Week 7
Friday, 29 August - Years 0 - 2 Swimming Lessons at AUT Millennium
Friday, 29 August - Chinese Cultural Performances
Saturday, 30 August - PTA Quiz Night in our school hall - Doors Open 6 pm

Week 8
Monday, 1 September - Friday, 5 September - Tuakana Dance Curriculum
Monday, 1 September - Teina Team Assembly in our school hall at 2:15 pm
Tuesday, 2 September - Website and Hero Hui in our staffroom at 1:45 pm
Wednesday, 3 September - Teina Team Parent Teacher Interviews 3:20 pm - 6 pm
Wednesday, 3 September - Tuakana Team Student Led Conferences 3:30 pm - 6 pm
Thursday, 4 September - Years 0 - 2 Swimming Lessons at AUT Millennium
Thursday, 4 September - Teina Team Parent Teacher Interviews 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Thursday, 4 September - Tuakana Team Student Led Conferences 3:30 pm - 5 pm
Friday, 5 September - Years 0 - 2 Swimming Lessons at AUT Millennium

Week 9
Tuesday, 9 - Friday, 12 September - Auckland Museum visiting the Teina Team
Tuesday, 9 September - Cluster Football
Wednesday, 10 September - Board of Trustees Meeting 7 pm
Thursday, 11 September - Non Uniform Day for St John's. Gold coin donation please!
Friday, 12 September - Korean Day!
Friday, 12 September - Mihi Whakatau for Years 5-6 ONLY in our school hall at 9:45 am
Friday, 12 September - Tuakana Assembly in our school hall at 1:30 pm
Saturday, 13 September - Marimba Festival

Week 10
Monday, 15 - Friday, 19 September - Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week
Tuesday, 16 September - Tuakana Fashion Show at 1:35 pm
Friday, 19 September - Awards Assembly in our school hall at 9:30 am

Friday, 19 September - Last Day of Term 3 - School Closes at 3 pm

Monday, 6 October - Term 4 Starts - School Opens at 8:30 am

Locally Grounded and Globally Minded

Kia ora e te whāanu,

Ko Cleeve te maunga

Ko Chelt te awa

No Cheltenham, Ingarangi aho

Ko ahau te tumuaki o te kura o Mairangi Bay

Ko Janes tōku whānau

Ko Nathan tōku ingoa

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou

Kia ora e te whānau,

This week we proudly celebrate Chinese Language Week | 新西兰中文周. It is a wonderful opportunity for our tamariki, staff, and community to experience the richness of Chinese language, culture, and traditions, and to continue building our connections with one of the world’s oldest and most widely spoken languages.

Why We Celebrate

Chinese Language Week encourages all New Zealanders to give Chinese language learning a go, whether that is learning a new greeting, trying some calligraphy, exploring Chinese stories, or tasting traditional kai. At Mairangi Bay School, we value diversity and inclusion, by being locally grounded and globally minded, and this celebration reflects our commitment to our values of whakaute | respect, atawhai | kindness, and manawanui | resilience.

Thank You to Doris

A very special thank you to Doris, our Mandarin Language Assistant, for her ongoing mahi and support in bringing Chinese language and culture alive in our kura. Through her teaching, games, stories, and encouragement, Doris has helped our students grow in confidence, curiosity, and appreciation for learning Mandarin. We are truly grateful for her contribution to making language learning engaging and meaningful.

Chinese Language Week Stalls

A highlight of our celebrations this year is a range of hands-on cultural stalls that allow students to explore traditional Chinese arts and activities. These experiences help our tamariki appreciate the creativity and depth of Chinese culture while practicing patience, focus, and collaboration.

Stalls include:

Chinese Knots
Paper-Cutting
Lacquer Fan Art
Ink Painting
Lantern Making
Games Area

These stalls not only showcase Chinese traditions but also give our students a chance to learn through creating, designing, and playing together.

Looking Ahead

Chinese Language Week is one of many ways we are embedding global citizenship and intercultural understanding in our school curriculum. These opportunities enrich our students’ learning and strengthen their ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, here in Aotearoa and across the world.

Xièxiè 谢谢 | Thank you for supporting our learning journey. Together, let’s celebrate language, culture, and community.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at nathanj@mairangibay.school.nz

Thank you for all your support. We appreciate your mahi.

He nui ake tō mātou mana i te kura anahe - We are more than just a school

Nathan Janes MEdLM

Tumuaki/ Principal Mairangi Bay Kura

Galaxy Drive Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0630

Tel: 09-478 8424

Web: https://www.mairangibay.school.nz/

Learning together to create a better tomorrow

Ako tahi mō āpōpō kia pai ake - #iLOVEMBS

Welcome Bex Rose - AI Surge

Kia ora e te whānau,

Today, I had the privilege of hosting other principals and school leaders at a workshop at Shore Junction led by Bex Rose from AI Surge and Noel Leeming Commercial. This three-hour session was an inspiring and practical look into the ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support schools, teachers, and most importantly, our tamariki.

