2024 Learning In Action

Back-to-Back Victory: MWPS Wins Overall Primary School Sports Trophy!

Our kura has done it again, claiming the overall primary school winner’s trophy for sports for the second year in a row! Competing against 16 primary schools throughout the year, our skilled and dedicated students consistently delivered exceptional performances, often finishing as winners or close runners-up in highly competitive events.

This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, determination, and teamwork of our tamariki. It also reflects the unwavering support of our MWPS Staff, who go above and beyond with training sessions, transport, refereeing, and more. A special thank you to our Sports Lead Teachers for their commitment to ensuring our students have opportunities to shine, and to Mr Rosewarne for volunteering his time on Wednesday mornings to train our Sports Academy students.

Ka mau te wehi, Manurewa West—you’ve made us proud once again! Congratulations to all involved in this outstanding success!

MPSSA Athletics

Twenty-three Year 5/6 students proudly represented Manurewa West Primary School at the MPSSA Interschool Athletics held at Massey Park, Papakura. Competing in multiple events under the sun, our tamariki gave their absolute best throughout the day.

Our tamariki performed exceptionally, with many reaching the finals. Highlights included the Year 6 boys’ high jump, where two of our students advanced to the jump-off, with one taking 1st place overall. The Year 6 girls’ shot put was a tight competition, holding the winning throw for most of the event, while the Year 5 girls’ high jump saw one of our talented athletes secure 3rd place.

In the sprints, we celebrated incredible achievements, including one Year 6 boy winning all his races and a Year 5 girl placing 3rd in both the 100m and 400m finals. The Year 6 boys’ relay team also earned a well-deserved 3rd place.

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience, embodying the true spirit of Manurewa West.  

MWPS Celebrates Humanity Award Achievement

Frank Vaialia has been recognised as a finalist in The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ’s Humanity Awards 2024. His achievement highlights his extraordinary kindness, integrity, and compassion, inspiring everyone around him.

Tūī Whānau Team Leader Miss Hull nominated Frank, praising his consistent positivity and leadership. “Frank is kind, generous, and hardworking. He takes every responsibility—at home and school—in his stride, always with a smile on his face,” she said. Tūī Whānau team members also noted his ability to support others in challenging times, recognising how Frank consistently embodies respect and integrity, making him an outstanding role model.

Frank’s whānau joined a special assembly to celebrate his recognition, with his father, Vaiasili Vaialia, expressing immense pride in his dedication and values. While Frank did not take home the overall award, he is already a champion in our eyes.

Congratulations, Frank—your MWPS whānau is incredibly proud of you!

MPSSA Softball

Our Year 5/6 students showcased incredible skill and determination at the MPSSA Softball Tournament held at Mountfort Park.

Year 5 Team Highlights
The Year 5 team had an impressive run, losing only two games and finishing 2nd overall. Their coach, Mr Daculan, credited their success to their strong camaraderie and unwavering support for each other. Win or lose, they lifted each other up, focusing on what went well and how to improve. Ka pai, team!

Year 6 Team Highlights
The Year 6 team also put on an outstanding performance, losing only two games and battling for 3rd place in the playoffs. After a gruelling match, they ended in a tie, earning a well-deserved 3rd place equal. Their coaches, Mr Sterling and Mr Josh, praised their resilience and positive attitude, always ready to face the next game with determination.

All of our tamariki should be proud of their efforts and achievements. Well done, everyone!

CM Games

Our Year 5/6 Basketball and Netball teams proudly competed at the third annual CM Games held at Bruce Pulman Park. Over three exciting days, they faced schools from across the Manukau region, demonstrating skill, resilience, and teamwork.

Netball Highlights
Our Netball girls impressed with their quarter-final win. In the semi-final, they played a tight match against The Gardens School, earning high praise from the umpires for their incredible skill and sportsmanship. The team finished 5th overall—an amazing achievement! Ka rawe, girls!

Basketball Highlights
The Boy’s Basketball team had an incredible run, losing only one pool game. Their semi-final victory against Destiny School featured strong defense and sharp shooting, earning them a spot in the final. Facing Clendon Park, our boys led for most of the match but narrowly missed out in the final moments. They proudly took home the silver—a huge achievement!

Congratulations to both teams for their incredible efforts and achievements!

 Diwali

This week, our school celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with activities exploring its traditions and reflecting on similarities and differences with our own whānau celebrations. These moments foster respect and understanding, helping our tamariki grow with empathy and a sense of shared humanity.

