Learning In Action

ANZAC Assembly

Yesterday, our school came together for our annual ANZAC Day Commemoration assembly, a cherished tradition in our calendar of events.  This solemn occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who bravely served in the war, securing the freedoms we are grateful for today.  As we gathered to honour their memory, we reflected on the profound impact their bravery has had on shaping our nation and the world. 

Their selflessness and resilience continue to inspire us, reminding us of the importance of unity, remembrance and gratitude.  Through heartfelt tributes, readings and moments of silence, we paid homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that their legacy lives on in our hearts and minds.  As a school community, we are deeply committed to preserving the memory of our ANZAC heroes and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.  May we always honour their memory with reverence and gratitude, and may their courage serve as a beacon of hope for generations to come.

Lest we forget.

TVNZ Breakfast Show

MWPS had chance to talk about an important issue on the TVNZ Breakfast Show last Wednesday. Harmony and Kendrick did a fabulous job representing our kura. Kei te pai to mahi! Kendrick was fascinated by the TVNZ camera equipment and had a turn behind the lens. What a moment!

The potential decision by this government to cut the Lunch in Schools Programme is deeply concerning for our community. This programme plays a crucial role in supporting our whānau by removing the burden of financial stress and worry, ensuring our tamariki have access to nutritious food and enabling working whānau to focus on other priorities, such as school, work and their health needs.

The impact of this decision cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the positive outcomes we have witnessed. The provision of school lunches has been instrumental in encouraging regular attendance, as families no longer need to worry about their children going hungry during the school day. Manurewa High School, our lunch provider offers our students the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate healthy food options that may not be readily available to them at home, and the quality of the meals has been exceptional.  By exposing our students to nutritious meals, we are not only addressing immediate food needs but also promoting long-term health and well-being. 

We urge the government to reconsider this decision and prioritise the well-being of our community by maintaining funding for this essential programme. 

Whānau let’s get behind this kaupapa and make your concerns heard!

Writing Week

The highlight of this year’s Writing Week is our collective endeavour to write our very own Enchanted Forest stories, each to be immortalised in a special book for our library.  These stories are all linked to our Ngāhere inquiry, where our Riroriro learners delve into the world of native trees, Pīwakawaka akongā insects and bugs, and our Tūī Whānau students explore the wonders of native birds.  Through the magic of storytelling, our students will weave tales that celebrate the beauty and diversity of our natural surroundings, incorporating the knowledge and insights gained from their Ngāhere inquiry. From ancient forests teeming with life to mystical encounters with native creatures, these stories will enchant readers of all ages and inspire a deeper connection to our environment.  To complement our enchanting tales, students will harness the power of CANVA augmented reality tools to create stunning illustrations that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers.  From vibrant depictions of native flora and fauna to whimsical landscapes straight out of our imaginations, these illustrations will add an extra layer of magic to our Enchanted Forest stories.  Exciting times.

Stay tuned for our release date!

The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC)

Recently, sixty of our Year 5 and 6 students participated in a range of Drama workshops provide by The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) -and boy did our kids have fun! These sessions offered our students a valuable opportunity to explore and nurture their talents and interests in the performing arts.

Drama lessons are more than just a creative outlet; they’re incredibly beneficial for personal growth and development. Through acting, movement, and expression, our students not only deepen their understanding of theatrical arts but also develop skills such as confidence, creativity, and effective communication.

The impact of these sessions extends beyond the stage, empowering our students to excel in various aspects of life, from public speaking to teamwork and self-expression. We’re immensely grateful for the opportunity for our students to learn from trained Drama teachers, and the fact that these sessions were provided free of charge is truly remarkable.

A heartfelt thank you to TAPAC for their generosity and dedication to nurturing the artistic talents of our students. Your support is invaluable, and we’re deeply appreciative of the positive impact you’ve had on our MWPS community.

MPSSA

On Wednesday, March 13th, Mr. Daculan and Mrs. Bowden led our Year 5 and 6 Cricket Teams at Mountford Park for the MPSSA Cricket Tournament, and what a day it was! Our teams truly shined, with our Boys team clinching the tournament victory and our mixed team securing a fantastic 2nd place finish.

