“Maa mahi, Ka ora”
July 2017
CONTACT - JULY EDITION TIME TO TALK CREDITS Do you know how many credits your son or daughter has gained to date? If the answer is no - you need to have a conversation. All students have easy access to their achievement data and they should be able to share it with you. We have now passed the halfway mark for instruction time for students sitting NCEA this year. A large number of students are doing exceptionally well. For example, Year 11 at a glance shows that 94 students have passed all credits attempted to date and 78% have passed 80% or more of the credits they have sat. This is a positive start as experience tells us that students need to make the most of internals, as external credits are considerably harder to do well in. Year 10 –13 reports are being sent out at the same time as this newsletter. I encourage you to take note of two important parent/teacher opportunities to meet with staff early in Term 3 to unpack your student progress further. On Wednesday August 2 parents/whanau of students at risk of not achieving to their potential are being targeted to meet with group teachers. Then all Year 10-13 parents/whanau are invited to meet with subject teachers to discuss subject specific concerns on Wednesday 16 August. You will be notified closer to the time about how to book interview slots. MATAMATA KAAHUI AKO CRITICAL CONTEXT FOR CHANGE PD DAY For the first time ever, on June 16 almost all the teachers from the Matamata Kaahui Ako were able to meet together for professional development. The day was headlined by Associate Professor Mere Berryman, a finalist in the 2017 New Zealander of the Year award who
is an expert in cultural relationships for responsive pedagogy. Putting students needs at the heart of all that we do, and the importance of understanding the contribution and culture that all students bring to their learning were key messages to take from Mere’s presentation.
Teachers had the opportunity to work during the day with teachers from other schools as well as their own school. There will be further opportunities to work together as the year unfolds.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 Waa Kōrero Time to talk Kaahui Ako Ngaa kōrero o Talia Talia’s speechmaking
2 Sport Hakinakina Waihou Walkway Te Ara Hikoi o Waihou Business Studies Te Tari Pakihi
3 Rorohiko mō ngaa Aakonga Laptops for Students Shave for a Cure Heua mō te rongoa Te Ahiahi pō mo Te Ara Matauranga Pathways Evening
4 Social Studies Tikanga a Iwi Haerenga ki Europe Travel to Europe
Our evidence and data gathering journey continues and we will return to each school shortly to complete observations in as many classrooms throughout the Kaahui Ako as possible. FURTHER SPEECH SUCCESS FOR TALIA Talia Parker won the Lions Club Young Speechmaker’s Waikato / Bay of Plenty competition qualifying her for the National finals which will be held in Wellington on August 12. Talia delivered her outstanding winning speech in last week’s school assembly. We wish Talia well for Nationals in August.
www.matamatacollege.school.nz
5 Apology Arohamai mo taku hē
Health Education Uniform Te Kaakahu Hauora Korowha Golf Blood Donor—Kaituku Toto Te haerenga ki Tamaki Makaurau Visit to Auckland
6 100 Years Centenary Kotahi Rau Tau Maramataka Calendar