I trust the month of May finds you all in good heart as the winter months fast approach us. Winter sports are well underway with our netball teams having their grading games last weekend and the cross country event at Williams Park under a fortnight away.
We are well and truly into the 21st century because we now have EFTPOS installed in the school office to make it easier for parents and the community to pay for activity fees, donations, stationery packs, etc. This means that you now have the option of making payments to the school through your on-line banking, eftpos, cheque or cash. Details for on-line banking can be accessed here through payment details.
PARENT TO DO LIST
Entertainment books returned by Friday.
PARENT INFORMATION - Charter, Annual report etc
NATIONAL STANDARDS AND REPORTING TO PARENTS
As always if you have any queries about your child's learning please check in with the class teacher. Matt Skilton is continuing to update his blog that shares information on how Muritai will meet government expectations with National Standards. We have a lot of interest from others, especially the Ministry of Education, about the path we are taking and it is nice to receive the praise about managing something potentially as tricky as this. This year written reports will be issued on Friday 25 June. Teacher / parent interviews are the following week where portfolios and work samples will guide information sharing about your child's National Standard level and what their next learning step will be.
EASTBOURNE VILLAGE CARNIVAL
SCIENCE IN ACTION AT MURITAILast newsletter I alluded to this term's Inquiry having a science focus leading our contexts of study. An area of interest in the last survey was raised by a few parents wondering about the hands on science in the school. At the moment there is plenty going on and you can clearly see what is happening by visiting class blogs.
Year 7 and 8 parents will be well aware as they help their children prepare for the School and Wellington Science Fair later this year. Some across the school samples include junior school; middle school ; senior school. Of particular interest is seeing what Mrs Ryan is getting up to on her science sabbatical, which by the look of it is a fantastic experience.
MURITAI MANTLE OF THE EXPERT
Dates / Upcoming events
Monday 10 May Home and School AGM
Tuesday 11 May Year 5-6 zone soccer and Year 7-8 at Carter Observatory
Wednesday 12 May Year 7-8 Zone cross-country
Monday 17th May BoT mtg 7.00
Tuesday 18th May Cross-country; Eastbourne Carnival team meeting
Friday 21st May Assembly 1.40
Sat 22/ Sun 23 May Forty Hour Famine
Monday 10 May Home and School AGM
Tuesday 11 May Year 5-6 zone soccer and Year 7-8 at Carter Observatory
Wednesday 12 May Year 7-8 Zone cross-country
Monday 17th May BoT mtg 7.00
Tuesday 18th May Cross-country; Eastbourne Carnival team meeting
Friday 21st May Assembly 1.40
Sat 22/ Sun 23 May Forty Hour Famine
Monday 24th May Young Leaders Day (All year 8 students)
Wednesday 26th Year 4-6 Zone cross country and next newsletter out.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Congratulations to Olivia Paterson, Arini Poutu and Stuart Stock who have been elected to the Board of Trustees. With just 3 nominations there was no need for an election. Olivia, Arini and Stuart join Krista Huber, Peter Schroder, Lisa Allen (staff) and myself to form the Muritai BoT until the next mid term election in 18 months.
Recently we had the final board meeting for the outgoing Board of Trustees and I have been reflecting on the work of the Board over the last 3 years. Working with our Board has been a very productive, supportive and entertaining experience and I am very grateful to the members of the Board for the dedication and enthusiasm that they have all brought to the role. Highlights of this Board have included some very successful building projects, a full review of all school policies, working through strategic development to form our School Charter, the implementation and the introduction of our new curriculum and building a new understanding of the National Standards.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Congratulations to Olivia Paterson, Arini Poutu and Stuart Stock who have been elected to the Board of Trustees. With just 3 nominations there was no need for an election. Olivia, Arini and Stuart join Krista Huber, Peter Schroder, Lisa Allen (staff) and myself to form the Muritai BoT until the next mid term election in 18 months.