Bex Rose – Director & Co-owner, AI Surge

With over 20 years in education and leadership, including time as a Deputy Principal, Bex Rose brings a wealth of experience to her role as Director and Co-owner of AI Surge. For the past three years, she has specialised in professional development and AI implementation, supporting principals, leadership teams, and schools across Aotearoa and Australia.

A self-described “digital geek,” Bex is passionate about helping schools harness the power of AI to improve teaching, learning, and leadership. She delivers practical workshops that connect innovation with culture, guiding schools and businesses to implement change safely, strategically, and with purpose.

Why AI in Schools?

AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, and as a school we are committed to ensuring our students, teachers, and leaders are equipped to use it safely, wisely, and effectively. The workshop helped us understand why AI matters—to create personalised pathways for learning, support teachers with time-saving tools, and open opportunities for collaboration and creativity.

Rather than replacing human connection, AI can free up time for teachers to focus on what matters most: building strong relationships and nurturing student wellbeing and achievement.

How Will It Help at MBS?

Our team is exploring ways AI can:

Support teachers with lesson design and resource creation, tailored to the needs of our learners.
Help students access learning at their own pace and level, making the curriculum more personal and engaging.
Assist leaders in analysing information and streamlining systems so we can focus more on teaching and learning.

All of this is underpinned by a strong focus on safety, collaboration, and values-driven use of technology.

Tools You Can Try at Home

Families often ask how they can support their children to use AI responsibly. Here are some of the exciting tools we discussed, which are safe and useful for home learning too:

Gemini (by Google) – A conversational AI that can answer questions, explain concepts in simple language, and even help brainstorm ideas for projects. Great for curious kids!
NoteBook LM – A tool for organising notes, summarising information, and creating study guides. This can help older students prepare for tests or projects.
Sesame AI – An app designed to make learning more interactive, with personalised practice activities and feedback for learners.

The key is to sit alongside your child when exploring these tools, just like reading a book together, co-using technology builds trust, safety, and shared learning.

Looking Ahead

This is an exciting time for education. By embracing AI thoughtfully, Mairangi Bay School can continue to provide a curriculum that is future-focused, personalised, and connected to our values of kindness, respect, and resilience.

We look forward to keeping you updated as we begin trialling new ideas and approaches, and we encourage whānau to share your own experiences with AI tools at home.

If you have any questions, please make a time to see me or our senior leaders.

Ngā manaakitanga,

He nui ake tō mātou mana i te kura anahe - We are more than just a school

Nathan Janes MEdLM

Tumuaki/ Principal Mairangi Bay Kura

Valuing Your Aspirations and Feedback

Kia ora e te whānau,

At Mairangi Bay School, our strength comes from the partnerships we hold with you – our whānau and community. The events below are designed to develop our understanding, share aspirations, and strengthen the way we live our values of kindness (atawhai), respect (whakaute), and resilience (manawanui) in all areas of school life. Each hui is a space for kōrero and kai where voices are valued, relationships are strengthened, and every whānau feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Term 3 Hui & Events - Sign Up Here!

Restorative Practice Hui

Rescheduled to Term 4 due to lack of registration
Led by: Leane Carlson
Venue: Staffroom

Why: Restorative Practice builds a culture where relationships come first. By working together to understand what RP is and why it matters, we create a school-wide, whānau-like approach that promotes kindness through empathy, respect through active listening, and resilience by repairing harm and moving forward together.

Hero & Website Hui

Tuesday 2 September – 1:30pm–2:45pm
Led by: Our Office Staff and SLT

Venue: Staffroom

Why: Communication is the bridge between home and school. This practical session will support you in navigating Hero and our website so you can stay connected to your child’s learning journey. Strong communication reflects respect for each other’s role in education, kindness in keeping whānau informed, and resilience in finding solutions when challenges arise.

Student Council – Voice & Agency Hui

Friday 5 September – 9:30am–11:00am
Led by: PB4L Team
Venue: Staffroom

Why: When tamariki are given voice and agency, they develop confidence to be brave, the motivation to set goals, and the sincerity to act with integrity. Gathering ideas from students and whānau ensures our school direction is shaped by shared values, promoting respect for all perspectives and resilience in facing future challenges together.

Māori & Pacifica Whānau Hui

Rescheduled to Term, 4
Led by: Cultural Committee and SLT
Venue: Staffroom

Why: Our Māori and Pacific communities bring rich cultural knowledge, traditions, and values that strengthen the fabric of our school. This hui is a space to share aspirations for tamariki and explore what motivated, brave, and sincere look like through these cultural lenses. It supports kindness in recognising each culture’s contribution, respect in honouring identity, and resilience in upholding traditions while navigating change.

