Week 4 Monday, 27 October, Labour Day – SCHOOL CLOSED! Wednesday, 29 October, Board of Trustees Meeting Thursday, 30 October, Kiwileles Jam at Pinehurst School Thursday, 30 October, Positive Puberty Parent Evening, 6:30pm via Zoom Friday, 31 October, Year 4 At-School Day Camp Friday, 31 October, Tuakana Team Assembly, 1:30pm in our school hall
Week 5 Monday, 3 November, Nest puberty Talks, Years 5 and 6 Monday, 3 November, Teina Team Assembly, 2:15pm in our school hall Wednesday, 5 November, Photolife Team Photos Friday, 7 November, Teina Team Disco, 5:30pm in our school hall
Week 6 Thursday, 13 November, Te Pepeha o Mairangi Bay Day - A time to celebrate Friday, 14 November, Tuakana Team Assembly, 1:30pm in our school hall
Week 7 Monday, 17 November, Teina Team Athletics Day (Years 0-3) Monday, 17 November, Teina Team Assembly, 2:15pm in our school hall Tuesday, 18 November, Tuakana team Athletics Day (Years 4-6) Wednesday, 19 November, Tuakana Athletics Save Day
Week 8 Tuesday, 25 November, Athletics Cluster Day Wednesday, 26 November, Parent Helpers Morning Tea, 10:30-11:30am in our school hall Thursday, 27 November, Teina Team, Wizard of Oz Show Friday, 28 November, Grandparents Day, 11:30am-2:30pm Friday, 28 November, PTA Christmas Fair, 5-8pm
Week 9 Monday, 1 - Friday, 5 December, Dental Van on site all week Friday, 5 December, Tuakana Team Assembly, 1:30pm in our school hall
Week 10 Monday, 8-Friday, 12 December, Dental Van on site all week Tuesday, 9 December, New Parent Information Meeting, 9am in our staffroom Tuesday, 9 December, Teina Team (Years 0-3) Christmas Showcase - Time TBC Wednesday, 10 December, Teina Team (Years 0-3) Christmas Showcase - time TBC Wednesday, 10 December, Board of Trustees Meeting
Week 11 Thursday 18 December, Year 6 Graduation Ceremony and Disco - Times TBC Friday, 19 December, End of Year celebration Assembly, 9:30am in our school hall Friday, 19 December, End of Term 4 - School Closes at 12:30pm
A Message from our Tumuaki
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
Upcoming Curriculum Changes: English and Mathematics
Ko Rangitoto te Maunga
Ko Tikapa te Moana
Ko Te Kawerau ā Maki te Iwi
Ko Te whenua Roa o Kahu te Rohe
Ko Ōmairangi te Whenua
Ko Mairangi Bay taku Kura
Haere mai e te whānau.
Over the weekend, the Ministry of Education released the final versions of the new English and Mathematics & Statistics Curriculum for Years 0–10. These will become mandatory from February 2026. The aim of the refresh is to ensure all ākonga across Aotearoa experience a clear, cohesive, and future-focused learning pathway from primary through to secondary school. As with any national change of this scale, there will be an ongoing period of review, feedback, and preparation to ensure the new curriculum best supports teaching and learning in every school.
What’s Changing
The new documents represent a significant update to the drafts schools have been exploring this year. They include:
Refined learning progressions across each year level.
A stronger focus on knowledge, understanding, and application of concepts.
A clearer structure to guide teachers in supporting every child’s learning journey.
These changes mean schools across the country will be updating teaching plans, resources, and assessment systems to align with the new expectations.
Working Together
At Mairangi Bay School, we welcome the opportunity to review and strengthen our programmes so that our students continue to thrive academically and personally. We’ll approach these changes thoughtfully, making sure that:
Transitions for students are smooth and well-supported.
Teachers are equipped with the right professional learning and resources.
Families are kept informed and involved as updates unfold.
