paul

“So far this term, I have really enjoyed playing with my friends and playing different types of sports. I have really

enjoyed playing team sports and doing team building activities with my class, as I usually only compete in single-

player sports such as table tennis.”

Khiem Tran

“So far this term, I have been enjoying my time in room 22, I love when we play silent ball and capture the

flag. I have been enjoying getting to know my new peers and love my new leadership role as a senator for

the community council!”

Jordy Peleti

CLASS WORK

“So far this term, I have enjoyed playing capture the flag with the best class at MI. I enjoy playing touch at

lunch and interval. In week 2 we did the beep test and 100-metre sprint test, I enjoyed pushing and

challenging myself physically. What Mr Shephard does for the whole class and Rimu is best at MI.”

Dylan Miimetua

“So far this term, I have enjoyed being at MI, I have learnt a lot of new things throughout the past weeks. I

like playing fastball when we get the chance, hanging out with my friends, doing my job to help my class,

meeting new people and getting to know the teachers more.”

Waityden Tuiolosega

“So far this term, I have enjoyed playing and meeting new people in Rm 22, I also liked meeting my new

teacher. I liked hanging out with Mr Shephard. I still get to meet and talk to my friends from primary school.

My favourite thing to do at school is to play basketball with new people.”

Joshua ALu

“So far this term, I've enjoyed meeting the new teachers and it’s cool being around new students. I Like

hanging out in our class cause its chill.”

Huirama Hetaraka-Brown

“So far this term, I have enjoyed playing touch on the GOAT with my friends, learning the haka, doing

whanau meetings and learning all the chants.”

Eva Parry

“So far this term, I’ve loved it with Mr Shephard. My favourite thing to do at school is to play touch on the

GOAT and do some work that Mr gives us to do. Another thing I like to do is to see all the LA’s and

Teachers. I’m really looking forward to going back to school and doing a lot of fun activities.”

Aphareus Posimani

“So far this term, I have enjoyed playing rugby with the boys, having a laugh and making jokes. Also at

school, we love chatting to CBH.”

Jeshiah Petelii

So far this term, I have liked doing the activities that we do in our class and playing sports with the class,

because they are so competitive, fun and they don’t give up. I like doing the work that we do at this school

because it is harder, I’ve learnt a lot more already. I’m looking forward to doing more fun activities and

sports so 2022 bbbbbrrrinngg it on.

Jahnei Kaiwai-Peapea

Day in the Life in Room 73!

Welcome to a day in the life in Room 73! We

start every morning doing our basic facts

before MiTV starts. My goal is to improve my

scores from last week, Miss Stephens always

tells us we are only competing with ourselves.

Once we have done our basic facts we go to

see our Hulk Smashers who check our uniform

to make sure we are looking perfect.

Our first period activity today was

visiting the library. Miss McKenzie

talked to us about the different books

available at the library. It was cool to see

the new books that she had got for the

library. I sat on the couch and read one

of the new Fortnite books. I can’t wait

until we can get books out from the

library.

Afterwards we spent time

creating bookmarks so we can

keep our place in the books

without making dog-eared

pages. When I had finished

mine, I got to help Miss

Stephens put our collaborative

artwork together. Last week

Miss Stephens had given us a

mystery piece of an artwork and

told us to colour it in nice and

bright. We were surprised to see

our pieces come together to

create a Whairepo or stingray!

After morning tea we started a new team

challenge called MI Island. We had to create

our own island, and my group started by

creating our map. We called our island Tewa

Island. Our landmarks are Crystal Lake, The

Great Pine Forest and The Evans Orchard.

Today for our brain break we went out by the

skate park. Some of our class lay down around

the tree and some of us picked grass to feed to

the chickens.

During Period four Miss Stephens set up a Book

Tasting for us. We had the chance to move

around the different tables that had different

books on each table. My favourite table was the

adventure table and the series starters table. The

book I am most interested to read is one called

Mud, Sweat and Tears by Bear Grylls. It’s filled

with interesting stories of his experiences, some

of them finished when he ended up in a hospital.

Finally after lunch, lunch eating and DEAR time we got to pick a new table group!

We also got to pick which pot plant we wanted on our tables. Most of the groups

wanted the Hen and Chick Fern, we ended up getting a Watermelon Peperomia. It’s

called a Watermelon Peperomia because the leaves have a dark green and light green

pattern that looks similar to a

watermelon.

