Newsletter - Issue 07 - May 26

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

I read with some dismay a recent article in our local media which bemoaned the lack of volunteers within our local sporting scene. This was further added to by the fact that there is still no shortage of those youngsters who want to play, nor is there a lack of adults wanting to play their preferred sport. The problem lies in the fact that there are fewer people  putting up their hands to keep the clubs and organisations going. And where would we be without those volunteers?

I know that we potentially live in a much busier time than we have ever experienced before however those that are involved in administration and organisation tend to be busy too, yet there they are toiling away diligently behind the scenes. Food for thought, right?  Here's some more food for thought.

"The greatest gift that you can give a child is encouraging them to be compassionate citizens that understand the power their actions have to help others and improve the world around them", Ellen Sabin.

If we attend to those who may be the administrators, organisers,  coaches and referees of the future then there may well be not such an issue in the future. How do we do that? Without doubt it is by instilling into our rangatahi the notion of service. Of doing for others before we do for ourselves. After all, isn't that the most important thing of all? As well as making a difference for others there is a wee bit of truth in the notion that there is a 'helpers high' - that feeling we get when we do something kind. A great way of releasing dopamine, that feel good chemical causing a sense of euphoria. We can encourage that in our tamariki by creating little opportunities for them to consistently give either their time, their talents or their taonga / treasures. As those dopamine hits don't have a forever value it is important that we practice such things daily. Creating this habit can't be a bad thing at all, right?

What are some of the easiest things to do to promote that sense of charity, that sense of purpose and service and that sense of giving? Try some of these...

• create cards for someone they love or admire.
• take some baking or kai to elderly neighbours
• mow someone's lawns for free or do some gardening for them
• donate some now unused 'stuff' to a charity
• organise a neighbourhood game for the other kids
• read to a younger child
• ask them to say something nice to a classmate each day

...and so on, and so on and so on! The list is endless really and no matter what you do, even if only once, it will make a difference to someone. The best thing you can do? Help out a local organisation and involve your whanau in that...even if only in the smallest of ways. They will do what you do!

Ngā mihi nui,

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

Frankie upholds the school’s capabilities daily, she consistently demonstrates a positive attitude towards her learning, shows initiative, and can confidently take lead roles when required. Since arriving at TIS Frankie has built positive relationships with her classmates. She is able to work interdependently, this is seen in the way she can seamlessly slot into any group and work collaboratively when required. Frankie strives for accuracy and takes risks in her learning, learning for her mistakes and listening to feedback. She has a strong work ethic and produces work to a high standard. We are lucky to have her in Room 8 and Mohaka Whanaukura. I look forward to seeing what amazing things Frankie goes on to achieve during her time at TIS.

Mā te kimi ka kite, mā te kite ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama.

Seek and discover, discover and know, know and become enlightened​​​​​​​

Without a doubt, Indy is truly deserving of this award. What we admire most about Indy is her quiet determination, the way she keeps showing up, giving her best, and doing it all with such humility. She shows manaakitanga in the small, everyday moments in our class and within our team. She checks in on others, offers help without fuss, and makes sure people feel seen and supported. Indy leads in her own gentle, steady way. Her respect, kindness, and calm presence speak loudly to us all and she doesn’t expect any recognition or reward for her efforts. Indy always stays true to who she is, and that draws others to her. Alongside her warmth, Indy brings real zest and grit. A spark that keeps her pushing forward, trying again, and embracing challenges with quiet courage. Kaweka is truly lucky to have Indy in our whanaukura.

“Kāore te kūmara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka.” The kumara does not speak of it’s own sweetness.

Jake has stepped up this year and shown a real willingness to challenge himself. A great example of this was his decision to enter the ANZAC Speech Competition. Jake put in personal time and effort to prepare, and his hard work paid off witha third‑place finish in this local competition.

Jake’s passion for sport is clear in everything he does. As one of our class PE monitors, he enthusiastically organises equipment and sets up activities without hesitation. He is also a committed Sports Challenge participant, consistently proving how deserving he is of being in this group. Recently, when his partner was away during a planning session, Jake stayed calm, focused, and carried on without any fuss.

Jake was recently recognised by one of his Year 7 peers and awarded the class taonga for the respectful way he interacts with others.  A nice way to build Jake’s mana.

Ka mau te wehi, Jake — what a great year you are having!

Ayla, from the moment you walk into the classroom, your positive energy, warm smile, and mature attitude set the tone for those around you. No matter the challenge placed in front of you, you face it with determination and resilience, always giving your best and refusing to give up.

Ayla, you are a natural leader who uplifts others effortlessly. Your friends gravitate towards you because of your kindness, loyalty, and the genuine care you show toward everyone around you. Whether supporting a classmate, encouraging a friend, or speaking respectfully with staff, you carry yourself with a level of maturity far beyond your years.

Your hard work, perseverance, and willingness to push through difficult moments are qualities that will take you incredibly far in life. You are someone others look up to - not only because of your achievements, but because of the person you choose to be every single day.

We are incredibly proud of the role model you have become and the positive influence you continue to have within our kura. Ayla, your future is exceptionally bright, and there is no doubt that you are destined for amazing things.

“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.”
My strength is not that of an individual, but that of the collective.