Kia ora koutou,

We are really excited about our upcoming Gobsmacked Production, Maui the Magnificent! Our two choirs have started practising, the main cast is learning lines, and tickets are now on sale.  This week, children in Years 2-6 will have come home with a flyer that has information and a QR code.  By scanning the QR code (or visiting the school website), anyone can purchase tickets.  Shows are always better when we have a full and energetic audience, so thank you for supporting us by encouraging family and friends to come along and support the children. If you have been part of a Gobsmacked show before, you know it will be a wonderful experience and leave the children with life-long memories.

Important production information will be sent home to families through Hero.

Whānau Curriculum Information Evenings

Thanks to all those parents who took the time to come along to one of our Whānau Evenings in recent weeks. We had 110 parents attend the three meetings. Our Deputy Principal Sara Lambert shared how Matua School is approaching the implementation of the revised NZ Curriculum.

Teacher Union Actions

The Secondary School Teachers’ Union (PPTA) is currently visible in the media and has announced a strike next Wednesday.  I can confirm that Primary teachers are not part of this strike action.  You may hear that the Primary Union (NZEI) has started negotiations with the government, and a meeting for teachers has been called for Tuesday next week. I can confirm that Matua School will remain open during this meeting. We will have some teachers attending the meeting at Mercury Bay Area after lunch on Tuesday, however internal cover has been arranged to avoid having to send children home.

I’m sure you will hold personal views on teacher contract negotiations. I would encourage you not to take too much notice of the information that comes out in the media, as much of it is misleading. What I can say is that while much of the discussion centres around pay, the more significant focus is on conditions. I know how hard our teachers work to make school a brilliant place for children to learn.  It’s a highly challenging job, one that is hard to understand until you’ve had a go.  I am someone who came from a business environment before entering teaching, and so I can attest to the different kind of load working in a classroom brings. While its unfortunate that the negotiations have to happen in such a public way, it is important for education in NZ that they happen. We do appreciate your support.

Board Elections

Voting for our Matua Board of Trustees election is now live.  It is fantastic to have a quality group of people willing to get involved in this way. Our election is being run by ELECTION PILOT. You should have received an email from them this week providing information on the candidates and with instructions on how to vote. Please take the time to read the information provided and then vote to support our new Board.  The information will be sent to the email that you have on the school database. If you haven’t received an email, please check your Spam first, then email election@electionpilot.nz for support.

It has been fantastic to see so much winter sport happening around the school. This week I had the opportunity to cheer on our Year 3/4 hockey teams playing at Blake Park, and our Senior Rugby team competing in an inter-school tournament.  We have also had netball teams out representing the school.  A massive thanks to staff and parents for coaching, providing transport and supporting your children to be part of these experiences. Being part of team sports is such a positive part of our primary school years, and it’s terrific to see so many kids engaged.

Year 3/4 Hockey Festival

Matua Strikers Hockey

Rugby

SCHOOL INFORMATION