Week 5 Term 3 2025
Kia ora koutou
Last week, our students had an incredible time at Sports Camp, making the most of the opportunity to enjoy healthy competition and play sport all day – and well into the evenings.
Maeroa students represented our school with pride, showing excellent sportsmanship, thoughtfulness towards others, and a determination to give their best in every game. They supported one another, played with enthusiasm, and truly embraced the spirit of the event.
In the lead-up to camp, our students had been practising the Maeroa chant with great energy and commitment, and when their moment arrived, they were more than ready to give it everything – a real highlight of the week.
We are so proud of the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field, and we know they will carry these positive experiences into the rest of the term.
This week in Hamilton, the New Zealand Association of Middle Schools and Intermediates Technology and Arts Teachers Conference is taking place. On Wednesday, we will be welcoming groups of these teachers to Maeroa to see first-hand the great work happening in our technology and arts programmes. We are looking forward to showcasing our facilities, our students’ learning, and the creativity that is such a big part of who we are.
On Friday morning, Te Puawaitanga welcomed tech/arts teachers from all across New Zealand to the NZ Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools Tech/Arts Conference at the Novotel. Te Puawaitanga made me feel incredibly proud as they conducted themselves with pride and enthusiasm. Many teachers from around the motu commented on how amazing they were – a true credit to our school.
As some of our winter sports are now coming to an end, I want to sincerely thank the parents, caregivers, and friends of the school who have stepped up to coach or manage a team this season. We truly appreciate the time, energy, and commitment you have put into supporting our students. Without your dedication, we simply would not be able to enter the number of teams that we do. Your contribution makes a real difference, and our school community is very grateful.
At this week’s assembly, I spoke with our students about respect – in the way we speak to others and in our actions, by thinking about how what we do affects those around us. How we treat others is remembered. I challenged our students to pause and think before they speak, before they post on social media, and to act with kindness so others feel safe, valued, and included. Respect is such an essential quality as our young people grow into adulthood, and it’s something we can practise every day.
Reminder: Monday, 18 August, is a Teacher Only Day. Our teachers will be working with a facilitator to examine the new maths curriculum. This means there will be no school for all Maeroa students on this day.
Tuesday 19 August: All NZEI members on our staff will be attending an NZEI meeting in the afternoon. This means students will finish school at 1:30 pm. If your child needs to be supervised at school until 3:00 pm, please let your child’s teacher or our school receptionist know as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.
Our School Board Elections - see below for results. Thank you to our whaanau who put their names forward to support our school in this way.
Ngaa mihi nui
Susan Wood - Principal
Waikato Regional Science Fair
On Monday, August 11, nine of our Te Ara Poutama students proudly represented Maeroa Intermediate at the Waikato Regional Science Fair. Held at the Distinction Hotel in Te Rapa, the event featured over 300 exhibits from schools across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Hauraki Plains.
Our students presented their science fair projects with confidence and skill. While they didn't place this year, the judges were impressed with their efforts. The positive feedback our students received is a true reflection of their hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of their participation and the high quality of their projects.
Science Fair
Reminders
Reminder: Monday 18 August is a Teacher Only Day. Our teachers will be working with a facilitator to examine the new maths curriculum. This means there will be no school for all Maeroa students on this day.
And
Tuesday 19 August - students going home at 1:30 pm
The Board has been advised that NZEI are holding a Paid Union Meeting and all teaching members are required to attend to hear how the needs can be met and what the Government is going to do to support our ākonga/students and kaiako/teachers.
Tuesday 19 August: All NZEI members on our staff will be attending an NZEI meeting in the afternoon. This means students will finish school at 1:30 pm. If your child needs to be supervised at school until 3:00 pm, please let your child’s teacher or our school receptionist know as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.
Koru Badges
Congratulations to the following students who have earned their Koru Badge over the last two weeks.
"Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star." - W. Clement Stone
Bronze: Lucy, Wyatt, Kristen, Braydon, Hailey, Haris, Ellie, Zenith, Ghaithaa, Ethan, Sulaiman, Willa, Ataahua.
Silver: Kristen, Alexander, Locky, Charlotte.
Gold: Sophie, Lily, Maisyn, Jake.
Platinum: Sophie., Maisyn.
Star: Kingston, Simon, Peyton George, Maisyn, Ruby.
Super Star: Bella, Peyton George, Maisyn.
Media Arts
In Media Arts, learners explore Photoshop, Illustrator, and iMovie. They are introduced to a range of tools and use various effects to create original artworks, often inspired by artist references.
Learners take their photos and videos, then edit them using Photoshop and iMovie. In Illustrator, they create designs by exploring text, shape, and imagery.
Learners apply numeracy skills to create Zines, combining words and images in Photoshop. In Talent Time, they explore stop motion animation using materials like plasticine, wire, coloured paper, charcoal, and digital drawing.
Learners are encouraged to take charge of their learning, organise their mahi, and build the knowledge and confidence needed for high school-level artmaking.
Media Art
Secondary School Enrolments
If your child is in Year 8 this year, it is essential to ensure they are enrolled in a secondary school for 2026. Please be aware of the following enrolment closing dates for local secondary schools:
Hamilton Girls’ High School – Friday 22 August 2025
Hamilton Boys’ High School – Friday 29 August 2025
Fraser High School (out-of-zone applications) – Thursday 19 September 2025
Please note: Out-of-zone applications received after the closing date will not be considered. You must enrol your child on time to ensure their placement for next year.
Please do not request our teachers to write references for your child. Their latest school report will be out before these closing-off dates, and these reports are what the High Schools require. Your child's mid-year report has been emailed to you this week.
Upcoming Events
Week 6
- 18 August Teacher Only Day - Our teachers will all participate in professional learning on the new maths curriculum, facilitated by a specialist. Our school will be closed.
- 19 August - WIMS Netball
- 22 August - Enrolments for HGHS 2026 close
Week 7
- 29 August - Enrolments for HBHS 2026 close
Week 8
- ASB Get Wise Financial Education Starts
- AIMS Week
Week 9
- 10 September Maeroa Enrolments for 2026 close
Week 10
- 15 September - Japan trip leaves
- 19 September - out-of-zone enrolments for Fraser High close
Week 1 of School Break
- 28 September - Japan trip returns