We packed up our class and headed to

whanau wrap up! We practiced some

new chants and found out who won our

whanau’s Hulk Smash competition. It

wasn’t us but I know we could win next

week!

By Alesha Patrick and Keisha Leonard.

ROOM 78’S VIRTUAL LOCKERS 2022

Getting to know our class has been a major focus for us over the last few weeks. We have done lots of activities

about our favourite things and made some amazing wall displays that show off our interests. Being a digital class,

we also have been working on using our skills to create some online work that shares our personalities with each

other. Here we present our “virtual lockers” that show our favourite things, people, places and of course, foods!

We used Google Slides as a template and practiced removing backgrounds from PNG images we found that

represented us in the best way. Enjoy learning more about our new Year 7’s for 2022!

Mina Saboonchi

Lavinia Takau

ROOM 78’S VIRTUAL LOCKERS 2022

Rahman Ibrahim

Nhykia Epati-McPherson

ROOM 78’S VIRTUAL LOCKERS 2022

Amanouel Odicho

Stevielee Herewini

ROOM 78’S VIRTUAL LOCKERS 2022

Karhn-ly Mahara

Amir Singh

ROOM 78’S VIRTUAL LOCKERS 2022

Kyrone Kara

Mrs. White

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

The first day of the brand-new school year - Tuesday 8th of February. For the staff starting Term One, it couldn’t have come fast enough! For most teachers we had spent two weeks before school started getting classrooms perfect, environments welcoming and upskilling with professional development for the 2022 year. We started with a Mihi Whakatau outside on the GOAT to welcome our new students to Manurewa Intermediate. Usually, we would have had our normal pōwhiri in the hall, full of students and their whānau, but under the Red Traffic Light system, this year we were unable to have our whānau attend. It was very pleasing to see so many of our students walking through the gate that morning - easily 600+ students – which is bigger than some schools around the country!

Our powhiri are always student-led so it was only right to have our Mihi Whakatau led by students also. Azariah from Room 23 and Figota from Room 13 did a great job leading us all and we thank them both for stepping up! After our Mihi Whakatau Mr Taylor talked to the school. This talk is important as it sets the scene for the coming year. Mr Taylor reminded us all about how important it is to be engaged throughout the year, to come into school every day because “MIS is too good to miss!”. It is then Mr Bartlett’s turn, where he reads out the class lists. I could just imagine being a student in Rm 79 and wondering if my name would ever be called out as they are the last class to be red out of the whole school! As Mr Bartlett introduces each teacher you see the kids in the crowd wondering if this is going to be their teacher, it is lovely to see the teachers smile and greet their students - right away making the students feel welcome and important. Students then go back to their classes where the teachers get straight into it. Setting class expectations, talking about what's coming up this term - especially because Term One this year looks a lot different to other years at MI, not being able to have our annual Night Markets and MI Survival Camp. Just before the end of the school day, each Whanau has their first meeting for the year. Whanau Leaders and the teachers are introduced and there is some sneaky chant practice happening as well. It was lovely to hear our school pumping and hearing these chants echoing all over the school. The excitement and vibes of Manurewa Intermediate were back again and it was so pleasing to see. It definitely had me excited for the rest of the year ahead. A very fast action-packed and hot first day of school done at MI! Thank you to our students and our staff for making this day special! Bring on

the rest of 2022!

REPORTS

POLYNESIAN GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 2022

Polynesian Girls U13 Tournament Winners🏆 Manurewa Intermediate representing Tamaki Māori. The only school ever to win this tournament with local community talent. Every other team had Year 9 high school talent with the best players from around NZ representing their Polynesian country.

Our M.I. squad beat all-girls teams and then were placed in the boy's U13 section. The girls then came 2nd in the pool and made it to the semis out of 8 boys teams. Because of COVID, the girls missed out on AIMS Games and Auckland Champs but we are very thankful we finished on a positive note. Thanks to the girls for the hundreds of hours of training they sacrificed to become better individuals through sport. Hopefully, this will put them in good stead for the challenges life will chuck at them in the future. Congratulations to Nakeisha Sefatu who was named MVP of the tournament. Nakeisha led with her actions and committed herself to the M.I. way for over two years. A great reward for an awesome role model. Unbeaten in 2021 and in 2022! Results below:

● VS BARADENE INT = 65-6 May (2021) Win

● VS ST CUTHS = 62-12 June (2021) Win

● VS ST CUTHS YR 9 & 10s = 42-18 June (2021) Win

● VS PONSONBY INT = 57-12 August (2021) Win

● VS ST MARYS COLLEGE = 55-14 August (2021) Win

● POLYNESIAN TOURNAMENT 2022 = Unbeaten in the tournament against Samoa, Niue,

Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Fiji and finally Tonga in the final.

