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Dear Parents,
| Primary
School Calendar : Coming up in Term 1 2004 Coming up in Term 3 ... August September Other activities will 'pop up' through the Term .... we will keep you informed. |
It was very encouraging when a group of seventeen Korean teachers visited the Primary School recently. They were on a tour of a number of New Zealand schools, including Middleton Grange, but was a whistle-stop, packed itinerary.
I spoke to the group first in the library. Immediately beforehand, however, I had ‘roped in’ four Year 6 pupils to assist in greeting our Korean visitors upon entering the library. Samantha N, Sam P, Haley F and Natalie F were superb. It was wonderful to see the witness they were in the way they greeted and later chaperoned our visitors, even though they had only just found out thirty minutes beforehand that they were to do this job.
The Korean teachers loved the attention of the children and soaked up the information/PowerPoint presentation I gave. They were intrigued by our programmes, our aim for excellence and the Christian foundations of the school. A number of these teachers are Christian and one is taking our 7C’s back to Korea to introduce in her Christian school. This was wonderful to hear.
I also really enjoyed going around classrooms and seeing how teachers and children made extra-special efforts to include our visitors. I thought the task might be a really onerous one and a chore. I came away feeling very positive and encouraged by what happened. It really was a great witness for our Christian school.
Please keep our International College staff in your prayers - they have a real outreach into children from often non-Christian cultures or backgrounds. Also, pray for all the international pupils and visiting groups who come through our school - we really can make a difference through our witness.
What’s in a word?
I recently read a fascinating article in SET (research information for teachers) - Learners and Outcomes: Where did all the children go? by Keith Ballard.
There has been a real change in education-speak in recent years …. What happened to children? They are now learners. What happened to learning? We now speak of outcomes.
Trevor Mallard states: teachers and others in education are to be “more explicitly focussed on outcomes” and to “make learning outcomes central to all debates in education.”
This new terminology can lead to the reshaping of the way we think about education. It is business-speak becoming education-speak.
Other business-speak terms in education are: school “audits” and “stock takes”, “outcomes” and “products”, “clients” and “clientele”. We are in the “business” of education. We are educational “providers”.
I would rather keep the humanity and relationship in what we do. We are here to teacher children1 and help them to learn2 to the best of their ability. We review3 what we do to improve our teaching4. We work with pupils, parents and other caregivers5 and we are a school6.
(1learners, 2achieve educational
outcomes, 3audit/stock take,
4facilitating, 5clientele, 6education provider)
I hope that’s clear enough!
John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School
| Don’t
forget
TEACHER ONLY DAY … Friday 13 August … All Day The Teachers will be doing work on the following areas during teacher only day …
The staff find teacher only days are extremely valuable professional development times. |
MENINGOCOCCAL B
IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
You may be aware that the Ministry of Health has launched a nationwide immunisation programme to combat this disease. They will be working through schools to vaccinate school age children. Currently we have not been informed when Middleton Grange School will be involved in this programme. At this stage we have been requested by the Ministry of Health to supply them a copy of our school roll. The Ministry of Health have sought permission from the Ombudsman, Privacy Commissioner and legal opinions from the Ministry of Health and Education. Their requirement is that schools inform the parent body of their request for school rolls. This notice is to inform you that we will be forwarding the school roll to the Ministry of Health within two weeks. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Richard Vanderpyl, Associate Principal (348 9826 ext.713).
Welcome back ...
To Mrs Kau Kau who has spent four weeks in the United Kingdom and Europe. This included a visit to the 93 year old lady who, as a midwife, delivered Mrs Kau Kau into this world in her native Wales!
Mrs Kau Kau has many tales to share with staff … like the night she had to get down the Eiffel Tower by stairs … the lifts wouldn’t work! Mind your step Mrs Kau Kau! You may be interested in this newspaper article.
Also Mrs McCormack who has been in the United States of America to attend her brother’s wedding. I’m sure our art and language extension children will enjoy having her back!
Mrs Ligeti, one of our teacher aides, after a long absence is back with us. It’s great to see Mrs Ligeti around the place again.
A big thank you ...
To Mrs Joan Harrington for teaching in Room 6 (Mrs Kau Kau) for two weeks. Joan is one of those flexible and dependable relief teachers who works regularly in our school.
Also to teacher aide relievers, Mrs Jennifer Charman and Mrs Gayle Crocker, for their work in the Primary School.
Wow - look at the progress …
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL BLOCK
What a difference compared to a few weeks ago. The new block is really taking shape and we thank God for such great progress. The block is due to be officially opened in Term 4. I will advise you of precise arrangements soon! Staff are certainly looking forward to moving in to the new accommodation.
We will be renumbering rooms soon so that all rooms have a number … therefore Rooms A-D will fall into line with the rest of the Primary School (figuratively speaking!)
Fantastic ...
Well done to all involved in the University of New South Wales English Competition held recently. We certainly have a great number of able pupils. This was an optional exercise for Years 4-6 children … 53 children taking part.
