Matariki Public Holiday Friday 20th June (School Closed) Principal's Kōrero Kia ora e te whānau, As we settle into the colder months, a gentle reminder about winter wellness: if your tamariki are unwell, please keep them home so they can rest, recover faster, and help stop the spread of colds and flus to others. A quick phone call or message in the morning to let us know they’ll be away is always appreciated and helps us keep track of attendance. We’ve had the pleasure of seeing our students out and about on various trips recently—quiz challenges, theatre outings, and more. They have represented our kura so beautifully, showing respect, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. It always fills us with pride to see how well they carry themselves, representing not just our school, but our wider community and all of you as whānau. We’re now only two weeks away from a well-deserved break at the end of this 9-week term. Let’s give our tamariki the best chance to finish strong by keeping up good attendance and being here every day for the valuable learning and connection that happens in Term 2. And don’t forget—we have a special event at our kura tonight to celebrate Matariki, from 3pm to 8pm. Come along for a warm evening of kai, community, and celebration. There will be multiple performances throughout the evening, including some of our very own students. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and honour this special time in the Māori calendar. Have a safe and fun weekend. Ngā mihi Barbara Meet Bluey - Our Purr-fect Office Companion! Say hello to Bluey, our newest and furriest member of the Mangakōtukutuku College whānau! Bluey was found under one of the school buildings at just three weeks old. With no mum in sight and still so tiny, he was lovingly adopted by Whaea Sam. Because he's still too little to stay home alone, Bluey comes to school each day and spends his time in the office with our amazing admin team. He’s quickly become a favourite among students and staff alike! More than just a cute face, Bluey is already making a difference. We’ve noticed his calming presence helps students who need a moment to settle or decompress. Whether it’s a quiet cuddle or simply sitting nearby, Bluey has a special way of bringing comfort and smiles. We’re so lucky to have him as part of our school family!  Written by Ngakahikatea - Bluey our precious kitten,  He is a like a bright star shining in our eyes. A kitten that just by looking at him, he enlightens our day. Bluey may be small, soft, and shy, but he is a wonder that makes your day because it sure does make mine. Whanau Hui

Our Junior Whānau Hui are coming up in Week 8. There are two available slots for booking:

Tuesday 17 June 3:30pm to 6:00pm

Thursday 19 June 9:00am to 4:00pm (no classes running on this day, please advise the office if you require supervision for your child)

To book, go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/gdjz5 and enter the code gdjz5. 

Please note that these are 20 minute sessions with your child’s whānau teacher only. If you require a meeting with a subject teacher, information on how to contact teachers directly can be made available to you. 

Locations for the Whānui Hui are as follows:

Year 9 and 10- Collins Road Hall
Year 8- C- block classrooms
Year 7- E- block classrooms

If you have any further questions about these upcoming events, please contact the school through the office phone number (07 899 8057) or email [email protected].

If you have any further questions about these upcoming events, please contact the school through the office phone number (07 899 8057) or email [email protected].

Ngā mihi nui,
Mangakōtukutuku College Senior Leadership Team

Year 9 Science

Exploring the Cosmos: Project-Based Learning in Year 9 Science

Our Year 9 Science students recently launched into the universe—literally! As part of a Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative, students worked collaboratively in groups of 3–4 to explore the wonders of space through hands-on projects focused on topics like planets, moons, constellations, black holes, rockets, and more.

Each group selected a space-related topic they were passionate about and investigated it through research, planning, and creativity—designing posters, digital slideshows, or dioramas. Along the way, they developed teamwork, critical thinking, science communication, and presentation skills.

With structured weekly goals and guiding questions, students not only learned the science behind celestial objects but also how to present their discoveries in meaningful and engaging ways. From building timelines of rocket technology to investigating the life cycle of stars, the projects reflected the curiosity, collaboration, and creativity of our ākonga.

Their presentations shone as brightly as the stars they studied, and we are proud of the effort and enthusiasm they brought to this learning journey.

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.

Important Notes:
• If your child will be absent for more than one day, please include the expected duration
when reporting the absence.
• If your child is arriving late, please contact us the night beforehand or prior to the start of the school day to advise what time your child is expected to sign in at Student Services.
• If your child needs to leave school early, please contact us the night beforehand or prior to the start of the school day and confirm the
time they will be signing out at Student Services.
• Medical certificates must be sent to [email protected] (please do do not send them to .kiwi email accounts).

Week 8 
17.06.2025 Whanau Hui Y7 to Y10 3.30pm - 6pm
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