STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT REPORTING
We are just putting the finishing touches to our reporting to parents. Next Friday written reports and student portfolios will be issued. The portfolios help explain the children’s achievement.
This written report rates your child’s achievement using a 5 point scale ranging from well below to well above against the expected year levels of the NZ curriculum. Rather than just focussing on reading, writing and maths we will be covering all areas of the curriculum, including work and study skills and the key competencies. For many of you this report will look very similar to previous editions. The answer to this is simple – reporting is about identifying children's strengths /weaknesses and their next learning steps. Our written report uses criteria of key skills for each curriculum area to inform you on how well your child is achieving against the appropriate year level benchmark.
On Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th in week 11 we have parent interviews. We will be using the student portfolios and other work samples to guide the parent interview and relate and explain your child’s achievement against the year level national standards. It is important to note that at this mid year stage this is just an indicator of how students are tracking against the national standard (which is an end of year judgment).
Some parent survey comments suggest the student portfolio is a “waste of time”. We see it as being a very important learning aspect for the children as it gives them a chance to reflect on their own growth together with the teachers and their peers. The language used to put the portfolios together helps them self-review their own progress and achievement.
The key thing is to continue those ongoing conversations about your child's strengths and weaknesses and understand future learning goals for the next phase of learning. You will then be able to take the portfolio home, hopefully with greater meaning and allow your child to then share their quality work with you.
So in summary our triangle of reporting is as follows –
• Written report – a visual representation of your child’s achievement against the NZ curriculum objectives at their year level.
• Student portfolio – a sample of student work put together by the children and their class teacher to reflect their learning journey this year.
• Parent interview – using samples of work, a discussion, with samples, of a student’s strengths and next learning steps. This will involve informing you how your child is tracking against the national standard in reading, writing and maths.
You can find this information in greater detail on our National Standards/Curriculum Blog.
STAFFING
Congratulations to Matt Skilton who has won the Principal’s position at Tawhai School. Matt has been at Muritai for 6 years as our DP and I am sure you will all agree has made a wonderful contribution to Muritai School. The time is right for Matt for this new appointment and he will be moving to Tawhai in term 4. We wish him all the best.
Also congratulations to Stu and Kate Devenport for the safe arrival of their daughter Elsie on Saturday. Stu will be back at school tomorrow after some parental leave.
And to Kath Barker, our after school manager currently on maternity leave. Her baby boy arrived last Friday. Wonderful news.
We also welcome Margs Mills-Smith ‘officially’ back to the staff. Our newest classroom 16 is up and running and will have 7 children by the end of the term.
ROGER MEXTED
Our thoughts go out to the Wellesley school community at the sudden passing of a much loved teacher, Roger Mexted. Roger had been at Wellesley for over 25 years and made a difference to many young boys' lives over the years. He was also a good friend to many of our staff. Roger’s memorial service is this Friday and to allow some of our staff to attend we will ‘power down’ on Friday afternoon and blend some classes together.
ASSEMBLY
We had lots to share at the last assembly – piano, stories, dances, movies, presentations, certificates.
PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
School will be closing early at 1.50pm on both days of the Parent/teacher interviews being:-
Wednesday 13 July 2pm to 8pm
Thursday 14 July 2pm to 6pm
If you have not already booked an interview with your child/ren's teacher, go to School Interviews, put in the code 'LZ83V' and follow the prompts. Alternatively, you can call in at the school office and Carole or Sue will make an appointment for you.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
Please be sure to check out the Scholastic Book Fair and support the Muritai School library fundraiser when you come for your school interviews. The library will be open from 2:00 - 8:00 on Wednesday and 2:00 - 6:00 on the Thursday for you to make your purchases.
Remember profits the school makes go directly back into funding books for the library for our children to enjoy.
We still need a few more helpers so if you can help at all or would like to know more about what you would need to do please get in contact with Jo Salisbury at salisburyjo@gmail.com
SICKNESS
We are currently experiencing the winter blues and have many people away each day – both staff and children. The bugs this winter are very severe so please make sure that children are well before they return to school. At this time we are battling to provide consistency with staff as they have many bugs and ailments too – but we have a regular group of relieving teachers to call upon and our thanks to them for keeping things moving.
In particular we have been informed of a few children having Strep throat. If your child has a sore throat caused by a cold or flu virus, they will usually have other symptoms such as a runny nose and cough. Children with strep throat will often also have:
• a fever (greater than 38.5 degrees Celsius)
• swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
• swollen or tender glands in their neck
• may complain of headache and stomach pain
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health, please consult your GP as a child with Strep throat may need to be put on anti-biotics and stay at home until they are well.
ABSENCES
Please ensure you inform the office if your child is absent from the school. We have had several incidences when parents have informed teachers that their child will be absent from school and the teachers have either been away or forgotten to inform the office. All absences must be chased up by the office on the day. It is also a Ministry requirement that parents ask permission of the Principal to take their child/ren out of school. This should be a written request in advance of taking the child/ren away.
FOUR DISHES IN AN HOUR? SURELY NOT...
But this was the case for six lucky Year 7 and 8 children, read on and see how they were abe to step up to the challenge. On Monday the 27th June we attended a 'ready steady cook' session with the Executive Chef Aidy Hornsby, from Blue Carrot Catering Company. The Kids travelled to the Blue Carrot Kitchen in Petone, where they met with Adrian, were split into two teams (Girls Vs Boys), presented with 4 recipes and had an hour to 'cook off' against each other. The girls team worked with Aidy, and the boys with chef Mark. These two were super patient, humorous and really great at allowing the kids to do all the hands on work.
