Principal of Mairehau Primary

Welcome to 2013

Calling in at school after the two latest shakes on 23 December showed yet again the mess that will await us when we return. Filing cabinets, while fixed to the walls, still fell open and the contents strewn across the floor, shelving units still in place, also deposited most of the contents onto the floor. Library computers have fallen over on the bench and books and stands are lying on the floor. Ah well, we are getting used to it!

Belatedly, I attempt to cover some of the hectic term that was Term 4. My apologies to our followers for the lack of entries of late.

Term 3

The shakes keep shaking however they are just enough to keep you a bit on edge - everytime we think we are over the worst, in rolls another!! Despite all this we have been working hard and are ready for another year of quality teaching and learning.

Our shaking continues but despite our disrupted end to last term we are back with the cracks and some sunken areas in our buildings, made worse by the aftershocks.

We welcomed our children back to school on Monday 13 September and they were pleased to be back to school with many stories to tell. No shortage of ideas for the written language this week.

We are thankful that the school has only suffered minor damage of a superficial nature. Most of this can be picked up and tidied up. Structurally there seems to be no damage but we have yet to have that confirmed. Our drinking water is from our own well so this is our main concern as we need to ensure it is safe to drink before school can open again. Some of our staff have suffered some major damage to their homes but no-one has been hurt.

Term 3, 2010

Last week we welcomed Kevin, Allisa and Mike from Huapai District School, 30 minutes North West of Auckland, to our school. They spent time talking to us about our zone play, student led conferences, Yr 7/8 Independent Learners Programme and ownership of learning as well as sharing some areas of interest from their school including in-school technology. We enjoyed hosting them and hope they gained something from their time in the mainland.

Quote of the week this morning as I headed out to road patrol "Mr Bangma, are you the president of the school?" Thanks Kayden. :)

To add to my highlight, after explaining who I was and my ‘new’ title to a prospective pupil I was referred to as a “V.I.P.” Thanks Lee. :)

Results from the University of New South Wales Global exams were recently received. Asher was awarded a distinction in both the Science and Computer exams while Josh was awarded a distinction in the Science exam. Congratulations boys on your success.

Recently two teams of chess players enjoyed a competition day against other schools. The teams were placed third and fourth in their competitions. We also had one brave chess player who took part in the individuals competition. We congratulate Danielle on this super success.



Chess is one of the break time activities we have at school. Our Office Manager Helen co-ordinates this.

Five of our hard working Teaching Assistants have added to their workload by taking on additional training with the English Language Assistant contract. This involves 6 days of training as well as weekly in-school workshops and assignment work. This training will assist them when working with children with either English needs or learning needs. Thanks for your dedication team.

Working with ASB, we have reintroduced school banking. As an incentive, awards are given to great savers and this week they also got kites along with the awards. Neve and Clay show off their awards. A great habit to get into. Well done.

Josh proudly shows off his Principal's Award he got at assembly this week for his independent efforts in developing his fine motor skills. Well done Josh, we are proud of you.