As we wrap up another successful school year, we can look back on so many opportunities for learning, academic & personal growth and richness of experiences our students have benefited from.
While this year has heralded a number of Education Policy changes, the intent at the heart of the NZ Curriculum still remains, as was originally conceptualised back in 2007, to equip and enable children to;
be creative, energetic, and enterprising
seize the opportunities offered by new knowledge and technologies to secure a sustainable social, cultural, economic, and environmental future for our country
work to create an Aotearoa New Zealand in which Māori and Pākehā recognise each other as full Treaty partners, and in which all cultures are valued for the contributions they bring
in their school years, continue to develop the values, knowledge, and competencies that will enable them to live full and satisfying lives
be confident, connected, actively involved, and lifelong learners
As a set of ongoing guiding principles for the education we provide, this is also echoed in our own vision for students who are ‘Wide-eyed and Enthusiastic About Learning’.
For us, this vision is more than just a slogan, underpinning the expectations for engagement, excellence and high standards that we strive for, alongside the shared values embedded in our touchstones.
Achieving this takes a collaborative effort, with teachers, support staff, parents, families and, of course, the children themselves. Collectively, we (and they) can be proud of the hard work that has led to so many accomplishments.
I’d like to finish the year with sincere thanks to the team who make it possible, acknowledging the mahi of our hardworking teachers and support staff.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the much-valued staff we farewell at this time, including Glenys Knox and Fran Mes, with well wishes going to our intrepid adventurers heading overseas, Rose Salama, Ariane Cox and Lucy Gilbert. Nicole Bailey (currently part-time), who has been with MENPS for a number of years (including in leadership roles) will also be relocating out of Auckland this year, with our thanks for her service to our school.
It’s people who make the difference, and they are all members of the team who will be sadly missed, but I have no doubt they will continue to make a positive contribution in all that they do.
A special mention also goes to Brent Beaumont, Y6 Teacher and all round 'resident scientist', who has finally made the decision to embrace what sounds like a very busy retirement!
While he may hopefully return for relieving ‘guest appearances’ from time to time, it falls to me to acknowledge his service to our profession, and the truly remarkable contribution he has made during his teaching career, both here and at other schools. Brent is truly unique, and I know all those children who have benefited from his guidance will share our appreciation for what he has brought to our school.
I am sure you will also extend a warm welcome our new team members for 2025 - Saiantha Gopal (Y1), Olivia Wallace (Y4), Cassie Zhang (Y5) and Sharon van Vollenhoven (Y6).
With a significantly-increased amount of contractual classroom release time for all Primary teachers next year (long overdue relative to Secondary colleagues), I am also pleased to announce that the teaching team will benefit from the addition of two in-house specialist teaching roles from next year - Marc Colenso (Music) and Lucy Matene (Te Reo Māori).
