22 June 2006

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents

I have been here for over nine years and I had a sudden scary thought in assembly on Wednesday.  All of the children sitting there had at one stage been an application to attend Middleton Grange and here they were sitting there in the flesh - God had brought each one of them to MGS and had a plan for each one.

A rather clever staff member (who will remain nameless!) also mentioned that when I arrived at Middleton Grange most of the kids weren’t even alive!  Now, that’s true!  Of the children in the primary school I worked out around 80—85% of them weren’t yet born by April 1997 when I arrived!!!

I have always counted it both a responsibility and a privilege to go through the applications each year … a lot of work for one person because there are usually around 140—170 of them!  Please pray for applying families and also for Heather Kench, Marion Gudsell and Brent Langford as they go through this year’s applications.

DON’T FORGET - ENROLMENT APPLICATIONS ARE DUE …

20 AUGUST IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Network Issues

A number of parents were at the meeting at Majestic House on Tuesday 13th June.  It was great to see parents having their say about what will be profound changes for Middleton Grange in the future should proposed plans go ahead.  It is imperative that parents have their say in the future through:-

  - a proposed questionnaire

  - future meetings or forums

  - contact with the Network Advisory Group.

You have the opportunity to voice your thoughts and ideas over the months to come.  I would encourage you to be proactive in the future of your child’s school and their future education.

I would reiterate a key part of Middleton’s philosophy, that the education of your child(ren) must be a partnership.  As the MGS vision states:

       Middleton Grange School assists families in the education of their children by providing an

  environment in   which the Biblical Truths of Jesus Christ are taught and lived.

“Assists” is the key word.  Be proactive.  Our prospectus states:  “A strong home-school partnership.  Parents’ views and wisdom are a valuable resource to staff”, amongst other things.  Your views, wisdom and prayer are vital elements now and for the future of MGS generally and the Primary School in particular.

Everyone at Middleton Grange needs to make themselves aware of the proposed changes and their impact on  MGS including the Primary School.  There are many issues which need much input and prayer to discern the right path.  We must always bear in mind learning outcomes for children as a key focus.  (Pre-school and primary are particularly impressionable years) as well as the wider issues.  We need to be very mindful of the balance and also that each pupil is a precious gift entrusted to us and for whom we must do the best we possibly can.

Leaving Middleton Grange

I believe Christian education is a very important option for Christian families.  I do believe it is one of a   number of options, hence I am happy to leave MGS and move on to a state school - Redwood School.  It has been very clear that God wants me there to do a job.

Many of you will be aware that my own children have been home-schooled and have attended state schools, currently Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti in the centre of town.  There are a number of Christian families who opt to have their children in state schools and the majority of Christian teachers teach in state schools.  We need to be careful that Christian schools and Christian schooling do not become an enclave,  We need to keep up support and prayer for Christian children and teachers who are in state schools all around Christchurch and the rest of New Zealand.  They have a huge role tin sharing their faith through word and deed daily.  I will be part of that large group from next term, and very much look forward to working with and supporting the Redwood School community.  On my recent visits they have made me feel warmly welcomed.

As I leave MGS I  will not attempt to thank everyone by name or even by group - I’m sure to offend someone that I leave out.  BUT I am very aware that what has been achieved in the Primary School over the past nine years could not have happened without huge support from pupils, parents and staff - key partnerships in a learning commnity.

My thanks also to the MGS Board of Trustees and Management Team for their support over many issues through the years.

No doubt you will see me around

Middleton Grange on the odd visit, or I

will bump into people around the city.  I

will continue to follow Middleton Grange’s

development with interest.

John Stackhouse

Head of Primary School

Dear Parents

Acting  Head of Primary School! Quite a title and an awesome responsibility. In looking forward to all that the position entails, I do so with excitement and, if I’m honest, a little trepidation. Many years ago, God called me to teach in this place and He has been faithful throughout that time.  Next term will be no different, although I am sure He will find me leaning a little more into Him.  As a teacher, many of you have given me your loyal and prayerful support. I know as a school community  you will continue to do that as I take up  my new role. In return, I  pledge that same support for each family.  My classroom has   always had an ‘open door’ policy and my office will be no different. Please avail yourself of that opportunity.

I am sure that, like me, you are very grateful for the visionary leadership John     Stackhouse has provided in his time at Middleton Grange. Our loss is Redwood’s gain, but he goes with our blessing to the challenges his new appointment will bring.

I look forward to seeing you all next term and pray that the coming holidays will be a time of refreshment and relaxation.

God Bless

Heather Kench

School Notices

SCHOOL COMMUNITY CONCERNS POLICY

The Board of Trustees is currently reviewing  this policy and seeks your input.  The policy can be viewed on the school  website:  www.middleton.school.nz  look for  “Community    Consultation” link on the home page.  Comments can be  emailed or posted  to Richard Vanderpyl (Associate Principal) by 1st August 2006.

A number of questionnaires will be posted to a   randomly  selected sample of parents.

  Congratulations:

Recently a group of children auditioned for a place in the Junior Choir for the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival Association (with a lot of guidance, help and tuition from Mrs Kench) .  Congratulations to the following people who were successful in gaining a place:  

     Elizabeth Tanner, Ilisapeci Tuisoso, Jan Buter,

     Lydia Nuttall, Miriam van Voorthuizen,

     Sarah Visser, Sophie Peterson and Sylvia Barnett.

LOST -  If anyone has picked up a pair of Black leather Womens’ gloves could you please pass them on to      Student Services or Jan Pelvin.

Community Notices

KIDSFEST 2006 AT THE ARTS CENTRE

1—7 JULY 2006

Tickets Available from Ticketek 03 377 8899

Activities include:

Circus show and Circus workshop;  Crafty Kids workshops;  Traditional Flax Weaving;  Chalk   Pastel Painting;  Tapestry;  Needle Felting;  Reach for the Stars - Townsend              Observatory—view the moon, planets and stars of the southern sky - guided tour and talk and a Friday lunchtime concert - classical music.

ST CHRISTOPHER’S CHURCH

PRESENTS

“CIRCUS CIRCUS”

Thursday 6 July and Friday 7 July10.00am to 12.00 noon, 244 Avonhead Road

Featuring The Forest Family Circus on Thursday 6th July
 and Adam Allsorts the Clown on Friday 7th July.

Juggling, clowns, singing, dancing, stories, arts and crafts and more! 

$3/day or $5/both days.

Free café for Parents.  Sausage sizzle $1, for lunch on your way home.

Pre-registration at the church office is preferred and can be done between 10.00am and 3.00pm on Tuesdays—Fridays, or come along at 9.20am on the first day to register.  For more info. Ph 358 8780

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

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