Matamata Intermediate is proud of the relationship it has developed with the local community over many years.

This school has an excellent record in academic achievement, cultural activities and sporting prowess.  Our aim is to provide a wide range of opportunities for all students to enjoy learning and living, explore their potential and achieve success.  We encourage our students to take increased responsibility, progress and behaviour.  (please visit www.ero.govt.nz for our latest ERO report)

We know that the close relationship between home and school provides a vital link to a child's success at school and we actively encourage this.

The staff at this school are well trained and caring and work willingly to provide a range of activities so that our students have challenges and learn consideration, commonsense and courtesy (the 3C's)toward others.  These character virtues are the basis of our school culture.

We welcome those of you who will be forming an association with the school for the first time, and welcome again, those who have had or do have students at this school.

M. Henriksen

PRINCIPAL

In support of our vision, we are committed to these core virtues and beliefs:

• Our school culture is based on the core virtues of courtesy, commonsense & consideration which are known as the 3C's

• All staff will model our 3C's and core virtues while management and governance will actively engage in fostering them so that children have positive role models with the dignity of all persons respected

• Students will show courtesy, commonsense and consideration

• Each student will strive to reach their personal best

• Effort and success in our learning community will be recognised and celebrated

• Successful learners will know how to learn

• Numeracy and Literacy will be a priority

• Learning experiences will cater for the different learning needs of each student

• Our learning environment needs to be emotionally safe and secure with stimulating and challenging learning spaces

• Effective classroom management is essential for successful learning

• High quality engagement between teacher and student encompassing feedback and feed forward is critical for success

• Students will know the purpose of each learning activity (walt)

• Success criteria needs to be provided before tasks are undertaken (wins)

• Achievement criteria for levels 1 to 5 should be provided for all major assessment tasks

• The needs of students and their learning will be basis of all decisions

• Each student should participate in at least one activity outside of standard classroom timetable activities and make a positive contribution to school life through cultural activities, enrichment activities, monitor roles, service etc

• Students should show a continued commitment to learning opportunities they elect to participate in

• Students participating in extra curricula activities should be able to meet learning and behaviour expectations of our school

• Each student has at least one personal strength which needs to be identified and celebrated for developing their self efficacy

• Community and parental support is important for the success of the learner

• An awareness of our dual heritage and multicultural society will be nurtured

Matamata Intermediate School students will have their education supported by parents who:

• have their children well prepared every day by providing:

• have a positive attitude towards the way the school operates.

• communicate openly with the school about any issues.

• are an active part of their child's learning.

• attend interviews and relevant meetings.

• pay school accounts.

• are aware of, and sensitive to, our dual heritage and multi-cultural society.

Matamata Intermediate School students will take responsibility for their own education by:

• showing courtesy, common sense and consideration

• taking pride in their school by wearing their school uniform correctly (as outlined in the school prospectus), and producing quality work

• showing respect for others' property/person, and their right to learn

• ensuring the correct equipment and books are at school each day

• having their uniform and equipment clearly named

• reading at least 4 books each term

• completing set homework on time

• being positive about learning

• valuing the opportunities provided by the school and participating in them fully

• obeying agreed upon school rules

• being at school, and on time, each day

• being aware of, and sensitive to, our dual heritage and multi-cultural society

Our school culture is based on the core character virtues – Courtesy, Common sense and Consideration, referred to as the 3 C’s.

These virtues are modelled by staff in their relationship with each other and with students.

Our Hauora (Health) programme incorporates the virtues programme as an integral part of our curriculum.  There is a virtues story for each week of the school year focussing on aspects of displaying these virtues.

Students are encouraged to demonstrate these virtues both in the classroom and in the playground.  Additional virtues are added each term.

CCC Tokens are awarded for outstanding demonstration of one of the 3 C’s in the classroom or the playground.  When a student has collected 20 tokens they receive a gold CCC ribbon for their jersey.  Each fortnight, one boy and one girl who consistently display the 3 C’s is awarded a blue CCC shirt to wear as part of their school uniform.  At the end of each term, one student who is an outstanding role model, is awarded a CCC jacket to wear as part of their school uniform.

Students are divided evenly between the four houses: (named after local rivers)

·   Mangawhero           -        Red

·   Piako                     -        Blue

·   Waihou                  -        Green

·   Waitoa                  -        Yellow

Building a strong house spirit is part of our school culture.  House points are awarded at weekly and at schoolwide sports events such as Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country.