National Discussion
The New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF), of which I am a member, will be meeting later this month with regional associations to discuss the implementation timeframe and support materials for schools. This collaboration helps ensure that any national changes are well-paced and practical for schools and ākonga alike.
Our Ongoing Focus
At MBS, our vision remains the same - learning together to create a better tomorrow. Our teachers will continue to provide learning that is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to each child’s needs, while embracing new opportunities that the refreshed curriculum offers.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to implement the refreshed-refreshed Curriculum
Ngā manaakitanga,
He nui ake tō mātou mana i te kura anahe - We are more than just a school
Attendance at Mairangi Bay School remains strong, with above 93% of students attending regularly this term. After analysing Term 3 attendance, 73% of students attended regular school - a small but positive lift from last year. This shows our learners and whānau continue to value being part of daily school life.
Most absences last term were due to illness (66%), which is common in the winter months, while family travel (25%) also affected attendance. It’s great to see a drop in chronic absence to just 2%, showing that our early contact and support processes are making a difference.
We’re also proud that 87% of students arrived on time each day, setting themselves up for a calm and successful start to learning. Rolls are completed twice daily and automatically shared with the Ministry of Education, while whānau can check attendance anytime through Hero.
The MoE STAR Attendance Process continues to help us work closely with families when attendance dips, and we’re seeing great results from open, early communication.
Looking ahead, we’ll keep encouraging strong attendance through reminders, celebrations, and practical support. Regular attendance helps children stay connected, make progress, and develop confidence - every day really does count.
Together, we’re helping every child at MBS be motivated, brave, and sincere - learning together to create a better tomorrow.
Ngā mihi nui for your ongoing support.
Special Thank You Morning Tea - Wednesday, 26 November
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
Add to Your Calendar
Kia ora e te whānau,
We want to extend a huge thank you to all of you for support the you have given us throughout the year. To show our gratitude, we will be hosting a special morning tea on Wednesday, 26 November from 10:30 to 11:00 in the school hall. You are warmly invited to join us for this occasion and let us celebrate the collective effort that makes our school community so special.
We are also reviewing our Parent Class Rep and Whānau Workforce expectations, communication and sign up process and this term. We will share those updates with you in the new year as we head into Term 1 of 2026.
Looking forward to celebrating the year with you on Wednesday, 26 November.
Ngā mihi maioha
Labour Day
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
School Closed Monday, 27 October
Kia ora e te whānau,
A reminder that this coming Monday, 27 October is Labour Day, a public holiday across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Labour Day recognises the achievements of New Zealand workers in securing fair working conditions - including the eight-hour workday. It’s a time to appreciate the value of balance, rest, and wellbeing for everyone in our community.
Our school will be closed on Monday and will reopen on Tuesday, 28 October.
Enjoy the long weekend with whānau and friends!
Celebrating Rich Learning Opportunities
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
Our Photo Gallery
Kia ora e te whānau,
Remember to check out our photo gallery each week to celebrate student success and track our weekly programme byCLICKING ON THIS LINK.
It is always great to connect.
Ngā mihi
Recycling Week ♻️
Anna Smith
This week we celebrated Recycling Week Aotearoa, a time to learn more about how we can care for our planet by reducing waste, reusing what we can, and recycling properly. It was fantastic to see so many tamariki bringing waste-free lunches - such a simple but powerful way to make a difference! Recycling Week helps remind us that every small action counts towards protecting our environment and keeping Aotearoa beautiful for future generations. Ka pai, everyone, for doing your part! 🌍💚
Rich Learning Opportunities
Di Kruyen - PE In-school Leader
Inflatable Football with M Sports
Kia ora e te Whānau,
This Monday, we had an exciting visit from Inflatable Soccer! All classes took part in a fun-filled session where we learned how to dribble the ball and had a blast scoring goals in the inflatable arena. A big thank you to Chris Bryson for coming along and running such awesome sessions with our students.
