Newsletter 1, Term 3 2023

Principal’s Message

Malo e lelei e tau lava,
Spring is in the air and we should look forward to some wonderful opportunities to get into the gardens and start planting anything and everything that will help lower our food bills. Mangere soil is so fertile, have you seen our banana trees after just two and a half years?. Praise the Lord for our Parent partnership meetings earlier this month-we have a clear picture of our students learning and well-being needs at this mid-year point. Thank you for all that you do to support our children’s learning journey together- we do have lots of catching up to do in Reading, Writing and Math. Please continue to pray, read and discuss the devotion topic ‘Jesus- Hero of the Faith’ , encourage our children to ask big questions (this will help with Reading comprehension) and reinforce Measurement this term -time and self-management, particularly our year 7 & 8 students.

Many of you attended our celebration for the 10 year Longitudinal Study ‘Nga tau tuangahuru’ where we shared student voices from five schools on what ‘Success and Doing well’ looked like. Well done to those students who participated in the screen and voice over preparation. We will be in contact with those whanau who registered for the next phase of the study as we believe we can influence social and education policy with the good work we are doing together. May God be glorified!

It’s Tongan Language week, thank you to all those who are helping out with performances. There is still time to help out if you can and chalk up some volunteer hours during the week.

Faitapuekina koe ‘e he Eiki
Sita Selupe MNZM
Principal

The Calendar

Recent Events

South Auckland STEM Trip (Rooms 1 & 2)

The South Auckland STEM Expo provided an exceptional platform for our Senior students to explore and delve into potential career pathways in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The immersive experience allowed them to interact with industry professionals, gain insights into the latest advancements, and witness the practical applications of their classroom learning. Through engaging exhibits, enlightening workshops, and informative discussions, our students were able to envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and innovators, while also realizing the diverse range of opportunities that await them in the world of STEM careers. This expo undoubtedly ignited their passion and curiosity, equipping them with the inspiration and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future pursuits in the ever-evolving landscape of STEM professions. We are grateful to the Organisers of the South Auckland STEM Expo (Coconut Wireless) for this opportunity and for providing our students with delicious food from one of our favourite places – 275 Kai.

Cook Island Language Week

Kia orāna,

This year’s theme for ‘Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki te au peu o tōku kāinga Ipukarea, which means, “connect me to the traditions & culture of my homeland”.

Our Cook Island Language Week was opened and blessed by Reverend Vaiora Robati of Mangere Presbyterian Church; grandfather to Christian-Ryu, Bronson and Matutua Talangi. Meitaki Maata to our Talagi Whanau.

The celebrations continued through to Sir Bader Intermediate. Mrs Key; Principal of SBDI invited her Rise Up Village to be entertained by the Cook Island beats of the Pacific. The talented drummers had everyone’s hips swaying; including an ‘ura’ battle between the two principals Mrs Key and Mrs Sita Selupe.

Our teachers continued to connect akonga to the traditions and culture of the Cook Islands through various activities, songs and phrases. This was carried on by our Culture tutors during our After School Programme. Tutors for the Cook Island group; Whaea Penina and Teingoa Turaki worked sedulously; enriching our tamariki with the Cook Island language, culture and dances.

Ms Grace and the team visited our local ECE- Tai Tamaiti Early Child Centre where our Rise Up Tamariki performed to their young audience. Their diligent efforts practising after school and during lunchtime paid dividends when their performances were captured on Seven Sharp. Mako rai Penina, Teingoa & tamariki.

To end our festivities on Varaire (Friday); we were treated to the performances from our infamous Cook Island group. Our senior girls performed the Kapa Rima and our boys the Haka Tila. The juniors also showcased their singing talents with My God Loves Me. It was an excellent week for all our Pasifika and Maori akonga and staff; connecting to the traditions and culture of our Kūki ‘Āirani.

Meitaki maata!

