MENPS News
Te Whare Akoranga o Maungawhau, Nov 23, 2023
From The Principal
Kia ora koutou
Dogs on the School Site
We have recently had an incident reported of a child being intimidated by a (leashed) dog outside the school gate, so an important reminder that dogs are not allowed on the school grounds (including after hours). We also request that any dogs brought to school at drop-off and pick-up times are supervised and kept well away from entry points.
As you'll appreciate, even the friendliest pets can act unpredictably, and some children are not comfortable having to walk directly past them when entering or leaving school. Many thanks for your support with this as the safety and welfare of children must come first.
School Communications App and Reports
Next week, you will receive important information about our new app ("HERO"), which will be the portal for your child's end of year Progress & Achievement Report.
Instructions on how to set this up will be emailed to you with everything you need to know.
We will begin trialling a more comprehensive move to the platform, transitioning and consolidating other school communications and information about your child onto the app moving forward.
Please look out for further information coming soon on this initiative, which we hope will be an easier, more streamlined system for busy parents - especially those with multiple children at the school.
End of Year Schedule
With the end of term on the horizon, please take a moment to check the reminders below for everything you need to be aware of for the last few weeks of school, which can get particularly busy at what can be a hectic time of year for many.
I'd particularly like to draw your attention to a Student Council Charity Drive tomorrow, for which groceries and toiletries are requested if you are able to make a donation - admittedly a quick turnaround, but please see below for further details on how to support this.
Central Auckland Specialist School 2024
In the last Board newsletter, we shared information about possible future collaboration with Central Auckland Specialist School, with a Ministry proposal to establish a 'satellite class' for children with specific learning needs.
As a Board and as a staff, we believe this is a project that would add huge value to our school and our community, most importantly by enabling local children to attend MENPS who may previously not have been able to (due to accessibility issues and/or lower mainstream staffing ratios).
Next year, we anticipate welcoming a small number of CASS learners to MENPS (along with a specialist teacher and teacher aides), using existing empty classroom space.
Future plans (2025) will also be considered at a later date by the Board for interior teaching space redevelopment and modifications to existing parking/drop-off capacity, enabling the possibility for a future permanent unit to be established (to a maximum of around 9 students) in a dedicated, purpose-designed space.
The project will not negatively impact on any existing playgrounds or equipment around the school, and no new buildings would be added. the board will share further information on any developments as this progresses.
Inclusion and accommodating learners of all needs has long been a strength here at MENPS, as we see embedded in our Touchstones. We also know that our staff, children and the wider community will be as accepting and welcoming as always next year to guest CASS colleagues and tamariki.
Ka kite anõ i a koutou
Alan Jackson
Principal
Events & Reminders
Friday 24th November: Second Hand Uniform shop open (8:15am - 9:15am - PTA Room by Valley Rd gate)
Monday 27th November: Year 6 Camp Parent Helper Meeting (6:00pm - 7:00pm)
Tuesday 28th November: Zone Athletics Day - Margaret Griffin Park, PTA End of Year Family Picnic (5:00pm - 8:00pm School Field)
Thursday 30th November: Zone Athletics Save Day
Monday 4th December - Friday 8th December: Year 6 Tui Ridge Camp
Wednesday 6th December: Year 0-2 Athletics (all day MENPS field)(save day Fri 8th Dec), School Board Meeting (6:00pm - 9:00pm Staffroom)
Monday 11th December: Reports and Class Placements emailed home
Tuesday 12th December: Sports Assembly (2:30pm - 3:00pm)
Wednesday 13th December: Year 6 Graduation (2:00pm - 3:00pm Hall) Year 6 Graduation Disco (6:00pm - 8:00pm Hall)
Friday 15th December: Final School Assembly (12:30pm - 1:00pm Hall) Last Day - Early Finish 1:00pm
PTA News
Final two Uniform Shop days for 2024!
THIS Friday 24th November and Friday 8th December
- 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.
Leaving MENPS ?
Please consider putting your old uniforms into the donation box outside the main office to be sold in 2024! Plus, there's a non-uniform day on the last day of school, Friday 15th December, to make it even easier! Many thanks for your support.
A huge shout out to Jane for her tireless energy organising and running the second hand uniform shop in 2023, thank you Jane!!
PTA END OF YEAR PICNIC
Tuesday 28 November, 5-7pm, on the school field
Bring a picnic blanket and dinner for the whole family, and join other families to celebrate another successful school year! All welcome!
- BYO picnic
- Ice blocks and soft drinks will be available to buy - cash only
- If we need to cancel the picnic due to weather, we will send an email via the school office on Tuesday to let everyone know.
See you there!!
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!