Kia ora Matua families,
Today, we held our Final Assembly and celebrated our Year 6 students as they conclude their time at Matua School.
It is with immense pride and a touch of sadness that we farewell these wonderful young people as they head off to intermediate, ready for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
When I meet new families starting at Matua School, I often share what we hope to nurture in our students during their time here. Academic success is important, but it’s only part of the picture. Our goal is to help children grow into confident, capable, and caring individuals.
We want our students to leave Matua knowing who they are and feeling proud of it. We encourage them to take ownership of their learning, to be curious and resilient, and to see challenges as opportunities. We want them to work well in teams, listen to others, and contribute positively.
Beyond that, we aim to equip them with the skills to approach problems with confidence and creativity, and to think critically about the world around them. These qualities will serve them not only in school but throughout life, helping them become thoughtful, caring people who make a difference in their communities.
As this group of Year 6 students moves on, we hope they carry with them treasured memories, friendships that stand the test of time, and hearts that know where they belong.
Congratulations to our Year 6s—the Class of 2025. We are proud of you, and you will be missed.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Our last day of school is Tuesday, 16th December. School finishes at 12:30pm.
As we wrap up the year, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support for everything we do at Matua School. It’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant, caring community, and we’re excited about all that 2026 will bring.
I hope your summer break is filled with whānau, friends, laughter, and moments that bring joy and renewal as we celebrate this Christmas season.
Meri Kirihimete ki a koe me tō whānau – wishing you a safe, happy, and restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
Marcus Norrish
Principal
SCHOOL CALENDAR
PINNACLES TRIP
In Week 9, a group of our Year 6 students were lucky enough to take part in an overnight hiking adventure to the Pinnacles. They were absolute troopers, reaching the hut in record time! Once we arrived, the students laced their hiking shoes back up and tackled the summit with the same enthusiasm and determination.
A huge shout-out to all the parents who supported the trip, experiences like this simply wouldn’t be possible without you. And to the students who attended: you represented Matua School so well and should be incredibly proud of your effort and positive attitude. You truly were troopers!
ROOM 11 & 12 – INQUIRY
In the last couple of Terms, Rooms 11 and 12 have connected with a Kindy in Namibia. This all started from their inquiry learning, and has developed into a meaningful learning experience for all the children. Check out the video below to see their story.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION POINT
CELEBRATING PAST STUDENTS
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/
SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMME IDEA
Summer Programmes at The One and a Half Acre Wood!
Fun, hands-on animal activities for kids these holidays.
December Holiday Programme: 18-19 Dec
January Holiday Programme: 19-30 Jan
Also offering PRIVATE PONY EXPERIENCES AND RIDES, AND HORSE-RIDING LESSONS throughout January.
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS available!
For bookings contact Dianne at allaboutanimals80@gmail.com
FUN FIRST FOOTBALL
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 2025
Term 1, 2025 – Monday 3rd February – Friday 11th April
Waitangi Day – Thursday 6th February
Teacher Only Day – Monday 17th March
Term 2 – Monday 28th April – Friday 27th June
Teacher Only Day – Friday 30th May
Kings Birthday – Monday 2nd June
Matariki – Friday 20th June
Term 3 – Monday 14th July – Friday 19th September
Term 4 – Monday 6th October – Tuesday 16th December
Labour Day – Monday 27th October
Last Day of School – Tuesday 16th December (12:30pm finish)
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.