Welcome to Term Three. Hopefully, all families have started the term in good health, as it was evident there was a lot of sickness in our community at the end of last term.
It can be frustrating when illness interferes with everyday life and opportunities are missed as a result. The Ministry of Health has released guidance for families to help them decide whether to keep their children home or not. This is a helpful starting point and can be found here. Having your child attend every day when they are well means that when they do have to remain home, their absence doesn’t disproportionately affect their chance of reaching their goals. The data connecting attendance and achievement is evident, and we appreciate our families who ensure their child has the best chance of success by supporting student attendance.
On that note, we have implemented a renewed focus on lateness and school uniform. Not only is it essential for students to value punctuality, but when they consistently arrive late to class, not only do they miss out on learning, they also inadvertently create disruptions that affect the learning of others. Encouraging high standards of presentation is important to Mount Maunganui College and our community. School uniform also creates a sense of identity and pride. Our focus on uniform is to support this. We appreciate all families that help maintain these standards.
Thank you to the many families who attended our Structuring a Senior Course presentation on Tuesday evening. Navigating study and career pathways can be a daunting task and requires families to have as much information at hand as possible. Next Thursday, Mount Maunganui College will also host a Careers Evening, providing students and their families with the opportunity to meet and discuss potential futures with Department Heads, education providers, employers, and employees.
The following week will include our annual Open Evening for prospective families, our Talent Quest, the school production and Learning Conversations/School Interviews take place soon after. Please check the school calendar to stay up-to-date with upcoming events, as we have a busy schedule this term.
We hosted some short special assemblies this week where students were introduced to our Lockdown Procedures. We have engaged the services of Harrison Tew to ensure our emergency management is up-to-date, and we will be having some practice opportunities over the coming weeks. We will keep you updated as and when appropriate.
We have had many students excel in various areas recently. Check out our university paper results and sporting achievements below. Best of luck to Sienna Lagerberg, Skye Faile, Montana Cullwick and Milan Brown who are off to the Hip Hop Worlds next week.
Finally, good luck to our senior Business Studies students who are setting up the Barket Market this Saturday at Coronation Park. Credit to their teachers, Little Big Markets, and those students who have been featured in the media over the past couple of weeks. There is no shortage of proud dog owners in our community, and I hope you get down there to support this event.
The boards of all state and state integrated schools are required to hold elections every three years, and this will be happening again in 2025.
The School Board is an important part of our school as they set the strategic direction for our kura, consult with our school community about our school, ensure the schools funding is spent wisely and ensure that we are giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi within our school. Our Board of Members is made up of five parent vacancies, the Principal, a staff representative, elected by the staff and a student representative elected by the students.
The current board have made the decision to appoint Election Pilot as the Returning Officer for our election and for the election to be provided online. They have been assisting schools with elections for over 20 years and have been the only election provider accredited by the Ministry of Education to provide online election services since online elections started in 2022. Nomination and voting forms will be sent to all eligible voters by email directly from Election Pilot. If we don’t have an email address for you, nomination and voting papers will be sent by post so no one will miss out.
School Board Elections must be held in accordance with the provisions in the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Education (Board Elections) Regulations 2022. Your name and contact details have been provided to Schooled Election Pilot to enable the provision of elections services for our school as required by legislation. They will use your contact details for the provision of election services for Mount Maunganui College only and your details will be deleted 60 days after the election date as required by legislation.
If you have any questions about the election process, please contact the Returning Officer directly on 0800 VOTENZ (0800 868 369) or election@electionpilot.nz.
We will continue to keep you updated through the various stages of the election process, and our election date is Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
SPORTS NEWSLETTER Brett Sorrenson Director of Sport
Kia ora koutou,
We look forward to Term 3 as it is a busy term with sport and we look forward to seeing all Mount Maunganui College individuals and teams in action. In this newsletter we highlight success over the holiday break with a number of students competing and we look ahead to key events on the calendar. All the best to all competing, enjoy your sport and bring your best week in, week out.
Who are our people Here at Mount Maunganui College Sport, we're proud of the community that positively contributes to our programmes – our students, staff, volunteers and supporters. To begin Term 3 we spotlight Student Leaders Cooper Everett and Asha James.
Student Sport Profiles
Name: Cooper Everett Year: 13 Sport: Water polo
Tell us about yourself: I'm an avid water polo player and swimmer who likes to compete at the highest level I can.
Why did you start playing: I started playing water polo in Year 6 for school, and then joined the club scene in Year 7.I started playing sport to have fun and get involved with mates, and then I have kept playing for the competition.
Squad involvement:I'm involved in the school open water swim team and water polo team, as well as a variety of age group teams for Tauranga.
What are you most proud of as a Student Leader: One thing that I'm proud of as a leader is the level of involvement that our school has with sport, with everyone backing a team and helping out in different areas to make us better.
