Newsletter Beginning of Term 1 2026

Principal’s Message

Kia ora Rise UP whānau,

As we reach mid-term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy, growth, and unity that have shaped the start of our year. Every term has its own rhythm, but this one has been especially uplifting. Our students have stepped into 2026 with curiosity, courage, and a genuine commitment to our values — and that deserves celebration.

Learning Highlights
Strong Start to Academic Learning
Our classrooms have been buzzing with purposeful learning. From literacy foundations in the junior school to inquiry projects in the senior classes, students are showing real progress and pride in their work. Teachers have been intentional in building routines that help every learner feel confident and supported.

Rise UP Values in Action
One of the standout features of this term has been the way our tamariki have embodied our values — respect, integrity, stewardship, and excellence. Whether through respecting others, leadership roles, or simply showing kindness in the playground, these values are becoming lived habits.

Whānau Engagement
Whānau Fono
Thank you to all the families who attended our whānau fono and Building Learning Communities programmes. Your voice shapes our direction, and your partnership strengthens our school culture. We are proud to be a place where families feel welcome, heard, and connected.

Congratulations on another successful PARENT PARTNERSHIP MEETING day . We had 95% attendance on the day and 7 rescheduled. Knowing and understanding your children’s learning goals goes a long way to achieving these goals , one day at a time.

Student Achievements
Student Council roles were announced, and our new student leaders have already begun serving with enthusiasm. 90%-100% attendance has been our goal for the first term and every day counts for so much in learning and well-being. We have had some Fabulous Dress up Fridays, so thank you for supporting these fun days.

Every achievement — big or small — reflects the dedication of our students and the support of their whānau.

Looking Ahead
Term Two promises even more opportunities for growth and connection. We encourage all whānau to stay engaged, ask questions, and partner with us as we continue to nurture Sharp minds, strong bodies and good hearts for our tamariki.

Ngā mihi nui,
Sita Selupe MNZM
Principal

Term 1 Updates

HERO – New Online Sharing App

This year Rise UP Academy has moved to a new communication and reporting system called HERO!

This is an Online Sharing platform where you will have the ability to see your child’s attendance, progress, newsletters, reminders and report any absences. We are excited for the information that we will be able to share with our parents and caregivers by using the HERO app. This is where we will be posting any notices and updates so make sure you are set up and ready to go!

 

STEP ONE:

Download the HERO app either on your phone or computer.

Computer – go.linc-ed.com

App Store – Hero by LINC-ED

Google Play – Hero (Hero for Schools)

 

STEP TWO:

Enter your email address and then select NEXT. (this needs to be the one that is currently on your child’s record. If you need to update your email address please email [email protected] or text 0224194988).

 

STEP THREE:

Select NEW USER and this will allow you to set a password. Select SUBMIT and you will receive an email from HERO.

 

STEP FOUR:

Check your email and follow the link to create your password.

Room 2 – Term 1 Highlights 

Kia Ora,Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka, and warm greetings to all our Room 2 parents and whānau. 

Welcome to Term 1. My name is Mr Avi, and I am truly grateful to be your child’s class teacher this year. Over the past three weeks, I have enjoyed getting to know the students — learning about their personalities, strengths, interests, and how they approach their learning. It has been a very positive start to the year. 

Highlights So Far: 

Swimming Lessons
Every Tuesday, students attend swimming lessons at the Māngere Leisure Centre. They have shown great effort in building their confidence in the water and developing important water safety skills. It has been wonderful to see their resilience and willingness to give things a go. 

Bike Fit Programme
Every Thursday, students take part in the Bike Fit programme. They are learning how to ride safely, understand bike safety rules, and build their confidence. This links closely with our inquiry focus and the Travelwise programme, helping students learn safe and responsible ways of travelling in our community. 

Upcoming Learning: 

Volleyball Skills (Weeks 4–8)
From Week 4 to Week 8, Room 2 will join Room 1 in learning volleyball skills, facilitated by Counties Manukau Sport. Students will develop teamwork, coordination, and communication skills while learning the fundamentals of the game. 

Design Technology Programme
Soon, Rooms 1 and 2 will begin a Design Technology programme. Students will learn how to design simple models and print 3D objects. This will be an exciting opportunity for them to think creatively, solve problems, and strengthen their critical thinking skills through hands-on learning. 

Fiji Trip
Some of our students, after family consultations and expressions of interest, will be travelling to Fiji during the Term 1 holidays. The purpose of this trip is to explore and learn more about Fijian culture and the education system. We are grateful for this opportunity for our students and families. Please keep this trip and our travelling families in your prayers. 

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to working together to ensure a successful and meaningful Term 1 for all our learners. 

Kind regards,
Mr Avi
Room 2 Teacher 

DEVOTIONS

Devotion Topic Term 1: RESPECT

Term Scripture; Proverbs 1:7 Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of
knowledge”
Respect for God is the foundation of wisdom.

Memory Verse for Week 5
Luke 10:16
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much”

Tenā koutou e te whānau,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is an honour to share with you our Devotion
Topic for Term 1; RESPECT. Through God’s Word and teaching from our wonderful teachers,
ākonga will learn and have:
● Respect for self
● Respect for others
● Respect for God’s gifts and creation: Stewardship.

As a school we look closely at Jesus, the ultimate model of Respect. Near the end of term we
prepare our students for Easter by learning what, why and how we celebrate Easter.
Parents you are welcome to join our Devotion Assemblies every Mondays 8.45am – 9.15am, we
appreciate your continued prayers over all our students and teachers.

Prayer requests:
● Protection over Fiji travelers
● Health and Wellbeing over all whānau/staff
● School Strategic Goals/Funding

Blessings,
Rhonadean Godinet Muelu

ATTENDANCE @ RUA

Let’s work together to increase our student’s attendance and for more whānau to reach 100% attendance for 2026.

ATTENDANCE INITIATIVE: FABULOUS FRIDAY DRESS UP

ENROLMENTS

If you have a 3 year old or a 4 year old, please make sure you have filled in an enrolment form so we can book a space for them at Rise Up https://www.riseupacademy.school.nz/online-enrolment-form/

If you have any friends or family who are wanting to send their students to Rise UP Academy please encourage them to complete the enrolment form our website https://www.riseupacademy.school.nz/online-enrolment-form/

Whanau Notices

UNIFORM SALES

We have stocked up on our Uniforms so if your child is needing a new shirt or jersey come and see us. Uniform sales are from 815am every day. Polo shirts (sizes 6-2xl) are $43.00 each, and the Jerseys are size 8-16 = $48.00 and sizes small to 2xl = $52.00.

ABSENCES

Please notify us on HERO, text (022 419 4988) or complete the Online Form if your child is absent.

IMPORTANT DATES

SMALL BUSINESSES WITHIN OUR SCHOOL

*Whanau if you own a small business that you would like us to post up on our newsletters please email [email protected]