Newsletter week 3 term 4 2025
Principal's Message
Kia ora koutou,
As we move further into Term 4, we begin to see the changes that naturally come with this time of year. For our Year 8 students, the excitement of heading off to secondary school is growing. This is a significant milestone and one that can bring a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. They will soon be meeting new teachers, making new friends, and finding their way in a larger environment, all part of the journey of growing up and taking the next step.
For our Year 7 students, next year brings a change of their own. They will become the senior students of our school — our leaders and role models. Some will have new teachers or classrooms, and with that come new expectations and opportunities to shine.
Some days, when we are unable to secure a relief teacher, students may need to be placed in another class for the day — or, as in the case of Room 73, for the remainder of the year. I acknowledge that this can be unsettling for our students, but we can support them by being positive and reassuring that this is a regular part of life and that we can all learn from it.
Change is a natural and essential part of life. It helps us grow, build resilience, and learn how to adapt. At Maeroa, we want our students to understand that while change can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it also brings new beginnings and exciting challenges.
It’s also vital that we approach change with optimism — the belief that things will work out and that we can handle whatever comes our way. The late psychologist Nigel Latta spoke of optimism as a “super-power” that supports resilience and well-being in ourselves and our children. RNZ+21News+2 When we choose to look for the positives, even in difficult situations, we build emotional strength and confidence. Optimism doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means facing them with hope and belief in our ability to make the best of them.
By approaching change positively — and with optimism — and by living our school values of manaakitanga, manawanui, and whakamiha, we can support one another and face each new experience with courage and confidence.
Ngaa mihi nui,
Susan Wood
Principal
Maeroa Assessments
Te Ara Poutama Testing (GATE Class) - 8.30 am to 11.45 am - This includes Year 7 students who are currently at Maeroa as well as students who are coming here next year.
Wednesday 29 October, 8.30 am - Meet at Maeroa Intermediate School Library
Bring a pen, drink bottles and morning tea. You will be sitting some written tests.
Parents/ Whaanau are to leave students to trial independently. We will supervise them. You can collect them from the front of the school at 11:45 a.m.
Te Puaawaitanga - Reo Rua Class - 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
This includes Year 7 students who are currently at Maeroa, as well as students who are coming here next year.
Wednesday 29 October is a morning for students to come and see what happens in Te Puaawaitanga and understand the commitment to Te Reo and Te Ao Maaori required.
Students will meet you at the flagpole out front.
Parents/Whaanau are to leave students, and we will supervise them. You can collect them from the front of the school at 11:30 a.m.
Amanda Taylor, Deputy Principal - Maeroa Intermediate School
Makuhari Exchange 2026
Hosting a Japanese Student – Saturday 7 March to Thursday 19 March 2026 (12 nights)
Are you interested in hosting a Japanese student?
We have another exciting opportunity coming up in Term 1 next year. A group of students from Makuhari Junior High School in Japan, aged 14–15 years, will be visiting us. During the day, they will take part in various activities and day trips arranged by the tour organisers.
This is a wonderful chance for Maeroa families to share in a cultural exchange and learn more about Japanese life and customs.
While we prefer host families to have children attending Maeroa Intermediate, this is not essential — so please feel free to share this opportunity with friends or relatives who may be interested. We are looking for 20–25 host families, and if you have hosted before, we’d love to have you join us again! Sometimes students who have been on this cultural exchange to Japan like to host their student here in NZ.
We expect students who want to apply to go to Japan in 2026 to host a Makuhari student during this time.
Host families receive a payment to help cover costs during the student’s stay. Families are expected to provide meals, including school lunches, general care, and include their student in everyday family life and activities.
If you can assist, please get in touch with me and I will email you the required paperwork, including a Hosting Form and Police Vetting Form for everyone in your household aged 18 or over. Please note that we must sight two forms of identification in person to complete the police vetting process.
As vetting can take some time, it would be appreciated if all forms could be returned by the end of this year. Once the process is complete, I will confirm whether you have been allocated a student.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please email me at [email protected].
Kind regards,
Rachael Dyer - Coordinator
Maeroa Market
Mark your calendar - Thursday 13 November, 5.30–6.45 pm
As part of our Financial Literacy Inquiry, students will run stalls at our Twilight Market, supported by a student-led Business Community. They’ve been busy researching, budgeting, pricing, and marketing their ideas, with the goal of learning about profit, loss, and problem-solving. Families are asked to let students take the lead—this is their chance to experience entrepreneurial thinking.
Come along, support our learners, and celebrate their hard work!
Reminder about Teacher Only Days coming up
Please note that we have two teacher-only days coming up for our staff.
Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 November. Our school will not be open for students to attend.
Koru Badges
Congratulations to the following students who have earned their Koru Badges over the last couple of weeks.
Bronze: Londyn, Treyton, Dot, Toby, Aurora, Samara, Abby, Devesh, Georgia, Mila, Devin, Zainat, Evangeline, Zavy, Oscar
Silver: Reef, Sulaiman, Jorja, Kathy, Marnie, Sophie, Nina, Sophie B, Bella K
Gold: Willa, Kathy, Leah, Blake T, Sulaiman
Platinum: Sophie C, Payton G, Peyton S, Ella, Ashlee
Star: Connor S, Heber, Kiara W
Super Star: Connor S, Manassah, Simon, Heber, Kingston H, Marli
Secondary School Enrolments
Students who have enrolled at Fraser High School for 2026 are invited to attend the Fraser Open Day on 28 November. This is only for students who are actually enrolled there. If your child is not enrolled at a High School and you are zoned for Fraser High then it would be a good idea to enrol them now before the Open Day or they will not be able to attend. More details about this event will be sent out in advance.
If you have not enrolled your child at secondary school by now, then please get on to it. Your child needs to know where they are going next year.