Special Newsletter – National Standards

As you will be aware from the media and soon from a letter and pamphlet from the Prime Minister, there is much debate about the introduction of National Standards to primary schools.  Because of this, I feel it necessary to state this school’s position.

We will be implementing the National Standards.  I am really confident of the achievement of children at this school and know that if we are compared with other schools, we would really hold our own.  If an area of weakness is found however, then it is up to us to do something about it.

Our reading results are well above the national average, our numeracy in the average band, but our spelling is down.  This year, we are putting a special emphasis on spelling in order to improve it.

Schools also need to report to parents in plain language as to whether your child is achieving well above, above, at, or below the national standards.

What principals, schools, the Teachers’ Union and many leading academics from universities are saying is that the government’s examples are hasty and poor.  They were written by Ministry bureaucrats, with no input from schools or actual people at the chalk face.  What the schools and unions are asking for is that the introduction of national standards be delayed a year to do more work on them so that there is a better outcome and also that they be trialled to see how they work.

In summary, we’re not afraid of National Standards and will be introducing them along with the new reporting system.  However, I totally agree that they should be delayed a year, re-written and trialled and believe the government has stuffed up but is too “pig headed” to admit it.

Newsletter #1

2010 Welcome

A big welcome back to all and very best wishes for the 2010 year!

Lots of work has gone on over the holidays with paintings contracts, sand being spread over the grounds to assist winter drainage and a new teacher workroom built alongside the staffroom. New spouting and water fountains are also being installed.

Akzo Nobel has renewed sponsorship of the Tuesday breakfast programme and has also paid for $4200 worth of sports uniforms. As always, the school is fully planned and ready to start normal programmes – we just need the children to have their books.

Notices went home on Tuesday in regard to Stationery, School Donations and After School Classes. Our stationery is amongst the cheapest around – many local schools charge between $40-$80. If they haven’t already got it, all children should have their stationery tomorrow – it would be really good if the books can be covered – old wallpaper or brown paper is fine.

A special welcome to our new teacher, Georgia Falvey, teaching in Room 4. We extend to you our best wishes Georgia and welcome you to our school. We know you will be a major asset to Matipo Primary.

Te Atatu Santa Parade Float

Prizegiving 2009

Introduction:  Violin Sam Winterton

1. Principal’s Address: Wayne Bainbridge

2. Music Awards:

Music Harry Thompson Cook

Choir Miguel Jones

3. Athletic Cups:

Boys                                                        Girls

Year 1            Akira Luamanuvae Su’a              Sapphron Jackson-Rudolph

Year 2            Arlo Illingworth                            Luci Winterton

Year 3            Jonah Palota-Kapa                       Rebecca Apanui

Year 4            Bradley Wilson                            Betsy-Bella Davis-Barr

Year 5            Goldberg Palota -Kopa               Olivia Gwiazdzinski

Year 6            Branyn Bellaney                          April Houia-Jacob

4. Cross Country Cups:

Boys                                                       Girls

Year 1            Christopher Manuha’apai          Sapphron Rudolf Jackson

Year 2            Harrison Chapman                      Lucie Winterton

Year 3            Lambert Klink                               Rebecca Apanui

Year 4            Manaia McMath                          Betsy Bella Davis-Barr

Year 5            Phoenix Reid                                Olivia Gwiazdzinski

Year 6            Shaun Stockley                            Georgia Muller

5. Guest Speaker : Sara Quirk

6. Speech Cup: Russell Knight

7. Library Prize: Miguel Jones

8. Citizenship: Kaitlin Lee

9. Maori Culture  Award: April Houia Jacobs

10. Te Reo Award Te Maringi Marsh

11. Outstanding Maori Pupil Te Maringi Marsh

12.Outstanding Pacifica Pupil: Ashley Foley

Item: Marion Nicolson: I Dreamed a Dream

13. Excellence in Media

Presentation Jewel Stevens

14. Drama Cameron McIntosh

15. Dance Ella Grove

16. Australian Maths Certificates:

Distinction                                    Angela Zhong

Distinction                                    Alison Pang

Credit                                            Jennifer Lowe

Credit                                            Te Maringi Marsh

Credit                                           Kingston Tierney

Credit                                           Jackie Young

Credit                                           Stella Mackrell

Credit                                           Thomas Priest

17. Academic Achievement Certificates:

Room 17                                                             Fin Reddington