The display of skills showcased by our students, from their bowling prowess to their batting finesse, was nothing short of impressive! Look out Black Caps our learners are up and coming!

Ka rawe! 

Pīwakawaka Whānau Butterfly Creek Trip

Piwakawaka Whānau had an amazing adventure this week as they visited Butterfly Creek! It was an enriching experience that allowed our students to connect with nature, delve into biodiversity, and develop a deep appreciation for the world around them.

During their time at Butterfly Creek, our students engaged in hands-on learning experiences that will leave a lasting impact on their understanding of science and conservation. From exploring insect life cycles to discovering the importance of habitats within ecosystems, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery.

One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing the feeding sessions of the crocodiles, which left our students in awe of the incredible creatures that inhabit our planet.

Thank you to everyone involved for your commitment to providing our students with meaningful learning experiences that will inspire them to become the kaitiakitanga of the future.

Athletics Day

What an incredible day we had at our annual Athletics Day on Thursday, March 7th! The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and camaraderie as our students, houses, and staff came together for a day of spirited competition.

The battles between the houses and the staff were thrilling to watch, showcasing remarkable displays of strength and teamwork. It’s moments like these that truly highlight the amazing talent and spirit within our MWPS community.

A huge congratulations to all the students who were crowned Athletics Day champions for 2024! Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. A special shout out to Kowhai, the winning house on the day. But will their winning streak hold, as are house points are incredibly close!

Events like Athletics Day play a vital role in bringing our school community together and creating lasting memories. We’re incredibly grateful to our students and whānau for their enthusiastic participation, sportsmanship, and support throughout the day.

Riroriro Whānau Trip to the Auckland Zoo

Our Year 1 and 2 learners recently embarked on a memorable journey to the zoo, and it was truly an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

During their visit, our tamariki had the incredible opportunity to see animals they may have only read about or seen on TV. From majestic lions to playful monkeys, they immersed themselves in the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Guided tours and educational programs tailored to our MWPS groups provided invaluable insights into different species, their habitats, behaviours, and adaptations to their environments. This hands-on learning experience was both educational and inspiring for our young learners.

But this trip was about more than just observing animals—it was a chance for our children to develop empathy and compassion. By learning about the challenges faced by endangered species, they were inspired to become advocates for conservation efforts.

Whakapapa Trip

Over the past few weeks, we embarked on a journey of connection and heritage! Our whakapapa journey took us to Matukutūreia, the Puhinui Stream, and the Ngāhere trail—it was a great chance for us to deepen our understanding of our local landscape and its significance to mana whenua.

This trip held great importance as we explored the rich history that shapes our identity as a school and community. By visiting these sacred sites, we gained invaluable insights into our cultural heritage and the stories that shape our collective narrative. It was an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and honor the legacy they left behind. Now when our akongā share our school pepeha, they will do so with confidence having seen our maungā and our awa with their own eyes. 

Whānau Picnic

Our family picnic night at Manurewa West Primary School was a big hit!

The sun shone brightly as numerous families gathered with their blankets, pizza, KFC or yummy homemade picnics. The atmosphere was full of laughter and joy as we chatted and watched all our children enjoy themselves on the turf, fields and playgrounds. Our dedicated staff engaged with attendees, fostering a sense of community through fun games and activities.

A huge shoutout to all the amazing parents and wider whānau who joined in on all the fun and laughter! You guys rocked all the cultural games like true champions! And let’s not forget those brave souls who battled it out competing against their own kids. You’re all heroes in our book!

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making the evening unforgettable with your laughter, energy, and awesome company!

Big Foot Bikes

MWPS was fortunate to have Big Foot Bikes onsite over the past week, collaborating with our Tūī Whānau learners. Throughout this period, students learnt about bike safety checks, legal requirements, clothing choices, and safe riding techniques. It was an enjoyable session in the sunshine, providing a brand-new experience for many. Through engaging bike training sessions, our students refined their cycling skills and embraced the art of riding confidently and safely. We’re proud to have partnered with Bigfoot Bikes for this important safety event, enriching our school community with invaluable biking knowledge and skills!

