July 2026 Edition

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Rotorua Intermediate Newsletter

22 July 2026

Words of Wisdom from Our Principal

Welcome back to another term at Rotorua Intermediate, where as teachers we will be doing our best to ensure your child continues to appreciate that it is their ‘Courage and Commitment’ to learn is a crucial mindset to foster their learning growth.

Since I see myself as a learner, I took time over the holidays to read ‘The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt’. I felt his book contained a number of messages that, myself as a Koro, parents would find thought-provoking. Haidt’s central message is that children's wellbeing is shaped by a combination of technology, parenting, community, sleep, play, and relationships, and offers valuable opportunities for reflection rather than blame.

I share his key ideas as an invitation to reflect together, not as criticism. He suggests "None of us are perfect parents (and myself as a grandparent). We are all learning together in a world that has changed dramatically for our children." This understanding helps create the right tone, as we work in partnership for the best growth outcome for your child/ren.

Jonathan Haidt’s Reflective Challenges for Home and School.

Childhood Has Changed Dramatically: Today's children spend far less time playing freely with friends and far more time interacting with screens.

Reflection: "Are we giving our children enough opportunities to experience the real world, not just the digital one?"

Independence Builds Confidence: Children become resilient by solving problems themselves—not by adults solving every problem for them.

Reflection: "Am I preparing my child for the road ahead, or trying to remove every bump from the road?"

Phones Shouldn't Raise Our Children: Technology is a wonderful tool but a poor substitute for face-to-face relationships.

Reflection: "Who is having the greatest influence on my child's thinking—the people who love them, or the people appearing on their screen?"

Social Media Isn't Childhood: Online approval can never replace genuine friendships.

Reflection: "Does my child know they are valued for who they are—not for how many likes or followers they have?"

Every Child Needs Responsibility. Responsibility builds confidence.

Helping at home teaches contribution rather than entitlement.

Reflection: "What meaningful responsibilities does my child have that show we trust them?"

A Gentle Closing Reflection.

Our children are growing up in a world unlike any previous generation. They need our love, our guidance, our boundaries, and our time more than ever. None of us will get parenting right every day, but together we can create homes and a school where our young people feel safe, valued, capable, and connected. Small changes made consistently often have the greatest impact.

Garry de Thierry

Principal (or Koro G, as my 10 mokos refer to me)

The BOP Schools Cross Country champs were held at the end of term two. Students were able to qualify for this event by finishing in the top 6 at the previously held CBOP champs.
Due to a clash with Tai Mitchell rugby, only Y8's Eli Cyca and Carter Smith were able to attend. Both boys ran well and showed great determination on the challenging Waipuna Park course. We had impressive results against a strong field with Eli finishing 7th overall and Carter in 14th. Great job boys.

We are especially proud of the great sportsmanship both boys showed on the day, as highlighted by the message we received following this event:

"Hi I just wanted to reach out and let you know I was so impressed by the two boys from your school at Cross country today. After finishing their race they stood near the finish line and cheered on my son who was last, who didn't have many people left there to support him.

I just think it was such a kind gesture especially because they didn't know my boy at all!!

I really think they did your school and uniform proud!!

Kind Regards

C Moyes
All our BOP qualifiers will now prepare for the Super 11 Cross Country event next Friday 7th August at Waipuna Park Tauranga.

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What's happening in Term 3
Friday 24th July - Super 11 Basketball

Wednesday 29th July - CBOP Badminton

Friday 31st July - Super 11 Winter Sports Tournament

Wednesday 5th August - Rip Rugby Pre Aims Tournament

Friday 7th August - Super 11 Cross Country

Monday 10th August - BOP Intermediate Golf Finals

Tuesday 11th August - CBOP Amazing Race

Friday 14th August - Super 11 Rugby 7s Tournament

Thursday 20th August - MIGS Gymnastics festival

Wednesday 26th August - Tough Guy/Gal Challenge

Monday 7th - Friday 11th September - Aims Games 2026

Tuesday 22nd September - Rip, Grip & Whip MTB

SAFER SCHOOL ROADS

From June, the speed limit outside our school will drop to 30km/h during busy drop-off and pick-up times (8:00–9:00am and 2:45–3:45pm). At other times, the normal speed limit will apply.

There will be a mix of electronic and static signs. As soon as the signs are installed, the lower speed limit can be enforced, so please keep an eye out.

Take a look at the map to see how your usual route might change. For more information and FAQs, visit: rlc.net.nz/safespeeds

Thanks for helping keep our tamariki safe.

