Jeff Chapman — June 29, 2025
Kia ora koutou,
Introduction
Wow! Half way through the year already. It’s been a busy six months of change, celebration and preparation for future success. We have new leadership at many levels of the school who are strategically creating positive change across academic, cultural, artistic, sporting and well being realms – all geared for student achievement and success. We have had much to celebrate like the opening of our new block Te Urukahika, the achievements of our amazing Mana College Kapa Haka group- “Te Mana o Kupe”, and a very positive ERO visit.
Te Urukahika
As you’ll be aware our brand new Te Urukahika block was formally blessed and opened on Friday 23rd May. This was a momentous and historic occasion celebrated through a dawn ceremony and blessing of two important carvings, followed by a whole school and dignitary opening at 10am. The block will be operational as of the first day back in term 3. Our students and staff will deservedly be working and learning in a modern, warm and fully functional educational environment for many years to come. Very exciting times for Mana.
Education Review Office (ERO) Visit
Our ERO visit took place over three days Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th May. During this time the ERO team reviewed all aspects of the school including key drivers to student success and wellbeing like the school’s Leadership, Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Governance, and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ERO also reviewed compliance requirements like Board Administration, Curriculum, Management of Health, Safety & Welfare, and Personnel Management. The visit was very positive and affirming. The formal & public report will be published soon. Watch this space.
Open Evening
On Tuesday 10th June we held one of the most successful open evenings we have had in recent years with an attendance of about 150 people. Our guests were shown many of the opportunities our school has to offer by our year 9-13 student leaders, who either acted as guides or presented at the various stations around the campus. Please note that any Year 9 Out of Zone enrolments are due to our office by Monday 23rd July.
Te Whakataetae Kapa Haka Tuarua o te Whanganui-a-Tara ki Ōtaki
As a result of the performances on Monday 16th June Te Mana o Kupe received the following awards…
- Highly prestigious 1st – Te Reo Māori
- 1st – Kaitātaki tāne (male lead). Special congratulations to Raiaatea Reweti (12KD)
- 2nd – Whakaeke (entrance Item)
- 3rd – Mōteatea (expression of grief/sorrow)
To all of our Te Mana o Kupe whānau- we are so proud of you and are deeply honoured to be connected to what you have achieved. You have brought much joy and pride to the Mana College & Porirua community. Long may you cherish the learnings, connections and growth that being part of this special group would have brought you. Mana with Mana!
Pipi Learning Cove
Mana College has teamed up with Pipi Learning Cove (PLC) to provide short online courses for kiwi whānau. PLC have created the top 17 modules as suggested by you as our school community, so hopefully there will be something there for everyone, which will grow over time.
All modules have been reviewed and updated with feedback from Subject Matter Experts, who are mentioned at the beginning and the end of each module.
This initiative is designed to not only provide affordable and accessible educational opportunities for our community but in turn help raise funds for our school. Take a look at the website as below.
Triennial Board of Trustee elections – Wednesday 10th September
School communities elect parent and staff representatives for their school board every three years. School board members play an important role in shaping the education experience and achievements of our students. We always need people with a range of experiences, different skill sets and interests to be involved and represent our community on our school board.
If you would like to commit time and become a dedicated member of the Mana College board for the next three year period 2026-2028 please review the link below and feel free to make contact with me at any time.
https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz
Literacy and Numeracy Co Requisites
The results for these exams will be coming out soon.These exams are very important in that it qualifies students to receive their NCEA certificates from Level 1-3. Without the literacy and numeracy endorsements students do not receive their NCEA certificate qualification.
There is an after school homework club available on Thursday afternoons to help with any extra study or homework, but in particular literacy and numeracy support.
Please make contact with any of your child’s teachers to find out more about the club or to get any other literacy or numeracy support.
Attendance
Attendance is linked to both student wellbeing and achievement/attainment. There is no “safe” level of non-attendance which has no impact on student and ākonga wellbeing and achievement/attainment. Or in other words for your child to do well and flourish at school they need to be at school everyday.
Therefore we encourage all whānau to place major importance on getting our rangatahi to school every day. Please reach out to your child’s Toka teacher, Dean and/or our Hauora department if you need any support with this.
Source-https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/attendance
Conclusion
As we move through Matariki, reflect on the past, acknowledge those important to us who have passed we look to the future. I’m excited about what the remainder of this year and the next three to five years will bring.
I wish you and your whānau an enjoyable two weeks together in these upcoming holidays and am very much looking forward to term 3.
My office is always open for korero and I’m always keen to hear how you or your whānau can support our college for the betterment of our students and community.