MWPS Property Updates

Exciting news, everyone! We’re thrilled to announce the completion of the upgrades to the Tūī Whānau playground and the resurfacing of the covered courts with top-of-the-line tiger turf over the summer break. These enhancements are a testament to our commitment to providing our community with exceptional recreational facilities.

These revitalized spaces offer our children a wealth of opportunities to engage in enriching physical activities, fostering their overall well-being and development. From playtime adventures to structured sports, the upgraded areas are designed to promote active lifestyles and learning integration. What’s more, we’ve ensured that the design of these spaces reflects our connection to Te Ao Māori, embracing cultural values and environmental consciousness.

We can’t wait to see our tamariki thrive as they explore and enjoy these newly enhanced spaces. Thank you to everyone involved in making these upgrades possible—it’s truly a community effort that benefits us all!

   

MWPS Values

Kaitiakitanga is about stewardship, guardianship, and sustainability.  As a family, valuing kaitiakitanga encourages us to adopt sustainable practices and respect the natural world, instilling a sense of environmental responsibility and cultural pride.  Within our school community, kaitiakitanga promotes environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives, empowering students, staff, and parents to make eco-friendly choices and protect our planet for future generations.

Manaakitanga is about kindness, respect, and hospitality towards others.  Within our school community, manaakitanga promotes inclusivity and enhances the overall well-being of students, staff, and parents contributing to a positive school culture.  As a family, embodying manaakitanga fosters a sense of unity and belonging, creating a nurturing atmosphere where everyone feels cared for and respected. 

Whanaungatanga is about the importance of building and maintaining relationships based on kinship and connection. As a family, valuing whanaungatanga strengthens our bonds and reinforces the importance of supporting one another through thick and thin.  Within our school community, whanaungatanga promotes collaboration and cooperation, creating a sense of unity and belonging among students, staff, and parents.

Rangatiratanga is about leadership, self-determination, and empowerment.  As a family, embodying rangatiratanga instills a sense of responsibility and accountability, inspiring us to lead by example and make a difference in the lives of others.  Within our school community, rangatiratanga fosters leadership skills and fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential and make a positive impact.

       

Mihi Whakatau

On the first Friday of 2024 school year, we warmly welcomed new students and staff to MWPS with a traditional Māori welcome called a mihi whakatau. A mihi whakatau is a form of welcome similar to a pōwhiri, but less formal. 

A big MWPS welcome to our new families! We’re thrilled you picked MWPS for your kids and whānau.  

 2023 Prize Giving

 

Manurewa West was buzzing with excitement during our end-of-year prizegiving ceremonies. These events marked the end of the school year, celebrating all the great things our students achieved and learned. Everyone, including families and teachers, gathered to cheer for each student and recognize their special accomplishments. Prizegiving is a time filled with pride, teamwork, and encouragement, creating memories that stick with us as we say goodbye to another awesome school year.

 

 

2023 House Champions

 

Kowhai has truly shone as this year’s house champions, surpassing rivals Karakaraka, Kakariki, and Waiporoporo. Achieving a clean sweep by securing the most house points in Term 1, Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4,  shows how consistent and competitive they’ve been in a range of competitions. Kowhai’s success throughout the year firmly cements them as the undisputed house champions. Way to go Kowhai!!

 

 

Mahi Tahi

 

Our Mahi Tahi Week was a special time when we all came together to celebrate our year-long community projects. Throughout the week, students, teachers, and whānau celebrated various events and projects that emphasised the importance of teamwork. From class projects to syndicate goals, Mahi Tahi Week highlighted the strengths and creativity that emerge when we collaborate. It was a time of sharing, reflecting, and celebrating the positive impact we can achieve when we unite our efforts. The spirit of Mahi Tahi continues to inspire a sense of togetherness and cooperation in our MWPS community

 

Riroriro Whānau

 

Pīwakawaka Whānau

 

Tūī Whānau

 

Swimming: Year 3 – Year 6

 

Swimming is really important for kids because it helps keep them safe in the water and makes them strong and healthy. Learning to swim gives kids confidence, and it’s a fun way to play with friends. Swimming also helps kids make their muscles and bodies strong, and it’s something they can enjoy doing for their whole lives. It’s like a game that helps them move their arms and legs together, making them good at balancing and moving in the water. So, swimming is not just fun, it’s also good for their bodies and keeps them safe around water!

