Mangakōtukutuku College News
 

From the Principal

Kia ora koutou,
The next few weeks are really important weeks for our senior students who will be sitting the Common Assessment Activities. Find out from your tamariki whether they are sitting the tests and encourage them to take these seriously. We have been preparing the students thoroughly because they need to pass the literacy and numeracy tests in order to gain their NCEA credits. The tests are being sat by students all through New Zealand and they will be marked by external markers. 
Today was pink shirt day and it was wonderful to see so many of our teachers and students taking the day seriously. It is a day to reflect on the importance of being kind and respectful to each other. There are wonderful activities happening and the students had a lot of fun.
Our seniors are currently planning a school ball in Week 8. This is very exciting and a chance for our students to dress up and enjoy each others company in a different setting. More information about the ball will be out shortly.
Let’s look forward to a settled and happy rest of Term 2.
Ngaa mihi,
Barbara

Waikato Youth Secondary-Tertiary Advisory Group

We would like to congratulate Noah and Hicks for being selected to represent Mangakotukutuku College at the Waikato Youth Secondary-Tertiary Advisory Group, which works with the Ministry of Education. The focus of this group is to discuss directly with the Ministry of Education the impact school changes and directions have on students, which ensures student voice is included. 


Pink Shirt Day
 

Thank you for all your support, Pink Shirt Day was a great success we raised over $300.00 for the cause from gold coin donations.

Leap of Leadership: Trip with  Blue Light

 

Last week, a group of our students took a thrilling leap—both physically and personally—on a bungee jumping trip in partnership with Blue Light, an organisation dedicated to helping young people realise their potential and grow into future leaders. The experience was more than just an adrenaline rush; it was a powerful opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and support one another through a truly unforgettable challenge. We're proud to work alongside Blue Light to empower our rangatahi to dream big, take brave steps, and lead with courage.

Student Voice:
Shardae Te Huia- Ruaporo 

I think Leadership is for someone who always listens to other peoples opinion and a person that leads with respect and leads a good example for others to follow but other then that I had a great time and a great experience by getting closer with people I don’t really hangout with on a daily basis and thank you so much whaea for giving me the opportunity on being in this leadership program.
Maraea De Thierry
Leadership means to me equality and also stability choice making, it also means to me that you have to chose what’s best for everyone whether the preferences or situation as well as being kind and give fair treatment and respect to everyone around you I had such a good time on the trip and appreciate all that was put together with blue light and would love to do it again.

 

CAA Sessions

Students who have been selected to sit the NCEA Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisites, please check your emails for important information about these assessments. The email includes PDF documents (also attached below) with student names and session details. You can use the search function (Ctrl + F or Command + F) in the PDF to quickly find your name. These sessions are essential for meeting NCEA requirements – please make sure you know when and where you need to be! The emails have also been sent to parents and caregivers. 
If you have any questions, get in touch with us,
Ngā mihi

Reading Assessment Sessions
Writing Assessment Sessions
Numeracy Assessment Sessions


Senior Geography Trip

 
  

Student Car Parks

REMINDER: Students can park in the above carpark, or on the road
No students are to park in the school grounds in both campuses, including the driveway behind the gym.

Attendance 

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance plays a vital role in your child’s success at school. There is a strong link between consistent attendance and academic achievement. Supporting your child’s attendance and engagement in learning is a shared responsibility. As a parent or caregiver, it’s your responsibility to ensure your child attends school every day.
If your child needs to be absent for any reason, it is essential that you inform us as soon as possible. Please contact us via phone, email, or message us through Kamar to confirm the absence and provide a reason.
We understand that there are genuine reasons for occasional absences. However, frequent or prolonged absences can make it difficult for your child to make progress. If we notice ongoing attendance issues, we will get in touch to discuss how we can support you and your child.
If you are facing challenges getting your child to school, we encourage you to reach out for support. You can:
-Speak with your child’s teacher
-Send us a message via Kamar
-Call us on 07 899 8057 and ask to speak with Karen Handley, our Student Engagement Coordinator
We are here to help and can work with you to create a support plan to overcome any barriers to regular attendance.
For more information about attendance, including your rights and responsibilities as a parent or caregiver, please visit the Ministry of Education’s webpage on 'Attendance'.


Library

A huge thank you to our amazing student librarians for all your hard work! From shelving books and placing genre stickers to covering new titles and checking and repairing board games, your contributions help make the library a welcoming and enjoyable space for everyone.
Our students visited the library to make beautiful cards and show their love for their mums this Mother’s Day.

  
  

Student Services

🕗 Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Kia ora koutou, please note that Student Services is available for the following:
Attendance - sign in late and sign out early.
Sickbay - general unwellness, minor first aid.
Lost property.
General student enquiries - timetables, school trips etc.
For all other inquiries, Student Services can direct students to the appropriate place.  Lost property should be handed in to Student Services. Students are encouraged to check there for any missing items. All unnamed and unclaimed items will be laid outside of Student Services during Week 9 Monday Period 3 whanau class until the beginning of Break 2.Taonga will be held by the Māori department. Any other unclaimed items will be donated to a charity shop.
To help us return lost items, please ensure all belongings are labelled with a name.
Reporting Absences
Please report absences before 10am on the day of absence. Attendance can be checked through SchoolBridge, which can be downloaded from the iPhone App or Google Play stores.

Absences can be reporting by using one of the following options:
1) Sending through SchoolBridge (preferred)
Online: https://mkt.bridge.school.nz/
2) Email [email protected]
3) Calling (07) 899 8057 ext. 2106
4) Calling (07) 899 8057 option 1
5) Replying to the absence notification (via email or text)
Please note this option is not for ongoing use, please use one
of the above options 1-4.


Term 2 Important Dates

Week 4
19.5.2025 Whole School Cross Country
21.05.2025 Whole School Relays
23 05.2025 University Open Day (Y12 and Y13) 
Week 6
02.06.2025 Public Holiday, Kings Birthday, School Closed
Week 7
12.06.2025 Matariki, Winter Festival Market Day 
Week 8 
19.06.2025 Whanau Hui - Y7 to Y10 9am - 4pm 
20.06.2025 Public Holiday Matariki, School Closed
Week 9 
27.06.2025 Last Day of Term 3