Dear Parents,

Last night’s Prizegiving recognised the many pupils and their wide-ranging successes and talents. We have been blessed with a great cohort of pupils from Year Zero to Year Eight. Our pupils have been well served and taught by our entire staff team.

Staff:

May I thank Mrs Brigit Craig and Mrs Ray Tennant for their service to St Michael’s and, more especially to our Year One and Two classes.

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Ray Tennant was the successful applicant for the recently advertised Year Two position. Mrs Tennant will assume her duties next year.

CHESS REPORT

In the fourth term members of the chess club have sat their New Zealand Chess Federation badge tests with some pleasing results. Tyler Smith and Sebastian Gurobi-Hines both passed the level one (pawn) test with a distinction score, and Alexander Howie-Smith and Connor Lindsay scored pass marks in the same test. George Addis, Tyler Smith, Olivia Ong and Taylor Keys all secured pass marks in the level two (knight) test.

The Interhouse chess competition was also held in the fourth term. The contest was very tight between Averill and Perry. In the final result Perry won the competition with 5 team points to Averill's 4. However, Averill had scored 16 individual points to Perry's 13. Had Averill secured one more individual point it would have tipped the scales for them to draw or win an additional match, tie Perry on team points and take the competition on a count-back of individual points.

Both George Addis and Freddy Wilson had three wins from three matches in the competition. Well done to Perry and to those two players in particular. Hamish Kenworthy

Violin: Congratulations to Meg Byers who passed her Grade One exam with merit.

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month:

Blake Clark, Skylar Brown, Rebecca Tang.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses have been: Georgia Hetutu, Jesse Rogers, Kendra Dunstan

Our Leaders for 2010 will be:

Assembly Monitors:

Phoebe Brosnan

Letasha Lowe

Olivia Mattison

Logan Robinson

Anna Parry-Gibson

Ashton Finlayson

Harry Briggs-Jones

Angus Auwerda

Flag Monitor:

Shaun Graveston

Sports:

Captain of Cricket: James Nicholls

Captain of Chess: Tyler Smith

Captain of Hockey: Joshua Carlile

Captain of Netball: Simone Gale

Captain of Rugby: Ben Mitchell

Captain of Soccer: Joeman Chan

Captain of Tennis: Megan Lord

Captain of Touch: Jed Scott-Stafford

Sports' Captain: Jed Scott-Stafford

Deputy Sports' Captain: Connor Lindsay

Head Girl Chorister: Jacqui-Lyn Welch

Head Boy Chorister: Shaun Graveston

Orchestra Leader: Priyanka Nathu

Head Librarian: Arwen Edgar

Deputy Head Librarian: Caitlin Bee

Kapahaka Leaders: Simone Gale and Joshua Carlile

Prefects:

Millie Clifton

Simone Gale

Jordan McIvor

Joshua Carlile

Austin Harrison

Priyanka Nathu

Kevin Jonker

Jacqui-Lyn Welch

Deputy Head Prefect: Tyler Smith

Head Prefect for 2010: Megan Lord

Congratulations to all of these pupils.

All the best for the festive season.

Kevin R Boyce

Principal

Dear Parents,

We have just closed the third week of our last term for 2009, during which we received and welcomed on site two very special groups of visitors:

• 40 pupils and staff from our brother school, St Mark’s Church School (Wellington).
• 110 of the grandparents and great grandparents of our present roll of students.

Roll:

It was pleasing to welcome recently Daniel Kim to our Year Six class.

Taste of Year 6:

On our next Open Occasion, Monday 16 November, we will be inviting current Year Six pupils from other Schools to join our Year Six for the morning. Our prospective parents will receive a Principal’s talk and tour of our School.

National Standards:

On 23 October, our N.Z. Government launched the new National Standards, which are a compulsory entity for all New Zealand primary schools. Whilst there has been some opposition to these National Standards, our School welcomes an opportunity to: analyse and upgrade our pupils’ attainment and, fulfil one of the new New Zealand Curriculum’s premise to ‘lead to a love of lifelong learning’ by our students.

TENZ Award:

It is with great pleasure and pride that I confirm Mrs Jo Clarke’s National Technology Education award as one of the three ‘Outstanding Teacher in Technology Education’ awardees and, the only primary teacher amongst these three candidates. Our “Food to Go” unit will also be used as a case study on the Techlink website.

ACADEMIC

ICAS English:

We congratulate the following:

Distinction: (Principal’s Gold and Red awards and eight merit marks): Wone Jung, Roman Kenworthy, (Year 4), Nicholas Stevens, Taylor Keys, Vincent Kenworthy (Year 5), Henry Rouch (Year 6), Letasha Lowe, Austin Harrison (Year 7), Georgia Rouch (Year 8).

Credit: (Principal’s Gold award and five merit marks):Liam Scrase (Year4), George Warren (Year 5), Isabella Holden, Saskia Klinkenberg, George Addis (Year 6), Simone Gale, Megan Lord, Joshua Carlile (Year 7), Rebecca Tang (Year 8).

Participation: (Principal’s Red award and three merit marks): Grace Mitchell, Myah Klinkenberg,Shuying Wee, Bennet Anderson, Harrison Kendrew (Year 4), Charlotte-Jane Irwin, Joy Kang, Chelsea Yu, Joshua Duddy (Year 5), Karenia Anderson, Madeline Kendrew, Davis Gale, Aaron Li, Freddie Wilson (Year 6), Millie Clifton, Jordan McIvor (Year 7).

ICAS Mathematics:

It was most pleasing to receive the news that one of our pupils had achieved a High Distinction - our 18th of these prestigious awards over the last 9 years - which places these candidates in the top 1% of this large database from twelve countries.

Well done to Vincent Kenworthy.

High Distinction: (Principal’s Double Gold award and ten merit marks): Vincent Kenworthy.

Distinction: (Principal’s Gold and Red awards and eight merit marks): Bennet Anderson (Year 4), Taylor Keys (Year 5), George Addis (Year 6), Megan Lord (Year 7)

Credit: (Principal’s Gold award and five merit marks): Aimee Hayward, Wone Jung, Liam Scrase (Year 4), Nicholas Stevens, George Warren (Year 5), Madeline Kendrew, Saskia Klinkenberg, Daniel Alexander, Henry Rouch, Freddie Wilson (Year 6), Simone Gale, Priyanka Nathu, Joshua Carlile, Austin Harrison (Year 7).

