Newsletter - Issue 06 - May 18

Tēnā koutou katoa nga mihi ki te whānau o Te Kura Takawaenga o Ōtātara

I came across a great quote the other day which I would like to share with you. 

"Show me your friends and I will show you your future". 

Not sure who that was attributable to, but I would love to own this quote myself. When I shared this quote with a group of our rangatahi they got the gist of it straight away and could quite easily describe its intent - in fact far more easily than it is to surround yourself with those friends that will create that positive culture. They understood the impact of having strong behaviours around us, they understood the need for role models and they understood that we, ourselves, are reflected in those we associate with. How they are seen is how we are seen.

As parents and whānau we strive to steer our tamariki in the direct path of those we see as beneficial and good for our kids whilst directing them away from those we perceive that are not. From an educational and social perspective there is much to like about this however there is a flaw in that too. At our kura we create many opportunities for many of our akonga, despite how they are currently, or have historically been seen. We know that in our lives we 'stub our toes', and we know that those toes heal - as does the hurt or harm we can sometimes cause. We spend a great deal of time ensuring that there is a clear understanding that any one act does not define who we are so that all can grow from what we might have done.

If those that struggle in society, for whatever reason, and let's be honest, tamariki of an intermediate age are in that interesting stage of life where there is a lot going on for them, are not surrounded by positive influences then how can they ever change their own lives? As parents we need to step into those spaces and provide opportunities for our tamariki to be involved with and engaged with a great many others. Through this we develop understanding and empathy, we learn about the lives of others and we gain a true sense of society. They learn that life and humans are indeed a box of chocolates! This was further exposed to me recently when my now 22 year old son thanked me for the diversity of people he met through his upbringing. Intrigued, I asked him to expand on this. As a budding lawyer he was congratulated by his lecturers on his ability to converse and create immediate trust with a wide spectrum of society. That hadn't happened by accident and nor was it deliberate - it is just the way his parents raised him. The way that we, his parents,  were raised too. 

Through this exposure we also enable ourselves to discover the friends that will be with us and beside us for the rest of our lives. Friends across a spectrum, diverse, different and able to complement ourselves in so many ways. If we are aligned with others that enhance our own values, who can be honest with us and who are supportive of us then we are strengthened. You would be pleasantly surprised at the number of our students who are starting to pull away from 'mates' who they are recognising are not the influence they need and are now finding that both life and kura are a whole lot more enjoyable! We can tell them the same until we are blue in the face but they will rarely act upon that advice until they come to the same conclusion themselves.

So, the quote above has many layers to it yet however we look at it the reality is that our futures can indeed be influenced by those who we associate with.

Ngā mihi nui,

Marty Hantz
Tumuaki / Principal 
Te Kura Takawaenga o Ōtātara Taradale Intermediate

Thea has made an excellent start to her Year 7 year at Taradale Intermediate and has settled confidently into classroom routines and expectations. She consistently approaches her learning with a positive attitude and demonstrates a number of strong Habits of Mind in the classroom.

Thea shows excellent persistence and strives for accuracy by ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. She takes pride in the quality of her work and is willing to revisit or improve tasks when needed. Her ability to remain focused and manage herself effectively during learning time reflects strong self-regulation and responsibility.

In mathematics, Thea demonstrates confidence when contributing ideas and explaining her thinking during group discussions. She listens respectfully to others, showing an ability to think interdependently and work collaboratively with her peers. She is also developing confidence in questioning and problem-solving, particularly when learning new concepts/strategies.

Thea approaches challenges with maturity and resilience, showing a willingness to keep trying even when learning becomes difficult. It has been wonderful to see her enthusiasm for learning and the thoughtful way she approaches classroom tasks each day.

"Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei"
(Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you must bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.)

Sam, your attitude towards your learnings, your gracious presence, your humble nature is something of true value in our team. Your consistent willingness to learn, achieve, and strive for me is something a teacher can only hope for. Sam, you are respectful, kind, inclusive and humorous but you're learning always comes first. Your ability to respectfully contribute to discussion, while considering other points of view is something to be proud of. Sam, your sense of humor is one of the best qualities you have and we as a team in room 5 appreciate the person you are and the person you are becoming. It is an absolute honor to have you in our class and for me to be your teacher.  

He toa taumata rau. 

A person of many talents / a person of great versatility. 

This week we are pleased to present the Tākitimu Whānaukura award to Piper. Piper has had a fantastic start as a Year 7 at Taradale Intermediate. When I first met Piper at our Get Connected meeting, I learned that Piper is somebody who strives for what she wants and will grasp every opportunity given to her. Piper is a sociable person in Room 18 who has built positive relationships, is confident to contribute ideas, and loves a yap. Piper is dedicated and sets high standards for herself as a learner.  This is shown when she actively seeks feedback, keeps her books neat, and even asks for extra mahi to do practice at home. 

One thing admirable about Piper is her positive can-do attitude and how dedicated she has been to her own growth and success. So far, Piper has been involved in Stage Challenge, Performance Academy, Speech & Drama, Te Vaka Maia, netball and placing at the recent Lit Quiz!  And this is only the beginning...

Well done Piper for truly grasping all the opportunities on offer, I can't wait to see what you go on to achieve at Taradale Intermediate. 

Whaia te pae tawhiti kia tata, whaia te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina
(Seek out the distant horizons, cherish those you attain.)

Since joining TIS, Sienna has made an outstanding impression through her consistently positive attitude, strong character, and dedication to living our school values. She embodies the 3R’s in everything she says and does. Sienna always strives to make the right choices, not for praise or recognition, but because she is a genuinely kind and caring person who wants the best for those around her. Sienna is an engaged and enthusiastic learner who contributes thoughtfully to class discussions and confidently shares ideas and feedback about her learning. She demonstrates an exceptional work ethic in all that she does, approaching every task with focus, determination, and pride. Whether working independently or alongside her peers, Sienna consistently gives her very best effort and sets a wonderful example for others to follow. Beyond her learning, Sienna is a valued and respected member of Room 23 and the Tareha whānau. Sienna, I am incredibly proud of all you have achieved in your short time at TIS, and I look forward to seeing all that you will continue to accomplish during your time here. 
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.

In 2025 we instituted a wonderful programme we termed Te Vaka Maia as a vehicle to take potential leaders and those that needed greater self-belief to a higher level. Last year we had 20 participants and this year we have 24. This course is heavily oversubscribed even though it requires the participants to be at school by 6.15am twice a week!

The programme has a constant theme of self-discipline and fitness, group skills and self-growth. We have been lucky to have been supported by local businesses so that we can continue this as, unfortunately despite the successes we saw year, this is not funded by the Ministry of Education. Our massive thanks to those who not only see the value of this but have also decided to help us financially. Please support those that support us. 

Our thanks too to members of the local Army Territorial force who run this programme for us, in their own time! Tu meke Andy, Dan and Harley!

It has been really pleasing to see the number of children using our ePlatform that we provide for another source of reading books.

If your child is not logged into Wheelers ePlatform and they would like to read this way, they need to see Mrs Lindsay with their laptop in the Library.