Here in New Zealand, twice a year, we get to celebrate new beginnings, reconnect, and reflect. This week, we have been acknowledging Matariki. As I discussed with the staff today, the knowledge of the seasons, the stars, and the motion of the planets held by early Māori showed a deep understanding of time and motion. It is little coincidence that we celebrate Matariki within days of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year.
It was fitting that this week, as we head toward our shortest day, we should wake to the first frost of the year. As a time to slow down and observe the world around us, I was struck by this eerie scene earlier in the week. How lucky are we to live in such a beautiful part of the world?
What is Matariki and why is it significant?
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a significant event in the cultural calendar of New Zealand. It signifies the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters) in the winter night sky, heralding a time of renewal and celebration for Māori people. Traditionally, Matariki was a time to remember those who had passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. It’s a period that connects New Zealanders to the land and the skies, reflecting on the cycle of life and nature.
The significance of Matariki extends beyond its astronomical aspects; it’s a time for communities to come together, share in feasts, engage in song and dance, and participate in cultural activities that reinforce bonds and cultural identity. Matariki celebrations are an opportunity to learn about and honour the traditions and stories of Māori culture, which are integral to New Zealand’s national identity. The observance of Matariki has seen a resurgence in recent years, with its importance increasingly recognised in the wider New Zealand society, symbolising unity, reflection, and hope for the future.
Kyle Brewerton Principal
IMPORTANT DATES
JUNE
June 25
Year 8 Ballroom Dance Off
BOT Meeting
June 26
Pop/Rock Bands Performance
June 27
Term 2 Award Assemblies
Term 2 Ends
JULY
July 14
Teacher Only Day - Maths Curriculum Training
July 15
Term 3 Starts
July 22
CZ Netball Boys
July 25
CZ Netball Girls
July 29
Tough Guy & Gal Challenge
CZ Squash
STAY CONNECTED Follow Our New Facebook Page
We've officially launched our new Facebook page!
You can expect to find regular updates on school events, important announcements, highlights of student achievements, and celebrations of the vibrant activities happening within our school. We believe this channel will offer an engaging and accessible way for our community to stay informed about the buzzing life within our school.
We encourage our school community to follow our new Facebook page. By doing so, you'll receive direct updates in your news feed, ensuring you don't miss out on key information or exciting stories from our school. We are excited to connect with you and further strengthen our school's community.
Click the following link to our new Facebook page.
We have seen a significant increase in the number of students arriving late to school. As you will be aware, the school day starts at 8:45 am, at which time students should be in class and settled, ready to start the day.
Please ensure your child is at school no later than 8:40 am to give them time to make it to class and settle before the bell goes.
Not only does being late impact their start to the day, often they have to ask the teacher or a friend to repeat the instructions for the day, which impacts the students around them as well.
We would appreciate your support in getting your child to school on time.
IZ FOOTBALL
After their success at the Central Zones, both the Year 7 and Year 8 boys' football teams represented our school at the Interzone tournament, held at Seddon Fields on Monday, 10th June. Competing against the top teams from across Auckland, both sides showed outstanding skill, resilience, and teamwork.
The Year 8s started strong with a 3–0 win and went on to top their group without conceding a goal. They faced a tough Northcote team in the semi-final, which ended in a penalty shootout. Despite a brave effort, they narrowly missed a spot in the final, finishing 4th overall—a fantastic result at this level.
The Year 7s also impressed, conceding just one goal all day. They reached the semi-finals, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual champions Saint Kentigern. They bounced back to win their 3rd and 4th playoff in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a well-earned 3rd place.
Both teams did the school proud, competing with heart and representing our values throughout the day. Congratulations to all involved!
CZ BOYS HOCKEY
What a tournament for our Central Zone boys' field hockey team!
In absolutely spectacular weather, the boys went undefeated throughout the entire competition, showcasing incredible defensive prowess by conceding only two goals all tournament.
The championship game was a nail-biter, ending in a draw even after extra time. The tension was palpable as it went to a tie-break shootout, but our boys held their nerve, securing the win by scoring the first goal!
A massive congratulations to the team on a truly outstanding performance. Now, their sights are set on InterZones!
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE ART ROOM
Year 8’s have begun their Cycle 2 project working with clay.
They are experimenting with making clay seed pods, which will eventually be displayed in bright colours on our three large metal trees.
Watch this space for further developments.
CELEBRATING RI TALENT
Our very own Maxwell from Room 29 will be on the iconic Shortland Street, starting on August 25th for a few nights.
What an awesome achievement, Maxwell. We look forward to seeing you on the big screen!
ICAS EXAMINATION
We are delighted to inform you that our school will again participate in the ICAS Competition this year.
What is ICAS? ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies and others.
Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
This year, RI will be participating in English, Science, Mathematics and Digital Technologies. The ICAS dates are listed here.
How to participate in ICAS
If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please:
Go to the Parent Portal to sign up for your chosen subject areas here.
Enter our school’s access code – HMI995
Enter your child’s details, select the subject areas your child would like to participate in, and then proceed to payment.
After payment is made via the Parent Payment System, you will receive an order confirmation email, please keep this for your records. Last day for parent purchases is Monday, 28 July 2025.
2026 ENROLMENTS
If you have a Year 6 student who will be coming to RI in 2026, we encourage you to start the enrolment process early to ensure we are well prepared for the coming year.
You can now apply online by clicking this link. If you have a query regarding the enrolment process, please contact Ms Amy McGowan at enrolments@remint.school.nz
Important dates for 2026 Enrolment
In Zone/Out of Zone Applications Open
Monday 1 April 2025
In Zone Application Due Back
Wednesday 27 August 2025
Out of Zone Application close
Wednesday 27 August 2025 at 3:30pm – no exceptions
Out of Zone Ballot
Ballot to take place on Wednesday 3 September 2025
Art Extravaganza Takes Over School Hall!
What a night! Our school hall was absolutely buzzing on Wednesday night for a truly fabulous art evening that showcased ...
You can download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. It works on both Android and Apple phones. It sends important school messages and forms a big part of our school communications. If you have not downloaded the App, please click this link http://remueraint.apps.school.nz/share/
Features of the App:
You can subscribe to alert groups of interest to you and your child
You can access the school calendar, news and events directly through the App
We can send out targeted alerts to everyone with the App or to specific groups
ABSENCES
All absences need to be reported by 8:45 am at the latest. To report an absence, please:
Use the 'Report an Absence' link in the top right corner on the school website homepage http://www.remint.school.nz
Use the school app or phone the office on 09 522 9890 Option 1 Please do not email absence notifications to classroom teachers
ABSENCE NOTIFICATION
Your children’s safety is of paramount importance to us. To ensure the safety of all our students, at 9:30 am if your child has not been marked as Present, we will send out a text notification to alert you of his/her absence.
We are aware many parents are simply very busy people and forget to notify the school so please respond with a Y and a reason for the absence/lateness. Respond with an N if you have dropped your child at school or know that he/she was coming to school and we can investigate this promptly.
Should your mobile number change, please notify the school immediately so that we can update our records accordingly.
PARENT PORTAL
Parents are able to use our portal to pay for their child’s donations and fees. We encourage anyone who has not already signed up to do so. The address is https://parent.edgelearning.co.nz/