Name: Asha James Year: 13 Sport: Rugby
Tell us a bit about yourself: Sport has always been a big part of who I am. I’ve grown up being active, trying different sports, and always pushing myself to improve. Over time, rugby became my main sport, and it’s where I’ve found the most growth physically, mentally, and even socially. It’s taught me a lot about resilience, leadership, and working hard for what you want. Outside of sport, I’m someone who enjoys spending time with friends, hanging out on the lake with my family and taking opportunities to grow as a person and leader.
Sporting involvement: I instantly indulged myself into the sporting areas of the school as a Year 9. Throughout my time here I have represented our school in rugby, touch, adventure racing, athletics and more. I’m currently involved in rugby and have achieved a lot that I’m proud of. I’ve played at different levels and had the chance to represent different areas of the Bay of Plenty and the Bay itself, which has been an amazing experience. Sport has always been part of my life, from playing in the backyard as a kid to now leading on the field and helping others grow. Being in sport has given me discipline, focus, and a real sense of community. I love being part of a team that supports each other and works towards common goals.
Why did you start playing? I started playing sport because I genuinely enjoyed it. My family has always been a very active family, so naturally I grew up around sport and physical activity. When I was younger, I loved the energy of running around with my friends and being part of a team. As I got older, I realised sport gave me so much more. It helped me build confidence, stay healthy, and push through challenges. Rugby especially gave me a place where I felt strong and capable, and I fell in love with the game. It’s something that motivates me every day, and it’s helped shape who I am.
What are you most proud of as a Student Leader? As a leader, I’m most proud of being a role model for others, especially those who might be hesitant to get involved in sport. I know what it’s like to have self-doubt, and I know how much it means to have someone who can show others that with effort and belief, anything is possible. I’ve tried to lead by example, whether that’s by showing up with a positive attitude, supporting my teammates, or encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones. I’m proud of the impact I’ve made and the way I’ve helped create a strong and inclusive culture within our school and sports teams.
What’s been happening?
Basketball Congratulations to the 2025 Under 18 Girls National Champions – Tauranga Basketball Association. Mount Maunganui College Students Shamar Broughton, Charis Broughton, Riley McClenaghan, Aaliyah Hill, Ellie Davis and Kashana Murray competed for the Tauranga Basketball Association Under 18 Girls over the holiday break and came home with a national title. Individual Highlights: - Shamar Broughton was named the MVP and named in the All Star Five - Charis Broughton was named as the Defensive Player of the Tournament and named in the All Star Five
Wrestling Kurei Harawira of Year 10 recently competed for the New Zealand Development Team in Wrestling over in Sydney, Australia as part of the Australian National Wrestling Championships. He produced outstanding results. - 1st Place - Under 15, under 75kg - 3rd Place Equal - Under 17, under 80kg
Water polo Mount Maunganui College students Hannah Parkinson, Ella Grace, Indee Whalen, Georgia Davoren and Morgan Sinkinson represented Tauranga in water polo over the holidays and competed in the Under 18 National Tournament held in Auckland. They came away with five wins and a final placing of 3rd Equal.
Cooper Everett and Griffin Hunt have recently competed in the Tauranga Water polo national league squad. They secured their fourth consecutive national league title, becoming the first club to achieve four back-to-back wins. A significant achievement for two Mount Maunganui College students competing at the men’s level nationally.
Rugby A number of Mount Maunganui College rugby students represented Western Bay of Plenty over the holiday break in the Youth Development Cup in Rotorua. Team Highlights: - The Under 18 Girls took out the tournament as winners. Well done to Kassidy Murray, Shan Taumoelau, Kaizah-Jade Edmonds. - The Under 16 Boys finished as runners up. Well done to Quinn Barton, Kai Atkins, Harrison Ellis and Zach McLean.
Cyclocross Cyclocross took centre stage on the last weekend of the break. FogCity Cyclocross Club had set up an awesome course with various obstacles, challenging climbs and tight corners which got very slippery and muddy for the athletes to race through in the cold foggy conditions. Individual highlights: - Sophie Loader - 3rd place (Under 17 Girls) - Mason Snow - 4th place (Under 15 Boys) - Sophie was also a proud recipient of one of the two Passion Awards which recognises outstanding sportsmanship, a good attitude and leadership.
Hockey Riley Ramshaw and Eva Watherston represented Tauranga Hockey over the holiday break and competed in the Under 18 National Hockey Competition. The hockey was very competitive and a high level was seen across the competition. Seven games were played, with Tauranga managing to win their first and last game. Riley said “it was a good week with lots of development and we were not far off doing better.”
What’s coming up?
