March 2026 Edition

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Rotorua Intermediate Newsletter

11 March 2026

Class Waka Ama Lessons

Over the past few weeks we have begun our class Waka Ama rotations. The aim is that we offer all of our student’s the experience of Waka Ama by introducing them to our kura's waka, Te ōka o tangaroa, learning the importance of teamwork, technique of paddling and the opportunity to paddle.

Nga mihi nui, Matua Fabian Hurihanganui for the sessions you are running with every class.

Friday 13th March--------------------------------School Swimming Sports Day
Friday 13th March--------------------------------Super 11 Tennis - Whakatane
Tuesday 17th March-------------------------------------Progress Discussions
Tuesday 17th March-----------------------------------------RATS Duathlon
Friday 20th March---------------------------------------Super 11 Swimming
Wednesday 25th March-------------------------------Photolife School Photos
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

Transitioning to and from school

Manaakitanga Awards Week 4 Term 1

Jakob Edwards (Pukaki Whānau)
What a fantastic start to 2026 you have made Jakob. You are a kind and compassionate member of P1. You are always looking out for your classmates and leading by example, always showing the 3R’s in and out of class. Keep up the amazing mahi and leadership!

Yasir Jamalulla-Shariff (Tunohopu Whānau)
Yasir you have had an amazing start to the year by being consistent with your behaviour and uniform expectations. You ask questions to gain clarity and you are always keen and ready to take on any task that is set. Yasir, you are setting great examples to your peers this term. Keep up the amazing work.

Hunter Dennison (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
Hunter, you’ve made such a positive start to 2026. It has been great to see you take responsibility for your learning, completing all tasks required of you. We have also noticed you making a real effort to build positive relationships with your peers. Keep up the hard work.

Taakiri Henare (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
Wow, Taakiri! It is awesome to see you growing every day within our manaakitanga kaupapa and our kura. You are beginning to be more supportive of your peers, and on our whānau trip to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa and Lake Tarawera, you showed kindness by helping others and bringing positive energy to the games we played.

Te Kānuka Pihera-Ridge (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
Te Kānuka, you have had an awesome start to the year. You have such a beautiful wairua that uplifts our entire akomanga. You are focused, respectful and confident. I look forward to watching all the amazing things I know you will achieve while being part of Te Roro o te Rangi Whānau. He tino whetū koe!

Nicol Relf (Taeotu Whānau / Pathways)
You have had a great start to your time in Design & Construction.. You are always keen to help your peers and have worked hard to solve problems independently rather than asking for help. It has been a pleasure having you in this class. Well done Nicol!

JaQuelle Edwardson (Mauri Ora)
You have shown awesome resilience JaQuelle through some difficulties but you seem to have settled in your new class and embracing life here at RI. Keep the great work up.

PREVIOUS WEEK:
Riley Tauroa (Hurungaterangi Whānau)
Riley, what an awesome start you have made to the year. You have settled into our classroom so smoothly, and it has been great to see your self managing skills growing stronger every single day! You are proving you can take responsibility for your learning and make positive choices consistently. Thank you for being such an awesome, reliable member of our class. Riley. We are so lucky to have you!

Hawea Daniel-Newton (Tunohopu Whānau)
Hawea, what a great start you have made at RIS. You are a cheerful and friendly student and you are so focused on your learning. I am impressed by your interest in Aotearoa/New Zealand history and the knowledge that you are keen to share. I have also been impressed by your mahi in mathematics and writing. An amazing effort, Hawea. Well done!

Logan Harford (Pukaki Whānau)
Logan has made an awesome start at RIS, your friendly and bubbly personality has made you an asset to our classroom culture. You are willing to give things a go and make all of the games and competitions in Pukaki 3 a little bit more fun. Shot Logan!

Manaakitanga Awards Week 5 Term 1

Floyd Sanford (Pukaki Whānau)
Floyd, you are a joy to have in our Pukaki whanau. You are friendly, polite, helpful, and always looking out for others. You have had such a positive start to your year, truly embracing the responsibility expected of a year 8, and leading by example. We are so proud of the way you engage with others and help make Pukaki a welcoming and vibrant place for everyone.

Ashiya Kumar (Tunohopu Whānau)
Ashiya, you have a positive role model in Hine Kaha this term. Right from the start you have been putting your best foot forward while supporting you peers in class. You show great focus, respect, and confidence in the way you approach your learning. I look forward to seeing the many wonderful things you will accomplish as a valued member of Hine Kaha.

Teneal-Daniel Ngamotu-Barriball (Te Rangiiwaho Whānau)
You have made a positive start to the year. I love your respectful manners and your quiet dedication in managing yourself. It’s great to see you organised for class and making effort in your learning. Keep up this awesome approach for a fantastic Year 8!

Aliyah Whakatau - Jones (Hurungaterangi 3)
Aliyah, you have been such a determined force in our class. Your positive attitude towards learning, willingness to work with others outside your comfort zone, and your adaptable and curious nature are wonderful to see. It is fantastic watching you be a role model in our space and within our whānau. We can’t wait to see you continue to grow and shine throughout the year! 🌟

Zac Wills (Te Roro o Te Rangi Whānau)
Tēnei tama hūmarie. Zac you are well and truly everything that is manaakitanga. From your warm mihi to everyone in the morning, the last one ensures our area looks beautiful and always makes sure people have a smile. We are so honoured to have you in our whānau. Ka nui ngā mihi ki ā koe e tama.

Orion Palsgrove (Taeotu Whānau / Pathways)
Wow. What a passion you demonstrate for Science Orion. You love to share your knowledge and always get involved with whatever is happening eagerly. You always keep a smile on your face and stay positive even when things don't go as expected which is a real benefit to you. The focus you put on your time in science is a credit to your passion about gaining and absorbing new knowledge and skills. Keep up the amazing job.

Kail Halliday (Mauri Ora)
Very proud of your perseverance and ability to adapt to new things Kail. You have set goals and we can see you are achieving them already. Keep up the great work.

PREVIOUS WEEKS:

Nicol Relf (Taeotu Whānau)
You have had a great start to your time in Design & Construction.. You are always keen to help your peers and have worked hard to solve problems independently rather than asking for help. It has been a pleasure having you in this class. Well done Nicol!

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