Category: Newsletters

Kia ora koutou, Last week we held a Whānau Hui on Structured Literacy.  It was fantastic to have over 30 parents join us to hear more about how Matua School is approaching the teaching and learning of reading.  As discussed in the evening, the event has been videoed.  Both the video and slides from the...

Kia ora koutou, Over the past two years we have been focusing on developing how we teach reading at Matua School. This professional learning aligns with national and international research and focuses on Structured Literacy, which is at the foundation of literacy development. We have been working with Ande Ford from Clarity Education, who has...

Kia ora koutou, This term, we are excited to open our refurbished hall kitchen! We have loved seeing students begin to use the space for food technology through classrooms and the Garden to Table programme. It will also be wonderful to see the kitchen used at this weekend’s PTA Quiz Night and the Night Market...

Kia ora koutou, Welcome to Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori - this is Māori Language Week! As part of our celebration of all things Te Reo, our Kura took part in our annual pōwhiri at the Ōtūmoetai Pā on Levers Road. Ōtūmoetai Pā was the most significantly populated site in the Western Bay of...

Kia ora koutou, On Thursday night, the Matua Choir performed at the Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival, held at Baycourt Theatre.  I think it's fair to say that Matua students were a highlight of the night, with the group absolutely smashing two songs and several students featuring in solo performances.  We were also proud to...

Kia ora koutou, Last Monday was a massive day at Matua School, with 540 children boarding 11 buses and travelling to Mauao, Mount Maunganui.  Once we arrived, the children divided up into Syndicate teams to explore Mauao and Moturiki Island (Leisure Island).  With our Senior Team tramping to the top and our other teams exploring...

Kia ora koutou, This term, we welcome Scott Pratt to Matua School. Scott has returned to NZ after teaching at an international school in Hong Kong for several years. Before this, he taught at Otumoetai Intermediate. Scott is teaching the wonderful children in Room 11, taking over from Anna Mason, who is on maternity leave....

Kia ora koutou, Matua School is served by a wonderful group of parents that make up our Board of Trustees. We would like to welcome Craig Williams to the Board of Trustees. Craig has been appointed by ‘selection’ due to a vacancy mid-cycle. Craig brings a number of skills to the team, including expertise in...

Kia ora koutou, Over the next few weeks, we will have contractors working on-site to build a new sandpit, mud kitchen and general play space, outside the Minis classrooms (Room 18-21).  It will be wonderful to see this project come together and provide another space for children to engage in learning - mud cakes for...

Kia ora koutou, It is wonderful to see winter sports up and running again.  We so appreciate all those who have got involved by coaching a team, being a manager or cheering from the sidelines.  Team sport is so valuable for children, but could not happen without having volunteers.  All the best for the season...