So much fun, so much generosity from Gordon and Nicole, Aidy, Mark and the whole Blue Carrot Team, and a huge amount of pride at how our children performed!
CHOCOLATES
We really appreciate your continued support and thank you to all our enthusiastic sales people. At assembly last Friday the following spot prizes were awarded:
Rona Gallery book vouchers won by : Jacob Barnard – Emma and Katie Beevers
Gelissimo ice-cream vouchers won by: Samantha and Olivia Morphew – Tayla Rogers - Mason Pendrous – Jessica and Suzanne Taylor – Hillary Sheridan - Thomas and James Downing – Clara and Theo Lafont – Curtis, Andrew and Eliza Shaffer – Kieran and Lauren Redpath - David Balayan
Lighthouse Cinema double movie pass won by: Bayden Moors
The Beach Café hot chocolate and sweet vouchers won by: Anna Rodgers – Maz Cameron – Holly Fahey – Shannyn Thompson – Celine Malama
4GB MP3 Player won by: Baxter Wilton-Taylor
Congratulations to our winners….so far! Our final prize draw will be held at assembly on Friday 15th July. Good luck and keep on selling!
With thanks from the Home and School Team
KAPA HAKA LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT EPUNI SCHOOL
On Friday 17th June 7 leaders from the year 7/8 Kapa Haka group were involved with teaching the Epuni students some of the songs that we learn at Muritai School. This was a follow up from the Year 7/8’s successful performance at Epuni School on the previous Friday. It was a great leadership opportunity at a school very different from our own. Having already been leaders with Mr Chadwick when he teaches the year 3-6 groups the students had to take their experience and skills to a school crying out for something different.
It was fantastic being at Epuni School and having Muritai School leaders there to show their stuff ~ Raihania Chadwick.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
After School Care will be running a school holiday programme with lots of exciting visits including Weta Studios, Action Sport Arean, Ten Pin Bowling, Karori Wildlife Reserve together with Clowning Around Circus at school, Master Chef and Wheels Day. To ensure your child does not miss out, please ensure that your enrolment forms, together with payment, are received by the office no later than Friday 8 July. Forms are available at the school office.
FOUND - A MAN'S WEDDING RING
A large gold wedding ring was found in the school library approximately one week ago. If you are missing yours please ring the office with your details.
DENTAL CLINIC
The clinic at Muritai School will be closed for the rest of Term 2 and all of Term 3. Mandy and Sarah will be based over this time at Konini School in Wainuiomata. Please phone 564 5299 for any relief of pain/queries, Monday to Wednesday.
SPORTS
Year 7/8 Zone Basketball Blitz
On Wednesday 22nd June 28 students from the year 7/8 syndicate participated at Walter Nash Stadium in a basketball blitz against a number of other schools. The students ranged in ability from learners to experienced players but the teamwork and overall skill of the Muritai students was outstanding with 2 Muritai teams placing in 1st equal. Yet again the year 7/8 students have shown that they have a lot to be proud of.
Y3/4 Cross Country
Last week the Year three and four children participated in a cross country event held at Bishops Park. Although the field and track was very muddy the children demonstrated a really high level of fitness as they whizzed round the course. Students were required to first run a lap round the sports fields before heading over the sand dunes to run along the beach, eventually coming back over the dunes for the final sprint to the finish line. Special thanks goes to Room 12 for being fantastic marshals and to the Year 8 house captains who bought along the house banners and helped create an atmosphere of fun and support for the children.
Well done to:
Year 3:
Boys: 1st = Tom Griffiths, 2nd = Flynn Healy, 3rd = Bruno Penney
Girls: 1st = Charlotte Humphries, 2nd = Lea Pummer, 3rd = Samantha Woolley
Year 4:
Boys: 1st = Andrew Sutcliffe, 2nd = Max Hahn, 3rd = Tom Flynn
Girls: 1st = Macey Caughley, 2nd = Ella Giles, 3rd = Isla Armstrong
COMMUNITY
Quiz night and Auction for Youth Worker
Saturday 6th August in Muritai School Hall
Make up a team of up to 10. Compete against your friends and neighbours. Have fun and support this worthwhile community cause. Tickets $20, available from Harcourts, Gina at Youth Group or Karen Sisson 562 8771.
Staglands - Wellington Open Day – Sunday 26th June
You may have heard about the Wellington Open Day that’s all the buzz for this weekend. We’re taking part in this so it’s a gold coin donation entry for all visitors on Sunday 26th June. Our nominated charity for all proceeds is the Nga Manu Trust. Visit our website to see all the exciting events being held at Staglands.
Lower Hutt Foodbank
The Lower Hutt Foodbank is to hold a drive on 7 August 2011 for the needy in our community with the support of the Lions and Rotary clubs. The Hutt News will be inclduing labeled bags in your paper of that week. Residents are asked to contibute some items of food by placing these items in the provided bag and leaving it out by your letter box on the day.
Does your child want to learn a new language in Eastbourne?
LCF Clubs Fun Languages if looking to offer children from pre-school age to 12 years old the opportunity to learn French, Germand and Italian (depending on demand). A huge variety of interactive and communicative activities - role play, crafts, activity sheets, lively games, board games, songs and drama. Professionally designed materials. Spanish, Mandarin also available subject to demand. To register your interest please contact: email stefi@lcfclubs.co.nz, phone Stefi Plimmer-Blattner on 562 8211 or visit the website http://www.lcfclubs.co.nz/
Piano Lessons with Vanessa Tindle (ATCL, BSc, dipTchg)
If you would like your child to have private piano tuition at school next term, now is the time to put your name down. I have some vacancies commencing Term 3. All enquiries are welcome. Please phone me directly to discuss (before the holidays). Vanessa Ph 562 7663.
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