Our Team

I extend a warm welcome to you and your family to Matamata Primary School. We create a nurturing environment that enables our children to learn.

Matamata Primary is a dynamic learning community that has at its core, positive and constructive relationships where the expectation is high…. learning is relevant, deep and fun! Our School structures support and facilitates progress for every student. We have a strong emphasis on our four school values and striving for our own personal best. We promote the holistic development of every student.

Our School values professional and authentic relationships with our students, staff and parents. We strive to promote critical thinking skills and we provide opportunities for students to develop these life-long skills. Our staff base decisions on the individual needs of each student and we endeavor to create a learning environment where students can take ‘risks’ in a safe and supported environment to learn.

We want our students to be passionate and excited about learning. It is our job to empower our students so good learning habits come from within. Students from our school move on to achieve success in a wide range of academic, social, cultural, sporting pursuits and careers.

Matamata Primary School is governed by an experienced and supportive Board of Trustees. We have an active PTA who provide quality information for parents and help fundraise. We enjoy strong support from our parent and school community and enjoy the many opportunities we provide to foster that positive support.

At Matamata Primary School we encourage a working partnership between home and school. Our School operates an open-door policy that welcomes parents’ involvement.

Our shared vision: Matamata Primary School, through the full support of the community, Inspires learning – Whakamanawa Wananga

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and get to know our great school.

Glenn MacPherson

Principal

Authentic Real World Learning

We believe that holistic integrated learning experiences in authentic real world contexts enable students to be the best that they can possibly be.

Junior School

In our Junior School we provide vibrant and stimulating classrooms, where students feel nurtured, valued and respected. We provide a safe, nurturing, welcoming and happy environment for our students to flourish in and feel safe and supported to take risks. As a school, we have adopted four core values; Thinking – Maharahara, Stand Proud – Whakahi, Have a Heart – Makoha, Own your actions – Hoea to waka. These values foster and develop children’s sense of well being and build self worth. We believe in teaching content that is meaningful, applicable, and inviting to all students. As teachers, we are aware of learning, motivation, behaviour, and development theories in order to relate to our students to excel and endeavour to support them reach their potential. We endeavour to maintain and foster positive relationships with our Whanau, Parents, Caregivers and Community.

Our Junior Syndicate students / tamariki have lots of opportunities to build their social, emotional and communicative skills through Jump Jam, Rainbow Ball, community visits, Kapa haka, syndicate wide visits and buddy class activities.

Middle School

The Middle Syndicate has a focus on fostering independence and interpersonal relationships through our school core values – “Thinking, Standing Proud, Owning our actions and Having a Heart”. We encourage students to look after their belongings, problem solve and develop the skills to become lifelong learners. Students will develop their ability to positively solve conflict between peers to ensure sustainable and healthy relationships.

Middle Syndicate students have the opportunity to work together during Physical Education such as Swimming, Cross Country and Winter Sports skills. Buddy classes also collaborate for some curriculum areas, where teachers can work with children in specialised areas.

We are a friendly and approachable team who enjoy working alongside our students. We provide and encourage children to participate in extra curricular opportunities such as Year 4 overnight camp, Jump Jam, Choir, Gymnastics and Recorder. For many of these opportunities, we strongly value the support of our whanau/parents skills and expertise.

Senior School

The Senior Syndicate have a focus on growing the child’s self-management and thinking skills. Through our School Core Values Thinking, Standing Proud, Owning your actions and Having a Heart we encourage our children to be resilient, problem solvers and lifelong learners. Students will develop their ability to positively solve conflict between peers to ensure sustainable and healthy relationships.

The Senior Syndicate have the opportunity to work together during Physical Education such as Swimming, Cross Country and Winter and Summer Sports skills. Buddy classes collaborate for some curriculum areas, where teachers can work with children in specialised areas.

We are an enthusiastic and friendly team who enjoy working with and alongside our students. We provide and encourage children to participate in extra-curricular areas of school such as Camps, Road Patrol, Librarians, Band, Rock Band, Choir and Sports. We value the input and skills from our parent/whanau in our community and utilise these when possible.