NZSS Swimming Championships - Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 July - Hamilton
NISS Indoor Bowls Singles Championships - Sunday 26 July - Mount Maunganui
New Zealand Schools Surfing Championships - Tuesday 29 - Wednesday 30 July - Raglan
BOPSS Junior Basketball Championships - Friday 1 August - Mount Maunganui
Eagles Golf Tournament - Monday 4 August - Te Puke
Get2Go Regional Challenge - Monday 4 August - Rotorua
WaiBOPSS Cross Country Championships - Thursday 7 August - Tauranga
BOPSS Golf Teams Event - Friday 8 August - Whakatane
BOPSS Basketball Div 2 Championships - Friday 8 August - Mount Maunganui
Sports Awards Sports Awards nominations are now open and will close Friday 29 August. Please complete your Sports CV to be considered for a Principal, Crimson or Special Trophy Award. Link:2025 Sports Awards Application
Fitness Centre The Mount Maunganui College Strength and Conditioning Programme continues to run before and after school during the week. Students of all abilities wanting to improve their athletic performance are encouraged to sign up and embrace this opportunity to aid in their long term development. The cost is $65 per term.
What is included:
Sport specific training programme suitable to age and stage
Supervised training sessions with a highly qualified trainer (Angelo Medina)
Access to the school fitness centre during designated times
For all those who sign up before Monday 28 July, you will go in the draw to win a limited edition Medina Athletic hoodie (four to be won).
Note: Existing students signed up for Strength and Conditioning will automatically go into the draw.
Physio Please ensure you look after yourselves off the field. As a Mount Maunganui College student you have free access to an onsite physio during the week. Bookings are available via the Body in Motion website: Body in Motion Bookings
These are available in store at NZ Uniforms, 94 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga. When representing Mount Maunganui College in sport it is important to ensure that you have the correct uniform and wear this correctly, we encourage students to buy a long sleeve or short sleeve tee and / or hoodie if they don’t already have an off-field uniform.
Daily Notices The best place to get all information regarding key sporting dates is the daily notices. Students, parents and caregivers can access these at: Daily Notices.
Sponsorship Thank you to our amazing group of sponsors who make a genuine difference to our school sports programme. Please reach out on bretts@mmc.school.nz if you’re interested in joining our sponsorship team to help sport thrive at Mount Maunganui College. We have a range of packages and sponsor benefits available and would love to connect with you to ensure a positive future for sport. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
We acknowledge that the new school development will mean additional difficulties for some families accessing the school during drop off and pick up times.
The previous ‘main’ school carpark has now only one point of entry and exit, thereby making it inappropriate for drop off and pick ups and is now restricted to visitor parking only. If you do have to use this gate when visiting the school, be mindful of cars entering and exiting. See the map below that designates visitor parking.
The new staff carpark now has barrier arms and is limited to staff parking only. The arms will be down from 7:30 am through to 3:20 pm during weekdays. Outside of these hours the carpark will remain open to all.
If you plan on picking up and dropping off your child before and after school, this needs to happen on the surrounding streets.
Thanks to all our families who ensure our students head off to school in the correct school uniform. We know you have high expectations of how our students present themselves, so we appreciate your support.
Occasionally, students present to school in incorrect uniforms, and it can be disappointing for staff to have to start the day by having a negative conversation with a student about uniforms.
Here are some reminders to help ensure your child has a positive start to the day:
This is a reminder to families that the school has a very efficient bus service. This service will ensure your child arrives at school on time and is ready for period 1 classes.
While students can use the commercial bus service free during school hours provided they have a BEE card they cannot guarantee that they will arrive ready for an 8.45 am start. Many of these services mean that students are missing up to 30 minutes of learning time each day.
Please encourage your child to use the school buses each day. This may mean they need to leave the house earlier, but it guarantees they are ready for the start of school.
The afternoon buses leave the school grounds promptly at 3pm each day. The 712a buses are now arriving at 3 pm and the later one arrives at approximately 3.10pm.
Since the beginning of the 2025 academic year, we have seen an increase in the number of students travelling on some school bus services without a Bee Card.
While all school buses remain free to use, certain services require students to tag on and off with a registered Bee Card. This is important for monitoring usage and supporting ongoing planning.
Mount Maunganui College is looking to display our past achievements.
If you are a former student or know of someone who represented New Zealand or earned a national title while attending Mount Maunganui College and would like your name displayed, please complete the Google form.
We are also interested in former students who have represented New Zealand or earned a national title as adults.
While all information is appreciated, we are particularly interested in information from the 1960s to 2000.
All submissions must include any verification possible to ensure the information is correct. Achievements can be in Sports, Arts, Culture or Academia.
Mount Maunganui College is developing a database of former students who are interested in keeping up to date with the college's past, present and future.
Please click the link below to register your interest and/or share with others. Access to the link can also be found on the college website.
