12 February 2003  

A school is as strong as it's community

Dear Parents,

Off to another start! This is the sixth new year start I’ve made at Middleton Grange - it doesn’t seem that long since I began here.

We need to count our blessings …

I have caught up with quite a number of people over the past week and a bit and it seems nearly all have had a pleasant Christmas and New Year. My family and I went off to China the day after school finished at the end of 2002. We had a fascinating time seeing the terracotta warrior army in Xian, the panda breeding station in Chengdu, going to a Chinese Opera, going cormerant fishing near Guilin at night … to name a few things. Our two children experienced a huge number of sights and sounds.

We really enjoyed our holiday - it was intense, full, and at times quite pressured. We backpack - we don’t book ahead, so we rely on God every day to smooth the way. We also only have two or three packs between us when we travel, so we are quickly reminded of how much stuff we have at home which really is not necessary. We are also reminded of how blessed we are in New Zealand. What we have in the way of freedom, security and lifestyle here should never be taken for granted. This is a fact which was impressed daily upon our children.

The Chinese were fascinated by our children and often opened conversation with “Where are you from?”. When we replied “New Zealand”, I expected a blank expression and little knowledge of our country. However, I was amazed that at least half a dozen times the comment made to our reply was, with eyes wide, “Ah, New Zealand: Paradise.” Now, I am not sure if the New Zealand Tourist Board have widely advertised in China lately, but the paradise label has stuck. Now, we know it’s not paradise, don’t we?!!! Compared to the quality of life in most countries around the world, believe me, it is pretty close!

So, I would encourage you to pass on to your children to enjoy what we have got here in New Zealand and to thank God for the huge blessings we have. Every time we travel as a family we are reminded of the old Fred Dagg song … “You don’t know how lucky you are”, … take out the word luck and replace it with blessed.

Meet the Teacher

Thank you to all those who attended our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening. The theme of ‘In the Beginning …’ was explored with relation to the founding of the school in 1963/64 and the importance of prayer. Prayer as a foundation is critical and continued prayer from staff, parents, and students is vital in the continued building of the structure of the school. I sent each attendee off with a copy of a little prayer sheet (included with today’s Update) and encourage you to involve your children actively in that prayer too. We need proactive prayer, not just reactive prayer.

As a primary school we are giving much thought to our five year strategic plan. I have included some of our identified goals in this Update so you can pray towards these too.

We certainly, as a staff, appreciate your support and input to the school.

John Stackhouse,

Head of Primary 

Caught doing things right ... Awesome start to the year … Julia and Sophie (Rm A) for focus and effort. Great to hear! Year 6’s, Rooms C & D for setting a great example so far this year as leaders in the school. Involvement in Founders’ Day Assembly … Isabella (Rm 7) and Dayna (Rm 6) for great work in the Kapahaka. Brittany and Benjamin (Yr 6) for great reading and prayer. Mrs Jamison and Mrs McCormack for fitting in so well as long-term relievers on the staff!

CHILDREN EARLY TO SCHOOL We have been reasonably flexible in allowing children to be dropped at school before 8.50am. However, a number of children are arriving very early. This puts great pressure on staff. We cannot supervise children before 8.30am. Therefore there is a risk in have children here too early. Staff are not available in the Primary School on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as we have staff devotions. Duty teachers are not on duty until 8.30am. We would appreciate you not dropping your child(ren) at school before 8.20am at the earliest. We cannot guarantee supervision of the playground before 8.30am. Classrooms are locked Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings before 8.30am whilst staff are at devotions. Your co-operation in this matter would be of great assistant to us

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LECTURE SERIES An invitation is extended to all Canterbury Christian teachers who would like to attend a series of lectures as part of Middleton Grange School’s Christian Teachers’ Education programme. Lectures are held on Mondays 4.00-5.00pm at Middleton Grange School (Room F201 - signposted from the Reception Office). More details available from Richard Vanderpyl (Associate Principal), phone 348 9826, or email richard@middleton.school.nz.

 

ABSENCES … Keeping Track!

1. If your child is absent unexpectantly, phone in each day of absence, before 9.00am.
2. If you know your child is going to be absent, inform the classroom teacher by note beforehand.
3. If asking for leave for a child, address your note to Mr Stackhouse, outlining dates, etc.

If you do not tell us of your child’s absence you will be contacted by the school to check your child is safe.

Parents are reminded that the ARTHUR ST CARPARK is for STAFF PARKING ONLY Tops Bay Blades) at School After a number of concerns expressed by staff and parents the staff have agreed these should not be at school. We do not encourage toys at school and there are concerns over the ‘spiritual’ background to these toys as expressed in the ‘blurb’ with each top. Please have your child(ren) keep their spinning tops at home.

 

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT Is there a ‘Middleton Parent’ who could assist two other ’MPs’ with their home-based mail order business in St Albans? Work involves dispatching orders and Excel data entry (training avail-able). Approximately 2 hours daily, with flexibility for school hours/holidays. Contact Graeme or Rosemary on 379 3775.	SCHOOL FOR YOUNG WRITERS Places available for Years 3-8 children in these Arts Centre classes. Days, times and prices as follows. Phone 355 3588 or email young.writers@xtra.co.nz. for more information.
CHRISTCHURCH UNITED SOCCER CLUB Registration date: Sunday 23 February (11.00am-2.00pm) at Hancock Hall (Hoon Hay Club, Tankerville Road). Copy of Birth Certificate is required. Enquiries to Niek Franssen (338 1380).	AVON UNITED SOCCER CLUB Registration dates: Thursday 20 February (6.00-8.00pm) and Sunday 23 February (2.00-4.00pm) at the Clubrooms in Riccarton Domain. Copy of Birth Certificate is required. Enquiries to Carol Bathurst (342 5949) or Dave Coster (359 2010).
SHARP Spreydon Baptist After-School & Recreation Progr. Three programmes available each day from 3.00-5.30pm: - After-School Programme, for 5-8 year olds. - Boys Recreation Programme, for 9-13 year olds. - Girls Recreation Programme, for 9-13 year olds. Contact Cherie (338 4163) for more information or pick up an enrolment book from Mr Stackhouse.	RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS Kudos Rhythmic Academy holds classes in the Westburn School Hall (Waimairi Road) on Fridays (3.45-5.00pm). Any girls interested in joining should contact Nicky Pow on 357 1272. Feel free to go along and watch a class.
PIPPINS, BROWNIES & GIRL GUIDES Welcomes new girls. Parents of girls aged 5-14 are welcome to ring Jo (342 7492) for information regarding local meeting places, times, dates, etc.
HELEN O’GRADY CHILDREN’S DRAMA ACAD. Self development classes for children aged 5-17 years. Enquiries to the Principal, Denise Davidson (351 4957).	LOST - Jersey lost end of 2002. Named (Tracey Judd). If found please phone 341 7091.

 

 

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