 

 

Whānau Hui

 

Our Whanau Hui was a special gathering where families and the school community came together to connect, share, and celebrate. During the hui, we discussed important matters, celebrated achievements, and strengthened the bonds between home and school. It provided a welcoming space for open communication, allowing families to actively engage in their child’s education. The Whanau Hui was not just a meeting; it was a heartfelt coming together, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration that enriches our school community

 

Pīwakawaka Whānau Trip: Auckland Museum

 

Our trip to the Auckland Museum was an amazing adventure, especially as we delved into the fascinating world of archaeology in the Pacific. Exploring the exhibits, we discovered ancient artifacts and treasures that unveiled the rich history and cultures of the Pacific Islands. The museum provided a hands-on experience, allowing us to touch and feel the tools, pottery, and objects used by people in the past. The journey through the archaeological displays deepened our understanding of the Pacific’s diverse heritage and left us with a profound appreciation for the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

 

 

CM Games

 

On Tuesday, November 7th, Mr Rosewarne and Mrs Bowden led a boys’ basketball and girls’ netball team to participate in a 3-day CM Games tournament held at Bruce Pulman in Papakura. The competition showcased intense matchups, with schools travelling from as far as Coromandel, Tuakau, and Mangere. Our students faced challenges and tested their skills against some of the best teams in the region. Remarkably, both teams performed exceptionally well, and our basketball team even made it to the finals. Despite facing tough competition, the boys secured the silver medal—a tremendous accomplishment. Ka Pai tō mahi! All students exhibited outstanding sportsmanship and resilience in challenging situations, and we take immense pride in both teams’ achievements. A heartfelt thank you to all the whānau who came out to support—it is genuinely appreciated!

     

Diwali

 

Diwali and Bollywood dance go hand in hand, bringing vibrant energy to the celebration. Many people showcase their dancing skills during Diwali parties, performing lively Bollywood dance routines. The beats of Bollywood music add an extra dose of excitement to the festive atmosphere, making Diwali a time for both traditional rituals and modern entertainment. From classic dance moves to contemporary choreography, Diwali becomes a dazzling fusion of cultural traditions and Bollywood glamour on the dance floor.

 

Duffy Theatre

 

“Duffy Needs His Space!” directed by Jeff Szusterman and written by Lauren Jackson, follows Duffy’s fascination with the James Webb Space Telescope and his unexpected adventure into multiple universes with his alter ego. The show explores their escapades in outer space, emphasizing the power of books and reading. As an annual event at MWPS, Duffy Theatre brings stories to life, sparks the imagination, and teaches kids about emotions through engaging performances, fostering a fun and attentive audience experience.

 

 

Tūī Whānau Trip: Nathan Homestead

 

Term 3 House Cup Winners

Three terms down and one to go and our MWPS House Cup competition is intense. MWPS is delighted to announce that, following weeks of fierce competition, Kowhai has taken out the House Cup for Term 3.

1st Place: Kowhai 36,986 points

2nd Place: Karakaraka 36,640 points

3rd Place: Kakariki 36,464 points

Tongan Language Week

Tongan Language Week, also known as Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e Lea Faka-Tonga, is a vibrant cultural celebration that takes place annually in New Zealand. It typically occurs in September and lasts for a week, highlighting the rich heritage of our Tongan community. During this week, various events, and activities were organised to promote the Tongan language and culture. It provides an opportunity for our Tongan learners to connect with their roots, share cultural stories and educate others about their language and customs. 

Whānau Workshops: Literacy Learning at MWPS

This term we shared an open invitation to all our parents and caregivers to a series of Wh,ānau Workshops focused on “Literacy Learning at MWPS”.

MWPS is participating in professional learning in Structured Literacy and as a result, our teaching practices are changing to align with this teaching approach in spelling, reading and writing. These workshops were wonderful opportunities to share our journey with parents and caregivers.

Each session was hosted by our lovely Assistant Principal, Mrs Gosnell where she shared why we are making this important change, what is in our literacy scope and sequence, how literacy is taught in the classroom and where we are headed next. It was a great chance to ask questions and see what your child experiences in our kura every day. Each session ended with tea, coffee and light refreshments. A big thank-you to all whānau who attended. 