A highlight of the week was the dazzling Bollywood performances at assembly, showcasing vibrant costumes, intricate choreography, and boundless energy. A big thank you to Mrs. Kumar and the cultural team for your guidance, and to our talented dancers, who truly shone as the stars on stage.

 

Fijian Language Week

This week, we are celebrating Fijian Language Week early as it would otherwise fall during the holidays. The 2024 theme for Fijian Language Week is ‘Vakamareqeta na Vosa Vakaviti – Nurture and sustain the Fijian language.’ Let’s all embrace this opportunity to celebrate the richness of Fijian culture and language together. Whether it’s through song, dance, storytelling, or learning new words, there’s so much to enjoy and appreciate.

MPSSA Basketball

The 2024 MWPS Basketball team, affectionately known as the “Man West Manus,” has emerged as one of the most hardworking and talented groups of players in recent years. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Sterling (Sports Coordinator) and Mr. Daculan (Senior School Teacher), the team engaged in rigorous lunchtime and after-school training sessions. These challenges tested our tamariki both physically and mentally, and they rose to meet every hurdle with remarkable determination.

While the tournament results didn’t align with our expectations, each player showcased incredible skill and teamwork on the court. More importantly, they gained valuable life lessons that will stay with them as they continue to grow.

We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the strong camaraderie they’ve built along the way! A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Daculan and Mr. Sterling for your hard work and commitment to the team. Your efforts have truly made a difference!

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori: Celebrating Māori Language Week

We are thrilled to announce that this week is Te Wiki o te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week, with this year’s theme being ‘Ake ake ake – A forever language.’ This theme beautifully captures the adaptability and resilience of te reo Māori, underscoring its enduring importance in our culture and society.

Get ready for an exciting week ahead, packed with a variety of engaging activities! Classes will be integrating Te Reo Māori, Mātauranga Māori, and Tikanga Māori into their lessons, allowing students to immerse themselves in the language and traditions. Our Bi-Cultural Team has been hard at work preparing fun activities that our ākonga will absolutely love! Lunchtime options include string games, poi/rakau, creating kowhaiwhai bookmarks with Ms. Reedy, kapa haka with Miss Hull, and Ki-O-Rahi with Mr. Daculan.

At the heart of this year’s MWPS celebration is a contemporary Māori art project that will involve all learners. Ms. Reedy and Mrs. Lang have been busy making pop blocks on our 3D printer, and throughout Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, all classes will participate in creating contemporary tukutuku panels using these 3D-printed blocks. Each panel will represent one of our school values, allowing our students to express their understanding of culture and identity through art.

Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori is an annual celebration for all New Zealanders to show their support for te reo Māori. It reflects our commitment to embracing and learning te reo Māori long into the future. At MWPS, we are passionate about culture and ensuring our tamariki have opportunities to grow their knowledge of te reo Māori.

Next Friday’s assembly will be a highlight of the week, showcasing the incredible talents of our students in the performing arts. Following the assembly, we warmly invite whānau to join us for a cuppa and some kai. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, catch up, and celebrate our shared commitment to keeping te reo Māori alive.

Let’s embrace the spirit of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori together!

 

MPSSA Rippa Rugby Champions of Champions

Our mixed Rippa Rugby team performed admirably at the recent tournament, even in the face of challenging weather conditions and the amusing distraction of a runaway gazebo (twice!). Despite fierce competition from other schools, the team managed to secure 1 win out of their 5 games, frequently missing out by one try in the toughest competition we have seen for many years.

More importantly, they displayed incredible perseverance and unwavering support for one another after each match, truly embodying the spirit of teamwork. Mr. Josh was an amazing coach, offering valuable pointers and boosting their morale, serving as a great motivator throughout the day.

A massive thank you to Pep Tuiasau and Mr. Josh for their support and care for our tamariki on the day. Your dedication made all the difference!

MPSSA Cross Country

On Monday, 2nd September, a group of enthusiastic MWPS athletes travelled to Reremoana Primary School to represent our school in the Manurewa Primary Schools Sports Association (MPSSA) Cross Country event. The competition brought together schools from across the region, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere.

Our students demonstrated incredible perseverance and determination as they tackled the challenging terrain. Each runner showcased their dedication, completing their courses with outstanding effort and resilience.

