Middleton Grange Primary School Update

It is hard to believe that this school year is almost over and that this will be my last Update for the year. There seems to be so much going on at present that at times I wonder if I can keep up! And yet, Tuesday, last week, provided me with a reality check on what is really important in life. I was privileged to attend the funeral service for Karen Baird, a godly woman who gave so much of her time to others and loved the Lord with all her heart. The large crowd who attended were a testimony to Karen’s ability to build relationships and demonstrate a true servant heart. We as a school have been blessed over many years through Karen’s involvement on the Board and her interest in the day to day happenings around the place. She worked tirelessly to ensure that this school remained a ‘light for God’ in the Christchurch community. Such a legacy to leave! Will we do the same, I wonder? This is a challenge worth reflecting on. Our loving thoughts go out to the family and I know as a school community you will continue to uphold them in your prayers.

The teachers have worked hard on reports and at the moment I am working my way through the reading of them all! It is so good to read about the positive learning that has taken place and the children are to be congratulated on the level of focus and application they have shown throughout the year. I know many of you will be thrilled with reports that will come home on Friday.

Last Thursday saw the final appointment made for teachers in the primary school. Now that we have our full complement we can start the serious planning for 2007! Just to keep you fully informed:- Miss Stephanie Smith is moving into Room 11 and will teach Year 4, Mrs Colleen Hoskin will be teaching Year 6 in Room 15 and Mrs Lindsey Thoroughgood is the new teacher for Year 5, and will be teaching in Room 12. Everyone else will be staying where they are! Our special thanks go to Mrs Lawn for the wonderful work she has done in the time she has taught in the primary school. Although she is not moving schools, she will be greatly missed by her primary colleagues. We wish her well as she accepts the new challenge of teaching the students in Year 8.

I hope you are all planning to be at the final Assembly which will take place in the school Gymnasium on Thursday 14 December at 1.00pm. This is to be a ‘Time of Thanksgiving’, when we look back with thanks for all the great things that have been achieved in 2006. There will be plenty of room for all!

Lastly, let me once again thank you for the wonderful support that as parents you give to the school. We are very appreciative of the many differing ways you offer your help, and your prayerful support is something we do not take for granted. I pray that this Christmas-time is special one for your family and that the real ‘reason for the season’ doesn’t get lost in the busyness and stresses that inevitably occur. Take time to wonder at the Christ-child and let Him speak afresh to you.

Enjoy the holiday break! I pray that it will be a time of rest and relaxation for you all and that God’s covering will be over you as you travel.

Yesterday an Airforce Helicopter came to Middleton Grange School and then a woman jumped out of the Airforce and she gave a bag to Mrs Kench. It was a bag full of stuff for the people in the High School. They came to see if the big people wanted to be in the Airforce.

By Talija vG

Yesterday an Airforce Helicopter came hovering down on the grass. A woman climbed down and gave a bag to Mrs Kench. The High School kids came to watch too. They came to ask them to join the Airforce. It took off quick.

By Nicholas A.

Yesterday an Airforce Helicopter came because they wanted some High School people to go and join the Airforce. Mrs Kench got a parcel. The blades made z-z-z-z chop-chop-chop noises. First I saw the blades, then the helicopter and last of all the little blades.

By Timothy P.

Yesterday a helicopter came to school. It landed on the Primary School field. Everyone came to look at the helicopter. Two men were in the helicopter. One lady came out. Mr Pomare took a photo with the lady and the children. It made a loud noise. She gave Mrs Kench a bag with all the instructions for all the instructions for all the people who are thinking about doing the Airforce,

Yesterday a helicopter landed on the big kids’ field. The helicopter people were Airforce. When you are eighteen you can join. An Airforce lady gave Mrs Kench a bag. It was a very loud noise. I liked the cool rotor blades.

By Ben T.

We came to the Primary School field and a helicopter landed on the green grass near us. One of the boys gave Mrs Kench a bag with things in it. They were saying to people if they interested in joining the Airforce.

By Patrick H.

For over 20 years, the University of New South Wales has been running the Australasian School Competitions. These competitions are now called the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, with 1.7 million students taking part each year from schools in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, India, South Africa, Hong Kong, China and the Pacific region. The competitions provide a great opportunity for students at Middleton Grange to test their skills against others nationally and internationally.

This year we have had a high number of entries from students in years 4—6, and some remarkable results.

In Maths, the most popular subject with 67 students entered, we achieved 2 High Distinction awards for marks in the top 1% nationally [Kate Conner, year 4, and Michael Davis, year 5], 15 distinction awards, and 17 credit awards.

35 students entered the English competition, and of this talented group, 5 achieved high distinction, [Kate Conner and Liam Dodge in year 4, Michael Davis and Elliot Nye in year 5, and Ashleigh Sheridan in year 6]; 3 achieved distinction, and 8 were awarded credit.

Science, Computer Skills, Writing and Spelling Competitions were also sat by many students, with further outstanding results. Michael Davis achieved a high distinction in Science to go with similar awards in Maths and English, while Liam Dodge achieved a high distinction in Spelling to match his achievement in English.

OSCAR PROGRAMME: Places are still available in our after school programme operating out of P9 (see the flag outside) every day after school. We accept both casual and permanent appointments on a part or whole week basis. Cost is $8.50 per session. If you require any further information contact Brett Fleming on 348 9826 ext 732. Hours of operation - 3.15—5.30 pm.

Visit 10 themed presentations in private homes
&
The Church of St James decorated for the Christmas season

Purchase Christmas treats and food from stalls under the tress of the Churchyard

Tickets: $12.00 adults, $6.00 students (high school and above).
Accompanied pre-school & primary school children free.
Available from Leeston Hammer Hardware, Ellesmere Garden Centre, Southbridge School
Or purchase on the day from St James Anglican Church or any of the participating venues.
Enquiries to Kathryn @ 3242 511 or Alison @ 3242 706

Leaders in Aquatic Education