MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II has been a moment of reflection on the relationship, influence and enduring connection New Zealand has had for 70 years with a Head of State and figure of great historical significance for the country we live in today.

New Zealand has changed a great deal in that time, but the passing of the sovereign and proclamation of King Charles III are similarly historic occasions, to be marked by Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day on Monday, 26th of September. As a Public Holiday, School will be closed on this day.

Despite these solemn events, there has also been cause for celebration with the Moon Festival here at school, when we were fortunate enough to have a number of parents involved with cultural and food-related activities that I know were very much appreciated by the children.

Last (but by no means least), this week we have also been immersed in Te Wiki o te Reo Māori/Maori Language Week, bringing a chance for all New Zealanders to celebrate and learn about the language that is an integral part of our unique identity in Aotearoa, and to the cultural competence of all our tamariki.

It's a reminder of the central role that Te Reo plays in the bi-cultural heritage of our country, but it's also important to emphasise the essential role of Te Reo in the classroom at all times of the year as an invaluable part of life and learning for all ākonga/learners in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Finally, sincere thanks to those who have volunteered to assist the PTA with preparations for the Food and Fun Fair this year. I know this is very much appreciated by the organising committee.

There are still, however, roles to be filled (including the essential role of an overall liaison/coordinator, so if you have strengths in communications, we need you!). Please take a moment to consider the vacancies that are not yet filled (see below) so we can ensure we can make this an event to remember.

Activities that don't have a coordinator at this late stage are unlikely to proceed, so now is the time to get involved if you can help in any way. Contact the PTA now to be part of this worthwhile and fun event in support of our school.

Drop-off this Sunday!

Ka kite anō i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

Monday, 26 September: Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day Public Holiday (School closed)

Wednesday, 28 September: Y5 Production

Thursday, 29 September: Y6 Production (ticketing details will be emailed for both shows)

Friday, 30 September: Last Day of Term (3pm finish)

We have noticed an increase in illegal parking on yellow lines, in neighbours' driveways, at the corner of road junctions, in school entrances/exits (and even cars reversing down the pool driveway at pick-up time, which is extremely dangerous).

We understand pick-up can be challenging and frustrating at peak times (especially when it is raining), but illegal and inconsiderate parking from a small minority only makes the problem worse and can be a serious safety risk for children at busy times of the day.

If a (legal) park is not available, the only option is to park further away and walk to school, or pre-arrange a convenient meeting spot further from school with your child.

While the vast majority follow the road rules, they only work if they apply to everyone at all times (yes, even if the weather is bad, you're running late or you will 'only be a few minutes'...) - there can be no exceptions and no justification for illegal, unsafe parking for any reason!

We need help with a few key roles - this is to help with stalls on the day and in the lead up to the event on November 13th.

We are still looking for help – without you we can’t do it!

Fun coordinator
Our exiting Fun coordinator is still helping us from Wellington! We really need someone to step in and be a central contact for all of the Fun coordinators.

All coordinators will be connected with ones from previous years so this role is to ensure people are connected and have the right information. You might not have all the answers but you will be connected with everyone who does. - Not required but if you've been to the fair before this role will be very easy.

Help running the fun activities

On the day we will have lots of help to run all of the stalls in shifts, but in the lead up to the event we need to ensure each stall has everything ready to go. Fortunately we have run almost all of these activities before - so we have lots of experience to share from fair helpers that have moved on.

1. Jousting bouncy castle
   A new inflatable that will definitely prove popular. You will only need to manage the queue at the entrance and display the price. You will have several helpers during the day to collect money.
   
   
2. Face Painting
   Coordinate the helpers before the fair, setting up the stall with equipment. You will be connected with experience coordinators that have run this fun stall in previous years and have learnt some tips for a successful and popular stall.
   
   
3. Performance tent - various acts
   The new and improved performance tent this year needs someone to schedule performance times with various dance/sport companies that have expressed interest in performing on the day.

Please email us at menpspta@gmail.com for more information.

This is our last big weekend collection before the fair! We’d welcome all quality items as detailed below. Please consider whether you would be happy to pay about $5 for it, and use the clothing bin outside the school gates for anything ripped or stained.

Simply drive in the MENPS staff car park and onto the Top Courts to drop off any of the following:

• 📚 Books - to Room 27
  

• 👗 Clothing - to Room 27. Washed please No underwear or men's clothing/shoes accepted. For designer items, please email menpspta@gmail.com so we can store these carefully - thank you!
• 🪀 Toys - to Room 26. No soft toys accepted.
• 🐘 Jumble Sale - to Room 26. This means anything else - except electrical items that plug that lack a current ‘safety tag’.
• 🎁 Sandpit dig prizes - to Room 26. Please hunt through your present cupboard for any new, unopened, unwanted gifts we could give away as prizes in our popular sandpit dig!
  

If you can’t make it on Sunday, donations may be dropped off outside the classrooms above on any WEEKDAY during the school term.
Many thanks in advance for your incredibly generous support of our school community,
The PTA Second-hand Stall teams.

We reach literally thousands of people during our school fair, and we'd like you: our community, and all your friends, family, and favourite local businesses, to be involved! We have a week of events planned - including an online auction, and special access to designer clothing at our ‘First into the Fair’ night!

Perhaps you know someone who could offer an experience other families would enjoy, or a great deal on local products? We can offer advertising, or other support, in exchange for goods, services, or extra helping hands on Fair day! Please email us at menpspta@gmail.com.

Thank you so much to those who have already contacted us - we look forward to sharing these exciting opportunities with everyone soon!

We are looking for donated goods or services that can be included in our online auction - a key part of our 2022 Food & Fun Fair.

Please use this form to submit your auction item.

Last year over 16,000 stickers were collected! The current submissions total is 7,530 - so please remember to save your apple stickers as we are only half way to meet last years number!

If you buy your Yummy apples by the bag please note there are sometimes square cut-out labels that say 'Cut out Label' and these count as 10 stickers, or you can cut out the barcode and stick that on, or both! There is a separate sheet for cut-out labels but a blank piece of paper will work just as well.

The last day to collect stickers is September 27th so we have only 2 more weeks to collect.

For more information this sports equipment promotion is available on the PTA website.

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.

Support our school by eating a delicious Roast at The Bridgman.

Seems too easy but $10 of every kids meal goes directly to our school funds. All you need to do is book your table and put MENPS into the ‘requests’ box and they will donate the profits of your kids meals back to the school.

Easy right?
Just book here - The Bridgman | Corner of Dominion & Valley Roads | Carefully curated food, drinks & cocktails.

Mike Robson from Ray White Mt Eden 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