http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.mfal.org.nz en-us Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:37:23 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/148517/breaking-down-barriers-and-transforming-lives/ A charitable trust has hit a milestone, helping more than 1000 children from low-income families with maths.Eight years ago, Te Awamutu-based Mathematics for a Lifetime chairperson and founder Jean McKenzie recognised a need.McKenzie said there was no accessible support system for students from financially stressed families who were falling behind in maths.“I knew of people who would like access to that sort of support and weren’t able to get it. Using our criteria we are targeting people wh... Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:01:58 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post148517 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/108036/hannah-joins-us/ Kia ora. My name is Hannah Petersen and I teach year 3 and 4 in Hamilton. My reason for teaching and joining MFAL is wanting to make every student feel successful and valued. Because mathematics is a subject with correct answers and concrete skills, it's an amazing way to boost a student's confidence. I look forward to helping children see success and gain skills they can use over their lifetime.... Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:01:17 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post108036 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/137894/knighton-normal-school-is-this-the-most-diverse-school-in-new-zealand/ In a classroom filled with boisterous new entrants, six-year-old Emmanuel is silent. He clenches his fist around a handful of dominoes. His sister, Hannah, eight, reaches over and gently prises one tile from his hand. She places it next to another with corresponding numbers in the middle of the table and tells him, "Like this. You see, they match." He nods.It is 4pm on a Thursday. Most pupils at Knighton Normal School in Hamilton have already collected their bags and hats and headed home. But Em... Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:56:46 +1300 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post137894 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/129854/welcome-to-the-board-graeme/ I'm delighted to share that I've joined the MFAL Trust. Since first learning about the Trust, I've been inspired by its vision and the lasting impact it has on children's lives. It's a privilege to now be part of this significant mission. My professional journey spans over three decades of owning and managing a manufacturing business in Hamilton with my wife. Recently, we moved to Te Awamutu, and I've transitioned into a Business Advisory role. On the personal front, we live on a small rural blo... Fri, 07 Jun 2024 14:20:22 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post129854 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/128493/demitriess-nails-it/ Demitriess has expressed excitement for each session andexcitement in embracing new challenges. Last term, my concern wasthat he lost a lot of confidence over mistakes and found it difficult tolearn through teacher modelling rather than figuring it out alone.This term, he has taken mistakes in his stride a lot more and takenthe time to understand them so he can fix them. He nowunderstands that not knowing how to do something straight away isto be expected and that there is nothing wrong with bei... Fri, 17 May 2024 11:12:07 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post128493 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/127962/cicada-bravely-speaks/ Hi my name is Cicada, I have been going to maths for three years. It is now my favorite subject at school.Thank you Jean and my teacher Margaret.Also thank you to my sponsors Mr and Mrs Selkirk, I really appreciate your support.Thank you everyone for coming and enjoy the movie.... Fri, 03 May 2024 17:35:26 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post127962 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/127958/waipa-networks-partnership/ Waipā Networks sponsored The Mountain Movie Fundraiser held at The Regent Theatre Te Awamutu this month. The event was organized to support the Mathematics For A Lifetime (MFAL) Charitable Trust, a non-profit organisation that aims to advance skills and knowledge of mathematics for Kiwis, breaking down barriers.Waipā Networks CEO Sean Horgan and MFAL’s chair and founder, Jean McKenzie, shared inspiring words at the event, highlighting the importance of access to education and how it can tran... Fri, 03 May 2024 16:17:42 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post127958 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/127954/xavier-speaks-up/ Good evening my name is Xavier Shields.In Year 8 I was given the opportunity to receive a scholarship for maths tuition with Maths for a Lifetime.I wasn't to know that this would be life-changing for me.Up until this time maths was confusing and difficult, and I struggled to understand it.But with guidance from my parents I went to Tutoring and found that with help I was understanding what I was learning.Maths wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.This has a huge impact on my other subjects an... Fri, 03 May 2024 15:14:06 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post127954 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/112631/answer-to-new-zealands-maths-problem-remains-elusive/  At primary and intermediate school, Megan was a quick learner. She flew through most subjects, scoring good marks in an advanced learning programme. But maths made her feel sick to her stomach. Now 19, she can still remember the shame in not being able to grasp a subject that seemed unfathomable.  “I would quite literally feel like I was going to throw up.” It began to affect her confidence and self-esteem. “I began to think I was dumb.”Sophie, 20, had a similar experience. De... Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:10:12 +1300 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post112631 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/post/106783/welcome-marrissa--new-approved-tutor/ Ngaa mihi nui e te whaanau my name is Marrissa Rawiri-Flogdell. I currently teach at Hamilton North School. My reason for supporting and joining MFAL is that I want to give back to the community. Our current education system shows that we have many gaps and students are at risk.My aim is to support not just the students, but also to empower whaanau to be there and involved in their loved ones education.Mathematics is only the beginning of the journey, as it can take aakonga into many varied jobs... Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:58:05 +1200 http://www.mfal.org.nz/blog/#post106783