March 2026 Edition

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Rotorua Intermediate Newsletter

25 March 2026

Friday 27th March------------------------------------------Super 11 Touch
Wednesday 1st April-----------------------------------CBOP Swimming Comp
Thursday 2nd April------------------------------------------Colour Fun Run
Thursday 2nd April----------------------------------------Last Day of Term 1
Monday 20th April-------------------------------------------Term 2 Starts
Monday 27th April-------------------------ANZAC Day Observed - School Closed
Friday 1st May----------------------------------------------Mini Marathon
Friday 1st May--------------------------------Super 11 U48kg Rugby - Gisborne

What a term of sport it has been for our kura. Term 1 started with a record number 11 touch teams playing in the Tuesday night Rotorua Touch competition over the past six weeks. This week is semi and finals week with 8 of our teams qualifying for finals; RIS Kōtiro, Rebels, Mana, Warriors, Teina, Kōhine, Eagles and Ngā Tama Toa. Also best of luck to our four touch teams that will represent our school at the Super 11 Touch tournament this Friday 27th March at Westbrook fields.

The Intermediate Waka Ama regatta was held earlier this term with some amazing results from our three teams:RIS Tama - 250m Champs 1st, 500m Champs 3rd, change over Champs 3rdRIS Teina - 250m Plate 3rd, 500m Champs 2nd, change over Champs 3rd RIS Kōtiro - 250m Bowl 1st, 500m Bowl 3rd, change over Plate 2nd

After six weeks, Hardball cricket winds down for our RIS boys team. This week they play Kaitao Intermediate, Thursday 3.30pm field 1 at Ray Boord Park.

The Waikato/BOP Schools XC MTB champs were held this month at the Te Miro MTB Park. We had five competitors take part in this elite competition with Eli Cyca finishing in 6th place which is an amazing result, he fully sent it that day! Finals results were

Y7 Boys - Lewis Thompson Place 56thY8 Boys - Eli Cya Place 6th Zaskar Myatt Place 17th Corban Fletcher Place 58th Logan Booten Place 59th

Top School 2026 was another great success for our kura, hosting 19 teams from Rotorua primary and intermediate schools in a challenging but fun afternoon on our school field. This year's top teams werePrimary1st - Lynmore Primary2nd - Mamaku School3rd -

Rotokawa Aces
Intermediate 1st - Kaitao Intermediate 2nd - JPC3rd - RIS Toru

We had a large number entries for RATs Duathlon 2026, 32 competitors taking on the combined 10km run/bike/run long course through the Waipa MTB park. Congratulations to Eli Cyca who finished 1st in the Y7/8 boys grade and Cruzade McDonald who finished in 3rd, plus numerous top 10 finishes in both the boys and girls grades. Thanks to the Bikes in Schools program which provided 10 bikes to students for this year's event. Hopefully more will take up the opportunity to use a school bike next year.

Finally best of luck to Makaire Reweti who is our only entry for Super 11 Tennis on Thursday 2nd April at Whakatane Tennis Club.

We are still looking for more graded/club tennis players to compete at CBOP and Aims Games so please see Matua Pete if this is you.

The Futsal season has been in full swing with a number of teams playing in the Sunday intermediates competition. As well our girls team has been punching above their weight playing Wednesdays in the girls junior high school competition with some great results.

23 girls attended the Futures Girls golf fun day at Springfield golf course this month. Everyone had a chance to practice their drive and chipping before heading off for a game of rotation golf. Then it was back to the clubhouse for prizes for the best dressed and spot prizes for the rest of the teams. A big thanks to our parent helpers for supervising a team and to Springfield golf course for hosting this girls only fun day.

Sadly our school swimming sports day this term was cancelled due to unpredictable weather but we are hoping to hold it later this year so watch this space. Super 11 Swimming was held last Friday at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre. We had 10 entrants, each of them members of Swim Rotorua or Te Arawa Swimming clubs. All gave their best against the best swimmers in the BOP and showed great conduct throughout the day. Next up for our competitive swimmers will be the CBOP Swimming champs on Wednesday 1st April at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre.

Friday night Waterpolo at the Aquatic centre has had great interest with two teams entered in the competition this term, a Y7 and Y8 team. Matua Mark and coach AJ have led the way for water polo the past few years growing this amazing sport in our school.

Transitioning to and from school

Manaakitanga Awards Week 6 Term 1

Carter Smith (Pukaki Whānau)
Carter, you are a fantastic member of our Pukaki whānau. You consistently show kindness and respect, and you are always willing to lend a helping hand to those around you. You have made a wonderful start to the year, stepping up to the expectations of a Year 8 and Prefect - setting a great example for others. We are really proud of the positive way you connect with people and contribute to making Pukaki such a supportive and happy place for everyone.

