2025 Learning In Action

Anzac Assembly

On Thursday, April 10th MWPS gathered for our annual ANZAC Day Commemoration—an important and moving tradition on our school calendar. This special assembly gave us time to reflect on the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who served in times of war and conflict. Their actions helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to live on through our remembrance.

As a school community, we took time to honour their memory through readings, tributes, and moments of silence. These acts of remembrance reminded us of the values the ANZACs stood for—courage, selflessness, resilience, and unity.

A key message from our principal, Mrs Naidoo, was the importance of kindness in our everyday lives. She reminded us to have kind hands, use kind words, and keep kindness in our hearts. She spoke about including everyone and showing respect to others, because every person matters. Her message tied beautifully into the spirit of ANZAC—standing together, looking out for one another, and living lives of peace.

We are proud to uphold this tradition and ensure that our tamariki understand the significance of ANZAC Day. May we continue to carry the spirit of the ANZACs with us—showing respect, compassion, and strength in the face of challenges.

Lest we forget.

 

MPSSA Rippa Rugby Tournament

Last Wednesday, our boys’ and girls’ teams proudly represented Manurewa West Primary School at the MPSSA Rippa Rugby Tournament. It was a day filled with challenges, determination, and strong team spirit.

The boys’ team, coached by Mr Josh, faced a tough start with three consecutive losses. However, their incredible attitude and resilience shone through. They remained positive, supported each other and the girls’ team, and kept pushing forward. Their perseverance paid off with two well-earned wins, finishing the day in 9th place.

The girls’ team, led by Miss Bowden, made a powerful start—winning all of their pool matches and dominating the early rounds. Although they were narrowly defeated in the semifinals, they bounced back with focus and determination to win their final game, securing 3rd place out of 12 teams.

Both teams demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, skill, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and supported one another throughout the tournament.

Eye on Nature 

On Tuesday 18 March, Mr Naicker took a group of Year 5 and 6 learners to Eye on Nature, the Beautification Trust’s annual environmental education event. The experience empowered our tamariki to think like kaitiaki, with hands-on activities and engaging lessons designed to build their connection to te taiao and inspire sustainable choices in everyday life.

This year’s theme “Wellbeing: Tiao and Me” explored the deep connection between people and the environment. Learners discovered how a healthy taiao supports our wellbeing -providing clean water, nourishing kai, and helping us stay physically and mentally strong. They also reflected on how time in nature can calm the mind and foster meaningful connections with others.

Guided by te whare tapa whā, students considered:
– How does a healthy environment promote healthy people?
– How do I connect to taiao through te whare tapa whā?
– What can I do to create a nourishing environment?

Manāki whenua, manāki tangata, haere whakamua.
Care for the land, care for the people, go forward.

GRIP Student Leadership Conference

On Monday, March 17, Mrs Bowden and our eight student leaders attended the 2025 GRIP Leadership Conference. A dynamic, high-energy day designed to empower young leaders with practical leadership skills and fresh inspiration. This year’s brand-new sessions focused on leading through action, service, and collaboration, all under the theme “Lead on Behalf of Others.”

The programme included interactive presentations, leadership games, group discussions, and the chance to connect with students from other schools.
Key topics explored were:

• The Responsibilities of a Student Leader: What leadership looks like in everyday school life.

• Leadership Through Friendship: Developing leadership through kindness, inclusivity, and teamwork.

• New Ideas to Help Others: Discovering and sharing initiatives that make a real difference in school communities.

• Achieving Your Idea Before the End of the Year: Turning ideas into action through realistic planning and teamwork.

Our student leaders returned full of ideas and enthusiasm to make a positive impact across our school.

 

MPSSA Cricket Tournament

Mr Stirling, our MWPS Sports Coach, and Mr Daculan had the privilege of leading both a boys’ and a girls’ team to the MPSSA Cricket Tournament on Wednesday, March 12. It was a fantastic morning of cricket, with both teams performing exceptionally well -each team winning their first three games!

Unfortunately, as the day progressed, the weather took a turn and rain forced the tournament to be called off before it could be completed. Despite this, our students showed that Manurewa West belongs at the top.

Mr Stirling and Mr Daculan were incredibly proud of the students’ effort, sportsmanship, and resilience. Even as the rain set in, they continued to play with determination and pride, showing the true spirit of our school.

Whānau Picnic

Our family picnic night at Manurewa West Primary School was an absolute hit! On a gorgeous summer evening, whānau gathered with their blankets, pizza, KFC, and delicious homemade picnics, enjoying the warmth, laughter, and connection. This year’s activities were all about water fun, bringing plenty of excitement and friendly competition!

? Running the Gauntlet – dodging spray guns and flying balls
? Balancing Plates of Water – testing skill and steady hands
? Blowing Ping Pong Balls – racing them across multiple cups filled with water
? Water Relays and Races – speed, teamwork, and lots of splashes!
? Water bomb throwing -throwing and catching water bombs without them breaking
? Water targets -shooting coloured water and the target and trying to fill the bucket up to the goal line

Alongside the water challenges, the playgrounds were buzzing with activity, and the basketball courts were in full action, adding to the energy and excitement of the evening. 

A huge shoutout to our amazing MWPS whānau for getting involved, embracing the fun, and making it a night to remember. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your energy, laughter, and fantastic company.

We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Mihi Whakatau

On the first Friday of the 2025 school year, our MWPS whānau came together to warmly welcome our new students, staff, and their whānau with a mihi whakatau. This traditional Māori welcome brings together manuhiri (visitors) and tangata whenua (home people), strengthening our sense of belonging and unity.

To our new MWPS whānau—nau mai, haere mai! We are honoured that you have chosen MWPS as a place for your tamariki to learn and grow. As we embark on this new journey together, we embrace the values that define our school community:

? Kaitiakitanga – We take care of our environment and each other, ensuring a sustainable and respectful future for all.
❤️ Manaakitanga – We show kindness, respect, and care, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
? Whanaungatanga – We build strong relationships and support one another, knowing that together, we thrive.
⭐ Rangatiratanga – We encourage leadership, self-determination, and the pursuit of excellence in all that we do.

With these values at the heart of our MWPS whānau, we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections.

Nau mai, haere mai—welcome to MWPS!