A leaflet has also been sent home for anyone interested in signing up for the after-school soccer sessions on Fridays.
We’re now turning our focus to our upcoming Athletics Days Teina team on Monday, 17th November and Tuakana team Tuesday, 18th November. More information will be shared soon from both our Teina and Tuakana teams. Students have already started practicing with their year groups and classes in preparation — it’s shaping up to be a great event!
Ngā mihi
Sports News Term 4
Coaches and Managers
Congratulations everyone!
Kia ora e te whānau,
As part of celebrating our tamariki and their efforts on the field, court or pool, we’re collecting match reports, Player of the Day details, key highlights, and photos from each team. These will help us share and celebrate our students’ achievements.
Our sports teams this term are:
Miniball News
Mairangi Bay Heat
Final Score: Albany 3 – 14 | Mairangi Bay Heat – 12 Result: Loss MVP: Maximilian
Our Year 3 Mairangi Bay Heat team played an exciting match against Albany 3, showing real determination and teamwork throughout the game. Despite a narrow 12–14 loss, the team demonstrated strong progress in their passing and defensive play. A highlight of the game was how confidently our players worked together to steal the ball from the opposition — a skill that showed growing awareness and teamwork. The Heat also passed the ball with great accuracy, creating plenty of scoring opportunities and keeping the game close right to the end.
A special mention goes to Maximilian, who stood out as the Most Valuable Player for his energy, focus, and positive attitude on court. Fantastic effort, Heat — your teamwork and resilience made us proud!
Mairangi Bay Raptors
Basketball Yr5/6 - MBS Raptors 20-8 win over Murray’s Bay Wizards. A very scrappy game with a few shooting troubles for the Raptors. Some good mahi from the boys and a solid defence helped them to the win. Very energetic game from Player of the Day James Wong.
Mairangi Bay Phoenix
MBS Phoenix vs UHPS Harriers
Score : 24 v 26
We all went out and played really well as a team. There was lots of great passing and defending. We put the pressure on for the whole game. It was very tight but they managed to score the last points. Player of the day this week went to Nathan for awesome rebounding and defending. In the end the whole team did their best.
Charlie Quincey (Year 5 Student)
Mairangi Bay Bulls
Monday night's game saw MBS Bulls playing the top team in Grade A - OVS Ball Stars. The game started with the Bulls playing strongly on both ends of the floor which gave us a dominant lead early on. With some great defence from Yevin and Jaxon plus some skillful offence from both Harry and Cole, we went into halftime feeling confident. However, the second half saw OVS attack in their usual blistering manner. The Bulls' stamina was waning after trying to stop the scoring frenzy from OVS and sadly the game slipped away from us on this occasion. However, many lessons were learnt and the MBS team showed a huge amount of growth from the last time they played this team. It was a wonderfully physical and competitive battle between two very strong teams.
Player of the Day: Harry
Defender of the Day: Yevin
Congratulations also goes to:
Mairangi Bay Mavericks
Mairangi Bay Taipans
Mairangi Bay Hawks
Mairangi Bay Warriors
Mairangi Bay Falcons
Mairangi Bay Thunder
Mairangi Bay Nuggets
Netball News
Mairangi Bay Tui
Year 2 'Team Tui' played a tough game on Saturday, losing 8/2 against the West Wave Warriors. Coming off a winning streak, this could have been a hard lesson to learn, but they showed resilience and reflected afterwards that they all enjoyed the game still, regardless of the score. A good attitude at this young age.
Congratulations to Harry, who was awarded Player of the Day (and also received Player of the Day from the opposing team). And congratulations also to Marley, who received Sportsperson of the Day for regaining possession many times by picking up any stray ball that came her way, and running tirelessly throughout the game with a smile on her face.