We gained 7 distinction awards (top 10% of participants):
Year 4 Ashleigh S
Year 5 Jessica J, Ellie J
Year 6 Samantha B, Chris C, Nicholas O, Erin W
Well done to those who gained credit awards:
Year 4 Sophie B, Amy D, Pippa G, Sarah M
Year 5 Jacqui F, Geoffrey I, Deborah
P, Rebekah S, Samuel W
Year 6 Sam A, Charlotte C, Hayley F,
Samantha H, Serena K, Julia M, Sophie P, Haeun S, Levi T, Ronald T
T
his was a very encouraging result overall.Also, congratulations to the small number who participated in the University of New South Wales Science competition - good to see you rising to the challenge.
We gained two distinctions:
Year 6 Chris McF and Haeun S
Also, well done to Natalie F (Year 6) who gained a credit.
Great on his feet … Simon W (Room 8) gained a second and two thirds in the recent Canterbury competitions for ballroom and Latin dancing. Well done Simon.
Vacancy: Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre
Administrator
Cornerstone requires a part-time administrator (6 hours per week). An understanding of pre-school education and skills in administration and promotions work are required. The successful applicant must uphold the special Christian character of the Centre and hold an early childhood teaching qualification. The days of work are negotiable.
The successful applicant will need sound skills in:
Administration, and liaison with other administration staff.
Communication with staff, parents and outside agencies.
Working with staff in a team.
The position includes promoting and advertising the Centre, budgeting, collection/tracking of fees/WINZ subsidies, resource organisation/purchase and communication with parents.
The Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre is located on Windermere Road, Papanui.
A job description is available upon request. Phone 348 9826, ext.724. Applications can be made to: The Chairperson, Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre, 50 Acacia Avenue, Christchurch 8004.
Applications close 4.00pm, Wednesday 18 August.
Prayer & Fasting Day for
Christian Schools
Wednesday
4 August was set aside as a special prayer and fasting day for Christian
Schools. In the Primary School our pupil council members visited two other
Christian schools to show our support … Hillview Christian School and
Canterbury Christian College. We hope also to visit Emmanuel Christian School on
Tuesday 10 August.
Three children shared these gospel messages:
Hayley F (Y6) read Matthew 6:5-13
Natalie F (Y6) read James 5:13-16
Samantha H (Y6) read Mark 11:22-25
I spoke about the importance of prayer and we gave a picture book on prayer to each school. This was a very positive time and assisted in building even stronger links between schools.
I would encourage you to pray with your children for Christian schools around the world, and particularly in New Zealand.
I would also encourage you to look at the three Bible passages mentioned with your children.
Finally … keep up the prayer support for the Primary School. We currently have mums who pray on-site in the Primary School weekly for the children, staff and parents at Middleton Grange. They would certainly be encouraged if their uplifting of the Primary School was supported by others regularly praying for the school.
School notices
Middleton Grange School Dental Clinic
The clinic is now closed until Term 4. Dental treatment is available at Ilam School Dental Clinic (phone 348 5572).
Lost
A guitar belonging to Todd C in Room B was accidentally ‘swapped’ for another in Term 2. Todd’s guitar has still not surfaced. If your child has accidentally swapped guitars Todd would love to have his back. If you can help, see Mr Stackhouse.
We’ve got some fantastic writers!
Recipe for a friend … another unknown! (a Year 6 pupils from Room C or D).
Recipe for a Friend
2 cups of trust
8lb of agape love
1kg of laughter
139,000mg of honesty
Stir with gentleness. Bake at 280oC with truth and let it cool. Ice with helpfulness and cheerfulness. Sprinkle with Christ.
Now … who says siblings always fight! Here are two great poems by Room B describing a sister and a brother ...
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My Brother My brother goes and makes tea he likes the Simpsons he likes dogs he is happy and loveable he is kind and helpful and … i love him by Chris C, Rm B
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My Sister When I see someone Hot and sweaty coming Up the drive at full Speed I know its JESSIE When I see someone Walking through the Paddocks with two Half dead ducklings I Know its JESSIE When I see someone With open arms to Give me a hug I know its JESSIE by Grace M, Rm B |
Junior Syndicate Swimming Programme
The children from Rooms 1,2,4,6 & 7 have had a wonderful time in their swimming programme and have made great progress in the first week of their lessons. Mrs Gudsell, Syndicate Leader
Here are some stories telling of Room 4’s (new entrants) swimming adventures ...
Sharp After-School Care Age-based programmes for 5-13 year olds, based at Spreydon Baptist Church from 3.00-5.30pm daily. Cost $7.00-7.50 per afternoon. WINZ subsidies available. Contact Cherie (338 4163) for more information. Work Wanted : House Cleaning Dependable Christian lady seeking cleaning work. $10.00/hour. Please phone Robyn Veale on 386 1570. |
District Truancy Service – Term 3 2004
By now most parents are aware that the District Truancy Service is active in Christchurch working towards combating truancy/bunking and attempting to ensure all children are attending school every day. We work with students who, for some reason have difficulty attending school and we liaise between homes and schools making sure that any difficulties regarding your child’s schooling can be worked through to gain a positive outcome. Remember positive outcomes are more likely to be achieved through positive input. If you wish to know more about the service and what assistance we can offer please don’t hesitate to contact me. Pat Hay, Truancy Officer (332 8966 or 021 363 163)
"In thy light shall we see light."
Psalm 36:9
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