Middleton Grange Primary School Update

As a staff we are constantly trying to improve our teaching so we can give the children in our care an even “better deal” at Middleton Grange. Last year we focussed on recent research by Professor John Hattie of the University of Auckland. I attended a seminar by Hattie in Christchurch where he spoke about the influence of teacher quality on learning. He analysed thousands of educational studies done over recent years to isolate the most common factors which enhanced learning. I have listed the fourteen most influential factors. The comparative effect they have and who brings about the influence … it makes interesting reading …

Feedback from teacher                        1.13                         Teacher
Student’s cognitive ability                  1.04                         Pupil
Instructional quality
(How well the teacher teaches!)           1.00                        Teacher
Direct Instruction
(Actually teaching hands-on)              0.82                         Teacher
Assisting and giving feedback
(Specific, directed help)                   0.65                         Teacher
Pupil’s will to learn (attitude)           0.61                          Pupil
Class environment
(Conducive to learning?)                   0.56                         Teacher
The challenge of goal setting           0.52                          Teacher
Peer tutoring (having other pupils
In the class teach you)                   0.50                          Teacher
Mastering learning (ensuring
foundational learning is in place
before moving on)                         0.50                            Teacher
Parental involvement                    0.46                             Home
Homework                                   0.43                             Teacher
Teacher style                              0.42                             Teacher
Questioning                                0.41                              Teacher

This list has provided many educators with food for thought. There are four clearly very strong influences in this list to look at first … we have control of over three of them in the school … feedback, instructional quality and direct instruction. These we have focussed on in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

One of them … feedback … also relates to parents. Give your children feedback on what they are learning and what they are doing at school. Take an interest and give a meaningful comment. What can you ask. Try these for starters, perhaps around the tea table … What was the most interesting thing that happened today?

(a) take an active interest

Sometimes it is a challenge during a busy day to be able to do this, however asking questions, giving feedback and challenging kids to achieve (goal-setting) are very important in learning.

John Stackhouse

PLEASE PARTICULARLY NOTE:

Teacher Only Day

Friday 24th March

Please make alternative arrangements for your children on this day.

From Ben Carson's book THINK BIG (a sequel to his first book, Gifted Hands) we can learn a lot...

Ben Carson's story is inspirational (for children from 10 years old) ... a world-renowned black American neuro-surgeon who came from the ghetto. A story of hope, hard work and achievement... Ben Carson's faith leads to him overcoming the odds!

We often have goals in life but we must not forget our ultimate goal, as we are reminded in
Phillipians 3 v 13-14

"...But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on
toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

WE ARE WHAT WE REPEATEDLY DO. EXCELLENCE, THEREFORE IS NOT AN ACT BUT A HABIT.

Recently the Junior Syndicate set out for a day at Sumner Beach. God blessed us with perfect weather - no wind, good cloud cover and yet warm. The children spent much time enjoying God's creation in the rock pools and along the edge of the water. As the tide was low they were able to walk through the cave and build amazing sandcastles/sculptures on the beach.

A picnic lunch was enjoyed at Scarborough before a play in the playground and a swim in the pool. Everyone went home tired but having enjoyed the outing thoroughly.

A big thank you to all the parent helpers who came and made our day so successful.

There has been mention made by a number of parents that their children have lost jerseys and hats etc.over a number of weeks/months and somehow have ended up with articles of clothing which are not their’s. COULD ALL PARENTS PLEASE CHECK THE NAMES ON ALL PIECES OF UNIFORM and return any items which are not your child’s to John Stackhouse or Jan Pelvin. We will then endeavour to return all clothing to their rightful owners.

All are welcome to our prayer group which meets in the main admin block every Wednesday morning before school between 8.30 - 8.45 am and pray until approximately 9.30 am. We meet in the interview room downstairs near Student Services.

We would appreciate it if parents ensure that they do not stop or park at any time over driveways in order to drop off/pick up childlren. This includes the Acacia Avenue school entrance.

The Open Home Foundation urgently needs people to offer respite care (one weekend a month) to a child or young person.We are keen to hear from families or individuals who feel God may be calling them to this important ministry. To find out more of what is involved, please call Gail or Anna-Clare ph 3665977.

There are presently vacancies in our popular holiday programme. Although specializing in gymnastics and trampolining our programme offers a variety of other activities. We offer differing programmes for 2 hours duration to a full time programme 8:30 - 3:30 each day.
For further information ph 338 4566 or Ellen on 021 1744268

The Canterbury Caledonian Society holds classes commencing on 1 April at 9:45 am. We look forward to welcoming many new learners to our Highland Dancing Section. For further information ph 3383515 or 3288694 or 3384721.

The Canterbury Sailing School still have some places available on Wednesday and Thursday for After School Sailing at Lake Rua (which is off John's Road). The course runs between 4pm and 6pm Wednesday or Thursday for 6 weeks. For further information please contact Geoff Wright ph 3288992 or 0272000711. email lyt_sailing@inet.net.nz

(a) take an active interest

(c) listen to the answers to those questions

John Stackhouse