Participation: (Principal’s Red award and three merit marks): Myah Klinkenberg, Grace Mitchell, Shuying Wee, Harrison Kendrew, Roman Kenworthy (Year 4), Meg Byers, Joy Kang, Hannah Pearson, Chelsea Yu, Angus Jonker (Year 5), Isabella Holden, Davis Gale, Aaron Li (Year 6), Millie Clifton, Letasha Lowe, Tyler Smith, Kevin Jonker (Year 7), Georgia Rouch, Rebecca Tang, Jesse Rogers (Year 8).

Otago Problem Solving:

Jacob Fitzgibbon (Year 8) has qualified for the Final Challenge. This challenge is aimed at extending the top Mathematicians from each competing school. Instead of 5 questions in 30 minutes, Jacob will solve

20 questions within 60 minutes. Good luck Jacob!

Effort Assessment:

High Fliers for October:

Year 0: Byron Antal

Year 1: Dylan Smith

Year 2: Brooklyn Jones and Mackenzie Ellis

Year 3 Paige Stolzenberger

Year 4: Alexander Johnson

Year 5: Charlotte-Jane Irwin

Year 6: Henry Rouch

Year 7: Megan Lord

Year 8: Emma Wong and Raphaela Walsh

Christ’s College Science Competition:

We have been accepted once again into this Year Seven competition. The team will be named shortly.

Science Fair:

We were subsequently informed that, in addition to Kevin Jonker’s (Year 7) third placing, that two of our students had also received meritorious achievement awards. Well done to Raphaela Walsh (Year 8) and Connor Lindsay (Year 7).

News from Christchurch East Technology:

Design Technology Wood:

Year 8 students are working on a Storage unit. They have come up with some innovative design ideas and enjoyed working through the various development processes to test and trial their ideas.

Design Technology Fabric:

The Year 8 students have been designing and making cushions in all shapes and sizes with

applied theme designs. The students enjoy the challenge of working with the computer machines for specific features of their designs. The Year 7 students are working on a zipped container with a pocket feature with an original applied feature design. They have spent time

becoming familiar with using a sewing machine.

Structures and Mechanisms:

This term students have been developing a range of structures, which include specific mechanisms. The Thermo former is one of the specialised pieces of equipment used to form the moulds for the structures. Their structures have also included attachments such as propellers, counter weights and electronic circuits.

Food Nutrition: In Year 8 the focus is on how food connects with aspects of health and well being, influences that affect what we choose to eat, how to analyse, interpret and use information on what you are eating and how to group and choose food for health.

Year 7 students have been learning about safe food and kitchen safety.

Christchurch East Technology Department

CULTURAL

Annual Debate with St Mark’s (Wellington):

The moot for this year’s debate was: “That New Zealand is a safe place to live.” Our team was lead by Georgia Rouch with her two team members comprising: Emma-Kate Gardenbroek and Emma Pearson. It is most pleasing to report that our team which took the negative stance ‘carried the day’ and retained the Goodall Family Cup.

Christchurch Music Festival:

Our School sang with the Massed Choir on Tuesday 20 October. Those who represented St Michael’s were:

Rebekah Boyce

Caitlin Bee

Shannel Cartwright

Phoebe Brosnan

Samantha Clark

Simone Gale

Laurel Gregory

Shaun Graveston

Sebastian Gurobi-Hines

Megan Lord

Georgia Hetutu

Letasha Lowe

Sophie Mitchell

Jordan McIvor

Emma Pearson

Priyanka Nathu

Jesse Rogers

Jed Scott-Stafford

Georgia Rouch

Jacqui-Lyn Welch

Rebecca Tang

Oscar Carnevale

Ella-Jane Todd

Davis Gale

Austin Harrison

Madeline Kendrew

Our three representatives in the Senior Special Choir sang for the six nights of this annual event which this year was celebrating the 70th year of the Festival, having started in 1939. We congratulate our three St Michael’s girls: Ella Todd, Laurel Gregory and Rebekah Boyce.

Choral Workshop:

Our choir joined with their compatriots from St Mark’s by way of preparation for our Wednesday Mass, lead by the combined choirs. Our Orchestra also played at this Mass and our Kapahaka group gave their welcome to our visitors at our afternoon tea for these special Wellington visitors.

Chess:

Term 3 saw the school chess championship contested by way of a round robin involving the top six players on the chess ladder: George Addis, Daniel Alexander, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Vincent Kenworthy, Olivia Ong and Tyler Smith. The players were evenly matched with four players finishing the competition tied on five points. The clear winner, with four wins from five matches and eight points, was Vincent Kenworthy, repeating his win in 2008.

In Term 4 our chess team played St. Mark's Church School from Wellington. In a comprehensive 19-5 win all our players enjoyed at least one win with Vincent and Daniel winning both their matches. Vincent's two wins gave him a record in inter-school matches this year of seven wins from seven matches.

During the remaining weeks of this term members of the chess club will be sitting their New Zealand Chess Federation badge tests. The Interhouse competition will also be contested. H R Kenworthy

SPORTING ROUND-UP

St Mark’s Fixture:

Chess: A win to St Michael’s: 19-5

1st XI Hockey: A loss by 5 goals to 1

1st XI Soccer: A win to St Mark’s: 10-1

Netball A: A victory to St Mark’s, who are the current Primary Schools’ Team Champions.

Netball B: A win to St Mark’s.

Rugby: South Island Tournament. Our School recognised Alex Irvine’s selection in the South Island Primary Schools’ team, after the completion of the recent tournament.

Rugby League: Jed Scott-Stafford also gained selection in the South island team after his recent tournament on the West Coast.

