Kia ora koutou,

It has been an excellent start to the school year at Matua today.  It can be sad to get to the end of a summer break, with the children at home ALL THE TIME….but I’m sure dropping them at school today also has a few positives as well!

With the start of a new year, there is plenty of new information to take on board.  Here are a few key things we would like you to take note of:

Pōwhiri – Welcome to new students and families

Friday 3rd February, 10:00 am (weather dependent)
This is a special event and traditional Māori welcome to new students and whānau.  New children and parents will meet on the field (near the swimming pool) just before 10:00am, and will be formally welcomed to our kura.  Parents are invited to the staffroom for a light morning tea following the pōwhiri.

Community Picnic

Tuesday 7th February, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 
All families are invited to join us for a Community Picnic Dinner on the school field.  Bring along your own choice of dinner and enjoy meeting other families and teachers over kai.  The PTA will also have some sausages available for purchase on the night.

School Donations

Each year the Matua School Board of Trustees ask for parents to make a contribution to the school.  Due to our school’s Equity Index Rating (previously decile rating), Matua School receives less funding than other schools might.  Many schools with lower Equity Index Ratings are eligible for $150 per child from the Ministry of Education more than we can access at Matua.  This year our Board is asking for a $130 contribution for each child in the school.  It would be wonderful if you were able to make that a priority at the start of the year.  Payments for this donation can be made via KINDO, with part payments also able to be made if required.

Your school donation enables us to maintain additional programmes like Garden to Table and Engineering for Experts, access additional literacy resources and support school trips.  It also supports the resourcing of Teacher Aides and the replacement of digital devices, all of which are not directly funded by the Ministry of Education.   Thank you for your ongoing support.

@School App

Our regular school communication will all come home to you via our @School App.  For returning families, this should continue from last year.  However, if you are new to Matua School, please connect asap so that you stay informed.  If you haven’t connected, please get in touch with the school office.

Key Dates to Note

Friday 24th February – School Closed
Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences (bookings for meetings will be opened next week)

Friday 17th March – School Closed
Teacher Only Day

Summer Sports

Summer Sports options are now available for Term 1.  Registrations close at the end of this week.  To sign up visit our school website and follow the links.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Stacey Sutherland, Sports Coordinator at sport@matua.school.nz

Guest Percussionist!

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to host Greg Sheehan at Matua School today.  Greg is a leading figure in Australian percussion, a performer, teacher and recording artist who is significantly represented in Australian music over the last 50 years.  Today, Greg ran a number of workshops with our older students and ran a mini-concert with some younger classes, which may lead to a few pots, pans and buckets being pulled out of cupboards tonight – you’re welcome!

SCHOOL INFORMATION