MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

It would be fair to say that running a school is never without a measure of challenge and complexity, but I have to say that these are always far outweighed by the 'perks' of seeing the children experiencing success.

There are few better examples of this than at camp, as with our Year 6's this week, who have been enjoying a range of activities and experiences at Camp Adair in the Hunua ranges. Seeing the sense of community, smiles and camaraderie on display and hearing of so many achievements outside their comfort zone is a true reward.

It's a reminder that success in education is often intertwined with character and social-emotional development. The friendly, polite and positive attitude of MENPS children is something I often hear commented on, which is a credit to the children themselves and also something to be proud of, both as staff and as a parent community. It's also particularly affirming to hear how encouraging the children are towards each other, irrespective of confidence or ability.

So, congratulations and welcome home to all of our campers, with sincere thanks to our hardworking Y6 Teachers Rebecca, Dom, Lucy, Nicole and Martina, Team Leader Anita Gillan, Associate Principal Aone Laufili and all our parent helpers.

To keep you up to date with the curriculum developments you will have been hearing about, we now have a draft copy of the new maths curriculum materials for review, and further advice on how this will work from 2025.

The good news is that a first impression of the material is that it seems well-researched, comprehensive, and in alignment with our current approach, so you can expect much more of an 'evolution' than 'revolution' in our approach to teaching and learning in this subject.

Most importantly, it seems clear that the new model will avoid the fundamental mistake of assuming every child should be taught the same thing at the same time (which would be a huge disservice to children in need of support or extension in developing number sense and understanding of mathematical concepts).

The main concern being raised across the sector at this stage is that with so much change being announced in rapid succession, schools and teachers will need adequate time to properly engage with the materials and professional development that will be required to implement any changes.

We will share more information as the draft material is finalised and there is a clearer picture about what you can expect from next year, but for now we do not anticipate fundamental change.

Maths also happens to have been in the foreground this week during our Maths Week, with the children engaging in a range of fun activities across school - thanks to Ms Edwards and the teachers for helping celebrate all things mathematical.

A great example of authentic enthusiasm for maths in action!

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

Friday 16th August:

• Junior Assembly - 10:00am - 10:30am

Wednesday 21st August:

• Mid Term 3 New Entrant Visit 2 - 9:00am - 10:30am
• PTA Second Hand Uniform Shop Open - 8:15am - 9:15am

Thursday 22nd August:

• Zone Netball - Windmill Road
• ANI Tour - 9:00am - 10:30am

Friday 23rd August:

• PTA Second Hand Uniform Shop Open - 8:15am - 9:15am
• Senior Assembly - 10:00am - 10:30am
• PTA Ice Block Sale - $2 - 3:00pm - 3:30pm

Children must not be at school any earlier than 8.15am, and must be picked up by 3.15pm at the latest.

Do not ask your child to wait on the playground (or anywhere on school grounds) for a late pick-up after 3.15pm, and do not send them back to school after hours to play without parent supervision.

https://www.menpspta.co.nz/bingo

We are so grateful to the very generous local businesses who have donated a range of amazing prizes. We will be highlighting these businesses here over the coming weeks to give you a sneak peek of what you can expect to see in the auction!

Look after your health & wellbeing with amazing prizes from these local legends:

Order forms have been sent home with kids this week for our annual Kids Artwork Fundraiser! Orders are now open and will close on September 2nd.

For all information about this fundraiser and instructions on how to order - please see: https://www.menpspta.co.nz/calendar-art

Thanks to the teachers across the school for encouraging the tamariki to create their masterpieces. And many thanks to Fleur de Vries-Oskamp for coordinating this fundraiser.

For any questions please email menpspta@gmail.com.

This year MENPS has collected more than 4000 stickers. This is 40% of our total from last year and a great result so far. Please bring your full collection sheets to the office or ask your child to give it to their teacher.

Keep collecting MENPS!

• 8.15 - 9.15am
• In the PTA Room: follow signs from Valley Rd gates OR
• Order online by emailing Jane at menpspta@gmail.com.
• Pay via Cash or Bank transfer.
• If you have any uniforms that your child no longer fits/needs then please consider donating to the Uniform Shop. Donations can be dropped off at the office. Thank you!

We'd like to take a moment to thank our incredible PTA co-treasurers - Linda Waddington-Miller & Paula Tran. They're always available to advise and help with our events as well as managing our accounts. We are very lucky to have their skills, time and enthusiasm! Thank you!

Email menpspta@gmail.com I Follow us on Facebook

Refer to the PTA website for information on the various fundraising and community activities

Co-Chairs Pam Clifford & Svantje Reiber

Secretary Chelsea Chen

Treasurer Linda Waddington-Miller & Paula Tran

PTA Advisor Chantal Brunner

Sponsorships Rayni Chung

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here