Our school culture recognises and celebrates effort and success in learning.   Ribbons, to be sewn onto jerseys, and certificates are awarded at formal assembles.  The ribbons are much sought after and worn with great pride.  Ribbon titles include:

           Academic                           Reading

           Sport                                Basic Facts

           Technology                        Spelling

           Visual Art                          Music

           Culture                              Public Speaking

           Kapa Haka                         Attendance

           Te Āo Māori                      Student Forum

           Winter Olympics                Practical

           Service                              Citizenship

           Commitment

           CCC

Our Student Honours Gallery

Our school culture is about each student making a commitment to personal learning.  Every child striving to be the best they can be.  Each child developing competency in literacy and numeracy.  Our school discipline model is focussed on restorative justice; empowering students to make the right choices and accepting that poor choices have consequences.  We are proud of the pastoral care we offer students for their total well being.

The end of year Graduation Dance is a formal end of year tradition in our school culture to celebrate the achievements of our Year 8 students and to farewell them in grand style.

School  Song

Tena e te iwi e tau nei

He tamariki no Matamata e

E rapu nei to taonga te matauranga

Anei taku tohu aue “Whaia te Kaha”

Whaia te kaha puritia kia mau

(puritia kia mau)

Anei nga tohutohu a nga tipuna

Ma te matua e manaaki mai

Anei taku tohu aue “Whaia te kaha”

Here at Matamata Intermediate School

Strive our hardest to achieve will be the golden rule

Courtesy and commonsense, consideration too

These must be the guiding lines in all we say and do

Strive hard to achieve and we’ll get what we deserve

In classroom or on playing field

From this we’ll never swerve

Honour God and Country – have pride in all you do

To be a good New Zealander – it’s really up to you.

Whaia te kaha – Puritia kia mau

Hi aue hei!!

Principal:                               Marion Henriksen, Dip.Tchg, B.Ed, M.Ed. Leadership,(Hons.)

Deputy Principal:                  Lorraine Stiles, BA, Dip Home Econ, TTC

Senior Leadership Team:        Gerard O’Neill, Dip.Tchg

                                               Rachel van Heuven, B.Tchg

Teachers

Debbie Currie, B. CaPs, Dip Ed.

Sue Dawson, TTC

Andrew Duncan, B.Soc.Sc., Dip. Tchg (Post Grad.)

Avon Hansen, B.Ed (Hons)

Lynley Jecentho, B.Ed, Dip Tchg

Amy Kelly, B.Ed., Dip. Tchg

Aaron McKay, B. Soc. Sc., Grad Dip Tchg

Gerard O’Neill, Dip Tchg

Rachel van Heuven, B.Tchg

Annaliese Watts, B.Ed., Dip Tchg

Robyn Wilson, Dip Tchg, B.Tchg

David Wiseman, B.Ed, Dip Tchg

Krystal Workman, B.Tchg                     

Food Technology:                                        Lorraine Stiles, BA, Dip Home Ec., TTC

         Jasmine Trower, Dip Home Sc., Dip Tchg - Sec

Production Technology:                               Joy Dunham, Dip Tchg                            

Electronics & Materials Technology:           John Stiles, Adv Trade Cert, Dip Spec. Sub. Sec.,TTC     

VisualArt:                                Karen Raymond, Dip Tchg, BA

                                                                   Diane Smith, Dip Tchg

Maori Language & Culture:           

Special Needs:                           Sue Dawson, TTC

Teacher Aides:                                  Melanie Comer              Giselle Laidler

                                                                        Trena Kent                   Anne Vuglar

Music:                                                         Tami Lee Ward, B.Music Ed., Post Grad.Dip.

                                                                                            Primary Education, AIRMT

Librarian:                                                   Shona McLennan

IT Assistant:                            Joy Davidson, BCMS.

Caretaker:                                                 Colin Heal                                                        

Cleaners:                                                    Dorothy Rasmussen, Linda deThierry,

                                                                  Valerie Jenkins, Richard Allen

Administration:                                           Ruth Oldershaw, Gaymaree Steiner                                                  

Board meetings

•  A cordial invitation is extended to all caregivers to attend the monthly meetings of Matamata Intermediate School Board of Trustees.

• All Board meetings are advertised in the school’s fortnightly newsletter.

• Meeting procedure follows model standard orders for public meetings.

• The Matamata Intermediate School Annual Meeting is held in the 1^st week of May on an annual basis.

• Parents are welcome in the school at any time.  Appointments with teachers can be made through the school office at any time during the year.  Parents calling at the school informally are expected to report to the school office before visiting classrooms.

