Kia ora koutou,

So far, our planning and ongoing focus on prevention and mitigation has helped us to stay one step ahead of the outbreak.

If there's one lesson we've learned during COVID, it's to avoid making rash predictions, but - so far - we have been fortunate enough to experience low case numbers relative to other Auckland schools. This has allowed for continuity of learning and high attendance rates, which we are committed to maintaining.

One thing that has been particularly helpful in this regard has been parents testing their children when a case is notified.

Over the next couple of weeks (with community cases expected to remain high), this will continue to be invaluable in limiting forward transmission, so please test as a precaution if you receive a notification.

You may have heard the government announcement of RAT tests being supplied to schools, which is a very welcome step, although we are still awaiting clarification to confirm if these will be distributed widely to all schools or initially prioritised for those most in need.

Fortunately, our contingency plans for Term 1 included sourcing our own supply of tests, so these have already been made available to staff and parents who may need them. If you do require a test for your child at any stage, please email: covidadmin@mteden.school.nz and we will be happy to help.

Seeing parents return to school grounds has given a definite sense of a silver lining on the horizon.

The only down side is the return of a few unwelcome parking issues, so please be reminded that cars must not be parked in our drop-off zones (you must remain in your vehicle - no exceptions).

Similarly, parking on the yellow lines (even when in a hurry or 'just for a minute') is not only a traffic offence, but creates serious hazards for vehicles and children at busy times. We will be taking number plates and reporting these for tickets to be issued, so please find a space further away if one is not available and walk part of the way, or arrange an alternative meeting spot.

Please also note that we are reminding the children that they may only cross roads using the designated crossings, so it is important to model this behaviour when dropping off or picking up - if you take them across the road with you, they are more likely to do this themselves when you are not there, which is extremely dangerous.

See below for a related consultation from Auckland Transport, seeking feedback on new speed restrictions around school. The Board strongly supports this initiative, so adding your voice to the process would be appreciated.

Finally, next Friday (25th) is a non-uniform day, with a gold coin donation for families and children in Ukraine, so please help us support this important cause.

Ka kite anō au i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

• Tues 22 March: Y3 Maungawhau walk
• Friday, 25 March: Kākahu Kāinga | Home Clothes Day - Gold Coin Donation

We have been diving into the undersea world of the Hauraki Gulf and the Waitematā Harbour.

As part of our 'Marine Ecosystem' topic, we have been looking at the biodiversity of all living things and how each one of these living things plays an integral role in maintaining balance within this ecosystem. We know this as the marine food web.

Each of our classes has been fortunate to explore this beautiful reserve over the past 2 weeks onboard a catamaran. John Charteris - a Natural Science advisor has been facilitating these trips and it sounds like many of our Year 4 learners are keen to become marine biologists!

Great news! With parents allowed onsite again, the Secondhand Uniform Shop will be open when the new term 2 cohort visits MENPS.

Where: Top courts near the School Hall
When: Wednesday 6th April, 8.15 - 9.15am

• Wear a mask
  
• QR Code sign in and social distancing apply
• Cash is appreciated, but bank transfers are possible too.
  

Donations needed

Uniforms can be dropped off at the school office by individuals during school hours - adults must wear a mask, scan in and only remain onsite for the drop off to the office.

Save the date for the next PTA meeting - Tuesday April 5th, 7pm.

At the PTA’s AGM Meeting accounts are approved, a report on PTA 2021 is summarised, and fundraising goals are confirmed for 2022.

We will also officially vote in our new committee members.

If you would like to attend but can't come in person please RSVP for a Google Meets link.

Every year during Terms 2 and 3 the Yummy Fruit Company run a sticker promotion for North Island primary and intermediate schools. Schools collect stickers and cut out labels from Yummy apples and at the end of the promotion these are redeemed for a share of the $200,000 of DG Sports sports equipment.

2022 was our best year yet (even with lockdown), we were able to swap 16,426 Yummy stickers for $2218 worth of sports gear. This equipment arrived in February and Mr McMahon has put it in the PE shed and given each Junior year group a set of equipment to use for fitness and PE sessions.

We are asking MENPS families that purchase Yummy apples from supermarkets and fruit shops to collect the stickers and labels year round. A copy of the collection sheets was sent home with students last week. More details about this campaign can be found here http://menpspta.co.nz/yummy-apples/

Flexible hours (mostly Term 4), with all equipment and lots of people power provided!

We receive amazing donations from our generous community and need someone to help us to pull them all together with style - and bring a buzz to this ‘Pop Up Shop’.

Please email us at menpspta@gmail.com if you can help!

We are hoping to run an auction at our MENPS Quiz Night and are looking for someone to help organize the auction. No prior experience required. This is likely to be a role that's needed once or twice a year - we have some great existing community relationships to draw on.

Huge thanks to the many parents and caregivers that have taken on new roles within the PTA team.

Many thanks to all who turned up on Sunday to donate quality items for our various second hand stalls. Also thanks to the PTA members and friends for helping.

Chairperson Aimee Chikunda

Deputy Chairperson Pam Clifford

Secretary Jane Cunningham

Treasurer Linda Waddington-Miller / Diem Vo

Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner

PTA Advisor Scott Optican

Email menpspta@gmail.com | PTA website

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

Understanding how important fundraising activities are for schools, Mike and Sarah Robson are delighted to be able to support the local primary school. Residents of Mt Eden for 25 years, they know and love all the neighbourhood and community offers and their two children are both past pupils of MENPS. In 2021 they became the Principal Sponsor of MENPS, supporting the school in its biggest fundraising event, the annual Food & Fun Fair and this support extends to other school fundraising activities.

Are you thinking about buying or selling?
As part of their sponsorship of MENPS, Team Mike Robson donates $1000 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.
www.mikerobson.co.nz