Key takeaways from our MWPS Whānau Workshops include the following:

• Children are keen to show parents and caregivers how to learn to spell and often show their whānau how to syllable tap and finger spell.
• Whānau can see that this way of learning is really different to what we experienced as learners. There is a growing sense of “Gee, I wish we were taught this way.”
• Children are listening to the sounds in words and making connections when reading at home. They find this fun and are keen to show their knowledge.
• Parents and caregivers are noticing a big difference and improvement in their children’s spelling. Especially for parents with older children who are now seeing the difference in younger siblings.
• Parents are really impressed with the dedication and passion our MWPS staff have for their children and are amazed at the commitment to new learning and gold stand literacy practice across the school. This means a lot, thank you!
• Whānau are really interested in the new teaching and learning practices but also want to know how they can help at home. As parents, we can see we need to change too and are looking forward to learning what to do. 

Book Launch: Ngā Roimata Tioata

The collaboration with the tamariki on a Matariki-themed pukapuka was a remarkable experience, deepening their understanding of this special occasion through personal narratives about each star. This endeavour forged meaningful connections between our learners and their Māori culture, a rewarding outcome. Additionally, the creation of this Matariki resource by our own young authors contributes significantly to knowledge and comprehension of the tradition, promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity.

‘Ngā Roimata Tioata, Crystal Tears’ has the potential to educate not only our MWPS community but also those unfamiliar with Matariki. This work enriches the lives of our learners, empowering them as published authors and creating a ripple effect of learning and appreciation for Matariki. Congratulations to the writers on this achievement! A special thanks to Mrs Madden, David Riley, the Manurewa Local Board, and Beyond Horizon Trust for sponsoring the book’s publishing costs. It’s another outstanding achievement for our students, whānau and kura.

New Entrant Afternoon Tea

Our New Entrant Parent Afternoon Tea was a delightful event that brought together parents of children who had recently joined our MWPS community. Held in our New Entrant Hub, the tea provided an opportunity for parents to connect and get to know each other. The event featured a fabulous information session hosted by our New Entrant Lead Teacher, Mrs Ioelu and our Junior School Team Lead, Mrs Connal and attended by our Assistant Principal, Mrs Gosnell, our Deputy Principal, Mrs Bowden and our Principal, Mrs Naidoo. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the room which was reflected in the range of questions and open sharing from our new parents. It was wonderful to see parents sharing experiences, exchanging advice, and building a network within the school community.  

MPSSA Cross Country

The Year 4-6 students who were placed in the top 3 in our MWPS Fun Run for their age group, had the privilege of representing our school at the MPSSA Cross Country event held at Reremoana School.  It is always fantastic to watch our students give it their all and the wonderful support they receive along the way from cheerful supporters.  We are extremely proud of every student who participated.

Congratulations to our standout runners who were placed on the day:

Year 4 Girls

• 2nd Place to Kowhai of PW6
• 4th Place to Tarah of PW5

Year 5 Boys

• 1st Place to Mohamed of TW3

Maths Week

This week was a massive week of maths magic and high-energy learning hosted by our amazing Deputy Principal, Mrs Bowden. On Monday, we kicked off Maths Week and our very own MWPS Football World Cup. Soccer is a team sport, and everyone had a role to play! Each class was their own team and worked collaboratively across the week to complete a range of learning activities to accrue points. Check out our Maths World Cup Challenges:

• Design your own country, country name, country facts and prices
• Class word problems
• Design a soccer ball using tessellation patterns
• Create a class wall display space where you will showcase your country’s completed tasks throughout the week.
• Write a myth 
• Design a shin guard to withstand a ball
• PE: Soccer skills
• Orienteering: Riroriro Whānau
• Lunchtime Challenges: Crack the code
• Design a soccer uniform
• Daily maths riddles

The top country from each whānau headed to the MWPS Football World Cup finals on Thursday afternoon and we wrapped the week up with a Maths Challenge for Friday’s House competition.  All our learners were commended on their participation and engagement throughout the week. Congratulations to our medal winners; PW4 took out the bronze medal, TW2 took the silver medal, and RW2 claimed the gold medal!

