WelcomeMatahui School is a small, independent full primary school situated within a picturesque rural setting in Katikati in the Bay of Plenty. It was founded in 1988 by Christine Hobart and Mennie Scapens as an alternative to what was offered in the catchment area. Today Matahui School is as vibrant and unique as it was back then - an educational setting within which children’s individual talents are nurtured.

1.

The true measure of success is not in knowing the right answer, but in knowing

what to do when you don’t know the answer.

- H. GARDNER

To foster in all students high self-esteem, creativity and a love of learning.

Matahui School makes every effort to maintain small class sizes (average of 17). Our motivated and committed teachers understand that children learn and develop in different ways and at varying rates – small class sizes enable our teachers to provide the students with the individual support they need to flourish.

Small Class Sizes

3.2.

MATAHUI MISSION STATEMENT

Matahui School is proud to have won the prestigious NZ Outdoor Education Award in 2012. The school offers an extensive outdoor education programme that provides all students with access to learning in various situations from short field trips to extended overnight camps. Matahui’s legendary school camps take the notion of being “hands-on” to new levels where limits are tested and true character is built.

Award-Winning Outdoor Education

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A wide range of outdoor activities clearly combine

to produce superb learning outcomes at Matahui

School.-ROSS PATTERSON, WBOP MAYOR

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The school ethos and atmosphere at Matahui School is special. The school environment is one within which differences are valued and appreciated and as a result, our school grounds feel safe and welcoming. Many parents comment about the special vibe and feel of Matahui School.

Unique School Atmosphere

We liked the attitudes of the children when we came to visit. There was instantly a

sense of calm when I visited the classrooms.

-JOE & VICKI GORDON

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Acknowledge and value each child’s uniqueness and create a school community that accepts

and respects differences.

Develop caring ‘family’ social dynamics within the school which

create a positive playground environment in which creative and

co-operative play thrives.

Foster creativity, effective thinking and intelligent behaviour.

Use an interactive approach to teaching, that will help engage

students in their learning, challenge them to question their current understandings, to take ‘risks’ in their learning and make

informed choices.

Actively involve children in their learning through the provision

of relevant and challenging hands-on learning activities and

experiences.

Emphasise the need for basic literacy and numeracy skills, as a foundation for the development of ‘learning how to learn’ skills

of researching, problem-solving, making choices and relating to

others.

Foster in students a desire to achieve quality learning outcomes,

together with the ability to persevere at tasks in order to

achieve this.

Encourage all children to become responsible and independent

learners, with positive attitudes towards all areas of their learning.

Foster in each child the development of sound work habits and self-discipline to enable them to work within agreed rules and

understand the consequences of their actions.

Acknowledge the importance of parents and caregivers in the learning partnership, and encourage them to become involved in their children’s

education.

VISION1. 4.

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11.10.

OUR LEARNING

Develops creative and inquiring minds, the ability to think effectively and a committment to excellence.

Students at Matahui School are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning. They “learn how to learn” through teaching approaches that aim to develop thinking skills, creativity and leadership.

Whilst our programme comprises core elements of the National Curriculum and Numeracy and Literacy skills are seen as vital for ongoing learning, considerable emphasis has been placed upon creating challenging, creative, experiential learning opportunities for students both inside and outside the classroom.

Teachers, who are themselves life-long learners are positive role models for students. The programme in Year 7 and 8 provides additional components including learning an additional language, a technology course and the opportunity to complete a leadership awards scheme.

Additionally the students are fully involved in the Tall Poppies Programme provided to meet the social and competitive needs of Year 7/8 students from smaller community schools in our region.

Learning in and through the Arts Creative expression is encouraged through all aspects of the curriculum. Learners are introduced to a wide range of media with the aim of empowering them to express their individuality in creative ways.

A rich music programme provides students with opportunities to express their emotions, intellect and imagination. All students from Year 3 receive specialist tuition in recorder, marimba and percussion, with ample opportunity for performance.