A special mention goes to Jana and Mohamed, who truly excelled on the day, finishing first in their respective races—a remarkable achievement! Additionally, all our representatives performed admirably, with every runner placing in the top 30. This is a testament to their hard work, training, and commitment to personal excellence.

Congratulations to all our dedicated runners for their impressive achievements. You’ve made MWPS proud! Ka mau te wehi!

Incredible Years Parenting Course

This year for the first time, we partnered with the RTLB cluster in Manurewa to offer the Incredible Years Parenting program to a dedicated group of 14 parents, whānau, and caregivers.  Over 14 weeks, participants committed their time and energy to learning new strategies and enhancing their parenting skills.  We extend our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all who participated — your dedication to personal growth and your commitment to your tamariki will have lasting positive impacts on your families.  The time invested in this course will undoubtedly strengthen our community and help our children thrive.  A huge thank you to Mr Singh, RTLB facilitators and our Administrator Mrs Kingi for the organisation that’s gone into this workshop’s success. 

 

 MWPS Options: Outdoor Education 

This term, Outdoor Education students participated in the annual five-week Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure, joining 20,000 other children from 747 classrooms and 261 schools across New Zealand.  This program inspires and educates kids to make healthy choices for a lifetime of good physical and mental health.

The adventure is a fun journey around the world, guided by ASICS Ambassadors Ardie Savea, Kane Williamson, and Ameliaranne Ekenasio.  It encourages physical activity, hydration and other simple daily actions to support our amazing brain and body.

Each student received a free pedometer to track their steps, with daily goals including 9-10 hours of sleep, 5-10 glasses of water, 2-5 servings of fruits or veggies, mindfulness activities, less than an hour of screen time, less than 4 teaspoons of sugar, and at least 6,000 steps.

Our students excelled, with some clocking more than 10,000 steps daily.  Many success stories emerged, including whānau joining in to support the program. Kim Harvey, Founder of the Young and Healthy Charitable Trust and the Virtual Adventure, has been greatly impressed by our students. Well done!

Kahurangi Theatre in Education

Last week, fifty enthusiastic students from each Whānau group had the incredible opportunity to participate in immersive Te Ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori experiences, generously provided by Kahurangi Theatre in Education. This initiative allowed our students to engage deeply with Māori culture and traditions through hands-on learning.

In Riroriro Whānau, students focused on waiata and action songs, discovering the joy of traditional Māori music and movement. They not only learned the lyrics but also the meanings behind the songs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich stories they tell.

Pīwakawaka Whānau had a fantastic time learning poi, mastering the art of this beautiful performance art. Through rhythm and movement, students developed coordination and an understanding of the cultural significance of poi in Māori tradition.

Meanwhile, Tūī Whānau delved into the world of string games, learning intricate patterns and techniques that have been passed down through generations. This activity not only sharpened their dexterity but also connected them to the historical context and storytelling aspects associated with these games.

These sessions provided our students with rich cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of Māori traditions and fostered a sense of connection to Aotearoa’s unique heritage. A huge thank you to Kahurangi Theatre in Education for bringing these invaluable experiences to our school!

Tongan Language Week

Last week we celebrated Tongan Language Week.  A special time for us to have recognised and honoured the rich culture, traditions, and language of the Tongan community.  The theme for this year is ‘E tu’uloa ‘a e lea faka-Tongá ‘o ka lea’aki ‘i ‘api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-‘a-kāingá – The Tongan Language will be sustainable when used at home, church and in the wider community.  The word “tu’uloa” means to continuously grow; nurture; and sustain a valued idea; practice; event; or memory in an enduring way, which reminds us of the importance of embracing our heritage and sharing it proudly with others. 

Tongan Language Week is not just about learning new words or phrases; it’s about acknowledging the values that shape the Tongan culture — like, Church and service, family, respect, and generosity.  These values align closely with our own school values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and rangatiratanga, reminding us of the importance of looking after each other, showing kindness, building strong relationships, and leading with respect. 

A huge thank you to the Bi-Cultural Team and Christina Kiteau for all their help and support in making this week so successful. Malo aupito!

Manurewa West Speech Competition: Year 5 & Year 6

We had a fabulous Senior School Speech Competition this year, showcasing the incredible talent of our students! The Tūī whānau finalists certainly made it tough for our judges, Mrs. Bowden and Mrs. Naidoo, with their outstanding speeches.

