3 April 2003  

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents, 

The first Term is drawing to a close and the holidays will be here soon!

We have been looking at a number of aspects of the Primary School this Term with an aim towards improving our teaching programmes so we can assist the children to learn better. One area we are focussing on is catering for gifted students with out-of-class programmes, but also in-class support. Our meeting tonight at 7.00pm in the A-D Block will concentrate on many aspects of our gifted education programmes.

We currently have a number of staff involved in gifted education in the Primary School:

Mr Peter Larsen - our gifted education teacher for Years 4-6 concentrating on Maths and problem solving. He is currently building a working robot with the children … it’s called Cybarian.

Mrs Karen McCormack - from Term 2 concentrating on written language and art. Karen currently is long-term relieving in Room 8.

Mrs Gwenda Ligeti - concentrating on information and computing technology, including website design. Mrs Ligeti is also the creative talent behind our Primary School website.

Mrs Michele Woollands - currently our Librarian, next Term to become permanent Year 3 Teacher in Room 11. Michelle has been involved in taking extension groups in research and library skills, Years 2-6.

Me - taking extension maths groups from Term 2, Years 1, 2 & 3!

This is a solid commitment to gifted education but we are looking closely at whether the current organisation of gifted education in the Primary School is the best one. Michelle Woollands will assist me in co-ordinating and overseeing gifted education programmes in the Primary School as part of her new appointment, so we will keep you posted.

Want to know more … come along tonight ...

John Stackhouse,

Head of Primary

Welcome aboard … We gain a Teacher and lose a Librarian

Well really it’s a case of hello again Michelle Woollands! Congratulations to Michelle who we have just appointed to the position of Year 3 Teacher in Room 11. Michelle brings a good range of experience from teaching in South Africa and as our Primary Librarian (including teaching many classes/groups) at Middleton Grange.

We are looking forward to Michelle’s enthusiasm and organisation as a teaching staff member in the Primary School … BUT will have to advertise for a Primary Librarian again … Michelle will be hard to replace!

The Librarian’s position will be advertised in Christchurch newspapers soon. 
For more information please see John Stackhouse.

Amy bakes Catherine’s donut, Elinor’s friend Grace hunts, Ian jumped out on Kimberley, Linda makes Nicola an orange pikelet, Quentin rates Sally’s tea, Unice’s van was x-tremely yellow, Z-end.                                                 by Deborah P (Rm 8) Alex broke Chris’ dog, Ellie fought gorilla’s house I juggled kangaroos Lucy made nine ovals Peter quartered raisin soup Tom’s umbrella broke Vera wanted x-tra yaks. Z-end.                                            by Grace M (Rm 8)

Creatures of the earth Rainbows of the sky Earth worms in the dirt Apples on the trees Tulips that have flowered Ivy on the walls Ostriches laying eggs Nests in the trees                                    by Isla (Rm 9) Chickens annoying people Rhinos having fights with their horns Emus running in the Jungle All great and small creatures Tigers hunting for food Interesting insects Orangutans swinging from tree to tree Nanny-goats making noises                                   by Todd (Rm 9)

CAN YOU HELP? Richard and Cindy van Garderen live in the Leeston/Dunsandel area and are seeking other families in the area (including Rolleston/Springston) who would be prepared to share car pooling duties to and from Middleton Grange. If this arrangement would be suitable we would love to hear from you. You can contact us at home on 325 4644. ST JOHN YOUTH Providing an exciting programme for 6-18 year olds, promoting first aid skills, leadership, self-discipline, and general life skills. To find out more contact Paul O’Connell (phone 322 7637). www.stjohn.org.nz/youth   HELEN O’GRADY CHILDREN’S DRAMA ACADEMY Self development classes for children aged 5-17 years. Enquiries to the Principal, Denise Davidson (351 4957).

APRIL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES NASDA Centrestage Performing Arts classes at the Christchurch College of Education. 14-17 April, 10.00am-2.00pm daily. 8-14 yrs. $95.00. Phone Ross (343 7790, Ext.8382) for more details. Science Alive! Join the fun with Science Alive’s holiday programme ‘Radical Rocketry’. Further information available by phoning 365 5199. Hillary Crescent Youth Development Project holiday programmes for 5-10 year olds and 11-15 year olds. For inquiries and registration contact: Gilberthorpes Road, Hei Hei - 982 3500 (9.00am-12.30pm) or Hillary Crescent, Riccarton - 942 9498 (2.30-5.30pm) COMMUNITY PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES Classes in drama, dance, singing, musical theatre, screen acting and performance for pre-schoolers, school age, teenagers and adults. Starts 5 May. Phone Ross (343 7790, Ext.8382) for more details.

"In thy light shall we see light." 
                                        Psalm 36:9

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