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The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Matahui School embraces the theory of multiple intelligences. We believe that everybody possesses a unique blend of at least eight relatively independent ways of showing their intelligence, briefly outlined below:

INTELLIGENCE DEFINITION Students who like to do this are often exhibiting their strongest intelligences

Sensitivity to the meaning and order of words

Ability to handle chains of reasoning and to recognise patterns and order

Sensitivity to pitch, melody, rhythm and tone

Ability to use the body skilfully and handle objects adroitly

Ability to perceive the world accurately and to recreate or transform aspects of that world

Ability to recognize and classify the numerous species, the flora and fauna of an environment

Ability to understand people and relationships

Access to one’s emotional life as a means to understand oneself and others

Write stories; tell jokes, stories, puns; use expanded vocabulary; play word games; use words to create images

Work with numbers, figure things out, analyse situations, see how things work, exhibit precision in problem solving; work in situations with clear answers

Listen to and play music, match feelings to music and rhythm; sing and hum; create and copy tunes

Play sports and be physically active; engage in risk taking with their bodies; dance, act and mime; engage in crafts and play with mechanical objects

Doodle, paint or draw; create three-dimensional representations, look at and create maps and diagrams; take things apart and put them back together

Spend time outdoors; collect plants, rocks, animals; listen to outdoor sounds, notice relationships in nature; classify flora and fauna

Enjoy many friends; share, mediate, build consensus; help others with their problems; be an effective team member

Reflect; control own feelings and moods; pursue personal interests and set individual agendas; learn through observing and listening

Linguistic

Logical/Mathematical

Musical

Bodily/Kinaesthetic

Spatial

Naturalist

Interpersonal

Intrapersonal

As a ‘multiple intelligences’ school, we acknowledge and value the different strengths of each student. Instead of asking “Is this student smart?” we ask, “How is this student smart?” Classrooom programmes aim to engage all students with the curriculum, by making learning experiences relevant to students’ lives, with many varied and ‘hands-on’ learning opportunities.

Within our MI environment, students develop improved self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as acceptance and understanding of difference in others. They are given the opportunity to use their individual strengths to focus on areas needing development. They are more likely to be better engaged in their learning, to find it more relevant, and more enjoyable. Research shows that MI-based programmes result in improved academic outcomes and improved motivation, as well as an increase in parental participation, which is known to contribute to improved student achievement.

Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic BooksHoerr, T. (2000). Becoming a multiple intelligences school. Alexandria, VA: ASCD(adapted from Hoerr, 2000)

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Habits of Mind (Art Costa)

“The true measure of success is not in knowing the right answer, but in knowing what to do when you

don’t know the answer.”

At Matahui School teachers aim to develop students’ awareness and understanding of these important learning behaviours from an early age.

This is done through direct teaching as well as integration into daily classroom programmes. Students learn to understand and use the “Habits” to become reflective thinkers empowered with tools to help solve problems, resolve conflicts, make decisions or take action. Students leave Matahui School better equipped for successful life-long learning.

In his research, Costa identified a variety of learning behaviours, which are used by successful people from all walks of life – be they successful mechanics, gymnasts, doctors, parents, teachers, entrepreneurs, husbands or wives.

1. Persisting Persevering at tasks through to completion

2. Managing impulsivity Acting with forethought and deliberation

3. Listening with understanding

and empathy

Understanding others

4. Thinking flexibly Able to change perspectives, generate alterna-

tives, consider options

5. Thinking about thinking Awareness of and ability to evaluate one’s own

thinking and thinking strategies

6. Striving for accuracy Desire for exactness, fidelity and craftsmanship

7. Questioning and posing problems A questioning attitude and desire to find

problems to solve

8. Applying past knowledge to

new situations

Transferring prior learning to new contexts

9. Thinking and communicating with

clarity and precision

Clear and accurate communication, both written

and oral

10. Gathering data through all senses Using all sensory pathways to absorb

information

11. Creating, imagining, innovating Generating new and novel ideas

12. Responding with wonderment

and awe

Finding the world awesome and mysterious, and

being intrigued with phenomena and beauty

13. Taking responsible risks Prepared to go outside ‘comfort zone’ – to live at

the edge of one’s competence

14. Finding humour Finding the whimsical, incongruous and

unexpected. Able to laugh at oneself.

15. Thinking interdependently Working with, and learning from others, in

reciprocal situations

16. Remaining open to continuous learning Open to on-going growth and learning,

and striving for improvement. Resisting

complacency.

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OUR CHILDREN

Our children are well balanced, strong in both individual and social skills.

Students at Matahui School Are encouraged to think creatively and critically in all their work.

Learn to work both independently and co-operatively to achieve the best they can.

