28 August 2003

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents, 

There is a lot going on in the Primary School at present. To give an example … today the Kapahaka group are in town practicing for their kapahaka performance, the choir are away practicing for the Music Festival and there is a Year 5 & 6 group off site at Meadowfresh Milk (part of a unit study)! These activities, whilst affecting classroom programmes, are a sign of a healthy school. It’s great to see staff and children involved in so many different aspects of education.

The Year 5 & 6 staff in particular are also working very hard towards their major musical production, ‘I Witness News - Live from Jericho’. This musical focuses on God’s provision and faithfulness. The story is told through some wonderful music … a performance to look forward to. The children have been learning the songs, auditions have been held and lines are being practiced … which reminds me, I’d better get on to doing the backdrop! Keep your eyes and ears open because tickets will go on sale soon! (The musical will be performed Monday 15^th, Tuesday 16^th, Wednesday 17^th September in the School Hall).

I mentioned in the last Primary Update that I was off to Adelaide for the 15^th World Gifted Education Conference. This was a great experience with around 400 attendees from over thirty countries. A wealth of information was presented over five days by international keynote speakers and workshop presenters. It was a very full time. I also rounded off the trip by going to Pacific Hills School (a Christian school in Sydney) to look at their gifted education programmes. This was also a very worthwhile day. I returned to Christchurch with my head full of new ideas.

As a staff we have already begun to sift through some ideas, approaches and thoughts. Some of the discussion provoked has been intense. We have had to sift through material to determine where it sits with regard to our school - both Christianly and also what is best for our children. We have a lot more discussion and sifting to do! We do intend, however, to call a meeting later in the year to cover aspects of gifted education, where we’ve got to and where we’re going next. So, look out for a note about this soon. We are committed, as a staff, to do our best for all the children in our care, that includes providing the best possible opportunities for our gifted children.

John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School

Arthur Street Entrance Safety Issue

Uniform in the Primary School

A number of children in the Primary School have had incorrect uniform. A number of issues have cropped up. Please take note of the following:

Hair If this is touching the collar or below the collar it must be tied back. Hair ties must be red, green, or natural hair colour. Hair ties should not be too ‘flamboyant’.

Shoes Black leather shoes are the uniform require-ment. Black sports shoes are not acceptable. Correct uniform footwear must be worn to and from school.

Polar Fleece/Jersey The polar fleece is a uniform requirement. It must be with your child at school. Going to and from school a polar fleece or jersey must be worn. There may be the occasional unseasonably hot day where the wearing of jersey/polar fleece may be waived by the Head of Primary School, but this is not necessary very often.

Tidy uniform is an important element of our school. The uniform is clearly advertised upon enrolment and is accepted by parents with acceptance of enrolment. We would very much appreciate your support in keeping up good uniform standards.

Primary School staff

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Town Hall Performance, Wednesday 27 August

It was fantastic to see our Kapahaka group up on stage in the Town Hall. The lighting, the costumes, the audience and the music and dance … a great combination.

Congratulations to all the Kapahaka performers for your efforts! It is wonderful to see Middleton Grange involved in these events. Special thanks to Whaio Dannette Abrahams, Mrs Roberts and Mrs Smith for all your efforts in coaching the group.

ICT ACTION

The new entrant children in Room 4 have been learning about different types of communication. Here Mrs Smith explains e-mail as a form of communication to children in her class. Other communication covered includes letters, faxes and telephone. I wonder if you’ll receive an e-mail, fax or text message from the children at Middleton Grange?

 

VERY ABLE ARTISTS We have got many very able children in the Primary School. Among their many talents is art. I walked around the school spotting great art work recently … there was plenty of it! Here are some samples from Years 5 & 6.

Art Supplies Old egg cartons/egg crates are often used in art. If you have any at home and could send them to school for us to use, we would certainly appreciate them. Kaye Lawn (Rm A)

Absentees Please remember to inform us should your child be absent or late to school. This can be done either by phoning (by 9.20am) or a note giving definite dates of absence. Parents will be contacted by phone after 9.30am if we have not received notice of their child’s absence. If your child is away because of illness, it is necessary to let us know how long you expect to keep them home, or phone us everyday of their absence. This process is to help ensure the safety of your child(ren).

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

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