Week 1 term 4 2024
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome back to Term 4! I hope everyone had a restful break and is ready for an exciting and productive term. This term is always a busy one, packed with opportunities for learning, fun, and celebrating the achievements of our students.
We have some significant events coming up, including interviews for our incoming students, the Regional Kapahaka Competition for the Tainui Waka, the Tamaiti Pasifika Celebration and our much-anticipated Year 8 social. We are also looking forward to a visit from ERO, which will provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on and share the wonderful learning environment we have here at Maeroa Intermediate.
Our students have a lot to look forward to both in and out of the classroom. As always, our focus remains on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where each student can thrive. This term is about maintaining strong learning habits, demonstrating our school values of respect, kindness, and caring, and making the most of every opportunity to participate.
A key message we’ll continue to share with students in the coming weeks is the importance of respect – for each other, our environment, and the learning process. We will also continue to promote high attendance as the foundation for student success. To support this, we will be running weekly voucher draws for students who attend every day, with an extra draw for those who had 95% or better attendance to date this year.
Let's make Term 4 a time of focus, fun, and fantastic learning.
Ngaa mihi nui
Susan Wood - Principal
Behaviour Expectations at Maeroa
At times, we are faced with unacceptable behaviour, such as students hurting or threatening others, disrespecting staff, or damaging property. These actions are not aligned with our school values and cannot be tolerated. When such behaviours occur, there will be clear and firm consequences. These may include detentions, time-outs, or stand-downs. In cases where dangerous or ongoing behaviour continues, suspension may be necessary, with students required to go before the Board of Trustees.
Of course, we prefer that all students meet our behaviour expectations, follow our school values, and contribute positively to our school community. We believe in fostering a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for everyone, and we hope all students choose to be active, contributing members of that community.
Key Messages from our school assembly this week:
As we move into Term 4, we must remember the critical behaviour expectations we hold at our school: Respect, Respond, and Participate. These expectations are at the core of how we conduct ourselves every day.
Respect means treating others the way we would like to be treated. It’s about including others, being kind and caring, and considering the feelings of those around you. Our school values guide us in this, especially through Whakamiha, which teaches us to show respect, reverence, and acknowledgement. When you respect others, you show gratitude and appreciation, which helps create a positive, supportive community.
Respond is all about how you react to situations, challenges, and others around you. We want you to carefully consider how you respond to your teachers, peers, and learning opportunities. Manawanui guides us here, encouraging us to respond with resilience, perseverance, and courage. When things get tough, respond by facing those challenges head-on with a positive attitude, and remember to ask your teacher or me for support.
Participating means getting involved, being active in your learning, and making the most of every opportunity. Whether it’s in the classroom or activities outside the school, participation is key to your growth. This ties in with Manaakitanga, which encourages teamwork and collaboration. By participating, you are contributing to the well-being of others and to the success of our school community.
Towards the end of this term, we have our Year 8 social, where students who have managed to follow our school expectations and values will be invited to a fun night. Students who consistently demonstrate that they can not follow our school expectations or have poor attendance will not be invited to attend.
Our Trip to Japan 2024
This year’s Waikato Intermediate and Middle Schools trip to Japan was an incredible experience for our students. Hosted by Makuhari Junior High, the trip provided a unique opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and traditions. Our students were home-hosted by wonderful Japanese families, allowing them to experience daily life in Japan firsthand and form lasting connections with their hosts.
While Makuhari Junior High served as our base, we also visited a local elementary school and an international school, where students participated in cultural exchanges and learned alongside Japanese peers. One of the most memorable moments was experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at a Japanese tea house, set within a beautifully tranquil garden—a perfect way for our students to appreciate Japan’s deep-rooted cultural traditions.
Of course, the trip wasn’t all about tradition! Our students also got to experience the fun and excitement of Tokyo’s famous attractions. Highlights included visiting Tokyo Tower and exploring the magic of both Disneyland and Disney Sea. These exciting outings provided a fantastic balance of learning and adventure, and the students returned with unforgettable memories of both the culture and the fun.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to announce that we plan to take another group of Year 8 Maeroa students to Japan. Students will be selected based on their demonstration of our school values, attendance, and ability to manage being away from home for two weeks while staying with a Japanese family. Also students who have hosted a Makuhari student in 2024/2025 will be considered favourably. In 2024, Maeroa had 9 students participate in the trip, among 60 students from across the Waikato. While it is an expensive trip paid for entirely by the student and their family, the experience is invaluable. We will meet at the beginning of 2025 for interested families, after which students will apply and be selected from the group.
This incredible opportunity allows students to broaden their horizons, build friendships, and gain a deep understanding of another culture. We encourage interested families to start thinking about this unique experience!
Our trip to Japan 2024
Classes for 2025
As we look towards 2025, some families are asking about classes for 2025.
While most year seven students will stay with the teachers they have had this year, there may be some changes due to class dynamics, staff changes, or class change requests. If parents would like a change of class, you can email Ms Wood and request a change at swood@maeroa.school.nz. We will consider the change of class requests; however, we do not consider requests for specific teachers.
We may have spaces for students in year 7 (2024) to apply for the Reo Rua Unit, Te Puawaitanga, our GATE class, Te Ara Poutama, or our Sports Class for 2025. The application forms are available at our school office. Many students have already picked up a form and taken it home for their parents to sign and return it by Thursday, 24th October. Students who apply must go through the trial/testing process to determine whether they are eligible to be included in those classes.
Events coming up in Term 4 2024
Our calendar has been updated on our website, www.maeroa.school.nz.
- 15 October - Ritsumaeken School from Japan arrive
- 16 - 18 October - BMAC Camp
- 17 October - Incoming year 7 interviews
- 21 - 25 October - Hilary Outdoors Camp - Tongariro
- 22 October - Incoming year 7 interviews
- 29 October - Sports class 2025 trials for boys
- 30 October - Ritsumaeken students leave our school
- 30 October - Te Puaawaitanga Open Morning
- 31 October - Testing for our GATE class 2025
- 31 October - Sports class 2025 trials for girls
- 31 October - Waikato Intermediate and Middle Schools Kapahaka Festival
- 8 & 11 November - Teacher Only Days
- 8 & 9 November - Waikato Tainui Kapahaka Regionals
- 22 November - School Colour Fun Run
- 29 November - Fraser Day for Year 8's attending in 2025
- 5 December - Meet the Teacher for 2025, 4 - 6 pm
- 10 December - Final Assembly
- 11 December Year 8 Social
- 13 December, the final day of term, finishing at 12 noon
Dental Therapist
The Dental Therapists are on site here at Maeroa Intermediate.
They intend to see all year 8 students this term, and then the current year 7 students, who will be in year 8 in 2025, will be seen in term 1 2025.
If you have a specific concern about your child's teeth, please send a note to school. Your child can then go see the dental therapist, or your child can just knock on the door and see them.