Korean Hui

Friday 12 September – 1:30pm–2:45pm
Led by: International Director, Cultural Exchange Leader and SLT
Venue: Staffroom

Why: This hui celebrates our Korean whānau and strengthens our school’s cultural connections. By listening to aspirations and perspectives, we nurture kindness through inclusion, respect by valuing language and heritage, and resilience by working together to overcome barriers to learning and engagement.

We look forward to welcoming you to our hui – they are a chance to connect, share, and grow together as one learning community.

If you are keen to attend any of these hui, please click on this LINK and sign up today.

Thank you for all your support. We appreciate your mahi.

He nui ake tō mātou mana i te kura anahe - We are more than just a school

Nathan Janes MEdLM

Tumuaki/ Principal Mairangi Bay Kura

Galaxy Drive Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0630

Tel: 09-478 8424

Web: https://www.mairangibay.school.nz/

Learning together to create a better tomorrow

Ako tahi mō āpōpō kia pai ake - #iLOVEMBS

Congratulations everyone!

Kia ora e te whānau,

Here are the sports reports from our after school programme this week:

Basketball News

Mairangi Bay Raptors - Y5/6 Basketball Team

The Raptors delivered an epic performance this week, walking away with a well-deserved 24–10 win against last term’s champions. From the first whistle, the team showed determination and energy, grabbing every opportunity that came their way. Their relentless effort on defence meant they pulled down rebound after rebound, giving themselves plenty of second chances and keeping the opposition under constant pressure.

On attack, the Raptors worked as a unit, moving the ball with confidence and taking smart shots when it mattered most. Every player contributed, showing resilience and teamwork that made the difference against a tough opponent.

Beating the reigning champions makes this victory even sweeter. The Raptors can be incredibly proud of the way they played, disciplined, focused, and hungry for success.

Final Score: Raptors 24 – 10

Congratulations to the following teams for training hard and working together this week:

Mairangi Bay Taipa- Y1 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Hawks - Y1/2 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Heat - Y3 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Warriors - Y3 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Bulls - Y4 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Mavericks - Y4 Basketball Team
Murrays Bay Bulls - Y4 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Falcons - Y5/6 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Nuggets - Y5/6 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Phoenix - Y5/6 Basketball Team
Mairangi Bay Thunder - Y5/6 Basketball Team

Netball News

Mairangi Bay Tui - Y2 Netball Team

Year 2 'Team Tui' had an exceptional game against Pinehurst. They won 11/5, with fantastic feeding to the circle from the mid court. It was a very physical game, and the passion from both sides was obvious, but our girls stood strong and kept their chins up the whole game.

Congratulations to Kara Spearing who was awarded Player of the Day for awesome support and enthusiasm, and Marley Lacey who had a brilliant game with huge passing and catching, spreading the game out nicely. Well done to all the girls who smiled and encouraged throughout the game.

Congratulations to the following teams for training hard and working together this week:

Mairangi Bay Bellbirds - Y3 Netball Team
Mairangi Bay Kiwis - Y4 Netball Team
Mairangi Bay Fantails - Y4 Netball Team
Mairangi Bay Huia - Y5/6 Netball Team
Mairangi Bay Kea - Y5/6 Netball Team

Hockey News

Mairangi Bay Navy - Y1/2 Hockey Team

End of season

Mairangi Bay White - Y3/4 Hockey Team: Champions

Well, what a game! As expected, it was a battle to the bell!! DFS scored first, putting the pressure on MBS but the team struck back in the 2nd half, ultimately tying the game 1-1, final score. With a draw at hand, Mairangi remains at the top of the table, winning the season. There was lots of support on the sideline, so a big thank you to all the parents, teachers and friends who attended. What a great season and a special shout out to Sou Jain for her amazing work as the teams Manager. Sou always brought a positive light to the games and had the hardest job of subbing kids on and off.

A great day, a great win, a great season!! Well done everyone.

Mairangi Bay Blue - Y5/6 Hockey Team

The MBS Blue hockey team finished their season with a comprehensive 6-3 victory over the DFS Dragons. The game was a great example of all the team work and skills developed through the season. Overall the final standings had them third behind Torbay and DFS (who they just beat).

A huge thanks to Mrs Kruyen and Eugene for all their time dedicated to coaching the kids.

Water polo News

Mairangi Bay Marlins - Y4 Water Polo Team

This week we played against Murrays Bay and we lost 0-5. Everyone played very well. Even when we were behind, we kept trying. We did not give up. Players of the day were Lucia and Alice.

By Vivian Liu - Year 4 Student