Recently we had the final board meeting for the outgoing Board of Trustees and I have been reflecting on the work of the Board over the last 3 years. Working with our Board has been a very productive, supportive and entertaining experience and I am very grateful to the members of the Board for the dedication and enthusiasm that they have all brought to the role. Highlights of this Board have included some very successful building projects, a full review of all school policies, working through strategic development to form our School Charter, the implementation and the introduction of our new curriculum and building a new understanding of the National Standards.
I take this opportunity to thank two of our current Board members who have recently stepped down : Steve Bielby and Sharon Wilson. Steve has been a Board member since 12 May 2004 and was elected chairperson the following year. Steve has been an outstanding leader of the Board and the I thank him for his commitment to the governance role during this time. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sharon Wilson for her work and strong support during her time on the Board, particularly work around health and safety and surveying the community.
Recently, as a Board, we signed off on key 2010 documentation for the community and the Ministry of Education. You can find all this information by clicking here. Information available on this page forms the basis of our strategic planning documents such as 2010 Charter; 2009 Annual report; 2009 Community survey summary; 2009 Student target achievement report.
NATIONAL STANDARDS AND REPORTING TO PARENTS
As always if you have any queries about your child's learning please check in with the class teacher. Matt Skilton is continuing to update his blog that shares information on how Muritai will meet government expectations with National Standards. We have a lot of interest from others, especially the Ministry of Education, about the path we are taking and it is nice to receive the praise about managing something potentially as tricky as this. This year written reports will be issued on Friday 25 June. Teacher / parent interviews are the following week where portfolios and work samples will guide information sharing about your child's National Standard level and what their next learning step will be.
EASTBOURNE VILLAGE CARNIVAL
The Carnival team met last week and the organizing team looks strong. Julie Parker and Penny Stock will be coordinating the carnival this year. All key roles have been filled and the respective leaders will be looking out for people to commit to being part of the best little carnival in Wellington. There has been a strong mandate to keep the carnival similar to previous years so most of you will know what lies ahead...many hands make light work! The date is confirmed for the 28 November.
CONGRATULATIONS PHOEBE EVANS
Phoebe brought this trophy to school last week.This is the Andrew Currie Memorial trophy for the most outstanding contribution to the Mid Valley Athletics Club.
Of interest to the school is that the previous winner was been an ex Muritai pupil, Jackson Smith, who won this trophy 3 years in a row. Well done Phoebe.
SCIENCE IN ACTION AT MURITAILast newsletter I alluded to this term's Inquiry having a science focus leading our contexts of study. An area of interest in the last survey was raised by a few parents wondering about the hands on science in the school. At the moment there is plenty going on and you can clearly see what is happening by visiting class blogs.
Year 7 and 8 parents will be well aware as they help their children prepare for the School and Wellington Science Fair later this year. Some across the school samples include junior school; middle school ; senior school. Of particular interest is seeing what Mrs Ryan is getting up to on her science sabbatical, which by the look of it is a fantastic experience.
MURITAI MANTLE OF THE EXPERT
This year 3-4 extension programme run by Priya Gain is intriguing. These young children are doing some pretty interesting (and heavy) work as they undertake their role as a team of scientists who work for NZ COSSA on the research vessel, The Aumoana. They are working very hard and you can see how their journey is unveiling by visiting them here. This is a good example of 21st century learning in action.
LITERACY QUIZ
Last Friday 2 teams headed off to Seatoun School to contest the prestigious Literacy Quiz. Our top team finished in 10th place out of more than 50 teams, a credible effort. Sofija has published a very detailed report on the experience for the team and you can read that here.
TGIF (year 5-6)
LITERACY QUIZ
Last Friday 2 teams headed off to Seatoun School to contest the prestigious Literacy Quiz. Our top team finished in 10th place out of more than 50 teams, a credible effort. Sofija has published a very detailed report on the experience for the team and you can read that here.