Congratulations also goes to: Mairangi Bay Bellbirds Mairangi Bay Kiwi Mairangi Bay Fantails Mairangi Bay Kea Mairangi Bay Huia
Splash Polo News
Mairangi Bay Stingrays
The splash polo game was an awesome match. The MBS Stingrays won their first match this term, winning 4-3 against Hauraki Taniwha. It was a tight game but we played really well in positioning. Well done to Moosa who played his first splash polo game ever and did a great job in defense.
By James Weber (Year 4 Student)
Mairangi Bay Mako
The majority of the players are still new to splashpolo, but they demonstrated excellent spirit, chasing and passing the ball well, and enjoying the thrill of competition. They are quickly learning about teamwork and the emotional highs and lows of the game. Chloe earned Player of the Day for her positive attitude as the first-time goalie. Despite initial struggles, she quickly implemented the coach's advice to move more outward from the net, leading to several successful blocks. Her ability to learn and adapt under pressure was outstanding!
Congratulations also goes to: Mairangi Bay Orca Mairangi Bay Sharks
Mairangi Bay Marlins
Mairangi Bay Stingrays
Mairangi Bay Dolphins
Touch News
Mairangi Bay Green
Year 6 Green had a great start to the touch season playing their younger Year 5 school mates. Up 4-0 at half time, the focus for the team was to work on getting into space, passing the ball and trying to put everyone across the line for a try. Great team effort from Team Green!
Mairangi Bay Sapphire
Team year 5 & 6 Girls Sapphire played Murray's Bay who looked like they have played together for a while.
Good first game with half the girls playing for the first time. I think score was around 6-3. Our girls only had one drop ball the whole game which was awesome. Much improved in second half.
Mairangi Bay Purple
Team year 4 girls purple played an awesome game. Lost count of try's past 10 for Mairangi Bay. Torbay was a first time team. All the girls were really good. Score around 12-1 to Mairangi.
Mairangi Bay White
Year 3/4 Touch White had a fantastic game against CBS Kings, coming away with a convincing win. The team worked brilliantly together, showing great passing, defence, and teamwork throughout the match. Everyone played with energy and enthusiasm, making it an exciting game to watch.
Player of the Day: George – for attending every practice and showing excellent understanding of the game from day one. As a new player, he did exceptionally well and made a big impact on the field. Well done, George!
Sportsmanship Award: Kyron – for his great attitude on the field and for always listening to the coaches. Fantastic effort, Kyron!
Mairangi Bay Pink
Our girls played outstanding tonight winning there first game against Kristen pumas. Our player of the days went to Vada and Kilesha today. I have attached a photo.
Congratulations also goes to:
Mairangi Bay Navy
Mairangi Bay Black
Mairangi Bay Blue
Mairangi Bay Sapphire
Thank you for helping us showcase the kindness, respect, and resilience our players display each week, both in victory and in learning.
Ngā mihi nui everyone
Celebrating Our Musical Talents at MBS
Clare McCormack - Music Director
Showcase Assembly
Kia ora e te whānau,
Last Thursday, 16 October, our hall was alive with rhythm, melody, and proud smiles as we held our Music Showcase Assembly. This special event featured incredible performances from our Year 5 and 6 Marimba Groups, the Kids Sing Choir, Ukulele Club, Year 3 Drumming, and Year 4 Recorder ensembles.
It was wonderful to see such a large number of students involved, each demonstrating confidence, teamwork, and passion for the performing arts. Their dedication and practice shone through every piece they played and sang. We were delighted to welcome many parents and whānau who filled the hall with warm applause and encouragement. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — a true celebration of creativity, collaboration, and joy at Mairangi Bay School.
Ngā mihi nui to our talented students, our teachers who guided them, and our community for always supporting the arts. Together, we continue to learn, create, and perform — learning together to create a better tomorrow.
Music and The Arts News Term 4
Clare McCormack
Celebrating Creativity and Collaboration
North Shore Kiwileles Jam - Week 4
The musical excitement continues in Week 4, when our Ukulele Club proudly represents Mairangi Bay School at the North Shore Kiwileles Jam on Thursday, 30 October. This exciting regional event will see ukulele groups from four other local schools come together for a morning of music-making, collaboration, and fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect, perform, and celebrate music as part of a wider creative community.