Athletic Champions 2009:

8 Years: Grace Mitchell Bennet Anderson

9 Years: Eveane Tuetue-Gray Nicholas Stevens

10 Years: Karenia Anderson Isaiah Schwanen

Aaron Li

11 Years: Madeline Kendrew Jed Scott-Stafford

12 Years: Simone Gale Ashton Finlayson

13 Years: Raphaela Walsh Alex Irvine

Junior Syndicate Sprint Winners 60m:

5 Years: Lauren Matthews Rihan Lallu

6 Years: Macy Greenland Dylan Smith

7 Years: Claudia Gale Geoffrey Kemp

8 Years: Anoushka Chiswell Jasper Savage

Junior Syndicate Sprint Winners 100m:

5 Years: Jasmine Winter Rihan Lallu

6 Years: Macy Greenland Fletcher Anderson

7 Years: Claudia Gale Daniel Carlile

8 Years: Anoushka Chiswell Jasper Savage

Trampolining:

During the School holidays Shannel Cartwright travelled to Hamilton to compete at the Nationals for Trampoline. She managed to get into all finals, she got 2nd for tumbling, 4th for double mini, 6th for individual trampoline and 6th for syncro trampoline. She is now training, hoping to qualify for the New Zealand team to compete at Indo Pacific’s in Japan in July 2010.

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month:

Jacob Fitzgibbon, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines,Rory Wilson-Cartwright, Georgia Hetutu, Emma Pearson, Rebekah Boyce, Georgia Rouch, Kendra Dunstan.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses: Laurel Gregory, Jacob Fitzgibbon, Jesse Rogers, Ella-Jane Todd, Shannel Cartwright, Sophie Mitchell.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

As usual, this final term is proving to be busy for our Senior pupils, and there is promise of more busy memorable events in the weeks to come.

Last week we hosted St Mark’s and to all those who took billets into their homes, a big thank you.

Our Senior debating team, coached by Lynne Horwood, proved no match for St Mark’s and had a fine win, retaining the Goodall Cup for the third year in a row.

In the classroom, pupils are involved in assessments, which will help teachers to report up to date information at the end of the year. All pupils are preparing speeches, from which some will be chosen as entrants to the Speech and Poetry Competition. In Mathematics, Geometry is the focus, while the Living World remains the area of study in Science.

We are pleased to hear reports from Secondary Schools who say the standard of French at St Michael’s is very high, and gives the pupils an excellent base for Secondary study.

As always, we look ahead to the next month with anticipation,especially to events such as the Year Eight run School Disco and the Independent Schools’ Dance. A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

Our final term has certainly been full on with many highlights.

The Athletic Sports was an action packed day and luckily we were able to just beat the weather.

St Marks School from Wellington joined us last week to share in cultural and sporting exchange. In the Chess team were Vincent Kenworthy, Daniel Alexander and George Addis. In the Soccer team were Oscar Carnevale and Freddy Wilson. Our hockey players were Logan McConnel, Daniel Hayward, Jesse Simkin, Isaiah Schwanen and Conor Hamilton. A great contribution from the Middle Syndicate.

It was great to see so many grandparents here last Friday and to share some of what is happening at St Michael's both in and out of the classroom.

Mrs Clarke and Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton have been busy putting up a display of Middle Syndicate art at Ballantynes. The display is located in the downstairs coffee lounge, so if you have the inclination to have a coffee please go and have a look.

This week the Middle Syndicate commenced a swimming week at Aquagym. All classes are again continuing to refine their technique, as this is a really important part of the curriculum.

There is plenty happening during the remainder of November so please keep an eye on your calendar.

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

What an action packed term we are having! The Junior Syndicate swimming week is in full swing. Next week we have visits to the Art Gallery and the Life Education Mobile Caravan.

Year Three are preparing for the Poetry Competition in in Week Six.

We have begun our Topic study of Reduce, Reuse Recycle, so be prepared for discussions at home!

Our Athletic Sports were very successful and we are looking forward to another day outdoors at the beach in December. S G Walker

PUBLIC RELATIONS:

National Dog Safety Conference:

A letter received from the Christchurch City Council:

“Dear Kevin

Just a quick thank you to your school for helping us with our National Conference last week.

The class and children who attended were exceptional and helped us enormously in presenting our Dog Safety and Bite Prevention programme, with their keen interaction etc. I had many comments from our delegates that confirmed this also.

So once again Kevin, many thanks and if there is anything Animal Control can do to help your school in the future please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Jim Stokes

Education Team Co-ordinator”

Principals’ Tips:

Making Meal-Time Family-Time

‘No matter how young or old your children are, mealtimes are an ideal opportunity for the family to gather and share a special ritual that says we are a team. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, eat together once a day if you possibly can. Take turns to read a story, tell a joke, or say something you appreciate about each other.

Every now and then get silly; only people wearing purple, or a hat, can come to the table. Declare a silent meal, and see who giggles first, or serve each course in the wrong order. Mealtimes can be about so much more than food.’

Food for thought! (from Parents Inc weekly hot tip)

We now look forward to sharing our November events with you: our disco, Poetry/speech competition and the Recital for our musicians.

All the best.

Yours sincerely

K R Boyce

Principal

18 September 2009

Dear Parents,

‘Jack’ what a memory moment and a wonderful highlight for 2009. Two quotes crossed my desk this week:

‘Music is the interstate highway to the memory system’ and: ‘We learn 10% of what we read, 15% of what we hear, but 80% of what we experience’. I am sure that some of the impressive test results that I have

been reading recently in our pupils’ portfolios have been influenced by the disciplines of: learning lines for, and, participation in, our most successful show.

ACADEMIC

ICAS Spelling:

We congratulate the following:

Distinction: (Principal’s Gold and Red awards and eight merit marks): Wone Jung (Year 4), Vincent Kenworthy, Taylor Keys (Year 5), Rebecca Tang (Year 8).

Credit: (Principal’s Gold award and five merit marks):

Alexander Johnson, Roman Kenworthy, Liam Scrase (Year 4), George Warren (Year 5), Madeline Kendrew, Saskia Klinkenberg (Year 6).

