MENPS News

Kia ora koutou,

As we reach the end of Term 1, I want to end on a note of thanks to everyone for their hard work.

It's been another term in which we didn't know quite what to expect, but - thanks to an exceptional team and community - we have navigated the peak of the outbreak and the changing alert level guidance with great success.

This has enabled us to manage case numbers very effectively, keeping staff and students as safe as possible while getting back to our core business in the classroom. The collective effort is appreciated, and a reflection of everyone's dedication.

This term also marks a farewell to two of our valued staff members.

Nicole Bailey embarks on her maternity leave, and I know everyone will wish her and her family well at this special time, with thanks for seeing her class and her team through another challenging term.

We're delighted to welcome Riya Mangabhai as class teacher for Room 24, and also Meg London, together with our latest new entrant learners. I know both Riya and Meg are looking forward to joining their respective classes with great enthusiasm!

At this time, I can also share news of the retirement of Catherine Stichbury-Bean, who many of you will know as a long-standing staff member. Catherine has not only been a uniquely talented and revered educator at our school, but a person whose warmth, wit, artistic talents and professional knowledge have been a tremendous asset to us over the years.

She leaves us with sincere gratitude for the inspirational contribution she has made to so many learners, and there is no doubt that she will be greatly missed. We wish her well, and hope that she will enjoy the well-earned time with family as she takes this important step.

Finally, I'd like to acknowledge the children, who have amazed us once again with their adaptability and resilience. We couldn't have asked for more from them, and seeing them getting back to their in-class learning full time has genuinely made it all worthwhile.

For now, we can look ahead to a well-deserved break and a return next term at 'orange' setting, which will bring further relaxations on gatherings and the use of face-masks at school. Please see below for updated information on how we expect this to work on site.

Until then, enjoy the break, and congratulations once again to all on a job well done!

Ka kite anō au i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

There will be a further relaxation of restrictions at orange level. Those that remain will focus on mitigating widespread indoor transmission and higher risk transmission scenarios.

The key points at Orange will be:

• a (voluntary) facemask recommendation (all years)
• natural ventilation measures and monitoring
• (possibility of temporary return to facemask requirements in the event of wider community outbreaks)

COVID 19 is known to spread via airborne aerosol transmission. The key mitigating factor to address this is to ensure a consistent air change rate, making adequate ventilation essential.

Controlled studies have shown that:

1. The most effective means of mitigating transmission (other than facemasks) in classrooms is natural ventilation of spaces, particularly where cross-ventilation can be achieved (as in almost all of our rooms)
2. Natural (cross) ventilation is the ideal for achieving the required air change rate (air purifiers are more effective in windowless rooms, or rooms that do not have opening windows)
3. In colder weather, efficiency of cross-ventilated airflow actually improves (due to temperature/pressure differential), meaning that when windows are kept open just a little, adequate ventilation and airflow can still be maintained (even if this means that our heating systems may have to be run slightly longer than usual on some days)
4. Opening windows to 'refresh' spaces during break times further mitigates risk by maximising air change rate on a regular basis
   

For classroom spaces that cannot achieve natural cross-ventilation due to the layout and arrangement of the room, CO2 monitoring and air purifiers will be utilised to achieve the required air change rate through the school day.

This Mother's Day (Sunday May 8th) the PTA are running a promotion in partnership with Salt and Oil - a kiwi company that specialise in Natural Bath Soaks, Magnesium Oils & Gifts.

The offer runs until this Friday - April 15th

Please don't forget - in your cart you MUST add code CANOPY to be counted towards the fundraising total.

Bath soaks are not just for granny! The NZ men’s rugby team use the SO:Active blend to help with muscle recovery after matches. This is a great one to support the sporty people in your life.

If you don’t have a bath but would still like to support our fundraiser, why not try a Magnesium Oil spray? Both oils are a great way to boost your magnesium levels. Simply spray onto your skin and rub it in. Great for easing your muscles after a workout.

3pm Thursday 14 April

Top courts - $1 cash

Many thanks to Anjana Rathod for taking over the ice block sales role in 2022 - to source ice blocks and pull together a team of parent helpers.

A fun way to focus on spelling & fundraise for the school!

This week spelling lists and sponsorship forms have been sent home, also available here in case any list gets lost! If you have concerns about the spelling list chosen for your child, please discuss an alternative list with your child’s teacher.

Over the coming 4 weeks we ask that you help your child learn to spell their words and encourage them to seek sponsorship from friends and family for their spelling efforts. The amount pledged per word spelt correctly is up to the sponsor.

Magic Spells is intended to be a fun challenge for the kids - a chance to improve their spelling whilst also raising funds for the school. We encourage kids to give it a go and appreciate your support.

Key dates

• Thursday 12 May – Magic Spells challenge in class
• Friday 27 May – Money collected and returned to school (see above for detail)
  

Upcoming dates

• Friday 6th May
• 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.

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

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

Playing chess develops self-confidence, concentration and problem-solving skills. We are really pleased to restart the Chess Coaching Programme at our school and look forward to bringing the excitement, competition and educational benefits of chess to our children.

Why Chess?

* Improve concentration and focus

* Develop important life skills – fair play and decision making

* Tactical & Strategic thinking

* Prepare for Chess Tournaments against other schools

* Develop a love of chess, of learning and of thinking

What happens in a Chess Power Coaching Programme?

Each session starts with a formal lesson; all players will learn a new strategy, idea or skill each week. Then they put those skills into practice with activities and games. All games are monitored and supervised by the coach who provides individual feedback along the way. Throughout the programme, we reward kids that do well and encourage and support kids that are struggling. At completion of the programme we recognise each child with a certificate based on their performance.

Q Where can I learn more?A Visit our website www.chesspower.co.nz and click Parents Centre.

CLASS DETAILS

This is a 9-week chess coaching program running on Mondays from 2 May 2022 until 4 July 2022 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. The fee will be $160/student for the term.

The sessions will be held in the hall.

REGISTRATION

If your child would like to be part of this please visit our website. Both registration and payment can be done online.

www.chesspower.co.nz/class-registration