• All visitors to the school must call at the office upon arrival.  This is a Health & Safety (OSH) requirement.

• Parent/caregiver is to call at the school office before taking a student out of the school.

• Parents are also encouraged to contact the student's teacher, a senior staff member, or the Principal, to discuss any concerns they may have.  The sooner we understand the problem, difficulty or concern, the better we are able to help your child.

• A school newsletter is sent home every 2nd Thursday.

• Parent-Teacher Interviews are be conducted in the first half of the year.  Formal reports are sent home at the end of the year.  Personal Progress Folders (PPF) containing samples of work are be taken home by each student during the year.

• Students must attend school wearing correct uniform or bring a note where there is a valid reason for it not being worn.

•  No student may leave the school grounds between 8.30am and 3.10pm without permission of the Principal or a written note from home which needs to be countersigned by a teacher.  Students who must go home regularly for lunch will receive a permanent lunch pass on receipt of a note from parents with this request.

• If your child is to be away, it is essential that the office is notified before 8.50am so that we all know your child is safe.  Absences without notification are stressful to all concerned and it is our policy to follow these up.  Notes signed and dated by parents/caregivers must be provided for exemption from any part of the school programme (on medical grounds) such as sport or physical education.

• If your child requires administration of medication on a regular basis, at school, a letter of explanation must be forwarded to the Principal.  The school has an 'Administration of Drugs/Medicines' consent form which is to be signed by the parent and is available from the office.

General Information:                

School Hours

First Bell:         8.50am            

Interval:           10.30 - 10.50am

Lunch:              12.40 - 1.40pm

Final Bell:         3.10pm

School Phone/Fax/Email/Website:

Phone: 07 888 7221  Fax:   07 888 8297  Email:  office@matamataintermediate.school.nz

Website:  www.matamataintermediate.school.nz

Students are able to use the phone, in emergencies, to ring home.  There will be a 10c charge for local call, 40c for toll calls and $2.00 for mobile calls made by students.

It is not possible to get students to take inward phone calls but we can get important messages to them.

School Lunches

Lunches may be ordered in each classroom before 8.50am daily.

These are delivered to classrooms at 12.40pm.  Children are to get the correct change for their lunch from the office before 8.50am.  We encourage healthy choices for school lunches.

School Donation

Your school fee of $40.00 per student is wisely spent and assists the Board of Trustees to provide essential sports equipment and educational resources.  It also provides a financial base for Board of Trustee projects which cannot be provided for out of the operations grant received from the Ministry of Education.  The $10.00 IT fee covers the cost/use of the school computer network, black & white printing and Internet/email use.

Charges:  (Annual)

School Fee                               $40      Technology Materials Fee         $40

Information Technology            $10      Paper Charge                            $10

A draw for the the refund of all school expenses is held at the end of Term 1 for those who have paid all school fees and donations.

Other costs will include stationery, uniform, Footnote Dance ($7.00) and Life Education ($3.00).  These costs will be part of the stationary list at the beginning of the year and we would appreciate payment at that time where possible.  Stationary is able to be purchased from the school before commencement of the school year, the library will be open Tuesday 27th January to Friday 31st January, 10am-2pm so please feel free to come and purchase your child's books when you are in town. 

Parents who may find some difficulty in paying these costs are able to approach Income Support who may be able to help.

Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.)

The school is strongly supported by the P.T.A.  Regular short meetings are held Monthly meetings are held in the staffroom.  While all parents are automatic members of the PTA, you are encouraged to consider becoming active members and support its activities.

Current Chairperson:                             Sharon Grayling                

Current Treasurer:                               Annette Langlands             

PTA 2^nd hand Uniform Co-ordinator:      Rowena Randell               

Health of Students

Any student who becomes ill at school will be looked after to the best of our ability but should we consider the student would be better off at home, office personnel will phone requesting that someone collects the sick child.

In the case of an accident requiring medical treatment, if the parent cannot be contacted immediately, the pupil will be taken to your Family Doctor and parents notified so that the pupil can be collected from the Doctor's surgery.                         

School Buses

Approximately two thirds of the students attending Matamata Intermediate travel by bus.  An acceptable code of behaviour is expected of all bus students.  In cases of misbehaviour which could be a danger to other bus passengers, students will be prohibited from travelling on a bus.

Bicycles

Bicycles are brought to school at the student's own risk and are to be kept locked in the bike stands behind the Art Room.  These areas are strictly out of bounds during the day.  It is  required by law that cyclists wear helmets while riding to and from school.