Participation: (Principal’s Red award and three merit marks): Shuying Wee, Bennet Anderson, Harrison Kendrew, Myah Klinkenberg, André Smith, Maleka Smith (Year 4), Thomas Bennett, Charlotte-Jane Irwin (Year 5), George Addis, Karenia Anderson, Davis Gale, Aaron Li,

Logan McConnel (Year 6), Letasha Lowe, Joshua Carlile, Rachel Chon, Millie Clifton, Simone Gale, Jordan McIvor (Year 7), Georgia Hetutu (Year 8).

Canterbury Westland Science Fair:

Congratulations to Kevin Jonker, who won third place in the Technology category.

CULTURAL

‘Jack’:

What a phenomenal success! Our St Michael’s Church School community is so proud of our 2009 production, which was viewed by nearly 700 people at our two performances. Our lead roles were recognised with Gold and Red awards at our assembly this morning. Again, we are indebted to our Producer Sharon Howells. As one of our students wrote in their portfolios as she reflected upon ‘Jack”: “St Michael’s produced another one of their brilliant shows which they seem to hold a reputation for”.

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Rugby:

What an honour! Alex Irvine received three trophies at a recent Canterbury Rugby function: J.A.B. “Player of the Year” and Under 13 Springston “Player of the Season” and a member of the Club’s“Most Improved Team”

SPIRITUAL

Welcome to Holy Communion:

Jesse Simkin, Hannah Pearson, James Dwyer, André Smith, Paige Stolzenberger, Theodore Johnson, Emily Galbraith, Brooke Davies, Brianna Edgar, Camille Perelini, Sara Gillman and Dominic Johnson and the seventeen pupils who were baptised on 2 September were welcomed to Holy Communion in St Michael’s Church on Wednesday 16 September.

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month:

Jacob Fitzgibbon, Georgia Hetutu, Rebecca Tang, Austin Poit, Olivia Ong, Emma Wong, Samantha Clark, Emma-Kate Gardenbroek and Saskia Whall.

Principals’ Tips:

Positive Boundaries Get Kids Thinking

Hearing the word no doesn’t have to be a disaster for kids if Mum and Dad are positive about sometimes having to be negative. Encourage budding negotiators with statements like: “No, I’m not happy with that suggestions for these 2 reasons; ... Why don’t you think up another one and bring it back for me to reconsider?” Or for a younger child; “Yes you can do that, as soon as you’ve done ...” A boundary can be an invitation to put the brain in gear and think win-win for kids and parents.

(from Parents Inc weekly hot tips)

These suggestions may be useful for holiday moments, which I wish you ‘well’ for.

All the best.

K R Boyce

Principal

28 August 2009

Dear Parents,

Again, it is with a real sense of pride, one reflects upon achievements and varied ‘highs’ during the month of August. The highlight was the presentation by our Kapahaka group, in the Town Hall, last night: a great credit to all concerned. We also had two teams in Canterbury hockey finals, for their respective grades, on Saturday 29 August.

Roll:
We will close this year’s roll with about 195 pupils. It is most pleasing to view our enrolments for 2010, with our new entrant numbers looking most positive. We do have limited vacancies in our Year Two, Four, Six and Seven classes for 2010.

ACADEMIC

ICAS Science:
It was thrilling to receive news of another distinguished High Distinction, in these latest results: our 17th in the last nine years. Our successful candidate was Taylor Keys (Year 5) and Taylor’s result places him in the top 1% of this large database from 12 countries.
We congratulate the following:
High Distinction: (Double Principal’s Gold award and ten merit marks): Taylor Keys (Year 5)
Distinction: (Principal’s Gold and Red awards and eight merit marks): Alexander Johnson, Roman Kenworthy (Year 4), Vincent Kenworthy (Year 5).
Credit: (Principal’s Gold award and five merit marks):
Bennet Anderson, Wone Jung, Liam Scrase (Year 4) , Nicholas Stevens, George Warren (Year 5), Daniel Alexander, Saskia Klinkenberg (Year 6), Harry Briggs-Jones, Simone Gale, Megan Lord (Year 7) and Sebastian Gurobi-Hines (Year 8).
Participation: (Principal’s Red award and three merit marks): Myah Klinkenberg, Grace Mitchell (Year 4), Angus Jonker (Year 5), George Addis, Davis Gale, Aaron Li, Henry Rouch, Jesse Simkin (Year 6), Letasha Lowe, Rachel Chon, Millie Clifton, Kevin Jonker, Jordan McIvor, Tyler Smith (Year 7) and Georgia Rouch (Year 8).

Otago Problem Solving:
We have now completed the five sets of this competition. Special congratulations must go to our top problem solver this year, Jacob Fitzgibbon (Year 8) who scored 23 out of 25. This is an excellent achievement. Top scorers in each of the three classes were:
George Addis 15, Madeline Kendrew 14, Freddy Wilson 14, Daniel Alexander 14 (Year 6). Priyanka Nathu 15, Simone Gale 14, Megan Lord 14, Jacqui-Lyn Welch 14, James Nicholls 14, Austin Harrison 14 (Year 7). Jacob Fitzgibbon 23, Rory Wilson-Cartwright 17, Sophie Mitchell 17, Emma Wong 14, Rebecca Tang 14, Olivia Ong 14, Jesse Rogers 14 (Year 8). A P Kendrew

Answer to question in last month’s newsletter:
24365.

Effort Assessments:
Our High Flyers for August were:
Year 0: Sophie Stewart
Year 1: Camille Perelini, Lauren Matthews and Thomas Lightfoot
Year 2: Fletcher Anderson
Year 3: Paige Stolzenberger
Year 4: André Smith
Year 5: Charlotte-Jane Irwin and Melissa Wong
Year 6: Saskia Klinkenberg
Year 7: Megan Lord
Year 8: Olivia Ong (58/60!)

Cantamaths
This annual competition was held recently at the Town Hall. Both our Year 7 and Year 8 teams were placed in the qualifying round this year, meaning an early start to the evening. Both teams competed well and being one of the top schools, qualified for the later final. In the final, the Town Hall was packed with teams and supporters and both of our teams performed creditably, easily finishing in the top half of the 80 competing schools. Team members from Year 8 were:
Georgia Rouch, Jacob Fitzgibbon, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, and Rory Wilson-Cartwright. Austin Poit was the reserve.