Mrs Rona Faga & the Cook Island Team

LINK for Seven Sharp

RUA Cook Island Group performing at a Preschool 

Whanau Notices

SYNERGY

“We love night school!” We have a group of very enthusiastic students in our Synergy programme this term. We are so impressed with our children’s inquiry and questioning skills and their love for learning. Our presentation night is this Wednesday 6th September at 6pm in which Chapman Matamu, Graceson Faga, Levi Lemalu, Arden Aramu, Ionatana & Hannah Muelu will share their I Know Who I Am presentations. Keep up the great work whanau.

PROJECT WY – Tough Guy/Gal Rotorua Challenge

Congratulations to our whanau who participated in the Tough Guy, Tough Gal Challenge alongside our Project Wy families on Saturday 26th August. We had 12 participants from 5 of our whanau – Isabelle & Phil (dad), Mereana & Tee (brother), Lynell & Nigel (dad), Zorama & Lamanite (uncle), Tayna-Marie & Coralie (mum) & Eden & Se’e (mum). Thank you for committing to the early Thursday & Saturday morning trainings and persevering through these last 5 weeks in preparation of the big race.

GOOD TO GO VOLUNTEER ARM

A special thank you to our volunteers who have been a huge blessing for our Cook Island Language week. We would like to thank Teingoa Turaki, one of our dads who was our teacher who taught the children their songs and items. Thank you to Penina Ulugia for supporting Teingoa with the Cook Island group performances. Thank you to Here Piho-Tomuli for making the beautiful costumes our children wore.

PATH

We have almost completed all the Path sessions for our whanau. We will be contacting you to discuss your short term goals.

ENROLMENTS

For our whanau who have children turning five next year please complete an enrolment form. We have spaces available for next year’s enrolment, so please let your whanau know. You can pick up an enrolment form from the office.

SMALL BUSINESSES WITHIN OUR SCHOOL

ENCHANTED FACES By Misti

Enchanted Business is run by Misti, one of our RUA Mums and her work is incredible! So if you’re looking for an amazing trustworthy face painter for an upcoming event you can reach her on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/enchantedfacesbymisti/ or enchantedfacesbymisti@gmail.com

PROV-TECH Automotive  

If your car needs some work done or a service please check out http://provtechauto.com

JUST SIGNS

WE CAN PRINT & DESIGN • Custom board displays • Banners • Flags Email us: [email protected]

HANDYMAN REPAIRS

275KAI 

Mary and her whanau make the heartiest burgers and delicious meals like; surf n turf, ribs etc found here too! 60 Vine Street Mangere. https://www.facebook.com/275KAI

MAMAS MEDALS

She and her team create the most stunning pieces and are available to order. You’ll be the talk of the town when you wear one of her numbers. https://www.facebook.com/mamasmedals

*Whanau if you own a small business that you would like us to post up on our newsletters please email [email protected] 

ROAD SAFETY & CARPARK RULES

At Rise UP we consider your child’s safety our first priority therefore we ask that you adhere to the rules we alongside Sir Douglas Bader Intermediate have put in place. We have had a few close calls which is too many for our liking. We would like to ask that if you see any of our Rise UP parents/ caregivers parking where they shouldn’t be please kindly ask them to move along. We thank you for your cooperation.

Devotions

Devotion topic: Jesus, Hero of the Faith (New Testament)
Scripture for the term:
John 12: 44- 46 “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in the dark world, so those who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark”.

Scripture for the week: What is Jesus known for? The Lord is my protector: Jehovah Nissi
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
“We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasonings and to destroy false arguments”.

Learning Intention: We are learning to believe that God is our protector-Jehovah Nissi
Success criteria:
I can share how God has protected my family
Make a prayer list of people you want God to protect. Pray for protection over people, events, and property.

Prayer requests:
– Excellent READING programmes
– Whanau support for READING.
– Staff & student well-being for full attendance
– BLC Funding applications

During Cook Island Language Week we were blessed to have Rev Vaiora Robati (Christian Ryu, Bronze and Matutua’s grandfather) and the Letiu family share prayer and Devotion with us.
In the coming weeks we look forward to learning about Jesus as a teacher and His ministry.
We continue to pray for divine healing over sickness, our hearts, minds and bodies. Let’s continue to pray not only as a school but as a community as we learn more about the ultimate hero of our faith: Jesus Christ!

Praise be to God for answered prayer