1) SCHOOL TARGETS – the Ministry of Education requires all schools to set student achievement targets every year. These targets are designed to accelerate student achievement.

After analysing the 2021 end of Year 7 data and 2022 Year 7 data we have set targets in Reading, Writing and Math. These targets form part of our Operational Plan for 2022, which is part of the whole Charter that the Ministry approve. If you are interested in seeing the full charter please feel free to call into school and read it. A copy is kept in the foyer or request a copy to be sent to you.

2) DRINK BOTTLES – a reminder with the summer term that all children are encouraged to carry water bottles with them in class. A common sense approach and one we will remind all children throughout the term! Your support with this is much appreciated in the form of naming drink bottles and providing them! We encourage all children to drink water regularly throughout the school day.

3) PARK SAFELY AND KEEP OUR KIDS SAFE - this term our school is participating in Auckland Transport’s ‘Safety at the School Gate’ programme. Drivers who stop in the wrong place to drop off passengers put the safety of children at risk. Parking officers will be on patrol outside the school this term and will be issuing tickets to drivers who park illegally.

The agreed approach is ‘zero tolerance’ - there will be no warnings issued, you will receive a ticket if you are double parked, parked on yellow lines, or over someone’s driveway - or for any other vehicle safety offence. This includes driving into the school carparks or Dental Clinic and neighbours driveways. Please note – park on the street if coming into school, not inside the school drive or carparks at all. Thank you

Please park legally to keep our children safe and to avoid being ticketed. Before and after school is a busy time for everyone. Parking rules help protect our children and keep them safe. Drivers who park illegally put our kids at risk.

• Parked on the footpath or grass verge/berm $40

• Parked across or within 1m of a vehicle entrance $40

• Parked within 6m either side of an unmarked bus stop $40

• Parked within a marked bus stop $60

• Parked within 0.5m of a fire hydrant with no one in the car legally capable of moving it $60

• Parked within a designated bus lane, transit or cycle lane $60

• Parked on a clearway or double parked $60

• Inconsiderate parking to other road users, including pedestrians $60

• Parked on or within 6m of an intersection $60

• Parked on a pedestrian crossing $60

• Parked on a broken yellow line $60

• Parked inside school grounds $60

Also please do not call your child to cross the road to you where you park opposite the school. They use the pedestrian crossing!

Fines for illegal parking include:

Current School Notices and Reminders

4) SCHOOL UNIFORM - it is wonderful to see the majority of students now wearing correct school uniform, although there are still some who are not: either because they are choosing not to or because the uniform shops may still not have all stock in (if this is the case, non-regulation uniform is ok but a note is still needed). However, if incorrect uniform is worn, for whatever reason, a note is needed please, and then a pass given. A copy of our uniform expectations follows.

We conduct a week’s ‘uniform check’ at the gate a few weeks each term and this will be a wonderful way to clarify our expectations. Thank you for your support in advance.

As advised last year during Year 6 visits in Term 4 the correct uniform is:

UNIFORM INFORMATION 2022

2012 saw the full introduction of our new, modernised style uniform across the entire school, with

a multi-purpose design that is the formal school uniform and physical education uniform in one.

This is to eliminate the two previous separate uniform items, which became costly.

The uniform is able to be purchased from only two stockists:

The Warehouse Manukau

Cavendish Drive, Manukau (Opening hours: 8:00am – 12:00am) 09-262 1187

THE UNIFORM SHOPPE

1 Ronwood Ave, Manukau (beside Krispy Kreme) (Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm Mon-Fri; 9:00am – 3:00pm Sat; 10:00am – 3:00pm Sun) 09-267 6063

The complete school uniform (and no similar non-school logo shorts or skirts) is to be worn without

any extras i.e. NO jewellery (except small studs), makeup or nail polish. Long hair, for both boys and

girls is to be tied back for safety reasons and shoes must always be worn when in the workshop

classes.

