Middleton Grange Primary School Update

This Update is overdue, but that has been the nature of the past two weeks in particular! Middleton Grange has become very hectic!

Part of my job, and that of the other senior managers in the school, includes outward focus. We are involved in activities related to the school which look beyond the school boundaries. Amongst other things, I chair the Board of Management for the Cornerstone Christian Early Learning Centre and I am co-organising a Christian Teachers’ Conference for September. This outward focus (and my place on the whole-school management team) does take me away from the Primary School on occasions but these are very important aspects of my job.

Another very important project I have been involved in is planning towards the building of a new Primary classroom block. This is planned to be built from the end of Room A, across the current adventure playground and Primary School carpark to the school drive off Acacia Avenue. It will include four classrooms, resource areas, teacher offices and a learning support centre for our teacher aides (Mrs Ligeti, Mrs Dodge) and our learning support teacher (Mrs Daly). These classrooms will replace the current Rooms 8,9,10 & 11. These classrooms have been cramped and three of the four do not have running water. Cloakroom and toilet facilities have been limited. The new block will address many shortcomings in the current buildings and we are looking forward to the new facilities.

It has also been open afternoon season. We have had very full tours through the Primary School. Just a reminder that applications for places in the Primary School are due by Friday 22 August. The processing of applications takes about one month so people will be informed by approximately 22 September. Your prayer for the process would be greatly appreciated, especially as I go through all the applications at the end of August and also as Marion Gudsell, Heather Kench and Andrea Richardson (our syndicate leaders) double-check the processing of these.

Finally … one of the things I speak about as I take groups through the school on open afternoons is parent involvement in the school. A big thank you to all those parents who commit their time to be involved in the Primary School. A special thank you to the parents who every week turn out to assist with Year 3-6 winter sport at school or with travelling teams. We all value your input greatly!

NEW LIBRARIAN APPOINTED

Beginning on Monday 16 June, we welcome Sherie Dirkze to the Primary staff as our Primary School Librarian. Sherie has two children in the high school at Middleton Grange. Sherie comes from Aorangi School where she is Librarian and Teacher Aide. We are looking forward to Sherie working with us and helping to further develop the library as the ‘hub’ of the Primary School.

These are our mid-year ‘reports’. You will have a good opportunity to speak with your child’s teacher and see the profile of assessments and work samples we take through the year. You are welcome to take the profile home to look through it, but it must be returned promptly to the school. It is a very important working document.

At the end of the year you will receive a written report as a record of your child’s progress.

Please return your interview booking slip to your child’s class teacher by Wednesday 11 June. You will be notified soon after of your exact interview time.

This is a very worthwhile CDRom. The fact it has a New Zealand flavour is a great bonus. This CDRom is produced by the same firm who promoted the Maths Blaster CDRom through the school last year. Remember, orders need to be returned to the school by Friday 13 June.

Something strange is happening in our library! A group of children led by Mr Peter Larsen (one of our gifted education teachers), are constructing an amazing machine! A robot, called Cybarian, has been taking shape since last year. The

robot has sound and light sensors, amongst other things. Currently the children in the group are constructing a remote control for Cybarian. A great challenge - lots of fun and experimentation!

You’ll also catch a glimpse of some recent fabulous writing from Mrs McCormack’s extension written language group. Mrs McCormack specialises in developing originality in children’s writing. She also takes an extension class in art.

The crumpled paper fell to the floor. None of his ideas worked. The floor was covered in screwed up pieces of paper. Sitting at his desk with pen in hand he was extremely frustrated. His door locked so no one could get in because this was confidential.

by Jonathan K, Rm D

As I strode out that morning little did I know that even though the sky seemed innocent enough, a pale blue sky with soft white clouds, soon I would be experiencing the most terrifying adventure of my life. I felt quite cheerful as
I walked to school, but
that emotion was soon to change. I didn’t really notice the sky behind me slowly turning green.

by Sarah A, Rm C

Friday 13 June, 7.45pm, MGS Staffroom (open to view goods from 7.00pm). Support our 1^st XV Rugby team in fundraising for travel to a Queensland tournament in July. Auction items include … luxury weekend accommodation, restaurant vouchers, plants, car speakers, prof. window cleaning, fly/fishing and dive courses, Crusaders/Canterbury Rams memorabilia, cakes, … and much more. Come and be in the draw to win two tickets for the All Blacks vs France Rugby test.

Family Life’s ‘Weekend to Remember’ is coming up on 12-14 September at the Latimer Hotel. This weekend is a unique chance to have some time out and invest in your family’s future. It is recommended for every couple interested in making their relationship stronger and is suitable for marriages in any state!! Brochures available at the School Reception, or phone Nick or Sara Greenwood (338 8660) for more information.

Spreydon Holiday, After-School & Recreation Pro.

SHARP after-school programmes for children aged 5-13. Runs 3.00-5.30 daily and costs $7.00-7.50 per afternoon, at Spreydon Baptist. Enquiries to Cherie (338 4163) or enrolment packs are available from the school office.

Chamber Music

Enjoy an afternoon of Mozart and Dohnanyi String Trios performed by ChCh Symphony musicians in a magnificent Fendalton home. 3.00pm Sunday 29 June at 104 Glandovey Road. Tickets $15 ($10 scholar). Phone Cathy Irons 359 3542.

Holiday Programme, Lollipops Playland & Cafe

Theme: ‘Winter Wizardry’ plus lots more fun-filled activities. All day childcare available during school holidays. Call 374 3220 for details/enrolments.

A pre-school learning centre providing quality Christian education. The Centre bases it’s programme on the national pre-school curriculum Te Whariki. A lovely environment in which your children are cared for and respected within a Christian environment.