Congratulations to our winners: 1st place went to Angel from TW3, 2nd place was claimed by Malakai from TW4, and 3rd place went to Llerces from TW5. Eliana from TW4 and Diyan from TW6 both tied for 4th place—what an impressive showing!

A special shout out to Angel, who represented Manurewa West Primary School at the Manurewa Rehu Tai Competition. Angel stood tall on stage as she presented her speech on “Culture,” captivating her audience with confidence and poise. Ka mau te wehi, Angel!

We are so proud of all our participants and their hard work—keep up the amazing efforts, Tūī whānau!

Rhythm Interactive Drumming

Yesterday, MWPS staff and students were buzzing with excitement as we had the incredible opportunity to find our rhythm during a hands-on, interactive drumming session with John Boone and Kama. The energy was electric as the entire school was swept up in the beats and grooves of the drums!

This wasn’t your typical performance—everyone, from students to teachers, became a part of the action! The interactive drum show had us all clapping, drumming, and moving in sync, truly creating the experience together. Themes like “Together as One,” “Actions Speak Louder Than Words,” and “Together We Can Make a Change” brought us closer, fostering a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose.

Our students discovered that rhythm lives inside all of us, and when we give things a go, look, listen, and work together, we can achieve incredible things. It was an inspiring, uplifting experience that will resonate for a long time to come!

What a day—let’s keep that rhythm alive, MWPS!

Duffy Theatre

Duffy Theatre continues to bring stories to life at MWPS, sparking imagination, encouraging reading, and teaching valuable lessons through engaging performances. In 2024, our Duffy team captivated the kids with an exciting new adventure, Calling Detective Duffy Stat!, leaving them spellbound. This year’s cast and theme were a total hit, with surprise guest appearances by Mrs. Lang and Mrs. Gosnell, adding to the excitement.

The story follows Duffy, who, after reading a stack of mystery novels, finds himself caught in a real-life mystery! His cousin, Crystal Kea, a star player for the Black Ferns, is facing a crisis—her stat card has been misprinted, impacting her performance and confidence. Thankfully, Duffy and his trusty sidekick Scruffy are on the case! Using their mystery books as a guide, they must solve the mystery behind the misprints to help Crystal regain her confidence and get back to top form for her next game.

 MPSSA Netball Tournament

On Monday, our senior boys and girls competed in the MPSSA Netball Tournament, showcasing their incredible skills and determination. The boys’ team proudly secured third place, while the girls’ team walked away with a strong fourth-place finish.

We are extremely proud of their sportsmanship and resilience throughout the day. Both teams gave it their all, never giving up and representing our school with pride! Their effort and dedication are a testament to their hard work, and they are well on their way to becoming the next Silver Ferns!

A massive thank you to all the whānau who came out to support our teams—your presence made a huge difference.

Ka pai tō mahi seniors! Keep up the great work!

Cook Island Language Week

Last week, we proudly celebrated Cook Islands Language Week, working closely with our vibrant Cook Islands community to bring this special occasion to life. Throughout the week, all classes integrated the language, culture, traditions, and geographical knowledge of the Cook Islands into their learning programmes.

‘Epetoma ō te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week – serves as an important reminder of the value of cherishing the languages and rich heritage of this community in Aotearoa. The Cook Islands languages include Cook Islands Māori, the Western Polynesian language of Pukapuka, and the unique blend of Cook Islands Māori and English spoken by the people of Palmerston Island. Cook Islands Māori itself has several distinct dialects, with Rarotongan being the most widely spoken.

According to the 2018 Census, 80,532 people of Cook Islands heritage live in New Zealand, making this week a significant celebration for many.

This year’s theme, “Ātui’ia au ki te Vaka o tōku matakeinanga” (The connection of my vaka to my tribe), highlighted the deep cultural ties that connect individuals to their communities and ancestors. As part of the celebrations, we held a Cook Islands vaka building challenge, and our local Cook Islands drumming group performed for the school, showcasing their rich talent and cultural expertise, bringing energy and authenticity to the week’s events.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration of language and culture so special!

Tūī Whānau Tiritiri Matangi Trip

This week, the Senior School had the incredible opportunity to visit Tiritiri Matangi, one of New Zealand’s oldest island sanctuaries. The trip gave students a rare glimpse into the past, when our forests were alive with a rich diversity of birds.

Tiritiri Matangi serves as a haven for wildlife rarely seen on the mainland, offering our students the chance to learn about threatened species and the history of conservation in Aotearoa. Our educators used this unique experience to create authentic links to the students’ topic inquiry and science curriculum, providing a wide range of educational opportunities. Guided by knowledgeable island guides, students learned to identify various wildlife and birdsong while gaining valuable insights into the conservation efforts that protect this precious sanctuary.

A massive thank you to Miss Hull and the Tūī Whānau staff for their outstanding organisation of this EOTC experience—ngā mihi nui!

 

MWPS Cross Country

Last Thursday, we hosted our annual MWPS Cross Country, creating a day full of excitement and energy. The event kicked off with our younger students racing around the school grounds, but the highlight of the day was the “big” senior run through the school neighbourhood. The senior students tackled a longer, more challenging course, showing great perseverance and school spirit as they ran, all while getting doused in colourful powder by cheering spectators!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the whānau and parents who came out to support their tamariki and helped raise funds for this important event. Your enthusiasm added to the fun, and the collective efforts raised a significant amount that will go towards several school projects, including new sports equipment, the Year 6 Graduation Ball, and Year 6 Student Leaders’ initiatives.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and for making this year’s Colour Fun Run and cross country a memorable event!

Maths and STEAM Week

The past two weeks have been action-packed with an integrated Olympics-themed inquiry, blending maths and digital technology to deliver a truly engaging learning experience. This unit captured the essence of competition and participation, keeping our ākonga enthusiastic and involved throughout.

We launched Maths and STEAM Week with the MWPS Olympics Opening Ceremony and Torch Relay. To celebrate Paris 2024, students selected an Olympic sport to research, learning about its history, rules, and the skills needed to excel. Creativity soared as students designed their own smoothies and took part in mini-Olympic events such as Riroriro: Weightlifting, Pīwakawaka: Gymnastics, and Tūī Whānau: 3×3 Basketball. They also explored the core values of the Olympics and used TinkerCAD to create 3D models of their chosen sports, which were printed on our 3D printer. To top it off, students produced their own sports documentaries showcasing the role of maths in sports. Each challenge offered opportunities to win gold, silver, or bronze medals!

This unit offered a rich, hands-on learning experience by seamlessly integrating maths and digital technology. A huge thank you to Mrs. Bowden and Mrs. Lang for their incredible efforts in bringing this learning unit to life—kei te pai to mahi!

MWPS Celebrates Matariki

Our celebration of Matariki was a vibrant and heartwarming event. We spent two weeks learning about Matariki, how to find the star cluster in the night sky, and the meaning behind each of the stars. Arts and crafts workshops provided opportunities for students to create Matariki whetū (stars) and manu tukutuku (kites). The celebrations concluded with a special assembly led by our student leaders, which included kapa haka performances, speeches from Pīwakawaka Whānau, a special presentation for our Kaikaranga and a gorgeous retelling of the Matariki story by our New Entrant Hub. Mr. Dilling, our MWPS hāngī master, along with a team of Tūī Whānau master chefs, made chicken, pork, and vegetable hāngī as well as delicious rēwana bread, which was shared with both staff and students. For many, this was their first taste of hāngī. Every learner at MWPS also enjoyed a delicious hāngī box provided by our brothers and sisters at Manurewa High School. We wrapped up our celebrations with a whole school kite flying event, where the kites we had spent designing and creating got to fly high on the school field.

MPSSA Rugby League

This week, Mr Dilling and Mr Josh took the Senior Boys Rugby League team to Bruce Pullman Park to compete in the Counties Manukau Rugby League competition. The boys played and won 4 games against other Manurewa Schools before facing Rowandale Primary in the final.  In an incredibly fast-paced game that saw the lead change hands many times, the score was 9-8 to Rowandale Primary when the final hooter sounded.  The team were absolutely magnificent in representing MWPS.  TW5’s Tsidkenu was the overall MVP of the day for his work rate, leadership and coaching support. Ka Pai tō mahi boys!!  We are so proud of you! 

MPSSA Girls Rugby

What an awesome day out with our Manurewa West Girls Rugby Team!  The girls showed amazing resilience, passion, commitment and teamwork during each game.  We started off with a bit of getting to know the game, being a bit fresh to the field, and ended with the grazed knees, strong players and most importantly the biggest smiles! We were able to finish the day as Second Place holders of the Plate Round which was a huge achievement for a team that didn’t have much experience playing together at all.  As always, our students rose to the challenge and played their hearts out!! Ka Pai tō Mahi girls!!  We are so proud of you! 