Room   1                                                               Evan Scrimgeour

Room   2                                                               Hailey Stuart

Room   3                                                               Nate Evans

Room   4                                                               Isaac Martin

Room   5                                                               Max Sigley

Room   6                                                               Margaret Lowe

Room   8                                                               Bryan Ko

Room   9                                                               Yun Ji Hwang

Room 10                                                               Jennifer Lowe

Room 11                                                               Stella Mackrell

Room 12                                                               Alex Gilbert

Room 13                                                               Alison Pang

Room 14                                                               Jonty Epskamp

Room 15                                                               Jason Xavier

Room 16                                                               Rory Keating

18. Board of Trustees Address: Walter Payne

19. Netball Player of the Year: April Houia Jacob

20. Cricketer of the Year: Ethan Poi

21. Sporting Achievement: Bailey Payne

22. Soccer Cup: Shaun Stockley

23. Rugby Cup: Ethan Poi

24. Hansen Awards:

Room 17        Emily  Eldridge                             Christopher Manuha’apa

Room  1         Emily Thorn                                  Ben Beattie

Room  2         Remy Heremaia                           Jake Harding

Room  3         Grace Patrick                               Joey Zhong

Room  4         Macy Lynch Blosse                      Harrison Chapman

Room  5         Hannah Lovrich                           Jack Colthard

Room  6         Mara Shelle Slatter                     William Hempleman

Room  8         Laila Waru                                    Bryan Ko

Room  9         Grace Muller                                John Keating

Room 15        Ellye Kim                                       Kobe Kopua

Room 16        Betsy –Bella Davis-Barr              Manaia McMath

Room 7          Georgia Petherick

Room 10        Anita Semmons                            Lauren Garrett

Room 11        Eva Thornton                                Ethan Poi

Room 12        Maria Crichton                             Russell Knight

Room 13        Georgia Muller                            Aimee Halstead

Room 14        April Houia Jacob                        Mathew Oxenham

Principals Nomination:       Te Maringi  Marsh

Special Commendation:      Cecilia Lowe Shene

Winner :  Georgia Muller

25. Matipo School Award for Academic Excellence:

Winner:      Alison Pang

26. Junior Award for overall Contribution & Excellence:

Macy Lynch – Blosse

27. Principals Award for Overall Contribution & Excellence:

April Houia Jacob

Fun Day 2009

Newsletter #39

Bi-annual Parent Survey Results

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There were 76 responses.  Several responses indicated they had no idea what ‘syndicate’ meant – these are the three divisions of the school – junior, middle and senior.  When we put ‘good’ and ‘average’ numbers together we get generally high satisfaction

  • 99%  for school communication
  • 100% for facilities and appearance
  • 97% for meeting children’s needs
  • 99% for achievement standards
  • 100% for extra curricula
  • 97% for ‘is your child happy’
  • 97% for ‘would you recommend this school to others’.

Syndicate and class communication falls down a bit and homework is the area of greatest concern.

I will undertake to get each area of the school to provide a short statement about homework provision early next year.

A number of people made general comments but there was no commonality to them.  But some specific replies;

  • there is a ‘new pupil’ enrolment handbook for new entrants
  • senior homework under review
  • yes, we should have used the shelter during cross country
  • year 1 children should be getting a book each night
  • Parents are encouraged to be involved in classes and school.
  • End of year fundraising done earlier – fair point
  • List of events for term are included in newsletters
  • any school trip requires at least 7 days notice in advance
  • we have ran an email list for the newsletter for some years, or you can subscribe to our RSS feed.
  • more I.T. – we’ve spent hundreds of thousands over the years, and our current spend is done in a managed fashion.

Newsletter 38

Parakai Trip

On Tuesday 1st December, all of Matipo’s Road Patrollers and Librarians went on a trip to Parakai Hot Pools. This was a special treat to say ‘Thank You’ for all their hard work  and commitment throughout 2009.

The sun was shining, the water was warm and we all had a great time!