Kia ora koutou

We’ve been enjoying some sign language activities as part of NZSL week this week, with many fun examples of children getting 'hands-on' and incorporating elements into their day-to-day learning.

Next week brings Pasifika Languages Week, exploring the rich heritage of this diverse family of languages in celebration of the many valued cultures that contribute so much to the identity and diversity of Aotearoa.

On the Policy front, the government recently launched a new ‘Parent Portal’, which contains information on the Curriculum that may be of interest.

As I have mentioned previously, the curriculum changes and initiatives that have been launched in recent years have not actually radically changed our approach, procedures or policies as a school. In fact, many of the changes align well with our existing practice and track record of achieving successful outcomes for learners here at MENPS.

One important caveat to be aware of in all of this, however, is that the material provided in the portal is based on an underlying assumption that children are all taught the same thing each year. In reality, you don’t need to be a qualified educator to know that this is a generalisation (at best), and a gross oversimplification (at worst) as effective teaching and learning must always pay close attention to the varying needs of children at every year level.

This means that you can be assured that we continue to aim high for all students, supporting learners with specific needs and offering an appropriate degree of challenge for those with particular strengths rather than ‘teaching to the middle’. The fact is that schools don’t function effectively with an industrial mindset, and children are (thankfully) far more complicated than products that can be predictably assembled on an educational production line.

Nonetheless, the new portal offers a comprehensive overview of content and progression through the New Zealand Curriculum, complementing the goals, reports and conferences that we use to update you over time on your child’s progress and achievement against our curriculum-based year level indicators. This may offer some useful insights into the overall direction and detail of current curriculum initiatives (particularly around the teaching of phonics as an integral part of literacy programmes), so please see the link below for further information.

Finally, a comment on social media in light of the recently-announced bill seeking to restrict social media use to 16 years and over, as implemented in some countries overseas.

Whatever the political and logistical questions around such a move, as a school, our position continues to be that primary-aged child should not have any social media accounts, which are currently restricted to 13 years and above (and also blocked by default at our school).

As an educational leader, I strongly support any move to extend this further to help insulate children and young people from a world of social media that can be of genuine concern for many parents.

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson, Principal

Monday 12th May - Friday 16th May:

• Pasifika Language Week

Monday 12th May:

• Year 4 Corbans Estate Visit - Rooms 33 & 36

Wednesday 14th May:

• Mid Term 2 New Entrant Cohort Visit 1 - 9:00am - 10:00am
• Second Hand Uniform Shop Open - 8:15am - 9:15am

Your child will bring home a 'how to order' instruction card with an individual code for you to use to order their school photo. We expect this to go home early next week.

The PTA is excited to invite you to be a vital part of our annual Cultural Festival, which include the thrilling Dragon Boat Festiva this yearl! It's all happening on Saturday, June 7th, from 12pm to 3pm.

This vibrant afternoon celebrates the diverse cultures within our school community, featuring exciting dragon boat races alongside cultural performances, activities, and delicious food. To make this special event a success for our tamariki, we need your wonderful support!

We have a variety of volunteer roles available, both leading up to and on the day. Whether you're passionate about helping with event finance, ensuring smooth activities, keeping things tidy, or cheering on the talent show performers, we have a spot for you!

To see the different ways you can contribute and sign up, please visit this link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yuEWeXnOb5Ncu_U0VQPsywXEJMhtAjehHIlVSEvp68s/edit?usp=sharing Your time and energy will directly help create a fantastic and memorable Cultural Festival for everyone.

If you have any questions or would like to get involeved in the planning, pls feel free to reach out to the event coordinator menpspta@gmail.com.

We truly appreciate your support and look forward to celebrating with you on June 7th.

We will be running a second hand clothing sale in Term 2, with all funds raised going to MENPS. We are accepting donations of good quality, clean kids clothes - you can drop these off to ROOM29 everyday(8:15-9:15am) and also the Second Hand Uniform Shop during opening hours only (see below) Thanks to Mel for coordinating this initiative!

Please ensure all donations are washed and in good condition - kids clothes only please.

Each year the PTA run a Parent Social Fundraiser in Term 3 - it is a lot of fun and a chance to get to know other parents in the school community. Last year we had Beats by Bingo + Auction, previously we have run Casino Night and Quiz Nights. We would love to run another event this year, but we need your help - can you lead a parent social night fundraiser this year? The type of event is open for discussion - would love to hear your ideas. If you are interested, or would like to discuss, please email: menpspta@gmail.com.

Did you know that Stickers on Bags of Yummy Apples are worth 10 Points? Just cut out the sticker and glue it to a blank sheet of paper. If your bag of Yummy Apples doesn’t have a sticker you can cut out and glue the barcode to your blank sheet of paper! Keep Collecting MENPS!

• 8.15 - 9.15am(Wednesday, 14th May)
• 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.

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 April Alsari

Treasurers Paula Tran & Minaxi Chandra

PTA Advisor Chantal Brunner

Communications Get in touch if you are interested!

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here