TGIF (year 5-6)
In year 5 and 6 the first cycle of our 'Thank Goodness it's Friday' (TGiF) programme has started. We have a great selection of activities on offer in the first cycle including Art, Spanish, Music, Science and even Bollywood dance! This year there as been a slight change to the structure with students selecting the modules they want to participate in. Each cycle lasts for 4 weeks which gives the students long enough to grasp some skills and concepts in the specific areas.
ZEALANDIA
Last Wednesday Rooms 5 and 6 as part of their Changes Inquiry investigation, explored the wildlife and exhibits at Zealandia/Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. While there the children:
- explored the sanctuary for endangered NZ animals
- asked (Educators Brian and Tracey) questions about extinct and endangered animals of New Zealand
- investigated and explored the fabulous new exhibition hall for ‘changes’ that have occurred in New Zealand’s history since the settlers and introduced animals arrived by ship.
The children found out a lot of information about changes in wildlife and plants that have occurred in New Zealand in the past and present times.
They also learned of the impact these changes have had on our native animals, such as the introduction of non-native animals like the opossum, rats, mice and cats; the burning of trees and clearing of the land and introduced plant life.To find out more and to see photos of our trip, check out Room 5's Class Blog and Room 6's Class Blog.
We had a wonderful time at Zealandia and wish to thank the fantastic educators: Brian and Tracey for showing us around, telling us amazing stories about our animals and answering all of our questions. We would definitely recommend exploring Zealandia with your family. The new exhibition hall is interactive, informative and very entertaining! You can find out more about Zealandia here.
ANZAC DAY - "LEST WE FORGET"
On Sunday 25th April Muritai School was able to reinforce its strong links with the local RSA with some of our students contributing to the ANZAC ceremony. Some of our year 5-8 students performed as part of the school kapa haka group. As the parade marched towards the memorial it was welcomed and challenged by the students performing a haka powhiri (welcoming haka) and then a haka. At the end a stirring waiata karakia (prayer song) was sung to mourn those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Sofija and Zoe laid the wreath at the memorial to honour Muritai School servicemen who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
STAFFING
Staffing news this fortnight is a big congratulations to Sarah and Sean Drinkwater ( teacher room 9) who are expecting their first child later this year. Sarah will be going on maternity leave around term 4. Congratulations also to Sandra Blair who walked her first marathon last week in Rotorua.
CROSS COUNTRY
Students are once again pounding the pavements around the school in the mornings preparing for the annual Cross Country race. Weather permitting, the Cross Country will take place on Tuesday 18 May at Williams Park. Children have walked the course with their syndicates and will continue practising at school. Could you please ensure they wear suitable clothing and shoes for this training.
LEARNING SUPPORT BLOG
Did you know that for every letter of the alphabet there is a country beginning with that letter? There is a whole lot more to Sarah Richardson's blog in terms of supporting children's learning. CLICK HERE and you will find out all sorts of amazing ideas about learning!
OUR GARDENERS
The year 3-4 vegetable garden is looking fantastic. Many of the children were in during the holidays to tend and water it. It was nice to hear Molly, Becky and Ellie spent most of their Sunday tending the vegetable garden in the senior school of their own volition. Thanks girls. Another group have today prepared a bed for planting garlic. Thanks also to the Seaview Recycling Station who have donated 15 bags of compost.
TRAINEE TEACHERS
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
Entertainment Books need to either be returned or paid for by this Friday, 7 May. Please ensure you return the book to the office or the envelope with payment inside. You can pay either by visa, cheque, on-line or by EFTPOS. Cheques should be made payable to Muritai School. The school receives a donation of $12 from each book sold.
SPORTS
Table Tennis
Yesterday, eight year 6 children (4 boys and 4 girls) went to a table tennis tournament at Waterloo School. The other schools competing were: Wellesley, Waterloo (obviously), Eastern Hutt and Sts Peter and Paul.The competition was hot! We were also fortunate enough to have two ex-professional players giving us help and an amazing show of their skills - wonderful! What is even more amazing is that one of the ex-pro's is going to come to Muritai to do some skills work with some of our children.The children that attended the tournament were: Xavier, Ryan, Flynn, Ben M, Zara, Daisy, Maddy and Lucy.