Cook Island Language Week

Kia Orana! We love celebrating Cook Island Language Week!

This year’s theme, ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea’, urges us to connect with the traditions and culture of our homeland. We were very excited to integrate o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani into our daily programmes.

As part of our celebrations, we enjoyed performances from our Year 0 – 4 School Pasifika Group and our Senior School Pasifika Group.  We were captivated and delighted by the Cook Island Drum Ropu who visited us midweek and showcased a range of skills and talents in Cook Island drumming, ukulele, cultural dance and songs.

We warmly welcomed our whānau to join us for Friday’s assembly, followed by a Fono where we could share ideas and insights about our anau’s learning journey. Together, we made Cook Island Langage Week a memorable celebration of our heritage and knowledge.

Counties Rugby and Counties Manukau Steelers

MWPS was lucky to have a visit from Counties Rugby and a few Counties Manukau Steelers players. 36 students were selected to attend and were able to ask lots of questions and had loads of fun playing some different games with the players.  Afterwards, Counties Rugby gifted our school a ball signed by all of the Steelers squad, as well as tickets for our lucky students who came along!

Their sponsor Bhana Family Farms also donated 50 bags of potatoes to go home for our students and their whānau.

A massive thank you again to Counties Rugby and the Counties Manukau Steelers, good luck with your season!

MPSSA Netball Tournament

MWPS took a Year 5 and 6 boys and a Year 5 and 6 girls netball team to compete at the MPSSA Netball Tournament hosted at Browns Road Netball Courts this year. The girls had an awesome day and managed to win 5 of 6 games to finish fifth place out of 21 Schools. The boys also won all their games except one and finished in second place out of 18 Schools.  An awesome achievement by our senior school students and we are super proud. Ka pai!

Special mention to Sandina from Manurewa Netball for umpiring both of our teams over the day. Thank you we appreciate it!

Fun Run

Our annual MWPS Fun Run was a vibrant and joyous event that brought together staff and students alike, especially after having to postpone twice due to awful weather. The air was filled with the sound of students’ laughter and the sight of their beaming smiles and chalked-coloured clothes as they raced around the track. It was truly heartwarming to see the entire school community coming together for a day of fitness, fun, and camaraderie. With each step, students not only embraced the spirit of healthy competition but also celebrated the importance of physical health and perseverance. The fun run provided an opportunity for our students to learn valuable life lessons while having a blast. 

Term 2 House Cup Winners

We are halfway through the year and therefore halfway through our MWPS House Cup competition. MWPS is thrilled to announce that after weeks of intense competition, the House Cup goes to …wait for it … drumroll… Kowhai! 

The competition was utterly fierce and ooh so close, what a spectacular finish to the term. Karakaraka moved into second place, Kakariki into third and Waiporoporo fourth. The battle is on!

Steam Week 

Steam Week is aimed at inspiring and engaging our students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths. During this week-long celebration, our tamariki had the opportunity to explore, create and innovate through a wide range of hands-on activities. We also combined it with our Matariki celebrations. Matariki fell during our holidays this year, so we used the last two weeks of the term to explore and learn all about Matariki. Daily riddles, make and create activities -a fantastic week!

Samoan Language Week

Tālofa lava Happy Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa – Samoan Language Week!

 

 

Kurawaka Animation Studios Visit

Following on from the huge success of a published collection of short stories by a select group of Senior School authors and illustrators in 2022, another group of writers and illustrators within our Senior School have been busy with their Matariki publication.  As part of this process, our student illustrators had the opportunity to work with highly skilled illustrators and animators to bring their creative pieces to life.  A huge thank you to Mrs Madden for overseeing this wonderful project.  

New Entrant Afternoon Tea

Our MWPS New Entrant Parent Afternoon Tea provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents to connect and share their experiences as their children embark on their school journey. Delicious treats and a variety of tea options were served, creating a delightful environment for parents to relax and engage in meaningful conversations about their children’s first year at school. Not only did our amazing Riroriro Team Lead, Mrs Natasha Connal and NE Hub leader Mrs Ioelu talk about life in the Junior School and what it is like to be a learner in the NE Hub, but all participants received a New Entrant learning pack. Our New Entrant learning packs provide valuable resources and information for parents, equipping them with the knowledge and support they needed to navigate their child’s educational journey with confidence and ease.