House Competition: Hosts Kowhai

Kowhai continued our Samoan Celebrations with all the challenges inspired by traditional Samoan games. Our Manono (Juniors) played Coconut Toss and Collecting the Coconuts on the Junior Courts while our Upolo (Middles) played Coconut Centipede in the hall with total focus and heaps of laughter. Our Seniors (Sava’ii) were in full competition mode in Faifai Lemū an obstacle course that involved using sticks to move coconuts, jumping islands in a ‘the floor is lava’ element and finally unscrambling the Samoan phrase to be crowned champions. What an afternoon of fun!

MPSSA Boys Soccer

The Soccer Tournament took place this week at McLennan Park in Papakura, featuring participation from eight other schools.  MWPS fielded two teams, totalling 22 players. Team A, under the guidance of Mr Naicker, secured a commendable third-place finish, while Team B, led by Mr Chen, achieved a respectable fourth place overall.  This event provided an exciting opportunity for our students to enhance their collaborative skills beyond the confines of the classroom, fostering new friendships with peers from other schools in the process.

Samoan Language Week

The 2024 theme for Samoa Language Week is ‘Tautua i le alofa, manuia le lumana’i – Serve in love for a blessed future’.

This year’s theme was prepared by SAASIA – The Association of Aoga Amata (Samoan early childhood centres) in New Zealand.  It focuses on tautua (service) and aims to clearly express the significance of service that is founded on love – “Love is the driving force of service.  No matter what service looks like or who is doing it, service is accomplished through the power of love.  Affirming that maintaining the Samoan language is also achieved through service – through the Samoan values of alofa (love), fa’aaloalo (respect), and especially in the vā fealoa’i (respectful relationships) that guide and protect Samoan people.  Service begins in the family and continues in schools, villages, churches, communities, and wherever Samoan people are.  The ongoing mission, therefore, is the collective preservation of language and identity for Samoan children into the future. (Source:Ministry for Pasific Peoples -Google)

At MWPS, Samoan Language Week concluded with a vibrant celebration on Friday morning, featuring prayer, dance, music, singing, shared food, and a fono. We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated in this week-long focus on Samoan cultural performing and visual arts, language, traditions, customs, and fascinating myths and legends.  How fortunate we are to have such strength in our diversity, allowing us to stay true to who we are and where we come from.  We are so blessed to have so many students and aiga who identify as Samoan amongst us.  A huge thank you to our Bi-Cultural Team of Teaching and Support Staff who are so passionate about strong culturally responsive teaching and learning programmes, thank you for your hard work.

MPSSA Ruby Tournament

On Tuesday, MWPS defended their champion title at the MPSSA Boys Rugby Tournament. The boys played one game after another showing their incredible skill and outstanding ability to work as a team and get the job done – coming out on top after a nail-biting final, as back-to-back champions! A big thank you to Mr Josh and Mr Daculan for supporting the team and Mr Josh’s dad who lent us his coaching skills on the day! An amazing result!  

Road Safety Week

The theme for this year’s Road Safety Week is ‘Be a Road Safety Hero’ by recognising that whoever plays a part in making our roads and journeys safer is a hero. The team from Auckland Transport, our Police Education Officer and our MWPS Road Patrollers were out in force on our school zebra crossing showing members of the public, our learners and their whānau how they could be Road Safety Heroes. All classroom programs have included a road safety awareness component over the week.  Keeping ourselves safe on the roads is of critical importance every day.  Ensuring safety on the roads around our kura is crucial to protect children, whanau, and staff from road accidents and injuries.

House Competition: Hosts Kakariki

This week was Kakariki’s turn to host our fortnightly House Competition and they ran three phenomenal digital technology activities across the school. Our Year 1s and 2s indulged in computational thinking with Lego, Our Year 3s were totally engrossed in a collaborative Kaibot activity, and our learners in Years 4 – 6 battled it out on the astro turf in a Sphero obstacle course!

Tūī Whānau White Water Rafting

Tui Whānau had the wonderful experience of going to Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau to experience white water rafting and learn about water and river safety, a first-time experience for many students.  This is a community-sponsored event where Vector Wero White Water Park is dedicated to offering the largest schools and community programmes for white water experiences globally.  Their programmes cover youth development, self-confidence, water safety, teamwork, risk-taking, and high-performance sports.  In New Zealand, more people drown in rivers than in any other aquatic environment.  The resources focus on teaching river safety, helping people understand rivers, learn basic river safety skills, and enjoy rivers safely.