CULTURAL

Kapahaka:
Our presentation, at the annual Cultural Festival, has become one of the featured ‘acts’ and this year’s performance proved to be no exception. Our congratulations to our Tutors: Sarah Mahoney and Maaka Kahukuranui. All of the members (43 in total) of our Kapahaka group were awarded certificates to mark their contribution to our 2009 presentation. Special mention should be made of three Year 8 students, Georgia Hetutu, Rebekah Boyce and Jesse Rogers, who have given 8 years continuous service to our Kapahaka.

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Hockey:
WOW, WOW, WOW!
A Clean Sweep.
Congratulations to all the players this week especially those players in the Junior and Super grand finals. In both games we saw so many displaying their best skills and playing in such good spirit that it makes St Michael’s proud. The outcome is this year:
Juniors are Knock Out Champions for 2009.
Supers taking the Supers’ Championship (the 4th year in succession) and Knock Out Champions for 2009.
For a School of our size this is staggering, especially considering that both these teams had similar results last year. Also well done to the Intermediates keeping their best for the last game. M Graveston

Our congratulations to Suzanne Tuetue and Michael Graveston on coaching our Juniors and Supers to their respective successes.

Netball:
2009 saw a successful season for St Michael’s Netball with continued growth in terms of players and their development in skill.
The Under 13 team (Year 8) played well this season and enjoyed some mixed results. A final thank you to Rhianna Graveston for coaching and to Mrs Horwood for managing this team. The Under 12 team (Year 7) had a really successful season placing second in their section and nearly making the play offs. The team was well coached by Margaret Mattison and is thanked for her patience and expertise.
The Year 5 Future Ferns played in the Friday competition and played well achieving some excellent results during the latter half of the season. They were placed second in the recent Independent Schools’ Winter Tournament. Thank you to Katrina Anderson and Jo Clarke for looking after this team on Fridays. The Year 4 Future Ferns also played in the Friday competition. They have acquired some excellent skills and set a solid foundation for next years competition. Thank you to Jodie Alexander and Linda Kendrew for coaching and managing the team this season. Finally congratulations to Madeline Kendrew who attained her Silver Award for umpiring as a Future Ferns Whistler during Friday competition. A special thank you to Farron Dunstan, who was our club umpire and to Teena Mattison, who was the team umpire for the Under 12 team.
Thank you Mr Boyce for your continuing support of St Michael’s Netball during the 2009 season. J C Russell

Rugby:
Alex Irvine has been named in the Canterbury Country team to play in the South Island rugby tournament in Dunedin. Again Alex: well done.

SPIRITUAL
Baptisms and Welcome to Holy Communion:
Baptism candidates, Kahu Alexander, Kailey Alexander, Talia Bee, Emma Bennett, Ben Bruerton, Daniel Carlile, Ella Christey, Brooke Evans, Greer Evans, Tayla Heaslip, Nicholas Irvine, Harry Irwin, Taylor Keys, Letasha Lowe, Lauren Matthews, Jasper Savage and Bogdan Teplovs will be baptised by Father Peter on Wednesday 2 September.

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month:
Jacob Fitzgibbon, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Shannel Cartwright, Alex Irvine, Rory Wilson-Cartwright, Raphaela Walsh, Skylar Brown, Blake Clark, Georgia Rouch, Laurel Gregory, Emma Pearson, Ella-Jane Todd.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses have been:
Laurel Gregory, Austin Poit, Kendra Dunstan, Georgia Hetutu, Rebekah Boyce.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:
With such a lot on at the moment, the senior students are coping well juggling all their commitments. We have students involved in, among other things, the Cultural Festival, Cantamaths, the Music Festival, and of course, our Production.
In the classroom, Year 7 and 8 are coming to the end of our Social Studies unit on Consumer Rights. Students are heavily involved in Athletics training now, as the School Athletics sports is not too far away. We plan to start a Sexuality Education unit based upon Changes at Puberty shortly, and have recently added a new manual and kit to our current resources in this area. Students continue to enjoy their Technology lessons at Christchurch East School, particularly in the Food Technology class, where alluring smells linger and the food is tasty.

We are very proud of our Seniors, who serve our School in many important functions, and we wish those with special roles in the Production all the very best.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:
We were just talking as to what a quiet term it has been. After some reflection, we conceded that perhaps we had been clearly focussed on our drama production “Jack.” All classes are busy this week in rehearsals and putting the final touches to their dance moves and singing of the various numbers.

Each Tuesday we interchange for Music, Physical Education and Visual Arts.
In Music all the children in the syndicate have been busy learning their words and practising correct intonation and pronunciation with Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton. In Visual Arts the children have been constructing papier mache masks with Mrs Clarke. Each class has had a different theme: Year 4 Clowns, Year 5 Aliens and Year 6 Superheroes. In Physical Education all the classes have been learning and consolidating their High Jump skills with Mr Russell.

Next term sees the Athletic Sports being our focus for the early part of the term. Could I suggest to all parents, wishing to compete in the Parent’s Race, to start their training over the holiday period to avoid possible injury! J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:
The excitement of rehearsing for ‘Jack’ and especially our various class characters is a joy to see. The children have learned and developed their dances and songs. Years 0 and 1 are the eggs, Year 2s are the ‘think bigs’ and Year 3 are the giants workers. The children have really risen to the occasion and know the importance of practise and listening to the beat of the music. We are very grateful to Miss Sharon Howells for overseeing this important part of our Arts programme. Thank you to the parents who have helped with costumes.
It was wonderful to see fourteen pupils from the Junior Syndicate being baptised into the family of God.
With the beautiful spring weather it will soon be time to start practising for the Athletics Sports. B M Byers

PUBLIC RELATIONS

40 Hour Famine:
A recent guest to our assembly, Alice Banfield, from World Vision informed our students that the $2,800 raised by them this year procured water tanks for communities in developing countries.

School Council:
The virtue of generosity was demonstrated by our pupils who have well supported two fundraising events for others. Our ‘Wacky Hair Day’ raised $314.00 for the Save the Children Fund and Daffodil Day raised $386.00 for the Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone for making these causes count.

