Middleton Grange Primary School Update 26 June 2002

The staff have really appreciated the chance to meet with you during parent/teacher interviews. We count this as a very valuable time and we gain a great deal from you in the two-way exchange of information. We do aim to be specific in our assessments and comments so that you know where your child is at in the key areas of learning. We also appreciate adding to our knowledge of the children through what you tell us.

We would really appreciate your feedback once again about our reporting. There is a quick response form below which you can fill in. Our in depth survey on reporting from two years ago gave us lots of information but we are always aiming to fine-tune our systems and practices so we can do the best job possible. Please note that the quick response form can be dropped off at the Student Services Office or sent back via your child’s classroom teacher.

We have had the Education Review Office (ERO) visiting Middleton Grange. They have spent two days in the Primary School and have visited all classrooms. The purpose of the visit is to

gain a clear impression of the school and how it is catering for your children. Our last ERO visit was just after my arrival in 1997.

As a staff we have appreciated the timing of this visit because we have done a huge amount of work over the past five years. I have spoken to the ERO team and the verbal feedback they have given has been very encouraging. The written ERO report will eventually be available through the ERO website. It is timely to have an ‘outside’ set of eyes looking over what we have done and the progress we have made.

One excellent comment our visitors made was the special atmosphere the Primary School had and how this is exhibited through the children’s behaviour, attitudes and work. Very pleasing to hear!

This hectic term is at an end … but as you can see from the calendar in this Update, there are lots more events coming up!

Te Reo & Tikanga Maori

We have really made great strides in our Maori programmes through the Primary School. These programmes are an essential element in developing an understanding of other cultures, not just the Tangata Whenua. New Zealand will have even greater cultural diversity when the children in the Primary School become adults. By 2040 Pakeha/European New Zealanders will be in the minority.

We have a great team involved in Maori programmes in the Primary School,
especially Danette Abraham who takes Maori programmes through all levels, Pauline Kau Kau (Room 6), Miles Kau Kau (a voluntary helper and the School’s
Kaumatua), Donna Smith (staff organiser of the Kapahaka group), and Sharon Roberts (a fantastic parent helper with Kapahaka). Thanks to all these people for their contribution.

Miles and Pauline recently spent much time and energy, along with a cluster of parent assistants, doing soap carving. There were wonderful results, an example is shown here. Room 6 children have also been looking at kowhaiwhai patterns and moko. Two examples of wonderful crayon and dye moko are shown by Jacqui and Liam. You can read two stories about soap carving too, by Sophie P and Hannah P.

We made a hook with a whales tail. Mrs Procter and my mum helped with the
carving. Mrs Greenwood helped with the carving. Mr Kau Kau told us what to do.
Before we did the first bit we went to
assembly. After assembly we started to do the whales tail. We used a gouger, a chizel, a pencil, a cloth and some soap. We traced around the whales tail. Then
Mr Kau Kau cut the soap with a knife. We had to listen hard. The hardest bit was when we had to cut the whales tail. After the things we had to do we had to put green soap over the soap. We put it under the water. Before that we had to put a cloth over. Mrs White put it under the
water. It turned out good.

Sophie P, Rm 6

Today I carved a soap carving. Mum helped me. I made a fish hook. I made it smooth.

Hannah P, Rm 6

POEMS BY ROOM 7

Haiku

The playful dog jumps,
Leaping high to catch a ball, Like a goalkeeper.

Haiku

Winter flakes are falling,
Like paper fluttering down,
A winter wedding.

Cinquain

Cat,
Fluffy, ginger,
Stalking, pouncing, chasing,
Hunting for a takeaway,
Lion

Cinquain

Moon,
Huge, round,
Shinning, floating, glowing,
Like a white stone,
Rock

SPECIAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT TEAM

I have found it a great privilege to be the Primary School representative on the committee looking at the Special Character aspect of education at Middleton Grange School. This is part of the current focus of the Board of Trustees and has presented itself as a vital area of research as we look at both our personal and professional well-being as a Christian school.

Our key aim is to ensure that our Christian faith is lived out in every aspect of our lives, which of course means it is the key aspect or core to our teaching. The challenge is that we do not depend entirely on documents and programmes of work which will teach what is
expected of us by educational authorities, but that we incorporate God’s truth into each aspect of our teaching programme to ensure the children are enriched with Biblical truth, and have a firm foundation and understanding of the skills they are learning at school.

As a committee, we have spent some time visiting a wide range of schools looking (amongst other things) at how they conduct their Christian teaching programme, which has given us ideas we can now look at implementing where appropriate. For example, enlarging the
Scripture resources we have available to staff (including music, books, videos and work books for
students), the way in which different schools
recognise their student leaders, reviewing our core ‘values’ and integrating these to be vital aspects of
everyday pupil life.

I have also spent time with staff reviewing our
current Scripture programme, hoping to ensure that we are teaching a balanced Biblical programme which
encourages children to live out the principles involved. It is vital that children are encouraged to see the Scriptures as living truth for them, relevant to today.

Kaye Lawn

I was able to attend a conference earlier in the year discussing the issue of World Views which is another key aspect in how we approach our teaching with subject content backed up with Biblical foundation. The key scripture at the conference which I feel encapsulates the whole theme of this year’s focus is
Colossians 2:8,

“See to it that none takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men,
according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”

We have been excited to see the blessing of God as He has presented us with opportunities where we are able to develop our thinking along these lines. It is an
exciting time in the life of our school and your
continued prayers for insight into this aspect are greatly appreciated.

LOST JERSEY - Named HARRIS on collar label. Lost in Sports Centre after basketball practice. If found please return to Room A or ring 332 0084.

YMCA JULY HOLIDAY
PROGRAMMES - Run during the holidays offering a number of exciting programmes, giving kids opportunity to enjoy familiar pursuits and to be challenged by new ventures.

Brochures with more detailed information available from the Student Services Desk.

Looking for something new for your Child’s birthday? Have you tried ACTION INDOOR SPORTS HORNBY. We provide birthday parties with a sporting theme. The party will include a McDonalds meal, a birthday host and fun healthy sports activities. Come along and join in the fun of having a hassle free birthday party..

Located at 81 Buchanans Road, Hornby.
Phone 342 6800 anytime to make a booking for your child’s birthday party.

NASDA CENTRESTAGE PERFORMING ARTS CLASSES AT THE CHRISTCHURCH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, ILAM

Holiday Programme - 1-4 July, 10.00am-2.00pm daily, 8-14 years, $90.00. Audition, rehearse, act, dance, make props and set, perform all in four days.

also

Community Performing Arts Classes in Drama, Dance, Singing, Musical Theatre, Screen Acting and Performance. Term 3, starts 22 July. For pre-schoolers, school age, teenagers and adults.

Telephone Stephanie or Ross on 343 7780 (x8382) for more details.

"In thy light shall we see light." logo

Psalm 36:9