The uniform is the same for boys and girls, with girls having the option of wearing shorts OR the

skirt, and boys able to wear shorts or an i.e. faitaga. We would encourage you to purchase at least

two shirts to start with and wait until the colder weather kicks in before purchasing the jacket. Long

sleeve black skivvies can be worn under the school shirt and plain black trousers/ track pants during

the winter terms (Term 2 and 3) can be worn.

BOYS Maroon/black school shirt Black school shorts OR plain black ie faitaga School jacket Long black and maroon school socks Plain black trousers (NOT jeans) in Terms 2 and 3 Black long-sleeve singlet in Terms 2 and 3 Plain, unlabelled black shoes

GIRLS

Maroon/black school shirt

Black school skirt OR black school shorts

School jacket

Black ankle/mid socks

Black stockings in Terms 2 and 3

Black long-sleeve singlet in Terms 2 and 3

Plain, unlabelled black shoes

SHOES

Correct footwear is a constant issue, so please note what the correct school shoes are and any

deviation from this will not be accepted. You also need to be aware many shops try to sell you shoes

that they call ‘School Shoes’ but they are NOT school shoes. The test to see if they are acceptable is

quite simple:

• If they do not cover the full foot then they are not acceptable! (Note: girls shoes with the

open part across the top of your foot, with the thin single strap across to buckle the shoe is

not acceptable)

• If they have any form of label or tag on any part of the shoe the label or tag must be fully

black!

• CANVAS SHOES OF ANY KIND ARE NOT PERMITTED!

The correct school shoes for Manurewa Intermediate are plain, black, unlabelled lace-ups or slip-

ons (boys and girls) as illustrated below (NO HIGH TOPS / BOOTS).

We insist that the children wear these shoes because:

a) They cover most of the foot for protection.

b) They will help not only protect feet but keep them warm and dry in winter.

c) They do not have high heels which are dangerous to run and play in.

PLEASE NAME ALL ITEMS!!!

Please ensure all uniform items, including shoes, are named! This will save you a lot of money in the long run as children often leave their clothing lying around and if so, and then found, the item can be returned! Thanks

5) Staff List - following is the full staff list and areas of responsibility. Note highlighted names are those staff

who are new this year; so we give them a special welcome and trust their first four weeks has gone well and enthusiasm is high, even though we are in interesting times!

PRINCIPAL

Iain Taylor ITa

ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Tanya Brook TBr Learning and Teaching

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

Sidd Apiata Sap Operations/ Putaiao Passion Pod Thomas Bartlett TBa e-Learning & Pastoral Care/ Whanau Leaders’

Mentor/ Nga Reo Waheke Passion Pod Ross Devereux RDe External Relations and Communications/ Nga Toi

Passion Pod/Whanau Kauri

Jesmond Filipo JFi Pastoral Care/Te Ao Tangata Passion Pod/Whanau Kowhai

Dan Filippini DFi

Guidance and Support/ Pangarau Passion Pod/ Whanau Tawa

Jesse Lee

JLe

Professional Learning Leader/ Te Ao Tangata Passion Pod

Junior Peilua JPe Student Programmes/ Toitu Passion Pod/ Whanau Rimu

TEACHERS Room 2 Annette Moore AMo LEARNING SUPPORT COORDINATOR Room 3 Charlotte Fox CFo HUMANITIES/ASCoLLT:AC2 Room 4 Nathan Edwards NEd HUMANITIES Room 6 Char Tamaki Cta LANGUAGES/WSCoLTL: AC1 Room 9 Taania Williams TWi HUMANITIES Room 11 Lea Debris LDe HUMANITIES Room 12 Kasia Szparagowska KSz HUMANITIES/Passionator: Kowhai Room 13 Danny Saxby DSz HUMANITIES Room 14 Uane Davidson UDa MATH Room 15 Daniel Cope DCo MATH Room 19 Laura Gafo’i SSh MATH Room 20 Otto Filipo OFi MATH/WSCoLLT:AC3 Room 22 Rob Shephard RSh PE/Passionator: Rimu; WSCoLLT:AC3 Room 23 Derrick Elazegui DEl PE Room 23a Suman Sharan SSh MATH/Math Practice Leader Room 24 Kendal Orr KOr MATH/SCoLLT:AC2 Room 25 Charlotte Davis CDa MATH Room 26 Ese Tofilau ETo MATH/Passionator: Kauri Room 27 Faith Huang FHu MATH Room 28 Chris Wilding CWi HUMANITIES Room 29 Maggie Misa MMi HUMANITIES Room 30 Cian Byrne-Hansen CBy HUMANITIES Room 32 Ella de Ausen EDe HUMANITIES Room 33 Padraic Bacon PBa FORM CLASS/Cover and Release Room 34 Candice Knibbs CKn HUMANITIES/Humanities Practice Leader Room 35 Anne-Marie Rowney ARo COOKING Room 62 Mokoia Huata MHu MUSIC Room 67 Di Tanaki DTa PERFORMING ARTS/Passionator: Kowhai Room 69 Lee Stewart LSt X-PLO TECH/Passionator: Kauri/WSCoLTL: AC 3 Room 70 Michael Watson MWa SCIENCE Room 71 Dana Mousa DMo SCIENCE Room 73 Dani Stephens DSt SCIENCE Room 75 Room 77

