7 November 2025

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE 

What is ‘The Science of Learning’

Over the past couple of years, the “science of learning” has become a more familiar concept across schools in New Zealand, and for good reason. Parents often ask what it means and why it matters, so here’s a simple explanation.

At its heart, the science of learning draws on research from neuroscience, psychology, and education to understand how the brain learns best. It is not about following the latest trends in teaching, but about using solid evidence to help every student learn more effectively. Scientists have spent decades studying how we remember, pay attention, and build understanding, and those insights are now shaping what happens in classrooms.

For example, research shows that learning is strengthened when information is revisited over time (a process called spaced practice), when students are asked to recall knowledge from memory (retrieval practice), and when they are guided to connect new ideas to what they already know. These are simple but powerful strategies that improve long-term learning.

At Remuera Intermediate, we have been using these approaches for some time to ensure that students gain important knowledge across all learning areas. What the science of learning is doing is helping us further refine and strengthen our practice. It gives us a clearer understanding of why certain strategies work, and how to apply them in ways that make learning stick for every child. 

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr Nina Hood, a well-known educational researcher, who shared her insights with our teaching staff.

This shift in education does not replace creativity or caring relationships; it strengthens them by helping teachers make learning more purposeful and effective. Ultimately, the science of learning helps us give every child the best chance to succeed, not just in tests, but in building the habits of thinking, remembering, and problem-solving that last a lifetime.

​​​​​​​Kyle Brewerton
Principal

IMPORTANT DATES ​​​​​​​

TUCKSHOP

The tuckshop has added some great combos to its menu this term. Please click HERE to check it out.

ART EXHIBITION 

We have 20 Remuera Intermediate students exhibiting in the Art Exhibition at Wynyard Quarter.

Chloe You in Room 3 has been chosen to be on the poster for this year's art exhibition

Pop over to experience an inspiring showcase of artistic talent. See details below.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARENT GROUP

A big thank you to the parent group for purchasing several units of plinths for the school to use for display.

Already, they have made a difference to the quality of display at school, and they are about to be used at the Middle Schools Exhibition in the Silos next week for our papier-mache pots.

These are some of our students working to get them ready for next week. 
I have been so impressed with their dedication to make sure they are not only ready (lunchtimes in the art room have been very busy!), but also of a very high standard.

SCULPTURE ON SHORE 

Our three metal and ceramic trees are ready to go for the opening of the Sculpture on Shore at the Narrowneck navel base this weekend

See photos and more details below

EPro8 CHALLENGE 

Another successful EPro8 event is done at RI. 
Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day this time; our teams got stuck in some tricky electronics. 
They still had a great time and gave it their best throughout the evening.

Teams:
ACEO – Alina, Kiara, Cecilia, and Chanelle
CHAIR – Isaac, Spencer, Adam, and George

BADMINTON NEWS 

A very busy day we had at the Badminton Hall in Gillies Ave- on Friday, 24th October. The selected athletes exhibited sportsmanship, camaraderie, skill, and an understanding that playing a sport is about developing skills for life. 

Special mention to Meghna Lakshman- when she was so far ahead in a game, rather than making her opposition take an even greater loss, she played wonderful long rallies with her- this showed leadership and a coaching role toward a less skilled player.  Special mention to Tom Biggar, racing from all his games to assist in reffing, and to Sivani, who has an excellent attitude - win or lose.

The Year 8 Girls Doubles team of Phyllis and Valerie won Gold with a score of 33-10 against Royal Oak Intermediate. Their final was not as hard fought as their pool play, and they showed supreme skill- beautiful to watch.

Michael Chen took silver in the Year 7 Boys singles. He had a tough day- every game was tough, and the final was no different - really could've swung either way, with the result being 24-23 in favor of his ANI opposition. He is one to watch, with such excellent sportsmanship and skill.

Team members: Michael Chen, Tristin Zheng, Sivani Sivakumar, Meghna Lakshman, Phyllis Chen, Valerie Hew, Tom Biggar, Leo Hong-Goo, Evan Zhao

CZ TOUCH NEWS

Girls Team

The Girls Touch team had a highly successful day at the Central Zone Touch Tournament on Wednesday, October 29th, at Cox’s Bay Reserve in Westmere. The squad started strong, dominating the field by winning all five of their pool games. They carried this momentum into the knockout rounds, securing a decisive 7-3 victory against ANI in the semi-final. 

The final was a hard-fought battle against Mt Roskill, where the team played their hearts out but ultimately lost 5-3. Beyond the wins and losses, the day was defined by fantastic teamwork: the players worked incredibly well together, offering constant support and encouragement to each other. Their skills improved noticeably throughout the day, and most importantly, everyone had a great time!

Team members: Maria Williams, Jade Stokes, Azariah Lilomaiava, Charlotte Arthurs, Ava Cooke, Lexi Stanley, Keasi Taufa, Ivanna Hau, Olivia Jackson, Shaseni Nanthivarman, Sibley Schaumkell

Boys Team

On the 30th of October, the boys' touch rugby team headed off to the central zones touch tournament. After only having a handful of training sessions, the team wasn’t brimming with confidence from the onset. However, the nervous energy dissipated quickly after their first game with a dominant 7-1 win over Ponsonby. We had a long downtime before our next game, and it took the boys a while to get back into things. By that point, they went down to a very well-coached Waiheke 3-2. With no break between games, they immediately went to work against Waikowhai, winning the game 6-1.
 