Together Through Music
These performances reflect who we are as a school, a community that celebrates creativity, connection, and courage. Through music, our students are learning to:
Be Motivated – by practising with purpose and pride
Be Brave – by performing in front of others
Be Sincere – by sharing their authentic selves through song
We are incredibly proud of our young musicians for living our Mairangi Bay values and vision every day.
Ngā mihi
Fostering Whānau Partnerships - Home-learning
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
How can you help develop your child's learning at home?
Kia ora e te whānau
The Parent Portal is a collection of guidance and resources for parents, families and carers. This year-by-year learning guide covers the New Zealand Curriculum and currently covers Years 1 to 8. We'll be adding more soon. The guide is structured by year level. Choose your child's level and find ways to understand what they do at school, and how you can support them to achieve what they need to this year.
How can you help develop your child's learning at home?
If you have any questions, please contact your class teacher.
Ngā mihi
Parent Corner - Supporting our tamariki, whānau and community
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
Thanks
Kia ora e te whānau,
To support our whānau to develop and implement restorative practices, this sections provides gentle support and advice. This week, try to give an instruction and say thanks, rather than please, then move away. (Thanks subtly carries with it the expectation of action being taken, whereas ‘please’ suggests a request). Casually keep watch to check.
If you require support with parenting, please contact your whānau leader.
Ngā mihi
Parent Corner: Digital Safety
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
The Power of Internet Filtering for Online Safety
Kia ora e te whānau,
In today's digital world, the internet has become a vast playground of information and entertainment. However, it's also a place where young, curious minds can stumble upon content unsuitable for their age or maturity level. This is where internet filtering – AKA web filtering, content filtering, firewall filtering, or content control – comes into play. It works just like a coffee filter, letting the good stuff through while keeping the grounds out.
Internet filtering is used to control access to online content. It is implemented through software that scans websites and blocks restricted or inappropriate content.
There are many benefits including protecting children from online dangers, limiting distracting content, blocking pop-ups and other ads, and managing online interactions, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for everyone.
Ngā mihi
Supporting Our School Community
We are pleased to share that our school is partnered with the local food bank to support families in need. If you would benefit from this support, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office in confidence: office@mairangibay.school.nz
A Message from the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford
Nathan Janes - Tumuaki Principal
The latest news from Minister Stanford
Kia ora e te whānau,
Teaching the Basics Brilliantly: New curriculum, resources and assessment tools
The Government is delivering on its commitment to lift student achievement, with new curriculum updates, resources, and assessments rolling out from Term 4, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
To find out the latest news from our Education Minister Hon Erica Stanford, CLICK ON THIS LINK.
Auckland’s newest festive wonderland is lighting up Teed Street!
Stroll through 240+ themed trees, twinkling lights, immersive Christmas scenes, and enjoy private time with Santa or the Grinch.
Use our school’s code (Mairangi Bay School) at the checkout for 10% off tickets and 10% back to our school!
Book now: https://enchantedchristmas.co.nz/
Advertising in our newsletter
At Mairangi Bay School we offer three levels of paid advertising in the community section of our newsletter, Gold, Silver and Bronze.
Gold for a top line entry Silver for a second line entry Bronze is for third, fourth and fifth line entries. Adverts need to be submitted as an A4 size jpeg. Please e-mail office@mairangibay.school.nz if you are interested in using one of our advertising spaces.
