8 April 2004

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents, 

4, 3, 2, 1 … holiday! Phew! It’s great to end the term with the 40th Celebrations. Sunday’s service at Westpac Stadium was excellent. It was great to have such a positive atmosphere and to know God’s blessing through that time.

We certainly had great weather through the weekend and for the open day on Friday. It was fun but tiring to take groups around the school. People commented very favourably about the ‘tone’ of the school and also the great facilities. However, most were very interested in ‘their old classrooms’ and the Old House. My first group took great delight in being able to go into rooms in the Old House which they had never been allowed into before! They were like little kids in a lolly shop!

I have also enjoyed catching up with people associated with the school through the 40 years … a real mix of ex-staff, ex-pupils and ex-Board of Trustees/Board of Governors. God certainly has blessed this school through the years and will continue to do so.

I would also like to make a special mention of some very helpful primary school pupils. Both ex-staff/pupils visiting the school and current senior management commented on the excellent job that the ten Primary School tour guides did who assisted with the groups going around the school. So, special thanks to these Year 6 pupils:

Samantha N, Nicholas J, Nicholas O, Charlotte C, Hayley F, Sarah H, Casey W, Annabelle W, Chris E, David M

We also had a great group of Primary School ‘models’ who modelled the Primary School uniform ‘down the ages’ during the open day and on Friday night. Our thanks to those pupils (and their parents) for a job well done:

Sophie P, Sam P, Andrew R, Melanie V, Pippa G, Miriam V, Holly M, Mark S, Simon J, Shannon B, Ashleigh S, Stephanie P, Chris M, Natalie F, Erin W, Anna B, Siobhan C

Thank you to all parents involved in the 40th Celebrations … whether as a helper or an attendee, your involvement/contribution has really made a difference.

Other events have been going on too. It certainly has been a busy time. Recently the cross country was held at Burnside Park. The weather was a bit chilly but the events were well run and the attitudes shown by the children were very positive. See the separate report in the Update for the cross country results.

I hope you also enjoy the photos of the Years 5/6 Refugee Day. The weather was fabulous. The children studied refugees as part of the 40 Hour Famine focus. Thanks to all the parents who helped on the day, helped their children get into the spirit of the day by producing refugee costumes or who sponsored children on the 40 and 20 Hour Famines. A great day had by all!

It has been fabulous to see so much involvement in the school over the past few weeks. As a staff we are very aware of the importance of the home/school link and the development of the school community. Please remember that part of your involvement in building up the school is to pray with your children for Middleton Grange. Prayer is a key to Middleton Grange's future.

John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School

Room 7 Winnie the Pooh …
I walked into a great collection of stuffed toys in Room 7 - bears, raccoons, piglets, rabbits … wow! A real menagerie! And on the wall I spotted this fabulous art work - Thank you Miss Kennedy and the children of Room 7.

School Notices

Thank you to all who have returned the communication surveys. Currently we are collating the information. This information will be used with staff and also presented to the Board of Trustees as a formal report. An abbreviated feedback will be provided to parents via a future copy of the Primary Update.

We currently have limited stock of polar fleeces available, and there may be a delay in obtaining some more. If you are unable to purchase the correct size for your child please obtain a temporary dispensation from John Stackhouse (Head of Primary). We will inform you when the polar fleeces become available again.

New Item Hot Bite Cottage Pie - $1.10.

Deleted Items Afghans

All Golden Circle Juices

Changed Item Plain salted popcorn now available in a smaller 25gm bag - 80 cents.

Thank you to all who took the time to vote. Parent representatives for the next three years:

Karen Baird, Andy van Ameyde, Craig Jenkins, Steven Rees, Frances Sutherland

No clothing to be left at the School Office. All articles of uniform must have an identification label securely attached by sewing with tacking stitch around all edges of the label. Labels are available from the school office. Please ensure all garments are clean and pressed. Remove name tags of former owners.

This entrance will be closed on the morning of
29 April as the builders will be pouring the concrete foundation for the new primary classroom block.

Often wondered what goes on in the Primary School with gifted education? Come along and find out … Thursday 6 May, 7.00pm, A-D Block. What will you learn/see …

Primary School direction ...

Types of programmes being delivered …

Gifted Education in a Christian context …

Workshops presented by our gifted education team

A chance to ask questions (and a cuppa!)

After nearly two years of planning, the weekend of activities has come and gone.An estimated 500 past pupils, staff and friends of the school attended some part of the programme.

I wish to thank parents for their support, especially on Sunday at the Westpac Centre. The pupils were a great credit to their families and the school.

All families are receiving a commemorative bookmark as a token of the schools’ appreciation.

Please find enclosed an order form for the DVD to add to your family collection and assorted items to mark the 40th.

Mark Larson, Principal

Sport Canterbury Kiwisport Holiday Programme - 13-15 April and 19-23 April. Enquiries phone 377 0962, fax 377 1742.Sport Canterbury

Halswell Junior Soccer Club Competitions for boys and girls, aged 5-19 years. Registration forms may be collected from the ‘soccer box’ at 38 Balcairn St. Enquiries phone 322 7457.

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

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