Principal’s Message

Kia ora e te whānau,

As we settle into the rhythm of term two and the weather cools, I encourage all students to stay focused on their learning goals. Every lesson is a step forward, and consistent effort makes all the difference. Whether you’re working towards NCEA credits, striving to improve your understanding, or aiming for excellence, now is the time to set clear learning goals and commit to giving your best.

We’ve started the term strongly, with many of our ākonga sitting the Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) for Literacy and Numeracy last week. These assessments are an important part of the new NCEA structure and provide valuable insight into how well our students are progressing in these foundational areas. I want to acknowledge the focused and determined approach many of our students brought to these assessments – ka rawe!

The start of winter sport brings with it the camaraderie that comes from being part of a team, fierce competition, and pride in representing Matamata College. Whether you’re on the field, court, or sideline, I encourage our students to embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm and integrity. Playing as a team, supporting one another, and showing good sportsmanship are just as important as the results on the scoreboard.

A reminder that our uniform expectations continue to apply through the cooler months. Hoodies – even Matamata College sports hoodies – are not part of our official uniform and should not be worn at school. As the weather cools, plain black shoes are the most practical and appropriate choice. A warm school jacket or jersey is the right way to stay comfortable while still showing pride in ourselves and our kura.

Let’s make Term 2 one of growth, perseverance, and pride – in our learning, in our teams, and in ourselves.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Dr Angela Sharples, MNZM
Principal – Tumuaki
Matamata College

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Hangi Pit Project

Key Dates

To see the Matamata College upcoming events please click here

Matamata Kāhui Ako Curriculum Statement

As part of Matamata Kāhui Ako, we are committed to providing a rich, engaging, and equitable learning experience for all our students, across all our schools. Together, as a group of schools, we see the curriculum as providing a clear sequence of learning for our students from year 0-13. As you may have seen in the media, the government is currently revising all curriculum areas.

Each area is divided into phases which provide a clear progression of learning and clear expectations of what students should understand, know and do at each year level. This year, we are focusing on English and Mathematics.

As a Kāhui Ako, we are currently working on professional development for our teachers and are waiting for the Ministry of Education to provide guidance on what assessment and reporting will look like. We are dedicated to creating consistent language on how we communicate student achievement to help understanding as your child moves from primary to college.

Tough Guy & Tough Girl Challenge

Massive thanks to the following people for helping to make this event such a success!

• Matamata College ground staff: Eddie De Klerk and Kelly Balsom
• Megan Lind and Casper Keenan (Sports Captains)
• COMAG (outdoor shower unit)
• Prestige (outdoor shower unit)
• Jo Williams (hay bales for obstacles)
• Dave Olesen (transport of hay bales)
• Dion Edgecombe and Daltons (for donating heavy-duty tie-downs)
• Sam Hills, Lynaire Williams and Jess Lovett (water blaster station)
• Sam Owen (digger for the mud pit area)
• Brett Pike (construction of wooden obstacles with Yr13 students)
• Shannon Johnson, Kim Lawrence and Matamata Intermediate
• Daniel Ellis, Conner Lalich and the Matamata Volunteer Fire Brigade (8000 litres of water!)