B M Byers

Greypower:
On Wednesday 26 August, our School received 55
Greypower visitors, which was the initiative of Mrs Tui Brown, a great grandmother of Sara Gillman (Year 0). Our guests made a generous donation to the School.

Principal Kevin Boyce presenting the St Michael's1851-2001 Anniversary Book to one of the 'Senior' members of the Greypower group

Principals’ Tips:
A piece of advice on how we might motivate young people to succeed, from Steven Carden M.B.A. (Harvard), who was named in 2005 as one of the Sir Peter Blake emerging leaders. Carden said:

“Instill self-belief. Demonstrate leadership. Be inspiring people. We can spend as much money as we like on school curriculum and resources and buildings, but ultimately it comes down to the quality of the teachers. The higher the calibre of people in the teaching profession, the more motivated our young people will be.”

The partnership that we forge with our parents is also vitally important in our corporate endeavours with the children in our care. Thank you.

All the best.
Yours sincerely


K R BoycePrincipal

2 August 2009

Dear Parents

I begin my monthly newsletter to you on our Founders’ Day: the day that we celebrate and commemorate the dedication and foresight of our ‘founding fathers’ who commenced our operation as Christchurch’s oldest School, 158 years ago. Thanks to those of you, who attended our Founders’ Day Mass this morning.

Roll:

New pupils have been welcomed this term and, as always, it is a pleasure to witness the genuine reception from our current parents, parish and staff members extended to those amongst us, who are brand new to our system.

Past Students:

It is an absolute honour and privilege to receive past pupils back at their old School or hear news about old students. Recent news, or visitors to St Michael’s have been:

· Jesney Te Puke-Cowperthwaite (1999-2006), who returned with others from her Year 8 leavers’ group to our 2008 Prizegiving and, more recently has offered her Kapahaka skills to our Kapahaka group, with our new tutor, Maaka Kahukuranui, who is also the Kapahaka teacher at Jesney’s new School: Rangi Ruru.

· Emily Searle (2000-2007): a re-selection in the National Junior team for the World Climbing Championships in France and Switzerland: 27 - 30 August.

· David Morgan (1993-2001) a Boy’s Brigade Queen’s Service awardee, who called in and shared his most up-to-date news with us.

· and more significantly, we were informed recently of our newest centenarian, Mrs Ada Smart, of Palmerston North. Mrs Smart will turn one hundred years old on 16 August and her daughter informed us that she was a pupil at St Michael’s when Rev C E Perry was Vicar and Miss Kate Kiver was Principal, and, that Mrs Smart “speaks often and warmly about her years at St Michael’s”. It will be my pleasure to offer our School’s congratulations to Mrs Smart, who joins Mr Fred Wickes, a centenarian in 2005, who cut our sesquicentenary cake as our oldest living past pupil in 2001.

ACADEMIC

Mid-Year Reports:

You will have received these important documents with your son’s/daughter’s mid-year portfolio. It was also imperative that we give our parents the opportunity for our regular interviews with their child’s/children’s teacher(s).

Middle Syndicate: ‘Food to Go’ unit.

Our Term Two extensive study has continued to gain and retain interest from local news publications. We were given a write up and photograph in the ‘Christchurch Mail’ and, last week, a communications officer from Canterbury District Health, paid us a visit, prior to another article being written about our unit for a local health magazine.

Otago Problem Solving:

We have now had four sets of this competition. The top scorers from each class are:

Year 6: Madeline Kendrew, Daniel Alexander, and Freddy Wilson all 12/20.

Year 7: Priyanka Nathu 14/20 and Jacqui-Lyn Welch 13/20.

Year 8: Jacob Fitzgibbon 18/20, Rory Wilson-Cartwright 15/20 and Sophie Mitchell 14/20.

Congratulations to Jacob Fitzgibbon, our front runner, who will be hoping to keep up his excellent achievement.

A P Kendrew

Example of a question:

A five digit number abcde is formed using the digits 2,3,4,5,6 once each in some order. We are told that abcde is a multiple of 5, abcd is a multiple of 4, abc is a multiple of 3 and ab is a multiple of 2. What is the number abcde?

Answer in next month’s newsletter.

CULTURAL

Music Festival:

Our Festival Choir and three Special Choir members have begun their preparation for the annual Christchurch Music Festival: 14 - 16 and 20 -22 October.

2009 Production “Jack”

Ms Sharon Howells has begun her more intensive preparation, with our leads and nine classes, as we prepare for our 10 September production date.

Kapahaka:

Our Kapahaka group has put in many extra hours, with our tutors to ensure that our large group is ready for the 27 August presentation at the Cultural Festival in the Town Hall.

Chess:

Term Two was an active term in the chess club with three people holding the top position on the ladder at different times. Those three were Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Vincent Kenworthy and current number one, George Addis. Others a little lower on the ladder vied for places to be selected for the Years 1-6 teams for the Press Inter-School Tournament.

That tournament was held on 24 July in the first week of Term Three. Our A team (George, Vincent, Daniel Alexander and Taylor Keys) performed well and were placed second in the Medbury Zone. Vincent had the rare distinction of winning all five of his matches.

Our B team (Angus Jonker, Harry Grossi, Nicholas Stevens and Thomas Bennett) were less well-performed but everyone from St. Michael's won at least one match and all will be better for the exposure to this level of competition. Thank you to Nicky Jonker and Jenny Grossi for providing transport for our teams.

The top six players in the school are now commencing a round robin tournament to decide the School chess champion for the year.

The attendance and enthusiasm of those who have been coming regularly to the chess club is appreciated but we would welcome more players of any level of ability or experience and we would like to see more girls attending what has been a boy-dominated club this year.

H R Kenworthy

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Hockey:

League Tables mid season see our: Supers undefeated and top of their division, Juniors top of their division and, the Mini Blues also undefeated.

Development Trials: Congratulations to five of our players, who were nominated for the boys development trials: Jacob Fitzgibbon, Shaun Graveston, Joshua Carlile and Logan McConnel (Super 8’s) and Daniel Hayward (Intermediates).

