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Kia ora, Malo e Lelei, Talofa Lava, Ni Hao, Namaste, Bula Vinaka, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, Kia orana, Mauri, Greetings.

We are now three weeks into the new school year, and I am pleased to share that our students are settling well into their new classes and routines.

Pods and classrooms are focused and productive, with students building positive relationships with their teachers and peers. It has been great to see how quickly they have adapted and engaged with their new learning spaces, teachers and learning support staff.

Our newest little learners have made a positive start to school life at MCS. They are enjoying exploring our outdoor play areas, making new friends, and beginning their learning journeys with enthusiasm.

It is wonderful to see their confidence growing each day as they become familiar with routines and learning expectations at school. They are proud of the activities they are doing and they love to share their work and see their efforts displayed around their classroom.

Our swimming programmes have now begun and students are developing their confidence and skills in the pool. It is a lovely cool place to be on our hot days.

Our Garden to Table programme is also underway. Students have been working in the gardens - weeding, harvesting, learning about seedlings, preparing soil, and planting seeds.

The cooking activities are always a highlight! It is great to see our students gaining practical knowledge and learning how to care for the garden areas.

Our senior students are visiting our local library, making the most of the opportunity to enjoy the programmes with the library team. Our Year 6 students are excited as they prepare for school camp. What a fabulous adventure for them.

Tī Kōuka students are enjoying their weekly gymnastics sessions at the Bruce Pulman Park in Papakura, where they are developing coordination and physical confidence.

We are very proud of our senior school students who represented the school this week at the interschool swimming event at Manurewa High School. Our swimmers can feel proud of their excellent efforts and sportsmanship.

Thank you to Miss Hopkinson who managed our school team.

It has been wonderful to see so many happy faces each day. Our students are engaged, positive, and eager to participate in a variety of activities at school. I believe this is a true reflection of our strong partnership between home and school.

Thank you for your continued support as we begin what promises to be a fantastic year of learning and growth for all our students.

We look forward to sharing many more highlights with you in the weeks ahead.

Kia pai tō rā whakatā

Sandy Griffin
Acting Principal

Swimming at School

We are unable to exempt children from our swimming programme, just as we are unable to exempt children from a maths lesson.

Please be assured the health and safety of all of our students is at the forefront of our planning.

The school Board has policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of all pool users.

Swimming and basic aquatic skills are a core part of the refreshed NZ Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Given the number of adults and children that have drowned over December and January, this aspect of a student's education is important and very necessary.

If, for medical reasons, your child is unable to participate in our swimming programme, please provide a medical certificate or similar documentation to the Principal.

Appropriate swimwear is required. Street clothes, non-swim fabrics, and loose clothing are not permitted in the water.

• Swimwear should be clean, well-fitted, and designed for swimming activities.


• Rash tops, swim shorts, one-piece swimsuits, swimming togs and goggles (optional)


• Towel


• Please avoid cotton clothing, as it can weigh swimmers down in the water.

All swimming gear (named) must be all in a large named plastic bag or similar.

Thank you

Pick Up and Drop Off Students

Please enter and leave school daily using the Turf gate or Cenotaph gate.

Gates are closed at 9am and opened at the end of the day at 2.55pm.

Late students use the main office and are required to sign in as 'Late'.

Please do not use the office area unless you need to speak with office staff.

Please pick children up promptly at 3pm.

We have no afterschool supervision.

Thank you for your help with this.

Road Safety

We continue to encounter near-miss incidents at the Great South Road/Hill Road crossing.

Auckland Transport and our Community Constables attended a parent meeting this week to discuss how we can best support our children in getting to school safely in the morning when crossing at the intersection by the cenotaph.

Please talk to your children about road safety and being vigilent when crossing the road.

Swimming at School

Swimming is part of our PE curriculum. It is expected that all children will swim.

Please ensure swimming gear is clearly named for every student.

A note from a parent/caregiver is required if your child is not swimming for any reason.

Whanau teachers will let you know when each class/Pod will be swimming.

Ready for Learning

Parents, caregivers and whānau

Please help your child/ren to be at school by 8.30-8.45am every day.

This gives your child/ren time to talk with the teacher, see their friends and get organised for learning for their day.

All students are required to be 'ready for learning' by 9.00am every day.

Our learning programmes begin at this time.

Thank you for your help and support in ensuring a happy start to the school day for your child/ren every day.