The goals we set for our students are demanding ones and our aim is to achieve a balanced educational programme for all through the promotion of:

• Academic, sporting & cultural growth

• The building of self esteem and character

• Giving equal rights and opportunities to every child

• Developing respect and concern for others

• An awareness of the dual heritage and multi-cultural nature of our society

• Students striving to achieve their personal best

The curriculum encourages high achievement and a broad range of achievement opportunities:

• We place high value on academic achievement and the seven essential learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Technology, The Arts, Health & Physical Education. Success criteria for achievement are outlined to assist students achieve high personal academic standards.

• Our Hauora/Health programme covers such areas as friendships, decision making, coping strategies, family relationships, goal setting and virtues.  The programme focuses on practical ways students are able to enhance their well being.

• The importance of the physical wellbeing of our students is well catered for in the extensive Fitness and Physical Education programme.  Lunchtime inter-class sports competitions are arranged each term covering a wide range of activities to cater for as many students as possible.

• The high expectation we have for elite sports competitions is borne out by our results at Inter-Intermediate competitions, Waikato representation levels, Winter Olympics and North Harbour sports camp successes plus participation in the National Intermediate Sports Tournament.

• The Arts have a very high profile with excellent programmes in classroom music as well as performance music and Visual Art.  Dance & Drama are also incorporated as an integral part of our school curriculum.

• We are able to supply a well stocked library with a bank of computers which students can access for researching information, library searching and word processing.

• We have begun to introduce opportunities for learning an international language with Spanish and French.  Plans are underway to expand both the number of languages offered and the number of classes provided with this opportunity.

Technology

Three well equipped technology workshops, with specialist teachers, ensures learning experiences in a wide range of technological areas are provided.  Students are able to design and produce individual solutions to problems and develop a high level of practical skills.  Workshops are open at lunch times for students who wish to have extra time on constructing their designs or who are involved with complex designs at an enrichment level.  Learning opportunities are provided in Food Technology, Electronics, Materials Technology and Production Technology using fabric.

Information Technology

 Matamata Intermediate has a fully equipped computer suite with a specialist assistant to provide our pupils with an excellent information technology programme including accessing the internet and sending and receiving e-mails.  The library is also fully equipped for information technology with computers linked to our network and the internet.  Enrichment opportunities are provided through a web page group and an ICT Certificate class.

Music

New students are welcome to join our very successful concert band.  Previous musical experience is not a prerequisite.  Instrumental tuition is provided for students at a small fee per term.  A meeting for interested parents and students will be held early in the year to assist students to choose an instrument, which can be hired, or hired to buy.  There may be opportunities for private guitar, base guitar, drumming, violin, cello, flute and keyboard tuition during the school day as well.  The school also has a rock band.  Students having music lessons during class time and taking part in music performances are expected to maintain their classroom learning as well.

A special music camp is held during  Term 2 combined with Te Awamutu Intermediate at Totara Springs for Concert Band and Choir. 

Visual Art

All students attend specialist classes in the Art Studio.  They are able to explore a wide range of creative processes and media and gain confidence and skill in producing their own art works. 

Children with Special Abilities

A gifted and talented programme has been developed in both Year 7 and Year 8 to cater for those students who have high achievement levels across the curriculum or the potential to achieve at a high level.  The selection for these two composite Year 7 and Year 8 classes is done on an annual basis by referring to each student's performance and achievement levels.  In consultation with the previous year's teacher, the selection for Year 7 also considers test results in English, Maths and Science which are completed by potential students during the enrolment process.  Parents who especially wish their child to be considered for a gifted or talented class are able to request a questionnaire as part of the enrolment package.

Students in these classes are expected to participate in Otago Problem Solving, Westpac Maths plus English and Science ICAS competitions (conducted by University of New South Wales).  Optional competitions are also available to any other student at Matamata Intermediate, but are not compulsory.

A parent meeting is held on the Year 6 Orientation Day where parents will have the opertunity to ask questions and hear about specific programmes and expectations for learning in these classes.

Literacy and Numeracy Support Classes

The school provides for the individual learning needs of all children and takes pride in the EARL room where students are given special assistance with learning, specifically in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

At the beginning of each year, all new incoming pupils are assessed and parents are informed of those children requiring extra assistance in any language or maths area making them eligible for these classes. A strong teachers' aide team supports the classroom teacher so students are given individual or small group instruction to help them reach their potential.  There is close contact between the teachers and parents throughout the year.