Netball:

Senior: The third and last competition round of netball started in the second week of our school holidays. There are two rounds remaining in the season before semis and finals commence. Both our U12 and U13 teams have played really well this season, developing skills and learning court craft. Many thanks must go to Rhianna Graveston (U13 coach) and Margaret Mattison (U12 coach) for their guidance and support during the season. Both teams are playing in the ISSA Winter Tournament which is next week.

Future Ferns: The emphasis for our Future Ferns this term has been on the acquisition of skills and learning to play as a team. The Year 4 team has been well coached by Jodi Alexander with Linda Kendrew as the Manager. The Year 5 team has been coached on Fridays by Katrina Anderson with the managing of the team being shared by Jo Clarke and Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton.

Congratulations to Madeline Kendrew (Future Ferns Umpire) who passed her Bronze Award last Friday.

Thank you to Mr Boyce for all his support of our netball this season and to all the parents, who support the teams on Friday nights and Saturdays.

J C Russell

Rugby:

Alex Irvine plays his first representative match for Ellesmere on 9 August, as his team prepares for the five day South Island tournament in the September holidays.

Cross Country:

Simone and Davis Gale ran in the South Island Cross Country last Saturday, with Simone securing 20th place in her event.

SPIRITUAL

Founders’ Day Mass:

All participants ensured that our well attended Founders” Day Mass was a memorable and spiritually uplifting occasion.

Baptisms and Welcome to Holy Communion:

Baptism candidates are being prepared for their baptism on Wednesday 2 September, by Rev Lynne Horwood and Dr Marla Hughes.

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month have been: Rebekah Boyce, Sophie Mitchell, Kendra Dunstan, Rory Wilson-Cartwright, Blake Clark and Jesse Rogers.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses have been: Laurel Gregory, Georgia Hetutu, Rebecca Tang, Saskia Whall, Jacob Fitzgibbon.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

It is a busy time for many in the Senior Syndicate at present. The production is well underway with lines to be learnt and songs rehearsed. Year Eight enjoyed a ski trip to Mt Hutt last Thursday, and a great time was had by all, teachers included. Year Seven are due to visit Porters tomorrow, weather permitting. Thank you to all parents who volunteer to hep out: it is appreciated.

The syndicate topic focus is Consumer Rights and pupils are developing their knowledge of legislation that protects consumers, and their understanding of what actions to take if they feel “ripped off”.

The annual Cantamaths competition is held next Wednesday. The final team members for Year Seven and Eight will be acknowledged in the next newsletter.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

Welcome back to a short, but action packed term with the main focus being our production “Jack”. Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton is the musical director for the production and is co-ordinating the singing rehearsals in the Middle Syndicate and throughout the School.

Fractions, Ratios and Proportions is the major domain focus for this term. After testing, the children have been grouped and Numeracy interchange commenced last week. We also interchange through the Syndicate for Visual Art (Mrs Clarke), Music (Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton), and Physical Education (Mr Russell). masks, production and volleyball skills are the focus for each of the above areas.

We were entertained on Monday by the Court Theatre who presented their production of Pinocchio. It was certainly entertaining and the children really enjoyed the presentation.

Congratulations to Daniel Hayward and Logan McConnel, who trialled for the Canterbury Junior Hockey development Squads. Logan McConnel was selected for a 2010 squad.

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

The promise of spring and the chance for children to play outside has lifted all our spirits. Our major theme for the term is “Planet Earth and Beyond”. We are researching a range of topics on this theme from Weather through to the Solar System. The children are also developing their inquiry and observation skills.

On Thursday the City Council Dogman will have talked about and demonstrated how to respond to dogs and given us strategies to cope, with confidence, when

we encounter dogs out in the community. Please ask your children about this visit so that you can reinforce the appropriate safety procedures.

Practice for the production “Jack” is in full swing. The children are participating and learning their songs and dances with joy and enthusiasm. What a treat we have in store for you all!

S G Walker

Principals’ Tips:

Family is a Team Sport

Siblings will tend to slip into competitive ways of thinking and behaving, giving many parents the full-time job of mediator. Recover that team feeling with activities that get the whole family working together, rather than pitted against each other. When they disagree, help them to find a win-win solution, but don’t decide it for them. Make them practise their compromise and co-operation skills with carefully worded questions.

(from Parents Inc weekly hot tip)

As always, my thanks to all of our stakeholders - Board, parents, pupils and staff - for ensuring that St Michael’s continues to be a special place.

All the best.

Yours sincerely

K R Boyce

Principal

School Production

‘JACK’

Majestic House

Manchester Street

Matinee: Thursday 10 September at 1 pm

Evening Performance: Thursday 10 September at 7 pm

Ticket order forms will be sent home in Week Five

Kapahaka Cultural Festival

Thursday 27 August

7 pm

Town Hall

1 July 2009

Dear Parents,

We now conclude the halfway stage of our 2009 year. Much has been achieved by our: children, classes, staff and syndicates. As always, it is the constructive and realistic partnership that we establish with our School parents, which ensures that we realise our goals and targets. THANK YOU.

Roll:

Next term, we welcome 9 pupils:

Year 0: Marli Hetutu and Hunter Elson

Year 1: Dexter Parris

Year 2: Guy Whall and Sam Weatherall

Year 3: Hylton Briscoe, Leonard Parris and Oscar Murphy

Year 8: Saskia Whall

Sadly, we farewell Matthew Rogers (Year 3). We also say goodbye to Rachel Chon (Year 7),a who is returning to Korea. We wish them both well.

ACADEMIC

Science Fair:

It was most gratifying to witness the depth and extent of the Science topics studied from our Year 0 class through to our Year 8 Seniors. On your behalf, I pay tribute to all of our staff for ensuring that Science, is ‘alive and very well’ at St Michael’s. I particularly thank Mr Tony Kendrew and Mr Jon Russell for inspiring our Year 6, 7 and 8 students to take some of their studies to an upper level: generally, the standard was very high. We congratulate the following pupils, whose exhibits were judged to be entries in the Canterbury-Westland Science Fair. We again should appreciate that our Year 6 entries will compete with Year 7 and 8 exhibits. There is no Year 6 section in this event and, as in past years, our personnel has confirmed that these Year 6 entries will compare favourably.