Key water safety messages for rivers include: never swim alone and never jump into a river without checking the depth or for obstacles.  A huge thank you to Vector Wero White Water Park in partnering with the John Walker Trust “Field of Dreams for making this experience possible for our students.  Thank you, Mrs Bowden and Tui Whānau staff for your organisation and support of this event.

Pink Shirt Day at MWPS

Last Friday we celebrated Pink Shirt Day, a day dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusivity, and anti-bullying.  Pink Shirt Day is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.  At our kura we take this responsibility very seriously, doing our level best to ensure all of our ākonga and whānau are able to come into a safe school environment every day.  We encouraged all students, staff, and whānau to wear pink to show their support for this important cause.  Let’s stand together to spread a message of kindness and acceptance, and to take a stand against bullying every and any opportunity that we may have.

MWPS Book Blast

Our annual MWPS Book Blast celebration has been a whirlwind of literacy over the past two weeks, igniting our love for reading from the start of the term. Students across all classes have embarked on fun reading missions, soaking up stories under the sun on the playground, courts, and in our serene garden, while also delving into art, science inquiries and coding activities.  From designing imaginative book covers to crafting insightful book reviews and completing coding challenges, our learners have embraced the joy of reading wholeheartedly.  

Today’s annual MWPS Character Parade was an absolute highlight with students bringing their favourite characters to life through a range of creative costumes. The air buzzed with excitement as familiar faces from beloved stories roamed the hall, sparking conversations and inspiring even more reading adventures.  The parade not only showcased our students’ enthusiasm for literacy but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and imagination.  It was a fitting finale to our Book Blast celebration, leaving us all eagerly anticipating the next chapter in our literacy journey. A huge thank you to Mrs Gosnell for all the hard mahi put into co-ordinating two outstanding literacy experiences, our MWPS Book Blast and Writing Week. 

MWPS Learning Expo

Our Learning Expo was a resounding success, with a large number of whānau and students attending. It’s truly heartening to witness such high levels of engagement in interactive learning experiences among students, families, and teachers alike in literacy, maths and digital technology games. Our key focus is empowering families with resources they can take home, enabling opportunities for collaborative learning and playful exploration together. By reinforcing classroom learning in a fun and interactive manner at home, we aim to strengthen the connection between school and whānau/families, creating a supportive environment where learning knows no bounds. Thank you to everyone who made time to attend the Learning Expo.  A massive thank you to Mrs Bowden who is the coordinator extraordinaire of school events, for an outstanding job. We are grateful for the behind-the-scenes help provided by Learning Assistants and to all our MWPS staff for their energy and enthusiasm on the night.

Street Rackets at MWPS

The wonderful Brian Barnett with the generosity of the Grassroots Trust has introduced our students to the sport of Street Rackets.  Street Rackets “Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” embodies an integrative and inclusive approach to physical activity and education, and our kids love it!! William Wairua from the AM Breakfast Show came along last Thursday for a live broadcast of a select group of students playing Street Rackets.  A huge thank you to Brian Barnett and our MWPS staff who supported our students during practice sessions and on the morning of the livestream.

MWPS Literacy in the Spotlight

What an exciting and eventful week we had last week. Talk about the term starting with a bang! We were thrilled to showcase our amazing learners and host the Director of Education for Auckland South-West Region, the Minister of Education, and the Prime Minister, who were here to celebrate our success in literacy. During their visit, they engaged in insightful discussions with our Senior Leadership Team about the effectiveness of our structured literacy approach implemented across all classrooms at MWPS. They also had the opportunity to witness this approach firsthand in the classroom.

Their visit was further highlighted by the pre-budget announcement of $67 million allocated to support structured teaching methodologies. This funding will not only facilitate professional learning and development in structured teaching approaches over the next four years but also contribute towards essential classroom resources.

A huge thank you to our Senior Leadership Team for their input, to Mrs Connal, Mrs Gosnell, and Mrs Henare for demonstrating the structured literacy approach to our special visitors and the media, and to Mr Dilling and Ms Reedy for organizing our karanga and waiata with our amazing group of students. 

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 a 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 provided 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 Cricket

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.