Mareena Henare Rita Brooking

MHe RBo

SCIENCE SCIENCE?ASCoLLT:AC2 and 3

Room 78 Tanya White TWh DIGI-COMP Room 79 Shar Hardwidge SHa ART/WSCoLTL: AC1 Room 81 Jo McIntyre-Brown JMc SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE/ASCoLTL: AC1 Room 101 Melissa Lee MLe RELEASE TEACHER

PARA-PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT STAFF

COUNSELLOR

Megan Hutchings

MHu

Room 39

IT MANAGER

Da Vi Tran DTr Room 50

LIBRARIAN Phillippa McKenzie PMc Room 102

SOCIAL WORKER Sharlene Hudson Tbc – Iosis

Chu tbc

Room 43 Room 43

ANCILLARY SUPPORT STAFF

ATTENDANCE OFFICERS Chad Evans Tai Marsters Moana Moana

CEv TMa MMo

Room 42 Room 42 Room 42

ESOL TEACHER Tasi Lokeni

TLo

Room 21

EDUCATION for SUSTAINABILITY LEARNING ASSISTANT

Shona Upoko SUp Room 56

GROUNDS & PROPERTY SUPPORT STAFF

Jay Upoko Shane Katipa Kazik Chodor Jaden Godinet

JUp SKa KCh JGo

Property Manager Caretaker/Groundsman Cleaning Contractor Gardener

LEARNING ASSISTANTS Sam Bryans Taylor Chongnee Eriha Kapa Marie Ngapera Bruce Paulo Tumii Poko Taiawa Popata Litarina Savaiinaea Korinito Seuala Iavana Seuala Ojay Solomona Henry Vinivini

SBy TCh EKa MNg BPa TPo TPo LSa KSe ISe Oso HVi

Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10 Room 10

OFFICE & PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT STAFF

Karen Slattery Nella Saunders Lee Townsend

KSl NSa LTo

PA/Office Manager Accounts Receptionist

STUDENT SUPPORT CHAMPION

Neemia Suafo’a NSu Room 42

We also welcome back our “boomerang staff” Mr Wilding and Ms Lee who returned this year; Mr Wilding from his “extended return back to Canada in 2020 and 2021” and Ms Lee after her maternity leave last year bringing Hugo into the world. It is great to have you both back!

And to Ms Misa in Room 29, new to this role after working within our Kahui Ako schools the past two years as a Student Support Champion. It’s great to have you in a class this year!

We are very fortunate to have all three of you back with us as you are all such strong and competent practitioners.

6) BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER – for your interest our very dedicated and involved Board members are: Gary Rogers – Presiding Member (new term changed from Chairperson) Val Taruia-Pora Lua Afakasi John Afakasi Terri Martin

In September this year we have Board elections so if you are interested in standing feel free to contact us now! For any communication to the Board, please feel free to email the Presiding Member at: thechair@manurewaint.school.nz

7) Student and Whanau Support – we are very lucky to have the services of our very own fulltime SWiS and Counsellor. Their roles are fully funded by the school and are here to support students and whanau (to some degree) and I introduce them:

Counselling:

My name is Megan Hutchings and I am the counsellor here at MI. My role in the school is to meet with the students who are going through challenging times or dealing with difficult emotions, to give those students the opportunity to talk in a safe and respectful environment.

