Kia ora koutou,

We had a fantastic evening with the PTA running their annual Christmas Night Market this week.  This year, the market hosted the Tauranga Marimba Festival, which saw a number of schools from around the WBOP performing for the crowd.  There was a great turnout from the community, with those attending donating a food item that will be donated to the Tauranga Community Foodbank.  Thank you to all those who supported the event, and a special shout-out to our PTA team who led the evening so well.

Parking Updates – Big fines are being issued!

We know that pick up and drop off can be challenging at times, however, too often, people choose to park illegally or in a way that is inconsiderate of others.  We have been advised that on the 12th of November, the Tauranga City Parking car issued 7 tickets around Matua School.  This occurs over just a few moments as the Parking Car just needs to drive past an illegally parked car to issue a ticket.  The tickets were issued on Clivedene, Strathmore and Levers Road and included parking on yellow lines or blocking driveways.  The most significant ticket was issued for illegally parking in the mobility space on Clivedene Street.  The fine for this offence is now $750!  Please be mindful of parking legally and our neighbours, who often find their driveways blocked by people picking up children from school.

Farewelling to a couple of legends!

At the end of the 2024 school year, we will be farewelling a couple of Matua Legends.  Robyn Carlisle and Karina Tinholt are both finishing up their full-time teaching careers and setting their sights on other exciting adventures.  Robyn and Karina have been at Matua School for many years and have both been key players in making Matua School a stunning place for children to learn.  Both have led teams in the school and contributed to a staff culture envied by schools around the city.  These two fantastic teachers, colleagues, friends and humans will be missed by us all at Matua School, and we wish them all the best as they explore the opportunities that life has ahead for them.  I’m sure we will see them both back in the school at times for relieving days or other short-term projects, but for now, we say haere rā and thank you!

Leavers Assembly

On Thursday, 19th December, at 1:30 pm, we will celebrate the school year with our Leavers Assembly!  This is always a wonderful celebration of our year, specifically for our senior students heading off to Intermediate next year.  We’d love to see you there!

SCHOOL INFORMATION

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Tauranga Moana Manu Champs becomes official world qualifying event 

Dust off your togs and perfect your Manu… this year’s Tauranga Moana Manu Champs is set to make a bigger splash than ever before!   

For the first time, our annual competition has been named an official qualifying event for the 2025 Z Manu World Champs. Along with local bragging rights, the winners in both the Manu and Freestyle divisions will be fast-tracked into the Z Manu World Champs grand final in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, on 1 March 2025. 

The free family event organised by Tauranga City Council in partnership with Z Manu World Champs will be one you won’t want to miss! Along with an action-packed day of epic bombs and big splashes there’ll be free fades, a free sausage sizzle, music, giveaways and lots more for the whānau to enjoy.  

The competition is open to people aged 8 and older and is free to enter. There are limited numbers in each age category, so people are encouraged to sing up early to secure a spot on the wharf.  

When: Saturday, 7 December 2024, 10am – 2.30pm 

Where: Public wharf, Tauranga Waterfront  

Find out more and register online at whatsontauranga.co.nz/manuchamps