Are challenged to take risks and explore the unknown, equipping them with the confidence to adapt and participate effectively in our rapidly changing world.

Are provided with a wide and varied knowledge base, as well as the skills to apply that knowledge in new situations.

Possess a strong sense of individuality and high self esteem.

Are happy, enthusiastic learners.Take ownership and responsibility for their own learning.

Are encouraged to recognise and apply the Habits of Mind as a basis for successful learning.

Are helped to develop their own strengths and the motivation to be the best they can be

Are encouraged to develop awareness and understanding of difference in others and to be caring and respectful members of the community.

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OUR COMMUNITY

promotes learning through supportive and caring relationships which exist between homes and school.

At Matahui School a caring family community lays the foundation for building high self- esteem in our students. We believe that the most effective learning takes place where there is a strong and supportive relationship between the child, the parent and the teacher. Parental involvement is encouraged both in and out of the classroom with the aim of developing a sense of ownership by all those involved in the child’s learning.

The Matahui School community is drawn from a wide geographical area, ranging from Waihi to Tauranga. Effective community networks are established through strong relationships between the children, their families and staff. High expectations are supported by families who subscribe to the philosophy of the school and involve themselves in their children’s learning wherever possible.

Teachers, parents and local experts provide role models for our students.

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OUR ENVIRONMENT

encompassing classrooms, playground and beyond, provides for safe, enjoyable, challenging experiences which promote

understanding of oneself, others and theenvironment and their inter-relationships

Matahui School provides a safe caring environment, carefully designed and developed to include elements of challenge with the aim of fostering children’s confidence and belief in their own abilities. With a class average of 17 students, teachers are able to develop in-depth relationships with individual students and spend more time making classrooms exciting places where learning is meaningful and fun. Special features include our native bush area, a 30 metre climbing wall, climbing trees, and a hut building area, which all reflect the many challenges and stimuli of the great kiwi outdoors. Students are involved sustaining the school environment through gardening, planting trees, and beautification projects.

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) Educating students outside the classroom is seen as a vital and stimulating part of our school programme. Children are introduced to the challenges, risks and hazards of the environment, acquire the skills for coping with them, and given the opportunity to develop further strengths and abilities and

greater self-esteem. From Year 5, students enjoy two exciting school camps each year. The EOTC programme includes bush and water safety and survival skills, abseiling, surf skills, map and compass skills, sailing, rowing, canoeing, and campfire cooking. Camps are always planned around a strong science or social studies theme, with clear academic learning objectives for the students.

OUR CULTURE

unique and vibrant, inspires excellence

The special family atmosphere fostered at Matahui School places students within a supportive and positive culture where individuality is respected and valued. Children of all ages play together through both planned classroom activities and unstructured play.

Parents become friends and family of our school. Family members are encouraged to become involved with their children’s learning through sharing their experiences and expertise in a range of contexts. Each Monday afternoon is designated as a time for parents to conference with the teachers because effective communication between home and school is seen as important. The opportunity to conference ensures that student goals can be discussed, successes celebrated and any areas of concern positively addressed.

Matahui School maintains very high standards in all sports. Although many of our students play a variety of sports for local clubs, we currently have two basketball teams entered in the Tauranga League. Our students also compete in cross country, swimming, and the AIMS games. The high level of participation and skill shown by our athletes reflects our commitment to sport and the dedication to our school by the parent community who coach and support the teams.

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24.www.matahui.school.nz | 07 552 0655

Are we preparing kids minds for a life of tests or the test of life?

-DR ART COSTA

I am privileged to serve the exciting Matahui School community as principal. The students and parents at Matahui inspire me to continually learn and lead by example. Prior to 1994 I worked in a variety of New Zealand schools ranging from primary, intermediate and secondary schools. During this time I held various positions of responsibility, the last of which was Head of English at Waihi College. In 2011 my wife and I made the decision to return to New Zealand having completed 17 years working in international schools across Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong. During this time I had the opportunity to help found and establish two international schools. Everyday presents a unique challenge at Matahui and keeps me coming back for more. I would like to invite you to visit our school to experience the atmosphere of our delightful, rural school.

Principal | Max Muller

Book your school visit with MaxCall 07 552 0655 | Email : principal@matahui.school.nz.

www.matahui.school.nz | 07 552 0655