MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

This week, we've been celebrating Book Week, and I'd like to thank our outstanding Library Manager, Amanda, and colleague, Viv, who have been hard at work flying the flag for all things literary around school with a range of engaging displays, events and activities for the children (with a little added help and characteristic artistic flair from Clive!).

I believe one of the genuine strengths of our school (that it can be easy to take for granted) is having such talented and dedicated library staff. When visiting other schools, I am often struck by how under-resourced many school library collections seem to be these days, and I'm proud to say that we continue to be fully committed to investing in the printed word through our library collection here at MENPS.

Our library is the heart of the school, and we're lucky to have Amanda and Viv's irrepressible enthusiasm keeping it beating so strongly!

As we all know, one of the most effective ways we can support our children's learning across the curriculum is through fostering a lifelong love of reading, which is strongly supported by research.

Whatever your child's interests, this week is a reminder that all reading is valuable (whether novels, graphic novels, fiction or non-fiction), and we should continue to work hard to promote this in an age where screens are ever more ubiquitous, particularly for children who may be more reluctant readers. Most importantly, we want reading to be something they do for fun and enjoyment, which can sometimes take a lot of persistent modelling, praise and support, particularly in the early years.

We round off the week with the Book Week Character Parade, which I will sadly miss as COVID finally caught up with me for the first time (although I am pleased to say I am already feeling much better). My thanks to Maria, Hilary, Aone, Martina, Tracey and Sandra, who are holding the fort on the ground as capably as ever.

I'd also like to pass on a word of appreciation to our Sports Coordinator, Karen, who has been diligently refreshing Met Service updates over the past couple of weeks to make the difficult final calls on Athletics events! Even when the days end up brightening later, we do depend on the forecast, and field conditions are also a deciding factor for safety reasons.

Unfortunately, we have had a particularly bad run of luck on this front, leaving us no choice but to cancel Zones again today. I can tell you that nobody is more disappointed than she is, and I'm sure everyone appreciates what a difficult job this is during unpredictable, patchy weather.

On a brighter note, I know Y1/2 Parents will be looking forward to the Showcase performances next week. The children are certainly excited to share their talents, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Ka kite anō i a koutou

Alan Jackson

Principal

Monday 28 November: Year 6 Camp Parent Helpers Information Evening / PTA Meeting (7pm, MENPS Hall)

Wednesday, 30 November: Year 1 Showcase (Hall, 5.30pm)

Thursday, 1 December: Year 2 Showcase (Hall, 5.30pm)

With next year's class placements almost finalised, please ensure you have let us know if there are any placement matters we need to be aware of.

We are not able to accept specific teacher requests, but if there are any other considerations or factors we may not already be aware of, please email: hilarye@mteden.school.nz

(no later than 3pm on Friday, 25 November)

The last meeting for the year is next week - please note the day and location have been updated:

7pm on Monday, November 28th held in the hall.

We will be discussing recent activities and looking ahead to 2023. Please see the full agenda here.

A key discussion point will be to review the PTAs current role structure - we would like to increase the number of team members to reduce the number of hours per role (to help with the busy lives of our volunteers) and to make space for some new enthusiastic volunteers in 2023.

If you are new to the school or perhaps recently helped with the fair and want to continue to be part of the PTA community in the coming year - please join us on Monday night next week to give your feedback or find out what you could take ownership of.

We always encourage parents/caregivers to turn up on the day but to receive a calendar invite/reminder please RSVP your interest to attend to menpspta@gmail.com.

If you are keen to attend but unable to come on site, please email expressing interest in dial in details and we can try to set up a conference call.

They are now in the PTA room: please follow the signs from the bottom gate on Valley Road.

Come and see their new shop next week on Friday 2nd November 8.15 - 9.15am.

A huge thank you to Sally Collins and Emma Pickles for running this excellent community service, and important fundraiser, over the last few years.

Your uniform donations to the school office are always greatly appreciated.

5pm, 16th December, School Field

Bring a picnic blanket, some food and drink, and let the kids play while you catch up with other parents.

Chairperson Aimee Chikunda

Deputy Chairperson Pam Clifford

Secretary Jane Cunningham

Treasurer Diem Vo

Class Coordinator Leader Chantal Brunner
Advisor/Coordinator Melanie Woollard
PTA Advisor Scott Optican
Fair Managers Pam Clifford & Pete Dexter

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here

Email menpspta@gmail.com | Refer to the PTA website for information on the various fundraising and community activities plus info on the upcoming Food & Fun Fair 2022

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

Enter your details to win a helicopter ride courtesy of Ray White Mt Eden. Winner will be drawn and announced in MENPS newsletter on 8 December 2022 . Good luck!

Google Form link: https://forms.gle/VF4q7KLMnCABSoTj9

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.

The Bridgman are also generously running a food stall at the upcoming Food & Fun Fair.