I want to start this newsletter by acknowledging the recent passing of Kiingi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII. A great tōtara has fallen, marking the end of an era and the loss of a leader whose influence extended beyond Tainui. The King Movement, or Kiingitanga, is the unifying Korowai (cloak) of Māori, established in 1858 to unite all tribes. Kiingi Tūheitia was the seventh sovereign in this line.
In this time of sorrow, we reflect on the Tainui whakataukī: “He toa takitini, he toa rangatira” “A great leader leads the many.”
At Mairangi Bay School, we hold close relationships and maintain an authentic partnership with our iwi - Te Kāwerau ā Maki. Most recently, our staff met with Josie to begin the co-construction of our school pepeha, identifying our school locators, identity, and `Tūrangawaewae—a place we all belong - unifying our people and place through kotahitanga. Haumi e, hui e, taiki e!
In other school news, we are thrilled to celebrate the recent achievements of our students through the arts.
Kids Sing Choir Performance
Our Senior Choir delivered an outstanding performance at the Kids Sing Choir Festival at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Their dedication truly shone through, earning praise from all in attendance. Thank you to Mrs. McCormack for her support and passion for the arts. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing our students' musical talents at Mairangi Bay School for many years.
Year 5 and 6 Marimba Festival
We look forward to the upcoming Marimba Festival at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium in Kohimarama this weekend. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their musical abilities, and we hope to see many of you there to support our young performers. Alternatively, our choir and marimba groups will be performing at our Arts assembly next Friday, 13 September, from 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Community Engagement
Positive community engagement has been a feature at our school this year. The various Principal Huis have seen increasing parent participation, reflecting the strong relationships we are building between home and school. Your involvement plays a crucial role in our school's success, and we are grateful for your continued support. As a polite reminder, sign up for the Parent Hui next Tuesday, 10 September - a must whānau session to help your child problem-solve at home and school. Student-Led Conferences
Finally, this is a reminder that our Student-Led Conferences are taking place this evening. These conferences are an excellent opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school, with students taking the lead in sharing their learning journey with you.
Thank you for being part of our thriving school community. Together, we continue to create a supportive and enriching environment for our tamariki - learning together to create a better tomorrow.
Ngā manaakitanga,
He nui ake tō mātou mana i te kura anahe - We are more than just a school
A Message from Fulton Hogan regarding roadworks on Ramsgate Terrace and Matipo Road
What we are doing Fulton Hogan, on behalf of Auckland Transport is carrying out road rehabilitation works to Ramsgate Terrace and a small section of Maxwelton Drive, commencing Sunday 1 September. Work includes removal of existing road surface, excavate down to approx 400mm, pour concrete, allow concrete to cure, three layers of asphalt and finally, line marking. Work is being broken up into smaller manageable stages.
How will this impact you For the duration of the work, there will be no vehicle access from Matipo Road in /out of Ramsgate Terrace. Pedestrian access remains open and available.
Please let you parents and staff know that detours will be place.
School operating hours and safety procedures for the well-being of all students We want to remind our whānau of the school's operating hours and safety procedures for the well-being of all students. Please note:
School opens at 8:30 am and closes at 3 pm.
The school playground apparatus opens at break time.
All students on site after school hours must be actively supervised by a parent or guardian to ensure their health and safety.
In the event of unsupervised students, they will be asked to wait in the school office until 3:30 pm and a parent will be contacted for pick-up. If the student is still not picked up after 3:30 pm, they will be placed in SKIDS (our after school care) and parents with be charged for their service.
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students.
New Notice about this weekend!
School Notices
Dame Valerie’s Jammie Army
As another famous South Aucklander once said, “We knocked the b** off.” Thanks to you, your Squad, and all of Dame Valerie’s Jammie Army—we certainly did! On this official last week of winter, the final pair of jammies has been delivered—to the 25,883th child!
This is huge! When Dame Valerie set the target with us at 15,000, we thought it might be a bit of a stretch, but together, we absolutely smashed it!
Like Sir Edmund Hillary, Dame Valerie has a deep commitment to her community, and she is thrilled with this result. “A huge shout out to the Jammie Army—what an incredible effort. I can’t believe we surpassed the original target by 10,000! I am humbled and so proud of what we can achieve when we work together for the good of others.”
I encourage you to read this year’s June for Jammies Impact Report. It beautifully captures the impact and joy of this phenomenal campaign, and is a true reflection of the whakataukī the Foundation embraces: Aroha mai, aroha atu—love given, love received.
What an achievement—thank you. You should be incredibly proud!
Your certificate is coming by post, as a token of our appreciation.
Warm regards, Dame Valerie and all of us here at the Middlemore Foundation
Sports News
Me and my friends (Taj, Harry, Max, Leo, Austin & MJ) were ball boys for the Northern Rovers FC 1st team on the weekend, it was a great experience there was an amazing crowd, we saw some incredible goals and got an up close view of the action. The hot chips and drink at half time as payment was awesome too. Northern Rovers won 2-1 and finished the season in 5th place.
From Ethan Taylor
Music News
Congratulations to Clare and the senior choir for a fabulous performance at the Kids Sing Choir. We look forward to the Year 5 and 6 Marimba Festival this weekend.
Advertising in our newsletter We are currently revamping the advertising block in our newsletter. Information and costs will be advertised here soon!
Term Dates
2024 TERM DATES
Term 3 Monday 22 July - Friday 27 September Public Holidays: None
Term 4 Monday 14 October - Tuesday 17 December Public Holidays: 28 October – Labour Day
2025 TERM DATES
Term 1 Friday, 7 February - Meet the Teacher Day
Monday, 10 February (First day of full instruction) - Friday, 11 April
Public Holidays: Easter is in the School holiday break Friday, 18 April - Good Friday Monday, 21 April - Easter Monday, Tuesday, 22 April - Easter Tuesday (a school holiday) Friday 25 April - ANZAC Day
Term 2 Monday 28 April - Friday 27 June
Public Holidays: Monday, 2 June - King’s Birthday SCHOOL CLOSED Friday, 20 June - Matariki Day SCHOOL CLOSED
Term 3 Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September
Public Holidays: None
Term 4 Monday 6 October - Tuesday 19 December
Public Holiday: Friday, 27 October - Labour Day
PLEASE NOTE: Teacher Only Days are to be confirmed for 2025
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