February 2002
Welcome back to the new year! Dear Parents, It already seems an age since we began the term. We are all back into the
swing of things and the term has begun very well. It was pleasing to be able to catch up with many of you at the “Meet the
Teacher” evening last Thursday. I was pleased to hear that many of you gained
a great deal from finding out about your child’s teacher and class routines. I also spoke at the beginning of the evening about the need for us a s a
staff to reassess where we stand regarding the special character of the school.
We will be focusing on this over the coming year. Kaye Lawn, teaching in Room 5,
will be released one day per week to evaluate our biblical teaching perspective
and assess the current Scripture programmes etc through the school. This will be
an extremely valuable exercise and keeps true to the founding principles of the
school: to “provide a Biblically based teaching in the Christian faith and a
first rate general education”. John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School. DO YOU RECOGNISE
 |
Mr Peter Larsen is our extension
programmes teacher. Mr Larsen works with Year 5 and 6 groups each week
in problem solving and mathematics. He has the task of challenging able
children outside the classroom by providing them with individualised
learning experiences.
Mr. Larsen is also assisting a team of Middle and Primary representatives to develop extension programmes further through the school. |
Harry Potter Revisited…
Last year I threw some thoughts your way regarding Harry Potter. I have since had feedback from a number of parents and have had the odd healthy debate over the books.
I have also read a very interesting book which is well worth reading:
Peter Furst and Craig Heilmann… The Harry Potter Phenomenon
and Your Child:
Hogwarts or Hogwash?
Lime Grove House Publishing Ltd, 2001
$19.95
The purpose of this publication is encapsulated in this statement from the book: “
Through analysing the series, Hogwarts or Hogwash? Will accurately inform you of the dangers of Harry Potter and also equip you to use the series to teach and share the gospel.”This book is available from a number of outlets. Try:
|
New
Millennium Bishopdale
Mall |
PRAYER AT MGS
A number of new initiatives are being put in place this year… here are some opportunities you might be interested in….
1. The two main initiatives being put in place are to provide opportunities for parents/caregivers to pray for the school (when they drop their children off at school in the morning or at another time) and by providing a weekly prayer update.
2. At the first Prayer/Praise evening (18 Feb, 7.30 pm in the staffroom) an informative question/answer time will look at what suits the community. Follwing this prayer groups and the prayer update will be under way.
3. Check the school website for more info…
www.middleton.school.nz… Phil Stevenson
ABSENCES … Keeping Track!
We have spent some time reorganising our tracking of absences. This is to help improve safety for children. We would not like to think a child may go missing somewhere along the way!
We need you to help …
If your child is absent unexpectantly, please phone in each day of absence before 9.00am.
If you know your child is going to be absent, please inform the school by note to the classroom teacher beforehand.
If asking for leave for a child, please address your note to Mr Stackhouse, outlining dates, etc.
If you do not tell us of your child’s
absence ...
If you haven’t contacted the school by 9.00am on the day of your child’s absence, you will be contacted by the school to check your child is safe.
Please assist us with these procedures as much as possible by bearing the above points in mind.
NOTICES
CASHMERE WANDERERS JUNIOR SOCCER
Registration Day:
Sunday 24 February,
9.00am-12.00pm
at Somerfield Park.
Enquiries to: Kees van den Oever on 337 1131
ASTHMA COURSES AVAILABLE
The Buteyko Breathing Technique is a series of simple breathing exercises, that people can use to overcome symptoms of asthma, hayfever, bronchitis, sinus, brochiectisis, panic attacks, breathing and mucus problems.
For free information pack:
Phone: 318 1817 Fax: 318 1820
Website: http//www.buteyko.co.nz
BALLET & MODERN DANCE
Classes for new beginners held in Hornby (Shands Rd) and Avonhead (Waimairi Rd).
Enquiries to: Jacqui Tieleman 318 1070.
Lost Property
Chloe Purdie’s named cardigan has gone missing.
Please check that your daughter has come home with the correct one.
MUFTI DAY
FRIDAY 15 February
To raise funds for ...
World Vision 40 Hour Famine
Gold coin donation
SCHOOL SPORTS SHORTS
A decision has been made in the High School to change the make of the shorts that are used for PE lessons and sport. In order to ensure continuity, the Primary School will also make this change. The shorts will still be dark green in colour, but the material of the new style is lighter in weight (100% polyester), non-fading and easier to wash and dry. The cost of $25.00 per pair is very comparable to the present shorts.
To this end, we would encourage any parents who are wishing to purchase new PE shorts for their children to do so through the school. Because the smaller sizes have to be specially manufactured, a minimum order of 15 pairs needs to be made, with a delivery time of approximately 4 weeks. The sizes available are 8, 10, 12 and 14 years. If you wish to order a pair of the new sports shorts please see Mrs Kench in Room 9 to obtain an order form. The form will need to be returned to her by 22 February 2002, with payment.
The old style knit shorts are still able to be worn for PE and sport, however, parents needs to be aware that the stores which stock these lines will no longer continue to do so.
PIPPINS, BROWNIES, GIRL GUIDES …
would like to welcome new girls into their Units. Phone Jo Clarke on 342 7492 for information.UNICORN After School Programme
For children aged 5-13 years. Run by trained staff from 3.00-5.15pm Monday to Friday at St Ninians’ Church Hall, 9 Puriri St, Riccarton. Enquiries to: Aaron Vercoe (025) 276 2335.
AVONHEAD TENNIS CLUB
Junior Tennis coaching—Tuesday afternoons. Enquiries to: the Junior Administrator 342 7753.
KING’S SWIM SCHOOL
After school lessons Monday to Friday, and also Saturday mornings. Phone 339 0150 or 351 7356.
KIWI MATHS INVADERS software
available through the School at $34.95 (50% discount). For ages 5-15. Spare
order forms available from
Mr Stackhouse. Orders close Friday 22 February.
"In thy light shall we see light."
Psalm 36:9VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE
