MENPS News
Te Whare Akoranga o Maungawhau, Nov 2, 2023
Teacher Only Day Monday, 13 November
From The Principal
Kia ora koutou
Halloween Disco
While I didn't get to see it firsthand due to a Principals Council meeting in Wellington, I did receive updates and photos of the fun at the PTA Halloween Disco, and there can certainly be no doubt that the children made the most of the occasion!
Sincere thanks once again on behalf of the staff, parents and students to our PTA organisers, who pulled out all the stops to make this another memorable social event for the children.
Science Week
A picture speaks a thousand words, so see below for some examples of the exciting investigations and activities we've been enjoying during our Science Week, with thanks to our Science Curriculum Team, teaching staff and also Amanda & Viv in the library, all of whom have gone above and beyond to foreground science this week.
Our school has a long tradition of scientific investigation as a bedrock not only for essential knowledge, but also the lifelong inquiry and critical thinking skills that lie at the heart of our curriculum, so it has been great to have an opportunity to promote so many hands-on scientific concepts across the school.
Tomorrow, years 3-6 get to round the week off with a visit from the team at 'Nanogirl', which promises to be as entertaining as it will be informative.
As you can see, science continues to thrive at MENPS, driven by the curiosity of the students and the skill of our outstanding teachers!
Teacher Only Day Monday, 13 November - School Closed
Finally, a reminder that Monday, 13 November is our scheduled Teacher Only Day. This date was set for schools by the Ministry or Education for the implementation of the 'refreshed' curriculum materials that are currently in various phases of implementation.
The refreshed curriculum aspires to support every ฤkonga (learner) to experience success in their learning, give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in an inclusive way, and add clarity around the key learning areas that matter from year 0 to year 13.
The content is in the process of being developed and released in phases, with schools expected to start using the fully refreshed curriculum by the beginning of 2027.
With post-election changes signalled on the horizon that may have further significant implications for curriculum in the near future, it's a timely example of why the de-politicisation of education and a long-term, bi-partisan strategy is something that educational leaders continue to call for across the country.
Ka kite anรต i a koutou
Alan Jackson
Principal
Events & Reminders
Monday 6th November: Diwali Celebrations
Tuesday 7th November: Zone Softball (Keith Hay Park)
Wednesday 8th November: New Entrant Cohort Visit 2 (9:00am - 10:30am), Second Hand Uniform shop open (8:30am - 9:30am - PTA Room by Valley Rd gate)
(Thursday 9th November: Save day for Zone Softball)
Friday 10th November: Second Hand Uniform shop open (8:30am - 9:30am - PTA Room by Valley Rd gate), PTA Iceblock Sales $2 (3pm - 3:30pm)
PTA News
Thank you for such a fun Halloween Disco!
A huge thank you to Grace, Rayni, Mel and team for your hard work organising the incredible Halloween Disco! Thank you also to all of the parents who volunteered on the day to assist with decorating, cleaning and running the discos - we couldn't do it without your support. A special thanks to Scott for hanging ghosts from the rafters of the hall (for the past 7 years!). And big shout out to SkIDs staff and teachers who attended and helped supervise. The kids all had a great time - the costumes and the dance moves were awesome!
Congratulations to the winners of the pumpkin coloring competition - we had so many amazing entries, it was tough to judge!! But the winners are: Esteban (Rm 16), Kushagra (Rm 17), Om (Rm 22), Pearl (24), Louie (Rm 31), Aleekah (Rm 31), Rafaela (Rm 33), Bao (Rm 33), Josephine (Rm 6), Jessica (Rm 7), Ryan (Rm 4), Mabel (Rm 2).
Second hand uniform shop open Wednesday 8th!
Wednesday 8th November 8.15 - 9.15am
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.
A huge shout out to Jane for her tireless energy organising and running the second hand uniform shop in 2023, thank you Jane!!
Save the Date - PTA end of year Picnic
Tuesday 28 November, 5-7pm, on the school field.
Bring a picnic dinner for the whole family, and join other families to celebrate another successful school year! All welcome!
PTA - Supporting our school through fundraising & fun events
Co-Chairpersons Pam Clifford & Rosemary Li
Secretary Chelsea Chen
Treasurer Linda Waddington-Miller & Paula Tran
Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner
Advisor/Coordinator Melanie Woollard
Sponsorships Rayni Chung
Communications Sarah Eason
PTA Advisor Scott Optican
School Representative Hilary Edwards
Email menpspta@gmail.com | Refer to the PTA website for information on the various fundraising and community activities.
Follow us on Facebook and keep up to date with the PTA on Mount Eden Normal Primary School PTA page.
THANK YOU to RAY WHITE MOUNT EDEN for their generous support for MENPS!