30 June 2005

A school is as strong as its community

Dear Parents,

We have had interviews over the past two weeks.  It’s great to see the home/school partnership in action!  It is very important that the contact between home and school is two way - input from both parties - so that togetther we can aim to do the best we can for each child at Middleton Grange.  An integral part of that feedback is the profile … a folder of assessments and work samples gathered by your child’s teacher to monitor their progress and development.

Assessment is quite comprehensive and on-going.  The assessment we undertake has as its primary aim to enhance children’s learning.  If we lose sight of this fact we have to question why we are assessing at all.  As Head of Primary School I am also very interested in collecting data across the school to monitor general trends and pick out whole-school strengths and weaknesses.  This gives me insights into where we are heading in our teaching and whether we are addressing general needs, etc.  This, to me, is a very interesting exercise … but it is time-consuming.  The results of this ‘across-school assessment’ are reported to the Board of Trustees as part of the Primary School reporting process.

Regarding profiles, a number of parents have taken these home to peruse in more depth.  Please remember to return them to school as they are an on-going ‘living’ assessment document for as long as your child is in the Primary School.  You may ask to see your child’s profile at any time during the year, but please give your child’s teacher some warning (a few days) before you pick the profile up.

All teachers have commented on the very positive interviews they have had.  They have appreciated the insight and knowledge you have shared about your child.  We have also appreciated the positive comments you have made about staff and the Primary School.  Many of these comments have also come through the recent survey.  I am analysing the results of the surveys and will give you feedback soon through next term’s Primary Updates.

We now have a tired Primary School staff looking forward to the July holidays … just one week to go!  Lots going on next term though, so no doubt we’ll by kept very busy!

John Stackhouse, Head of Primary School

Snails like eating lettuce and they live in the garden.  They look like a slug except they have a shell on their back.

by Esther, Rm 2

I saw a snail in the garden.  He ate all my plants and my food plants.  He has a shell on his back and he’s slimy.  He has two sorts of feelers, they are big and little.  His mouth is like a cheese grater!

by Angus, Rm 2

We have been learning about snails.  They live in damp, dark places.  I have  heaps of snails in my garden, they are in a bush.  I have baby snails.  We had them in our room, Mrs Gudsell brought them to school.  They are brown, they eat cabbage, and they have a foot, it is green.  We watched the snails.

by Gemma, Rm 2

I saw a big snail.  I saw it’s air hole by it’s shell.  The big feelers have eyes on them.  The colour of the shell is brown.

by Sophie V, Rm 2  

  MGS Community Education

MGS Community Education is offering a few courses at school from 3.30-4.30pm at various times during the week.  We presently offer a Drama workshop, Hip Hop dance, and intend offering Aerobics next.  We would however, appreciate feedback and ideas for courses which you think would benefit your child.  All ideas to Brett Fleming (phone 348 9826 ext.732 or brett@middleton.school.nz).

The GAIN Family Programme

An interactive programme that supports parents and teenagers (12-16 years) to build healthy, respectful relationships.  Held for five Tuesdays between 23 August and 20 September, 7.00-9.15pm at the MGS Secondary Library.  Cost $25.00 per family.  Further information and registration forms are available from Brett Fleming (phone 348 9826 ext.732 or brett@middleton.school.nz).

Congratulations

Shannon B (R13) who gained Merit in Grade 2 violin ABRSM exam.  Shannon also came first in Level 1 at the Otago Rhythmic Gymnastics competition held in Dunedin last weekend.

Lost

Sports gear in a home-made dinosaur-patterned sports bag.  If you have seen this please return to Hamish Dow (Rm9).

 

 

Presbyterian Support Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren?  Would you like to get to know other grandparents raising grandchildren and gain helpful information?  Then this group is for you!  We run five groups in Christchurch.  To find you nearest group phone Norma (363 8219).

Open Home A Christian Child/Family Support Service that seeks to provide respite and foster care for children between 0-15 years.  We are seeking families who could provide one weekend a month to have a child stay in their home.  We offer training, prayer support and social work support and opportunity to meet with other foster families.  Enquiries phone Anna, Clare or Gail on 366 5977.

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

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