COMMUNITY
New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards Party
Discover the stories that are finalists in this year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards and decide for yourself what book should get the top award. Listen to stories, enjoy a hot chocolate, play games and you might get some great spot prizes. FREE - Friday 7 May 7pm at the Eastbourne Library.
Piano Lessons with Vanessa Tindle (ATCL, BSc, dipTchg)
Vanessa currently teaches at school on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Next term she will be at school on Thursdays also. If you would like your son or daughter to learn piano with Vanessa please contact her directly to discuss. Ph 562 7663.
St Bernard's College Open DaySt Bernard's College will be holding an open day on Saturday 15 May 2010 from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Prospective students and their parents are invited to visit during these hours to findout more about St Bernard's College and what it can provide. St Bernard's College is a Year 7-13 Catholic boys' college. For further information, contact the office at: 183 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt, Ph 560 9250. Website http://www.sbc.school.nz/ Email: office@sbc.school.nz
Pumpkin Contest at the Eastbourne Village Market.
At the next Eastbourne Village Market, Sunday 23 May, we will be holding the Pumpkin Contest. Please bring along your best efforts to be judged. Drop off by 11am - Judging will be at 12.30. There will also be a prize for the ugliest pumpkin.
ZEALANDIA
Last Wednesday Rooms 5 and 6 as part of their Changes Inquiry investigation, explored the wildlife and exhibits at Zealandia/Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. While there the children:
- explored the sanctuary for endangered NZ animals
- asked (Educators Brian and Tracey) questions about extinct and endangered animals of New Zealand
- investigated and explored the fabulous new exhibition hall for ‘changes’ that have occurred in New Zealand’s history since the settlers and introduced animals arrived by ship.
The children found out a lot of information about changes in wildlife and plants that have occurred in New Zealand in the past and present times.
They also learned of the impact these changes have had on our native animals, such as the introduction of non-native animals like the opossum, rats, mice and cats; the burning of trees and clearing of the land and introduced plant life.To find out more and to see photos of our trip, check out Room 5's Class Blog and Room 6's Class Blog.
We had a wonderful time at Zealandia and wish to thank the fantastic educators: Brian and Tracey for showing us around, telling us amazing stories about our animals and answering all of our questions. We would definitely recommend exploring Zealandia with your family. The new exhibition hall is interactive, informative and very entertaining! You can find out more about Zealandia here.
HOT DOGS
Hot dogs are on sale again on Wednesdays through Terms 2 and 3. If your child would like a hot dog, please place $3 in an envelope marked with your child's name, how many hot dogs they would like and whether they would like sauce or not. Children should hand these into their teacher, not the office.
Hot dogs are on sale again on Wednesdays through Terms 2 and 3. If your child would like a hot dog, please place $3 in an envelope marked with your child's name, how many hot dogs they would like and whether they would like sauce or not. Children should hand these into their teacher, not the office.
ANZAC DAY - "LEST WE FORGET"
On Sunday 25th April Muritai School was able to reinforce its strong links with the local RSA with some of our students contributing to the ANZAC ceremony. Some of our year 5-8 students performed as part of the school kapa haka group. As the parade marched towards the memorial it was welcomed and challenged by the students performing a haka powhiri (welcoming haka) and then a haka. At the end a stirring waiata karakia (prayer song) was sung to mourn those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Sofija and Zoe laid the wreath at the memorial to honour Muritai School servicemen who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
STAFFING
Staffing news this fortnight is a big congratulations to Sarah and Sean Drinkwater ( teacher room 9) who are expecting their first child later this year. Sarah will be going on maternity leave around term 4. Congratulations also to Sandra Blair who walked her first marathon last week in Rotorua.
CROSS COUNTRY
Students are once again pounding the pavements around the school in the mornings preparing for the annual Cross Country race. Weather permitting, the Cross Country will take place on Tuesday 18 May at Williams Park. Children have walked the course with their syndicates and will continue practising at school. Could you please ensure they wear suitable clothing and shoes for this training.