Concerns for the mental health of young people today is a really important conversation to have. Our youth are exposed to so much, yet they haven’t always been taught the skills on how to manage it all. Commonly young people deal with anxiety and depression, issues with their friends, family and school, different types of grief and loss, whilst also managing the challenges of social media.

In working with students at MI, I aim to help provide skills, coping strategies and a space to talk that is safe, respectful and confidential. The only time confidentiality is breached is if there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to the student or someone near the student. Students and whanau can refer themselves (the student) for counselling through the Counselling Referral Form on the MI school website, underneath the “Learn” tab.

Social Worker

Sharlene Hudson: I am a social worker employed by Manurewa Intermediate School. My role is to be available to all families and students that attend this school. I have a vast knowledge of social services in South Auckland and have built strong relationships within South Auckland that can assist and support our students and families.

OUR IN SCHOOL SOCIAL SERVICES STAFF

CONTACTS

COUNSELLOR SOCIAL WORKER Megan Shalene meganh@manurewaint.school.nz shaleneh@manurewaint.school.nz PH: 2668268 ext 3039 PH: 2668268 ext 3043 M: 0226920210

TIMES – available Monday – Friday, 8am to 4.30pm

PLEASE NAME IT

We make every effort to see students’ personal items are secure. It would make our task considerably easier and would drastically reduce levels of stress for students if ALL ITEMS – INCLUDING ALL UNIFORM ITEMS, PE UNIFORMS, SHOES, SPORTS EQUIPMENT, JACKETS, JERSEYS, LUNCHBOXES, WATER BOTTLES, BAGS etc. WERE ALL CLEARLY NAMED!!

OPEN DOOR POLICY

As mentioned in my initial letter in Week 1 our school has an “Open Door Policy”. This means that should you have any questions or concerns about anything please do not hesitate to contact us. Don’t be a stranger, but pop in anytime you can. We’d love to see you! If at any time you wish to see any of your child’s teachers about something specific please telephone the school to organize an appointment. At times there are bound to be issues that crop up and we encourage you to air your concerns but ask that you speak to the person involved first. If you have done this and feel there has been no success, you are more than welcome to see the form teacher, the relevant senior staff member or myself. If you are wanting information on your child’s progress, it is advisable to book a time to see the relevant subject teacher. This will enable the teacher to give you the time you deserve to have the proper conversation. Classrooms are busy places in the mornings before school and immediately after, and it is not always possible for the teacher to give full attention to your queries if you do not book in advance.

SMOKE AND VAPE FREE ENVIRONMENT

In accordance with legislation I remind parents/caregivers and students that our entire school and boundary is Smoke and Vape Free.

MESSAGES FOR/FROM STUDENTS

We accept there will be occasions when students need to contact members of their family during the school day. With the approval of their classroom teacher, students are able to use a school telephone to do this. Because of the demands of school management and school activities, these calls will be restricted to important matters – not to have forgotten homework, lunch etc. dropped off or to arrange an after school social occasion! If things are forgotten then children will need to learn to accept the consequences for their actions. Likewise, the school accepts with today’s busy schedules there will be occasions when parents need to get important messages to their children. The school will make every effort to forward these messages, if received before 2.45pm. However, the administration staff cannot accept responsibility if a student does not receive a message.

ABSENCE

If your child is absent from school please call the office on 2668268, before 8.45am to advise us. If you do not do this we contact you immediately through our text system. After the second day of no notification the administration staff will contact the home directly as well.

LATENESS

All students who are late (i.e. arriving at school after the 8.30am bell) report to the office before heading to class. This is to ensure we keep a track of attendance and student safety. No valid note or parent means a consequence – an after school detention! We appreciate your support with this!

STUDENT DIARY PLANNER

Your child has been given a diary that is loaded with information. Please check with your child and have a look at it! Do it regularly!

VISITORS

Whenever you visit the school please do so via the office so you can be checked in, instead of going directly to the classroom. Thank you for your cooperation.

MONEY

is not to be left in bags, desks or clothing when not being worn. Hand to the office or form teacher for safe keeping. If the procedure is not followed

NO!!

iPod, game, fizzy drinks, lollies, chocolate or chewing gum are to be brought to school. If a student has any of these, they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day! We look forward to your support with this.

Ongoing General School Notices and Reminders

and money is ‘lost’ or ‘stolen’ we will not waste any time following up. Owner beware - follow the procedure!

AND lunches are provided free to every child so no need to drop off any lunch during the day.