Anahera Tekani Joe (Tunohopu Whānau)
Anahera - each and everyday you show the School Values through the way you treat others and take responsibility for your learning and actions. You continually strive for excellence in your school mahi and continually complete work to a high standard. Keep up the great work!

Savior Tango (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
Savior Tango - you consistently display our School Values and are a positive role model for others. You have an excellent work ethic and always strive to do your best. You are a valued member of our class and whanau.

Zara Tahana-Beckett (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
What an incredible start to your year, Zara. Every day you come to kura with a beautiful, positive attitude. You are kind and thoughtful towards others and always ready to lend a helping hand. We have also seen what an amazing mentor you are, especially when supporting your peers during maths. Ka mau te wehi, Zara!

Karleiyah Atera-Boaza (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
Karleiyah, Kua tomo mai koe i te akomanga Rūmaki. Ko te tangata pukumahi ko koe. Ko te tangata ihuoneone ko koe. Kua kapo koe i ngā māramatanga kātoa i ngā akoranga ahakoa ko te reo rangatira, ko te pāngarau, ko te kaupapa nui. Huro e te kohine! Since you have entered into the classroom you have demonstrated that you are industrious and hard working.. You have been successful in all the learning areas in class such as te reo rangatira, pāngarau, and kaupapa nui. Huro!

Mariana Timoti (Taeotu Whānau / Pathways)
Mariana, you are doing so well in Visual Arts. You show creativity and are gaining confidence each time you come into art class. I am so impressed with how you have taken on the challenge of your piece of art showing resilience. When at times your art has not turned out how you have visualised it, but you keep adding to your design. Keep up the good work you are a superstar!

Brooklyn Paul Wineera (Mauri Ora)
Wow Brooklyn we are so proud of the way you have embraced your learning and social skills since returning to Kura. You are demonstrating our 3 R’s all the time so keep up the great work.

Manaakitanga Awards Week 7 Term 1

Teina Tuakana Hudson (Pukaki Whānau)
Teina, you are a quiet yet powerful leader in our Pukaki whānau. You consistently model excellent behaviour, a strong work ethic, and respect both inside and outside the classroom. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful young man in our whānau. Keep striving to do your best, as you have incredible potential.

Quinn Bindon (Tunohopu Whānau)
Quinn, you have made a wonderful start to the year in Tunohopu 3. You are an enthusiastic and conscientious student and this is evident by the way you settle to your learning. You are kind and caring and I appreciate the way you step up and help with classroom duties. What a great role model you are to others in the classroom.

Arian Gutsell (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
Arian you have had a brilliant start to the year. You are such a helpful and hardworking student in and out of the classroom. It’s great to see how much you contribute to our classroom discussions, how much you help out your classmates and how much you help out your teacher. Keep up the great work.

TJ Green-Paul (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
TJ, it has been wonderful getting to know you over the past few weeks. You bring a beautiful wairua and a calm, positive presence to our classroom, which helps those around you feel settled and supported. You are always organised and ready for your learning, and you consistently work hard to do your best. Your kindness towards your peers and kaiako does not go unnoticed, and you treat everyone with respect and care. You are a fantastic role model for others in our class—keep shining, TJ!

Hinapouri Jackson-Williams (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
Nei te mihi nui kia koe, e hine! He kotiro hīkaka ki te ako i tō tātou Reo, he pou whirinaki i waenga i te akomanga, he kōtiro tino kōtua hoki. Kindness, manners and positive leadership are an every day thing to expect from you, which makes it a pleasure to have you and your eagerness in our akomanga! Stay keen to learn, lead the way and step up when needed, and you will achieve amazing things.

Lisa Lubbe (Taeotu Whānau / Pathways)
Lisa, you are a confident and capable student with excellent self-management skills. Your positivity and ability to show respect for others always shines through with your manners and willingness to help when asked. You have shown a keen interest in the project you chose and have demonstrated excellent problem solving skills. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and have you in graphic design this term. Enjoy the rest of your year.

Jose Martin King (Mauri Ora)
It has been awesome to see you enjoying everything RI has to offer. You consistently show the 3 R’s so keep up the good work. Very proud of your achievements so far.

PREVIOUS WEEKS:
Brooklyn Paul Wineera (Mauri Ora)
Wow Brooklyn we are so proud of the way you have embraced your learning and social skills since returning to Kura. You are demonstrating our 3 R’s all the time so keep up the great work.

UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

Are you going overseas for the school holidays?

When you return, you can now complete a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) before you fly back into New Zealand – replacing the need to fill out a paper declaration card on the plane.

Everyone coming into New Zealand needs to complete an NZTD. You’ll answer questions about your trip and what’s in your bags. You can complete it at a time that suits you, on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app, and submit it 24 hours before your trip back to New Zealand.

Download the NZTD app today! QR Code below

travellerdeclaration.govt.nz