LEARNING SUPPORT BLOG
Did you know that for every letter of the alphabet there is a country beginning with that letter? There is a whole lot more to Sarah Richardson's blog in terms of supporting children's learning. CLICK HERE and you will find out all sorts of amazing ideas about learning!
OUR GARDENERS
The year 3-4 vegetable garden is looking fantastic. Many of the children were in during the holidays to tend and water it. It was nice to hear Molly, Becky and Ellie spent most of their Sunday tending the vegetable garden in the senior school of their own volition. Thanks girls. Another group have today prepared a bed for planting garlic. Thanks also to the Seaview Recycling Station who have donated 15 bags of compost.
TRAINEE TEACHERS
We are impressed with our three trainee teachers who are currently working at Muritai. Leah Thompson (R22), Elizabeth Radich (R11) and Sabeshan Gnanam (R14) have thrown themselves into their work and are really making the most of their opportunity to be part of our school. The children are very lucky to have them working here. You can expect to see them on Muritai TV shortly! In the meantime you can view Sabe's contribution through Bollywood dancing here (or to the lefft of this newsletter)
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
Entertainment Books need to either be returned or paid for by this Friday, 7 May. Please ensure you return the book to the office or the envelope with payment inside. You can pay either by visa, cheque, on-line or by EFTPOS. Cheques should be made payable to Muritai School. The school receives a donation of $12 from each book sold.
SPORTS
Table Tennis
Yesterday, eight year 6 children (4 boys and 4 girls) went to a table tennis tournament at Waterloo School. The other schools competing were: Wellesley, Waterloo (obviously), Eastern Hutt and Sts Peter and Paul.The competition was hot! We were also fortunate enough to have two ex-professional players giving us help and an amazing show of their skills - wonderful! What is even more amazing is that one of the ex-pro's is going to come to Muritai to do some skills work with some of our children.The children that attended the tournament were: Xavier, Ryan, Flynn, Ben M, Zara, Daisy, Maddy and Lucy.
COMMUNITY
Mum’s free at Staglands on Mothers Day
At Staglands we know how special mum’s are so we’re letting all mum’s in for free on Mothers Day. Bring your mum up for a visit - have a picnic or relax in our café and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. * Mothers must be accompanied by their children or grandchildren to be eligible. The offer isn’t available in conjunction with any other special rate or offer.
At Staglands we know how special mum’s are so we’re letting all mum’s in for free on Mothers Day. Bring your mum up for a visit - have a picnic or relax in our café and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. * Mothers must be accompanied by their children or grandchildren to be eligible. The offer isn’t available in conjunction with any other special rate or offer.
New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards Party
Discover the stories that are finalists in this year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards and decide for yourself what book should get the top award. Listen to stories, enjoy a hot chocolate, play games and you might get some great spot prizes. FREE - Friday 7 May 7pm at the Eastbourne Library.
Piano Lessons with Vanessa Tindle (ATCL, BSc, dipTchg)
Vanessa currently teaches at school on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Next term she will be at school on Thursdays also. If you would like your son or daughter to learn piano with Vanessa please contact her directly to discuss. Ph 562 7663.
St Bernard's College Open DaySt Bernard's College will be holding an open day on Saturday 15 May 2010 from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Prospective students and their parents are invited to visit during these hours to findout more about St Bernard's College and what it can provide. St Bernard's College is a Year 7-13 Catholic boys' college. For further information, contact the office at: 183 Waterloo Road, Lower Hutt, Ph 560 9250. Website http://www.sbc.school.nz/ Email: office@sbc.school.nz
Pumpkin Contest at the Eastbourne Village Market.
At the next Eastbourne Village Market, Sunday 23 May, we will be holding the Pumpkin Contest. Please bring along your best efforts to be judged. Drop off by 11am - Judging will be at 12.30. There will also be a prize for the ugliest pumpkin.
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