UPDATE OF INFORMATION

If there have been any changes to the custodial arrangements, change of address, change of telephone number, change of emergency contact numbers, or any other changes we would be very grateful if you would inform us as soon as possible, so our records can be corrected.

INTERNET SAFETY

We are well aware that the internet is a wonderful educational resource, but we all know there are dangers. As you know, to use the information and communications technologies resources, including accessing the internet at school, students and their parents are required to sign an ACCEPTABLE USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES AGREEMENT. This agreement spells out very clearly what is acceptable and what is not acceptable both in terms of use and internet site access. This is done at enrolment. Students use individual logons and our system records for audit all logons, the date and time of the logon, the location of the computer and a list of all searches attempted and sites accessed. Please discuss with your child the appropriate use of the internet. Teachers also do this on a regular basis.

CELL PHONES

If students bring cellphones to school they are left at the office before school and collected after school. If students keep them on them or in bags during the day and they are ‘lost’ or ‘stolen’ we will not waste any time in following up. Owner beware - follow the procedures!

SCHOOL HOURS

Students are expected to be in school before 8.20am, ready for an 8.30am start. The school day ends at 3.15pm. We have no wet early finishes, although finish at 2.25pm every Tuesday. Please note a fuller explanation following this and also of the breakdown of the timetable.

Tuesday early finish (2.25pm) Current international and national research identifies the single most important determinant of student achievement is quality teaching. Quality teaching needs to be supported by strategic professional learning. Successful professional learning helps teachers to build knowledge, refine skills, practice new learnings, obtain feedback and receive support. The early finish for students every Tuesday afternoon is so that staff can participate in professional learning activities. However any student requiring supervision until 3.15pm will go to the Library where supervision will be provided. This 50 minute early finish each week does not interfere with in-class learning time as our lunch breaks are only 30 minutes instead of the normal hour most schools have and we start each day at 8.30am whereas most schools start at 9.00am, and we end at 3.15pm, whereas most schools end at 3pm. In effect then students are actually in class for 6 hours longer each week! All staff professional learning at Manurewa Intermediate is aimed at extending and increasing expertise. This will impact in the desired way on practice when individuals are able to make links between the learning and their professional beliefs, and to take an active role in identifying and pursuing such learning. An essential belief is that the learning will provide for improved student outcomes.

SCHOOL PROPERTY

The school has a policy of “abuser pays”. Students who carelessly or wilfully damage school property or equipment will be asked to meet the cost of the repairs, or at the very least pay a fair share of the replacement. We hope this will become a rare occasion at Manurewa Intermediate, however when this does occur, parents/caregivers will receive an explanatory letter and a tax invoice to cover costs. In addition to the fact that schools operate on very tight budgets, we see the development of personal responsibility as an important outcome of our school programmes.

MEDICATION IN SCHOOL

no medication should be kept in your child’s school bag. If your child has antibiotic/medication that needs to be administered during the school day please ensure you have filled out a permission slip at the office. No medication can be administered to your child without approval.

HOMESTUDY

Our stand on home study is that it is useful and helps develop good work habits. Home study can also be a contentious and emotional issue, and one that can cause much conflict in the home and at school. There is always a wide range of views on the subject with some parents wanting more and others wanting less. There is recent research which states home study for children under Year 9 makes no difference to academic achievement; however we do believe it helps with good work habits.

We believe that home study at this level gives students practice at managing their time to do some self-directed learning – which will increase dramatically once they move into high school. Any home study tasks are not designed to explore new concepts, but to reinforce prior learning. I discourage our teachers from setting lengthy tasks that require a lot of marking, because 6 minutes of marking per child over a class of 30 students = 3 hours. That time is better spent in planning exciting learning and providing direct feedback to students as they learn.

Our home study will only comprise literacy/spelling and Math and the completion of other subject tasks; but not new work. Reading is vitally important. Our children need to read for sustained periods (at least 15 minutes at a time) – so if your child says’ “I don’t have any homework”’ hand him or her a good book! My hope is that home study will purr along in the background without causing any frustration for parents, students or teachers. The homework programme commences in Week 5.

We have an After School “Home Study Club” every afternoon from 3.15pm-4.15 pm except Friday, and 2.25-4.15pm Tuesdays, in the Library as well as the ICT Lab which is open for students to use the computers. The Library is also open before school, at all break times and until 4.15pm after school every afternoon. Any student is welcome to attend! Encourage your child to do so if they find doing work at home is difficult.

