From the Principal’s Desk -
Tēnā koutou katoa,

Just over a week ago our school field was the site of a fantastic community cricket tournament - The Bailey Ingham Maihiihi Sixes.  I want to begin with a massive thanks to the small team of people who worked incredibly hard to make this happen.  A sincere thanks to Michael Newson for his passion in bringing this event to life.  There were a small team of people very capably supporting on the day - I hesitate to name them in case I miss someone!   We were so fortunate to be supported by amazing sponsors - Bailey Ingham, and some very generous donations from a range of places, including Cambridge Hunting and Fishing, BNZ, Seddon Park Cricket Club, Northern Districts Cricket, Cropmark and Ravensdown, Te Awamutu Sports Junior Cricket, and the Hamilton Family.  While the tournament was a great fundraising effort, it was perhaps more importantly an absolutely brilliant occasion for community connection and fun.  To all who were involved - thank you!

As we head into the last half of term 1, I have taken a moment to reflect on what has been achieved so far and what is still to come.  As a staff team we are  guided by the strategic direction that the Board of Trustees sets out for us.  A full copy of the strategic plan and annual implementation plan can now be found on our website.  In 2025,  we have some sharp goals to improve Wellbeing and Learning.   

Wellbeing goals to be worked towards with urgency:

1.1 Staff and students feel safe, respected, valued

1.2 Students with diverse needs are included and have needs met

Teaching, Learning, Assessment goals to be worked towards with urgency:
2.1 Assessment is effectively used to adapt teaching, drive learning

2.2 Boys, Māori learners make accelerated progress in core areas

2.3 Te Mātaioho is implemented - evident in planning and pedagogy

Some of these goals are driven by the findings of last year's Education Review Office (ERO) report.  We have a continuing partnership with ERO following the reporting process, which provides an awesome opportunity to update them regularly on our actions and the outcomes of these actions.  In January I shared our strategic direction, our assessment plan, and our internal review mechanisms with our ERO partner.  She and I are both excited about the potential for strengthening our practices. 

In the last newsletter I shared what we are tracking for student wellbeing in our playground.  We are continuing to progress in this space.  This week I want to take a moment to share our staff wellbeing data.  With so much rapid change in curriculum expectation and a shifting landscape of expectation from our Ministry of Education, it is really important to ensure our team are supported and feeling valued.  I am very pleased to report 100% of our staff team are feeling positive. 

I will continue to share data with you over the course of the year to keep you informed of how we are tracking towards achieving our strategic goals.   

We are very much looking forward to meeting with parents and caregivers to share how learners are progressing in our upcoming parent conferences.  Please do make it a priority to book in with teachers.  If you can't make it in the times we have set up, we will accommodate when it does suit you.  Just phone the office to arrange.  This is such an important time for us to connect and build our partnership with you.

Finally, a warm welcome to join us on Friday at 9.15am in the library for assembly led by Room 3.  Come and check out our lovely new carpet, and do stay for a cuppa afterwards if you have the time.

Ngā mihi
Lisa

At last meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the following concerns and complaints process.  We are always wanting to hear from you - please don't hesitate to communicate the good and the not so good.  This diagram shows who to contact, and how.  Your concerns are opportunities for us to improve, and we welcome them.  

Important reminders to all parents:
SCHOOL HOURS - 9am - 3pm Mon - Friday
Please have your child/ren at school no later than 8.50am daily so that all bags, bookbags etc. are sorted before the first bell at 9am. 

LATE STUDENTS - If you child is arriving at school after the first bell at 9am, please go straight to the school office with your child to sign them in on the electronic device located at the school office. Your child will then be given a late pass.

ABSENT STUDENTS - If your child is not going to be at school due to illness, appointments, etc., please notify the school office before 9am via School Loop App, or phone: 07 873 2887 - follow the voice prompts.

BUS - If your child is a regular bus pupil but will not be on the bus due to a parent picking them up, etc., please ring the school on 07 873 2887, and follow the voice prompts to leave a bus message.  If your child has a regular swimming, dance, or sport lesson, please let the office know so that it can be recorded for the term. 