Friday 24th July----------------------------------------Super 11 Basketball
Friday 31st July------------------------------Super 11 Winter - Mt Maunganui
Wednesday 5th August-----------------------Rip Rugby Pre Auims Tournament
Friday 7th August----------------------Super 11 Cross Country - Mt Maunganui
Tuesday 11th & 12th August-------------------------------Science Road Show
Wednesday 12th August -------------------------RBHS Open Evening - 5.30pm
Friday 14th August-------------------------Super 11 Rugby 7s - Mt Maunganui
Tuesday 18th August---------------------------------WHHS Orientation Day
Tuesday 18th & 19th August---------------------RIS Orientation Days - Year 6's
Wednesday 19th August----------------------RGHS Open Day (All Day) Y8 Girls
Thursday 20th August-----------------------------Year 6 Open Evening @ RIS
Thursday 20th August----------------------------------WHHS Drop in @ RIS

Transitioning to and from school

Manaakitanga Awards Week 10 Term 2

Zaelia Rogers (Pukaki Whānau)
Zaelia, you are consistently engaged in your learning and always strive to do your best. You share your thoughts and ideas confidently in class and show respect by listening carefully to others. You are a reliable and supportive classmate, and a good friend to those around you. Your positive attitude and respectful behaviour make you a valued member of Pukaki.

Clinton Vannak (Tunohopu Whānau)
Clinton, you are a respectful and considerate student in Tunohopu 3. You consistently demonstrate our school values and always show a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards your learning. You are a great role model for your classmates and it is a pleasure having you as part of our class. Thank you for your contributions.

Olivia Meelker - Gear (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
I love seeing how resilient you are when your work gets challenging, Olivia. You always show a dedicated, positive attitude toward your learning, and it is wonderful to see how popular and well-liked you are among your peers. Keep up the amazing work!

Gage Waters (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
Gage, what an incredible role model you are for our class. With mountains to climb, you are certainly making the best of the ascent. You go about your day with a quiet positivity, ensuring you are achieving your absolute best. As a class leader, your peers look up to you and all you do. Thank you, Gage.

Indi Newby (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
You consistently uphold our kura 3R’s in all that you do, and carry the values of Te Roro o te Rangi with pride each day. You are focused, respectful and confident. Your actions uplift those around you, making you a true role model within our akomanga. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe, Indi – ka mau te wehi!

Indranil Das (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
Indranil, you are an amazing role model who consistently demonstrates our school values. It has been an absolute pleasure watching your cooking skills develop; you have made incredible progress since your very first lesson! Keep asking great questions and being awesome".

Izayah Harrison (Mauri Ora)
Izayah you have done really well with resetting your expectations. Your resilience and positive attitude shines through. Keep up the great work.

PREVIOUS WEEKS:
Amelia-Rose Ruland (Mauri Ora)
Amelia you are always showing the 3’rs and is happy to help when needed. Your kind and caring nature shines through. Keep up the great work.

Manaakitanga Awards Week 11 Term 2

Huy Truong (Pukaki Whānau)
Huy, you have had a fantastic first two terms at RI. You are always showing the 3R’s in and out of class, you are a great leader in P1 and are always willing to help and support others. Thank you for your amazing mahi and keep it up!

Jax Howell (Tunohopu Whānau)
Jax Howell you are always on your learning tasks with a great attitude. You are keen to help others when needed and our class appreciates your support. Keep up the great work and thank you for your consistent efforts.

Candice Petersen (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
Well done for a great term Candice. I love the way you show up to school each day with a positive attitude and a curious mind. You are always respectful, and you are always ready to lend a helping hand. It’s awesome to see your creative approach to learning and your determination to succeed. Keep up this amazing attitude!

Deanna Rangiawha (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
What an incredible role model you are, Deanna. You get on with each day displaying a positive attitude towards everything you do. With your peers, you are loyal and kind, showing maturity beyond years. Thank you for everything you do.

Amaria Williams (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
Tēna koe e Amaria, he kōtiro hūmarie, he kōtiro ngākaunui ano hoki. Amaria you are such a pleasure to teach and such a valued member of our akomanga and whānau. Everyday you enter our class with a smile and a positive attitude. You show great dedication to Te Ao Māori, te reo Māori and nga mahi ā Rehia. Ko koe te whakatinanatanga iou mātua tīpuna. Nei rā te mihi ki a koe.

Selina Zhou (Taeotu Whānau / Pathways)
Selina, what a great term you have had in Design & Construction. You have worked extremely independently in all aspects of this subject and created an amazing project. Well done.

Varny Houghton (Mauri Ora)
Varny, your smile is infectious and you always have an awesome attitude towards your learning at Kura. Your kindness towards others shines through. Keep up the great work.

PREVIOUS WEEKS:
Clinton Vannak (Tunohopu Whānau)
Clinton, you are a respectful and considerate student in Tunohopu 3. You consistently demonstrate our school values and always show a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards your learning. You are a great role model for your classmates and it is a pleasure having you as part of our class. Thank you for your contributions.

MANAAKITANGA SCHOOL & VUNIFORM 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