In summary: a. Home study will comprise a daily reading expectation, the learning of spelling words and arithmetic (i.e., multiplication, addition etc) and the completion of work already taught (not new learning). The time allocation will be approximately 20-30 minutes per day, although longer reading time is whole heartedly encouraged. Your child’s form teacher will let you know more details if they have not already done so, as this is overseen by form teachers! b. Home study must be relevant, beneficial and fair. It must be work that does not require hours of parental input, followed by hours of marking. If you wish your child to have more homework please feel free to organise this yourself. Bookshops sell a plethora of project type worksheets and activities that may or may not be of any real learning value but should you want more of these resources they will give you an option.

PERIOD 6/PASSION PURSUITS - once we are out of the red traffic light.

Our Extra-Curricular Activities, offered by staff, operate during Period 6 (from 3.15-4.15pm) on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. In the past staff have offered various clubs such as Chess, Cooking, Art, Sewing and Crafts, Christian Fellowships, Maker Spaces, E4S, Homework Club, Khan Academy, Digital Club, Gardening, and Horticulture for students to take part in.

The school wide activities of choir, bands, cultural groups (Te Manu Ka Rewa, Samoan, Tongan, Indian etc) and Zone sports teams training will also happen in a Period 6 in addition to any other practices that may be scheduled. Students will be given a permission slip for parents/caregivers to sign in order to attend any Period 6 they take part in. Without signed permission students will not be able to attend.

1) I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the Mana Kidz Health clinic at Manurewa Intermediate, open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 3pm. Registered Nurse Liza and Whanau Support Worker Jess, are the Mana Kidz health care team here at Manurewa Intermediate and are available to assist with any health concerns

COMMUNITY NOTICES

that may arise, such as sore throats which can indicate a child has Strep Throat, and is also one of the first signs of Covid – Omicron.

Children with a sore throat may need antibiotics, and also need a Covid test. Please get in touch with us if your child stays home from school with a sore throat as we can prescribe antibiotics. We are also available for any health or Covid concerns – again please don’t hesitate to text or ring and we can support and/or supply information.

Mana Kidz is a free, nurse-led, school-based programme that provides comprehensive healthcare for children in the Counties Manukau Health region. The programme is led by the National Hauora Coalition in partnership with Counties Manukau Health and is supported by local providers: Kidz First, East Tāmaki Health Care, Health Star Pacific, Turuki Health Care, Te Hononga O Tāmaki Me Hoturoa, South Seas, Tongan Health Society and Papakura Marae.

Started in July 2012, Mana Kidz clinics now operate in 88 primary and intermediate schools in the Otara, Mangere, Manurewa, Franklin and Papakura communities. 65 school clinics have a registered nurse and whānau support worker providing healthcare including rheumatic fever prevention services, skin infection treatment and management and health assessments. 23 school clinics have a registered nurse who provides child health assessments and management.

We welcome students and family members to come the clinic. We have an open door policy and would love for you to talk to us about any concerns you may have regarding your child’s health, or even just to chat. You can contact us by calling the school office or phone us directly:

Liza Fernan (RN) phone – 022139476 and Jessica Leilona (Whanau Support Worker) phone 0224590983.

2)

ARE YOU BEING SUCKED IN?? Don’t Get Sucked In is a website encouraging

teens not to pick up vaping (or smoking) in the first place, by challenging them to do the

research and think critically about vaping. Visit the link for more info.

https://dontgetsuckedin.co.nz

3)

PARENTING HELPLINE “WE CAN HELP WITH ANY OF YOUR PARENTING

CONCERNS”

Parent help is a non-profit organisation supporting parents to build resilient and positive families/whānau. We offer a free Helpline for parents and caregivers providing advice, support and practical strategies on any parenting concern. We aim to make all parents across New Zealand aware of

our Helpline and the support they can get. Get support, advice and practical strategies.

Call 0800 568 856

9am – 9pm Monday to Sunday

www.parenthelp.org.nz

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I have received and read Newsletter 02/22 SIGNED: _________________________ Parent of ___________________ Room: ________

WHANAU: (Please circle which whanau your child is in and return this to your child’s teacher for your child to gain 10 whanau points)

KAURI KOWHAI RIMU TAWA