Level Two Consecutive Weeks One Whole Term GOLD Three Spaces Available $70.00 $310.00 SILVER Three Spaces Available $60.00 $265.00 BRONZE Nine Spaces Available $50.00 $220.00
Important Dates
Term Dates 2025
Term 1 - Friday 7 February - Friday 11 April
Friday, 7 February - Meet the Teacher Day
Monday, 10 February - First day of full instruction
TEACHER ONLY DAY
Week 8 - Monday 24 March - SCHOOL CLOSED
Holidays:
Saturday, 12 April - Sunday, 27 April
Includes:
Friday, 18 April - Good Friday
Monday, 21 April - Easter Monday
Tuesday, 22 April - Easter Tuesday (a school holiday)
Friday 25 April - ANZAC Day
Easter in school holiday break
Term 2 - Monday 28 April - Friday 27 June
TEACHER ONLY DAY
Week 5 - Friday 30 May - SCHOOL CLOSED
Public Holidays
Monday, 2 June - King’s Birthday SCHOOL CLOSED
Friday, 20 June - Matariki Day SCHOOL CLOSED
School Holidays
Saturday, 28 June - Sunday, 13 July
Term 3 - Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September
Public Holiday - None
School Holidays
Saturday, 20 September - Sunday 05 October
Term 4 - Monday 6 October - Friday 19 December 12:30pm Finish
Public Holiday
Monday, 27 October - Labour Day SCHOOL CLOSED
PLEASE NOTE:
Two extra Teacher Only Days have been confirmed during Term 1 and 2 for 2025 across our Kānhui Ako - as mandated by MoE to develop the new Te Mātaiaho Curriculum Refresh in Mathematics and English.
TERM DATES 2026
Term 1 - Thursday 5 February - Thursday 2 April
Thursday, 5 February - Meet the Teacher Day (Whānau Hui)
Monday, 9 February - First day of full instruction
TEACHER ONLY DAYS
Week 1 - Monday, 2 - Wednesday, 4 February - SCHOOL CLOSED
Week 10 - Thursday, 2 April - SCHOOL CLOSED
Public Holidays:
Friday, 6 February - Waitangi Day
School Holidays:
Friday, 3 April - Sunday, 19 April
Includes:
Friday, 3 April - Good Friday
Sunday, 5 April - Easter Sunday
Monday, 6 April - Easter Monday
Tuesday, 7 April - Easter Tuesday
Easter in school holiday break
Term 2 - Monday, 20 April - Friday, 3 July
TEACHER ONLY DAY
Week 8 - Friday, 12 June
Public Holidays
Saturday, 25 April (observed Monday, 27 April) - ANZAC Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
Monday, 1 June - King’s Birthday - SCHOOL CLOSED
Friday, 10 July - Matariki Day - SCHOOL CLOSED
School Holidays
Saturday, 4 July - Sunday, 19 July
Term 3 Monday, 20 July - Friday, 25 September
Public Holiday - None
School Holidays
Saturday, 26 September - Sunday, 11 October
Term 4 - Monday, 12 October - Friday, 18 December 12:30pm Finish
We are a modern dental clinic with 3D intra oral scanners, 3D printers and we have a CBCT (3D Xray) on site as well utilizing up to date technology to provide high quality dental care.
The main relevance to you and your students is the availability of an on-site General Anaesthesia (GA) theatre.
We are based at DBS Dental Studio, 55 Corinthian Drive, Albany and we have dedicated free parking on site.
A lot of kids are anxious to receive dental treatment, especially if those needs are quite extensive. The GA theatre allows hospital level of care by putting the children to sleep whilst their dental work is completed. In Auckland, there is a massive shortage of resources within the public system resulting in long waiting times. There are only 2 other clinics in Auckland that offer this type of treatment, but they also have a fairly long waiting time
We are proud to say that we have the most available dates and flexibility with scheduling - helpful for those emergency scenarios. Also, we are one of the very few dentists in the wider Auckland region who offer wisdom teeth removal via the Ministry of Health.
The theatre has advanced monitoring equipment and is well staffed with an experienced specialist anaesthetist and recovery team. They have a specialised interest in paediatric patients but are able to also cater for special needs and adult patients as well.
As per our clinic’s philosophy, we will guarantee a friendly, professional service with a high clinical standard.