MONEY - Our school is now running a cashless system, so please make ALL payments via Direct Credit.
Ref - Student Name    Particulars - What it is for, i.e. Lunch, Uniform, Sport, RDA, etc.
BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
ASB - Te Awamutu
Maihiihi School
12-3134-0049006-00

Last week, we read a delightful story about a boy who blew bubbles high into the air, watching them float over a cat, a dog, birds, and eventually down onto a hedgehog, where they would pop. Inspired by this imaginative story, we decided to explore the magic of bubbles ourselves. We spent time learning how to make bubbles, experimenting with different ways to blow them, and discovering the joy of watching them float and dance in the air.

Afterward, we shared our experiences through writing. We each wrote about how to make bubbles and what the bubbles did. Some of us described the colors and sizes of the bubbles, while others imagined the playful paths they took as they soared through the air. We reflected on the fun and joy we had. Our stories captured the magic of bubbles and the excitement we felt as they floated around us.

Room 1 has recently embarked on an exciting new math strand: algebra, with a focus on pattern making. The children have been introduced to the fundamental concept of recognizing and understanding patterns, as well as identifying simple relationships within these patterns.
We began our exploration by discussing patterns that appear in everyday life, from the stripes on a shirt to the arrangement of tiles on a floor. Through this, the students discovered that most patterns can be categorized by their use of colors, shapes, or a combination of both. 
Building on this, the students have been experimenting with creating their own patterns. Using various materials such as colored blocks, shapes, and objects from the classroom, they practiced forming sequences and determining what would come next in a continuing pattern. Some children used alternating colors, while others focused on geometric shapes, exploring how both color and shape can work together to form repeating sequences.
As part of the learning process, the children have also been tasked with predicting what comes next in various patterns. For example, after observing a sequence like red, blue, red, blue, the children were able to confidently say that the next color would be red. This hands-on approach has helped strengthen their understanding of algebraic thinking, specifically in recognizing and extending patterns.
Through these activities, students have not only deepened their understanding of patterns but also developed their ability to think logically and analytically—important skills in algebra and mathematics as a whole. 

We are exploring some different artists. We have started by looking at Piet Mondrian and used the primary colours red, blue and yellow to create an abstract piece of art. We also had to pick a creature/ character that we will use throughout our study. Check out some of our pieces below. 

In Science, we did a scientific investigation that tests whether handwashing reduces the transfer of germs. Some students just washed their hands with water, some with soap and some just used sanitiser. Others rubbed their hands on devices, some on tables and chairs and some did nothing. We have found out that some of the worst bacteria and mould growth came from hands used on devices, and some of the least growth came from sanitiser. We think room 2 need to make sure we sanitise after using devices!!!

We have started to look at dinosaurs this week. We looked at 6 different dinosaurs and tried to match their (very long) names with the dinosaur and its footprint. We then decided to use the T-rex and measure his footprint onto paper. It was about 1 metre long. Then we took an average of its stride, 4 metres, and looked at how quickly a T-rex could reach us on the field in just 13 steps!

Over the last few weeks, our senior students have been developing their cricket skills with Campbell. They learned exciting games that improved their teamwork and communication abilities, while sharpening their hand-eye coordination skills. The final session wrapped up with a fast-paced game of non-stop cricket. We were very lucky with the weather and the students had a fantastic time!

To view the Maihiihi School Policies please click on the link below, this will take you to Schooldocs where you can find all our school policies. The list below are policies that are currently up for review. We would appreciate your thoughts on these.
Term 1 Review Topics
- Health, Safety and Welfare Policy
- Safety Management System
- Risk Management
- Worker Engagement, Participation and Representation
- Healthcare
- Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries and Illness

Policies here:  https://maihiihi.schooldocs.co.nz/

Username: maihiihi Password: maihiihi

 Ministry of Education require all students to have at least 94% attendance 

 Please download the Skool Loop App to your phone.  From this app you can see all notices, newsletters and important information as they are downloaded. Plus you can leave absentee messages at any time of the day.