MENPS News

Kia ora koutou,

This week, we mark NZ Sign Language Week, raising awareness of one of NZ's official languages and encouraging everyone to have a go, in line with this year's theme - "NZSL is Essential".

It is also Road Safety Week, so please help acknowledge our hardworking Road Patrollers and parent volunteers - along with those involved with the Walking School Bus initiative - by passing on a word of thanks if you get the opportunity.

It's a great reminder that walking, biking or scootering to school is strongly encouraged where possible to help reduce congestion, promote sustainability and foster independence, even for younger children.

Last (but by no means least...), it's also time for the PTA's 'Magic Spells' fundraiser, with the children choosing a level of challenge that is right for them and seeing how many words they can learn from the list.

While optional, this is always a popular event and this year we have introduced a new self-paced option for any children who wish to participate but who may need a little more time to show what they can do.

I'd like to thank the PTA and Associate Principal Hilary Edwards for their work coordinating this key fundraising event, along with all those who have got involved in support of our school.

Ka kite anō au i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

Thurs 12 May: Magic Spells Testing begins

Wed 18 May: BOT Meeting - (Staffroom, 6.00-9.30pm)

Tues 24 May: Zone Football (Western Springs Turf)

“Signs out!…”

This week, we celebrated New Zealand Road Safety Week. The theme for this week is recognising and acknowledging our Road Safety Heroes.

At school, some of these people are our wonderful Year 6 road patrol monitors. As monitors, their job is to help people cross the road safely at road crossings without any harm. This includes being out on the crossing on Valley and Sherbourne Road in the morning and afternoon (rain or shine!) helping people cross the road. You can easily spot them in their bright orange vests holding the road patrol signs (lollipops). The reason they use bright orange vests and signs is so cars can see them easily and know when to stop.

This week, we show our appreciation to them and the very important job they have at school. Next time you see them at the crossing, make sure you show your appreciation to them too!

“Signs in!…”

By Gemma Kivell, Liam Jarrold, Charlotte Keiller, India Cearns and Lucy Craig (Room 3)

It's Magic Spells time!!

'Magic Spells' written challenges will be held in class from today. Please note that some classes have opted to extend the date of their Magic Spells testing, but all tests will be completed in class by Friday 20 May.

Following their test, students will be awarded a certificate and can then collect funds from their sponsors - all of which go towards developing outdoor projects at MENPS. We have also extended the date for the return of pledge money to Thursday 2 June.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR SPELLING WIZARDS!!

Updated key dates

• Magic Spells challenge in class
  Thursday 12 May - Friday 20 May
  
  
• Pledge money collected and returned to school
  extended to Thursday 2 June
  

Copies of the spelling lists can be found on the MENPS website here https://www.mteden.school.nz/magicspells.

We need help filling an outstanding role for Kindo admin - this person will help set up and manage events in Kindo, an easy to use school payment portal. If you sit at a computer every day for work you will likely have the skills for this.

Kindo is a portal used for only a few key events every year including the Parent Quiz night (on sale end of Term 2) and the Halloween disco (on sale early October).

Please email us at menpspta@gmail.com if you have some time you can offer to contribute to our fundraising activity.

Thanks to those that attended the PTA meeting on Tuesday this week. We discussed recent activity including how the Term 2 mihi whakatau went, performance of the uniform shop and ice block sales, magic spells activity, Matariki, Quiz night (Saturday August 13), Food & Fun Fair (Sunday November 13), possible/previous Art events, calendar art (this term) and the possibility of showcase/production events later this year.

The PTA meeting was run online using Google meets and runs for just 1 hour - for parents wondering what is covered during this meeting, an online meeting is a great introduction.

Upcoming dates

• Wednesday 25th May
• Friday 10th June

• Friday 1st July

Donations needed

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

We have a shortage of shorts and skorts size 10 and up - so please review your children(s) wardrobe as we head into winter to see if there is anything ready to donate. It is always greatly appreciated!

Chairperson Aimee Chikunda

Deputy Chairperson Pam Clifford

Secretary Jane Cunningham

Treasurer Diem Vo

Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner

PTA Advisor Scott Optican

Full team listed here

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.

Mike Robson from Ray White Damerell Group is a leading agent in Mt Eden and surrounding areas . In 2021 Team Mike Robson became the Principal Sponsor of MENPS, supporting the school in its 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