Maori

Provision is made for the study of Māoritanga.  Students are withdrawn from their class into a language group appropriate for their achievement level for this tuition.  All classes have a regular Te Ara Matauranga lesson which is supported by the Kaiako.  Kapa Haka sessions occur weekly.

Outdoor Education

We encourage education outside the classroom and a variety of experiences such as class camps and ski trips are provided.  Parental involvement in these activities is essential and a great way to be involved with your children’s education.

Production

Every 2 years a full scale school production is organised.  This allows all students who wish to audition whilst at Intermediate to do so.  The high quality of our school productions is well known in the community.

Poetry, Prose  & Speech

Each year competitions are held at a class, syndicate and year level in poetry and prose reading and speech making.  Students can choose whether their speech is to entertain or to inform the audience.

Academic Competitions

Following are some of the external competitions our students are involved in with admirable results:

• Otago Problem Solving competition which is run annually, taking place over five months.  This competition is open to all students

• Students are able to participate in the Australian Maths exam, which is another annual competition supported by Matamata Intermediate

• WaiMaths Problem Solving Competition.

• Taupo Maths Problem Solving Competition.  2007 was the first time that we competed in this competition, called MathsMatters, a problem solving competition consisting of 20 problems which need to be solved in 40 minutes.  We are invited to enter 2 teams at each year level.

Students are encouraged to participate in Otago Problem Solving, Westpac Maths and the Australian English, Science and Computing examinations and we are proud of our results including High Distinctions and Distinctions.  These exams provide standardised data and excellent feedback achievement.  We have also had winners of provincial short story writing competitions and continually provide and promote additional opportunities for participation in competitions and extra learning experiences for those students who wish to become involved.

Homework

It is school policy that students complete a set amount of homework in order to develop sound work habits.  We recommend 30 minutes set aside for homework each night.  Parents can assist by:

• providing a quiet,  undisturbed place

• encouraging regular homework habits

• showing an interest in the work being done

• sighting completed homework

• testing timestables on a regular basis

• hearing your child read

Matamata Intermediate’s School Board of Trustees and Staff will insist that the uniform is worn correctly at all times. It is very important that all parents and students understand this. We pride ourselves that we are amongst the best and will be ensuring that our standards are maintained.  We ask for your support on this.

 A second-hand uniform sale will be held at the school on December 15^th, 12 - 2.30pm.  Another sale will be held in January which will be advertised in the Matamata Chronicle.

• All items of clothing are to be clearly named.

• School shirt to be tucked in.

• Long socks to be kept pulled up.

• Boys’ shorts will be worn with the waistband above the hips.

• Boxer shorts may be worn, but are not to be visible.

• Girls may wear regulation PE shorts under their tunics, but they are not to be visible.

• PE shirt may be left out, unless wearing a jersey as well, in which case the shirt must be tucked in.

• No nail polish or make up is to be worn to school.

PTA members will sew a machine sewn name tag on the front of all student's jerseys early in the year.

Second hand uniform items may be purchased through the school.  Please phone the office.

Students are expected to be responsible for their own personal property.  The school accepts no liability for loss.

  Please ensure that all personal possessions, items of equipment & clothing are indelibly named

• Named articles which are found, are returned to the owner.

• Unnamed articles which are found are placed in the Lost Property area, alongside Room 16.

• Students who lose items of clothing or equipment should ask at the office for permission to search in the Lost Property area.

•  Valuables including radios, gameboys, walkmans, tapes, CD players, cards, etc. are not permitted.  If such articles are brought to school they will be looked after by the school until a parent is able to collect them.

• Cash, watches or jewellery must not be left in desks or bags!

• Cellphones brought to school must be handed in to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the day and collected after school.

• Payment for sports trips, class journeys, camps or any other purposes, should be handed in for safe keeping, either to the office or to the class teacher, as soon as the pupil arrives at school.

• Jewellery – a wristwatch may be worn.  Studs may be worn in ears only and no more than 2 in total.  For any other forms of studs or piercing, the parent must seek special permission from the Principal and this form of jewellery would have to be of religious or cultural significance.  If crucifixes, bone carvings, other taonga or items with special meaning are worn around the neck, they must not be visible.

• Hair - must be clean and styled in such a way as to not bring discredit to the school.  Outlandish hair colours or styles will not be acceptable.  This school will accept natural hair colourings only – parents will be contacted if deemed necessary on this issue.  Long hair needs to be brushed back and tied.