MPSSA Rippa Rugby Tournament

 On Wednesday 24th May, MWPS Rippa Rugby stars competed in the annual MPSSA Rippa Rugby Tournament held at Moutfort Park. Manurewa West hosted the tournament once again, with all the mahi completed by our very own Mr Rosewarne who did an amazing job!  Ka rawe Mr Rosewarne! We entered a team in both A grade and B Grade. Our B-grade superstars competed fiercely coming in overall 7th out of 14 teams – Well done! Our A-grade team put in a near-perfect performance, losing only 1 game in the competition. It was this team, that they faced in the final, where they won and became champions!

A big congratulations to all our players on your excellent sportsmanship and skill!

Mother’s Day Writing Competition

Learners were encouraged to write a short story about their Mum, sister, Aunty, or a special female in their life.

The winners who produced an outstanding piece of writing won a Bed, Bath and Beyond Voucher and a beautiful stem of strelitzia each. A big thank-you to Bernadette Kelly our amazing sponsor. 

Writing Competition Winners:

• Riroriro Whānau: Lily, Katrina, Junior 
• Pīwakawaka Whānau: Camron, Angel, Faizaan
• Tūī Whānau: Jacob, Siupeli, Ella, Kaynohs

 

Te Whareumu Kāmura

As part of  Tūī Whānau Options 2023, we have launched Te Whareumu Kāmura where the tamariki of Tūī whānau are given the opportunity to become taitamariki kaitunu kai or young chefs.  We have been investigating healthy food choices, nutrition, farming and growing techniques and how to cook nutritious meals for whānau from scratch with whats in the fridge or larder. 

In our first sessions, we have made New York style pizza from scratch and the ultimate chocolate chunk cookies. Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at buying items in bulk and ‘splitting them down’ to ensure that there’s always a meal that can be made from ingredients at home, preparing fresh, seasonal  fruit and vegetables and putting together a hāngi to celebrate Matariki.

Cooking is the ultimate skill: you learn maths, literacy, science, technology and social studies while researching, creating, designing and testing recipes.  Plus, you get to eat awesome kai too!!

Pink Shirt Day

It was a sea of pink at this morning’s assembly.  It’s wonderful to join in with our students and staff to highlight bullying, as it is a very serious issue in New Zealand.  Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying campaign that celebrates diversity and creates environments where all people can feel safe, valued and respected.  Each year workplaces, schools, organisations and individuals join the movement to make a stand against bullying.  Let’s all do our bit and play our part in making schools and communities safer for all of us and our children. 

Book Blast

Our 2023 Book Blast has been a huge success, with learners loving our ‘Aotearoa: Tales as Old as Time’ theme.  Our annual celebration provided us with a fantastic opportunity to promote reading and literacy among our amazing akongā.  Our passionate kaiako organised a range of multilingual mapping and storytelling activities and events throughout the week, including:

• A large interactive map activity in the library and literacy centre, a “Where in Manurewa?” and a “Where in Tamaki Makaurau?” are Mrs Bowden and Mrs Gosnell
• Our fab MWPS Reading Challenge
• Fun Whānau challenges at home for house points
• Character Day parade! 

The children had a wonderful time exploring new books, authors, and genres, and we were delighted to see so many of them engage with reading in new and exciting ways.  We believe that fostering a love of reading is a crucial part of a child’s development, and our Book Blast was an excellent way to inspire our students to become lifelong readers.  

We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event and helped make it such a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Competition Winners: Disney Bag full of Books

• Riroriro Whānau: Evangeline 
• Pīwakawaka Whānau: Ruby-Rozay 
• Tūī Whānau: Letroyoden 

We are very grateful to our very generous sponsor Bernadette Kelly who made this possible.

Character Parade Prize Packs Winners:

• Riroriro Whānau: Vihaan, Shalom, Niyah, Nikolasi
• Pīwakawaka Whānau: Anetelea, Chorus, Kearah, Scout, Christella, Rebecca
• Tūī Whānau: Cekyrus, Kyla, Cole  Malakai  Christian  Vuk