Kia ora Matua families,
Term 1 has just flown by, and what a great term it has been! Thank you to all of you who have volunteered throughout this term, be that in classrooms, at Garden to Table, on camp or with the PTA. There are so many aspects to a school community that contribute to Matua School being the positive place it is. As we take a break and enter this Easter season, I trust that your family will enjoy time together that brings joy and refreshment.
This term, we have been talking about the Learning Pit with children. This model helps children understand that the learning process is challenging and that feeling stretched is a normal part of it. We should celebrate when we find things hard and have strategies to approach challenges when we are faced with them. As teachers, we talk about how part of our job is to ensure that children are challenged. When children don’t face new learning that is initially beyond them, and when they never fail and don’t need to work through those feelings, there is a risk that their resilience won’t develop. We are determined to grow children at Matua who are capable learners, who are resilient and confident.
INTRODUCING NICO & VAL
Earlier this term we welcomed a very special new member to our school community. Val, is a Vision Loss Assistance Dog from Guide Dogs NZ. Val supports Nico in Room 7 by helping him navigate safely at school with his low vision. She is a highly trained Labrador and plays an important role in helping Nico move around the school confidently and independently.
Guide Dogs NZ Trainer, Mimi, has been working alongside Nico, his family, and our staff to help Val settle into the school environment.
When Val is not in Room 7 and the Rākau Team, she will also be assisting Mrs Barlow in the school office, so you may see her around the school from time to time. Because Val is a working dog, it is very important that we all help her do her job. When Val is wearing her harness, she is working and must not be distracted. This means that everyone (including the children) are asked NOT to pat Val, call out to her or feed her. We know many students love dogs and will be excited to see her, but the best way to help Val, and Nico, is by ignoring her while she is working. Even friendly attention can distract her from the important job she is doing.
We are proud to support Nico and are looking forward to welcoming Val as part of our Matua School community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
LIBRARY UPDATES
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MAHURI NEWS
SUNFLOWER COMPETITION
EAST CLUSTER
Great year of Kiwi Tag for our Yr 1-2 3-4 and 5-6 teams,
SCHOOL UNIFORM
SCHOOL DONATIONS
ROLL GROWTH CLASS
We are in the process of looking at our roll growth classes.
If you have a child who is turning 5 within the next 12 months, please can you complete an Intention To Enrol Form by clicking on the following link.
https://www.matua.school.nz/enrolment/
UPTON MUSIC SCHOOL
Hi Everyone,
Firstly, a big thank you for a fantastic Term 1 — it’s been great to see so much progress, effort, and enthusiasm from all of our students.
As we head into Term 2, we wanted to share a few exciting updates, along with an important change to our group lesson pricing.
From Term 2, group lesson fees will increase to $220 per term. This allows us to continue improving the quality and overall experience for our students.
Here’s what’s coming in Term 2:
New Pathway Programme
We’re introducing a clearer progression pathway, with more structured learning, goal setting, and visible progress for students. The Jambus will be replaced with our Drums, Guitar and Bass programme for years 4 and up. Years 1-3 will be continuing with the Jambus as an intro to music programme.
Holiday Programme
Our holiday programme will give students the opportunity to learn new skills, play with others, and stay engaged during the break. We are anticipating running these every school holidays, so if you missed out this time. We will see you at the next one.
Mid-Year Concert 1st – 3rd of July
All students will have the chance to perform in our mid-year concert — a great way to build confidence and celebrate progress.
Term 2 Timetabling
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Current lesson times will automatically roll over into Term 2
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If you need to change your afterschool slot, please request this before the end of term
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We will be rebuilding some groups to suit ability levels within our new pathway programme
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Final timetables will be confirmed before lessons begin
We’re excited about these improvements and the positive impact they’ll have on student progress and enjoyment.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
Thanks again for your continued support, and have a great Easter break!
Upton Music School
SCHOOL HOURS
A friendly reminder that school is not open until 8.30am. If you require childcare before these hours, please contact SKIDS either by email – matua@skids.co.nz, phone – 027 586 0408, or book online – www.skids.co.nz/Matua.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
LUNCH ORDERS – EVERY FRIDAY
Lunch orders are available for delivery to Matua School each Friday.
SUBWAY
Simply order your SUBWAY lunch online through you myKindo account by CLICKING HERE
Order (or cancel) any time before 9:00am on the day or schedule in advance.
Help? Visit support.mykindo.co.nz or call 09-869 5200 Mon-Fri, 8:00am to 4:00pm.
TERM DATES 2026
Term 1, 2026 – Wednesday 4th February – Thursday 2nd April
Teacher Only Day – Friday 20th March (MoE Curriculum Training Day)
Term 2 – Monday 20th April – Friday 3rd July
Teacher Only Day – Friday 29th May (MoE Curriculum Training Day)
King’s Birthday Public Holiday – Monday 1st June
Matariki Public Holiday – Falls in school holidays
Term 3 – Monday 20th July – Friday 25th September
Term 4 – Monday 12th October – 16th December
Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 26th October
Last Day of School – Wednesday 16th December
SETTING UP KINDO
Setting up with Kindo
Kindo is our prefered payments system. To help you learn how it works, we’ve added their new help sheet and video. We hope it helps.