3 August 2005

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents,

Term 3 … not all that long ago we had three terms per year, each with around thirteen weeks!  With the amount of fatigue and illness around at the end of last term it’s just as well the terms were shortened and adjusted to four per year.  BUT … we made it to the holidays.

As parents will be aware, although we have holidays, a significant proportion of this time is spent by teachers doing school ‘stuff’.  Coming in and out during the holidays I was well aware of the number of staff vehicles parked around the school as teachers did work towards the new term, and the rest of the year.  Kaye Lawn and I also had the opportunity to go up to Hastings and present curriculum material to the Hastings Christian School as we led a professional development day with them.  It was great to share ideas and meet others in the field of Christian Education.

Some time ago, soon after we collected in our parent survey responses, I said I would share a brief feedback of the results of this survey.  I have included the results in this issue of the Primary Update.  Thank you for the large number of responses we received and the constructive feedback they contained.  We have discussed the survey as a staff and will continue to celebrate the things we do well and consider the aspects we can develop further.

I also spent some time going through all the children’s responses to the bullying survey we carried out.  Again, much very worthwhile feedback was given.  I have shared this with all Years 3-6 classes who took part in the survey.  There was much interest and involvement from the children as we went through this process and a number of staff commented on the discussion this feedback brought about. 

We do value active involvement and contribution from children and parents alike … it certainly leads to a better learning environment.  We are looking forward to another very busy and interesting term!

John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School

Hockey   - won B Grade                                

Soccer   - won B Grade

Netball   - won 2 out of 3 games

Rugby   - won A grade and are through to centrals

A great day was had by all. 

Congratulations to all those children who took part.  Special thanks to parents helpers and teacher coaches.

Vikings Galore … Years 3/4

At the end of last term, the Primary School was invaded by the men and women of the North … a Viking rabble!  They descended upon the school hall in droves, dressed for the occasion, to feast upon a veritable banquet of goodies … soup, bread, fruit, wine (actually fruit drink/cordial!) … and they had a wonderful time.  However, I would have to say that, for a Viking hoard, they were very well behaved!  The photos tell the tale.

 

From our bullying survey came some teaching points.  One was, What is bullying? … here’s the definition which we explained in detail to the children so they knew what to be aware of.  It seems complex for children to understand but they now have a clearer idea of bullying and the negative thing it is!  The cartoons help too!

Other key questions you might like to discuss with your children …

·       What types of bullying are there?

·       How does bullying make people feel?

·       How can we all help to stop bullying?

·       How should we react to bullying?

·       What does the Bible teach us about how we should treat others?

School Notices

2005 Swimming Programme

·       NE, Years 1/2 - Monday 1 August to Friday
12 August, 1.30-2.30pm (minus Tuesday 2 August due to the second Meningococcal B vaccination).

·       Years 3/4 - Monday 15 August to Friday
26 August.  (Monday-Thursday 1.30-2.30pm, Friday 11.00-12.00noon).

·       Years 5/6 - Monday 29 August to Friday
9 September.  (Monday-Thursday 1.30-2.30pm, Friday 11.00-12.00noon).

 

MGS Dental Clinic

The Middleton Grange School Dental Clinic is now closed until Term 4 2005.  Dental treatment is available at Ilam Primary School Dental Clinic if needed.  Please telephone Anne at 348 5572 Tuesdays-Fridays).

 

Canterbury Christian Schools’
Performing Arts Evening

Come along and hear a mixture of congregational singing, school items and a showcase of the finalists from the interschool talent quest.  Held Wednesday
24 August, 7.00-9.30pm, at Northcity Christian Fellowship (95a Sawyers Arms Rd)  Door charge of $2.00 per person or $5.00 maximum per family.

 

MGS COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Tools for Anchoring a Successful Career Journey

A practical workshop giving opportunity to apply some tools used by professional Career Practitioners to anchor a successful career journey.  For 16-20+ young people, as well as for parents, who may be lacking career direction or are unhappy with their current job.  Tuesday 23 August, 7.30-9.00pm.  $20 (parents free).  Contact Brett Fleming (phone 348 9826 ext.732 or brett@middleton.school.nz).

 

 

Foster Care Open Home Found. urgently needs offers for respite care (1 weekend/month) to a child or young person.  If you feel God may be calling you to this important ministry please phone Gail or Anna-Clare (366 5977) for further information.    Absolute Rhythmic Gymnastics A fun sport for girls that encourages confidence and inspires creativity, develops co-ordination and flexibility.  Qualified and experienced coaches.  Held at Roydvale School.  Enquiries phone Kerri 358 5536.   Sharp Programmes (ages 5-14 years) Breakfast Club - Begins 7.30am.  Children are provided breakfast, toothbrushes and dropped off at school.  Cost $4.50/morning. After School - 3.00-5.30pm.  Y1-6 picked up from school, Y7-10 make their own way to the programmes.  Children have afternoon tea, do homework and choose from a variety of activities.  Cost $8.50-9.00/afternoon. WINZ/Oscar subsidies available.  Contact Denali (338 4163 ext.830).

Karate for Kids Karate helps develop a strong mind and body, leadership skills, a balanced personality and solid character traits.  It will give your child better self-esteem, respect for self and others, focus and discipline, better concentration skills, and they will be able to defend themselves.  Classes for children (6-12 yrs), teens and adults. Get two FREE classes!  Phone 342 8086 or see our website at www.nzkarate.co.nz     District Truancy Service : Term 3 2005 From the feedback I receive from my putting these few lines in your school’s Newsletter each term, it is obvious that many of you know what services the DTS offers, but if you don’t know, and you think I can assist with any difficulties you may be having getting your child to attend school regularly, please don’t hesitate to contact me.   Most of my referrals are made directly from schools after they have made, or attempted to make, contact with the family, but non-school referrals can also be made to the Service by parents or the public in general.  Always remember, your encouragement and positive input into your child’s education will result in positive outcomes for them.  Pat Hay (Truancy Officer) phone 332 8966 or   021 363 163.

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

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