MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

I want to acknowledge the work of our PTA, who held their AGM on Wednesday evening, and again recognise the contribution of those office holders who move on this year, including Aimee Chikunda (Chairperson), Renata Latimer (former chair and MENPS School Fair support) and Marina Borodatova (Former Deputy Chair, PTA Website and Fair Support). Special mention also goes to Sally Collins and Emma Pickles for overseeing our popular Secondhand Uniform shop!

Even with the disruption of recent years, the team have continued to find ways to support the school and the community, including significant contributions in 2021/22 that have enabled the Board to realise the sports canopy project scheduled for installation this year.

Our local fundraising (comprised largely of Family Contributions and the annual PTA donation) enables us not only to plan 'nice-to-have' projects, but also enable us to continue delivering other less visible aspects of school that may not be as obvious. For example, the Board funds extra teaching staff (meaning low class sizes), in addition to our valued support staff, library facilities and upgrades to the technology used in classrooms.

This matters more than ever in the wake of the replacement of the existing 'Decile' system with what is now called the "EQI Index'. The net result of this has been a further throttle on the government funding for schools such as ours. While we continue to work hard to deliver those things we all know our students need and deserve, it is the support we enjoy from our community that we depend on to fill the ever-widening gap.

So, huge thanks to all those who continue to make the difference and help us meet the shortfall, and I look forward to welcoming our new PTA office holders when this is formally announced.

Finally, you may be aware that we are currently awaiting notification of possible Strike Action for teachers. The reason for this is related to the issues above in that the government pay offer for teachers lags well behind inflation, and also fails to address issues that are important for recruitment and retention in the profession, including a long-standing gap in funding and staffing between Primary (NZEI) and Secondary (PPTA).

This does mean that it's possible that school operations may be disrupted during our scheduled Parent Conferences next Thursday (16 March). In the event the strike is confirmed, we will have no choice but to re-schedule the conferences for that day (including the early finish arrangements), but you can be assured that school will be open on the day whatever the outcome.

We will, of course, email you as soon as the outcome is confirmed, and let you know full details of the plan and contingencies if industrial action occurs.

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

The Ministry of Education has confirmed all primary schools will be holding 2 Curriculum Teacher Only Days in 2023. Please be advised that the first of these is confirmed for:

Monday, 24 April (start of Term 2)

Tuesday 14th March:

• Team 3 - Maungawhau Hikoi (Mt Eden Walk)
• Zones Touch Rugby

Wednesday 15th March:

• Early finish 1:00pm
  
• Parent/Teacher Conferences (2pm - 7pm) Bookings online https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code CODE: cdtdq

Thursday 16th March: NOTE - POSSIBLE STRIKE ACTION Thurs 16th

• Early finish 1:00pm
  
• Parent/Teacher Conferences (2pm - 5:30pm) Bookings online https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code CODE: cdtdq
• Zones Touch Rugby - save day

Many thanks to those that joined and engaged in conversation at the PTA AGM on Wednesday 8th.

Please see here for the AGM report

Minutes and role updates will be shared next week.

Please collect individual stickers from your Yummy Apples to redeem for sports equipment for MENPS! If you buy apples by the bag, please collect the "Cut Out Label" or Barcode from your bag of Yummy Apples (each cut out label is worth 10 apple stickers!).

A copy of the collection sheet has been sent home with students (please check school bags!) or can be downloaded from the Yummy Apple Website www.yummyfruit.co.nz or picked up from the box in the office. Stickers can also be attached to a blank sheet of paper and do not have to be on an official collection sheet.

Completed sheets can be dropped back to your class teacher or the office at any time until the End of Term 3.

These will be redeemed for a share of $200,000 of sports equipment!! Last year MENPS was allocated over $1500 and the children have been using the equipment during both class P. E. lessons and at lunchtime. Thanks for your support!!

Do you like online shopping? Why not Support MENPS PTA by doing your shopping through REWARDHUB and select MENPS PTA as your nominated cause - no hidden costs to you. Make your everyday support your local community.

Follow this link to see how: https://rewardhub.co.nz/fundraising-for-mount-eden-normal-school-pta?q=menps and let’s make a difference together!

Co-Chairpersons Pam Clifford & Rosemary Li

Secretary ~~ vacant ~~
Communications Sarah Eason

Treasurer Linda Waddington-Miller & Paula Tran

Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner
Advisor/Coordinator Melanie Woollard
PTA Advisor Scott Optican

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here

Email menpspta@gmail.com | Refer to the PTA website for information on the various fundraising and community activities.

Follow us on Facebook and keep up to date with the PTA on Mount Eden Normal Primary School PTA page.

Mike Robson from Ray White Mt Eden is a leading agent in Mt Eden and surrounding areas and is proud to support MENPS in the school's fundraising activities including the annual Food & Fun Fair.

Are you thinking about buying or selling?
As part of their sponsorship of MENPS, Team Mike Robson donates $1,000 back to the school for any property sold within the school zone for MENPS families. Feel free to call Mike (021484288) any time you’ve got a real estate query - he’s always happy to have a chat and answer your questions.

Find out more about Team Mike Robson and why they love living and working in Mt Eden.
Website - www.mikerobson.co.nz

Support our school by eating a delicious Roast at The Bridgman.

Seems too easy but $10 of every kids meal goes directly to our school funds. All you need to do is book your table and put MENPS into the ‘requests’ box and they will donate the profits of your kids meals back to the school.

Easy right?
Just book here - The Bridgman | Corner of Dominion & Valley Roads | Carefully curated food, drinks & cocktails.

Please visit our website to see the swimming results. Click on attached link.https://www.mteden.school.nz/sports