Finishing second in the pool, the boys were up against eventual Central Zones Champions St. Peters College in the quarter final. St. Peters was just too well organised and strong, with the team bowing out 7-1. We then faced Mount Roskill, who scored right on the final buzzer to win 4-3. This sent us to the playoff for 7th and 8th, where the boys ended the day with a win: 5-1.

Team members: Cooper Kivalu, Darcy Marston, Nate Fowler, Laurenz Ip, Aston Prescott, Liam Mcivor, Etty Tierney, Anthony Fifita, Ardmore Vakalahi, Nate Bayliss-Lane,  Jack Elliott, Siuta Maliepo, Jack Stewart, George Vuna, Tyson Tusini

Mixed Team 

The mixed touch rugby team also headed off to the Central Zones touch tournament on the 30th of October. With limited training time and mixed expectations, our team went into the tournament not quite knowing what to expect. We started in style with a dominant 10–0 win over Mount Roskill, setting the tone and lifting team spirits. 

A tough loss to an impressive Kowhai side followed, but from there the results tightened up — a narrow loss to ANI and a strong win over Te Papa saw us finish 3rd in our pool, an excellent result. In the knockout stages, we won a thrilling drop-off match against Wesley before narrowly going down in another drop-off in the 5th/6th playoff against Pasadena, finishing 6th overall. 

It was a fantastic day out, an awesome group of players, and a great showcase of Touch Rugby at its best!

Team members: Siu Kivalu, Luna Illoz, Gracie Glaister, Lila O’Loughlin, Elizabeth Young, Becca Laarman, Liam Bullivant, Cole Millar, Mason Tohill, Thomas Biggar, Finn Holmes, Supi Ongoloka
 

RI CHEER NATIONALS IN ROTORUA

Over Labour Weekend, the RI Cheer Team competed at the Cheerleading New Zealand National Championships in Rotorua. The team delivered an outstanding performance - their routine was sharp, well-timed, and full of energy. 

It was an incredibly close competition, and they came away with a very close second place, just behind Rototuna High School. Their effort, teamwork, and focus throughout the season truly paid off, and they should be very proud of all they’ve achieved.

The team will also be showcasing their routine during the upcoming Orientation Evening, with two live performances at 7:15 pm and 7:30 pm in the Hall. Families with siblings starting at RI next year, particularly those with an interest in dance, gymnastics, or performance, are encouraged to attend one of these showcases to see the team in action.

A huge thank you to Becca and Scarlett from Cheer Dynamix for their incredible coaching and ongoing support throughout the year.

DIWALI 

Diwali week was held over week 3 of term 4.

The Diwali week activities were coordinated by The Social Changency along with Mr Zemke and Mr Sharma.

The activities that took place over the three days were a quiz about India and Diwali, Painting Diya (clay pots), and Rangoli design. In addition, students representing South Asia were allowed to dress in cultural clothes at school for one day.

It was a really fun and creative way to celebrate Diwali. Thank you to all those students who assisted with the various activities.

FILL THE BLUES BUS

This Christmas season, our school is excited to get involved with the Fill The Blues Bus campaign. We’re helping to collect non-perishable food items to support families in need across our region.

 How Can You Help?

Starting Monday, 3 November, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food at school right through until Thursday, 4 December. All the food will be donated to some amazing charities, including The Village Community Trust, South Seas, Feed the Need, and Whakaora Kai.

If you’re keen to help, please start gathering food items and bring them to the boxes in the Ascot Ave foyer between 3 November and 4 December. Together, we can make a difference for families in need this Christmas.

Let’s work together to Fill The Blues Bus and make this a season of giving!

STUDENT NEWS 

Congratulations to Maddie Cutler and her team, who placed third at the Hip Hop competition in Brisbane last month! This is an international competition where teams from Australia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and other Pacific islands compete. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY!

For the most up-to-date information, exciting student spotlights, and a vibrant look at daily life at our school, be sure to follow our official Facebook page.

It's the best place to see photos from recent events, get important reminders, and celebrate our amazing students and staff.

Follow us on Facebook today!

The Official RI Facebook Page

REMUERA SCHOOL APP

You can download the free app from the App Store or Google Play. It works on both Android and Apple phones. It sends important school messages and forms a big part of our school communications.  If you have not downloaded the App, please click this link http://remueraint.apps.school.nz/share/ 

Features of the App:

• You can subscribe to alert groups of interest to you and your child
• You can access the school calendar, news and events directly through the App
• We can send out targeted alerts to everyone with the App or to specific groups

ABSENCES

All absences need to be reported by 8:45 am at the latest. To report an absence, please:

• Use the 'Report an Absence' link in the top right corner on the school website homepage http://www.remint.school.nz
• Use the school app or phone the office on 09 522 9890 Option 1 
  Please do not email absence notifications to classroom teachers
   

ABSENCE NOTIFICATION

Your children’s safety is of paramount importance to us.  To ensure the safety of all our students, at 9:30 am if your child has not been marked as Present, we will send out a text notification to alert you of his/her absence.  

We are aware that many parents are simply very busy people and forget to notify the school, so please respond with a Y and a reason for the absence/lateness.  Respond with an N if you have dropped your child at school or know that he/she was coming to school and we can investigate this promptly. 

Should your mobile number change, please notify the school immediately so that we can update our records accordingly.
 

PARENT PORTAL

Parents are able to use our portal to pay for their child’s donations and fees. We encourage anyone who has not already signed up to do so.  The address is https://parent.edgelearning.co.nz/

CONTACT US