Year 6 Science

Madeline Kendrew: “Boil or Bleach”

Daniel Alexander: “Crystal Growth from a Supersaturated Solution”

Saskia Klinkenberg: “Hydrangea Colour”

Year 7 Science

Tyler Smith: “Bug Off”

Connor Lindsay: “Frogs and their Food”

Priyanka Nathu: “Pulsing Powerade”

Logan Robinson: “Does Soda lose its carbonation faster in hot or cold temperatures”

Anna Parry: “What paw is your dog?”

Year 7 Technology

Kevin Jonker: “Letter Box Light”

Joshua Carlile: “Up, up and Away”

Jacqui-Lyn Welch: “Blown Away”

Year 8 Science

Raphaela Walsh: “Face The Fats”

Rebecca Tang: “Gluten Globs”

Rebekah Boyce & Samantha Clark: “Eye Mania”

Laurel Gregory: “The Nose Knows”

Georgia Rouch: “Bean Scene”

Year 8 Technology

Emma Pearson: “Sscat Cat”

Blake Clark: “Is The Gate Shut?”

Rory Wilson-Cartwright: “Rocking The Boat”

Otago Problem Solving:

Last week the pupils sat Set 3 of this competition. Congratulations to Jacob Fitzgibbon (Yr 8) who scored a perfect 5/5.

Leading scorers after three sets are Jacob Fitzgibbon (13/15), Rory Wilson-Cartwright, Jesse Rogers, and Sophie Mitchell (all 11/15). These pupils are all in Year 8.

‘Food to Go’:

This was an outstanding success. The study would fit into the Young Enterprisers’ scheme. This technology unit: endorsed a process that chose an inspiring and unique theme, saw our Middle Syndicate pupils observe food outlets within our city, encouraged each of the three classes to cost out and purchase the food items that they would need for their production lines and, would, after deliveries and sales, make a profit for their syndicate funds. Well done to Mrs Jo Clarke, Mrs Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton and Mr Jon Russell and their respective Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes: you can all be proud of yourselves and the large amount raised.

CULTURAL

School Council:

An apology is offered to Mackenzie Ellis, who should have been named on our School Council, as a Year 2 representative in our May newsletter.

School Choirs and Orchestra:

Our two choirs, - junior and senior - and orchestra have continued to practise and, accordingly, lead our singing and, presented anthems at our School Masses, under the baton of Mr Murray Lennox.

Festival Choir:

Seven of our Year 7 and 8 girls auditioned with the other 645 students vying for one of the 400 places in these special groups. The following girls were successful in their audition: Ella-Jane Todd, Laurel Gregory and Rebekah Boyce (all Year 8).

House Music Competition:

On your behalf, I commend the following pupils, who were successful in our House Music competition held on Thursday 2 July:

House Song: 1^st Averill, 2^nd Harper, 3^rd= Perry, 3^rd=Mathias

Year 0 - 4: 1^st Roman Kenworthy, 2^nd Alexander Johnson, 3^rd Anoushka Chiswell

Year 5 - 6: 1^st Joshua Duddy, 2^nd Meg Byers, 3^rd Madeline Kendrew

Year 7 - 8: 1^st Laurel Gregory, 2^nd Megan Lord, 3^rd Sebastian Gurobi-Hines

House Placings Overall: 1st Mathias, 2^nd Averill, 3^rd Harper, 4^th Perry

“Jack”

Our leads have now been selected and these names are ‘posted’ on our High Flyers’ notice board.

Kapahaka:

Our large group has continued to practise most professionally with our tutors: Maaka Kahukuranui and Sarah Mahoney.

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Hockey:

Two of our teams remain unbeaten: the Juniors and Super 8’s and our other three teams (Intermediates, Mini Angels and Mini Blues) continue to show great development of their playing skills and team dynamics.

Netball:

Our four teams: two Future Ferns, Under 12 and Under 13, continue to perform well and display exemplary facets of fair play and skill acquisition.

Rugby:

As Captain of his Under 13 grade team, Alex Irvine has led his team into the top 5 group in the Ellesmere competition. Alex is also congratulated on his selection as open side flanker (No 7) in the Ellesmere/Selwyn representative team to play against other South Island provinces. Well done Alex.

Soccer:

A number of our pupils play soccer for Clubs and we always wish them ‘well’ for their Saturday games along with our other sports’ people at our Friday assemblies.

Cross Country:

Congratulations to Simone Gale on her selection in the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Cross Country team.

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month have been: Georgia Hetutu, Sophie Mitchell, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Shannel Cartwright, Emma Pearson, Rebecca Tang, Rebekah Boyce, Alex Irvine, Blake Clark, Olivia Ong, Skylar Brown, Emma Wong.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses have been: Jesse Rogers, Laurel Gregory, Shannel Cartwright, Kendra Dunstan, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Skylar Brown.

Baptisms and Welcome to Holy Communion:

You will have received a letter regarding these two important occasions and the return form.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

What a busy end of Term Two we have all experienced, and the Senior Syndicate is no exception. A big thank you to parents who have assisted with the Science Fair projects. There is a good standard this year, and we wish those who have qualified for the Canterbury - Westland Fair all the very best.

Both classes are wrapping up their term long focus on Disasters. Year 8 pupils have been conducting tutorials with the younger classes and reminding them of what to do in an emergency. Year 7 have been sharing their learning in the form of debates, Power Point presentations, board games and models.

We wish you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, mindful of all that lies in front of us next term. As well as the School production, senior pupils will be looking at Consumer Rights, and Changes at Puberty.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

Technological practice has been the main focus this term. After the initial pitch, which was enacted for the children, they decided to look at healthy foods as a lunch option: Year 4 chose Pizzas, Year 5 Wraps and Year 6 Sushi. Each class then surveyed the stakeholders to see which were the preferred options. A thorough data analysis led to a product profile being drawn up. A brief and specifications needed to be completed which led to much research e.g. visitors to School and going out into the community. Design development followed, with each class producing a 'mock up' of their product. More research followed, with costings being completed before pricing could be set. Each class had to design a logo to accompany the packaging for their product. The children agreed final designs mutually and production day dawned. All three teachers remained calm at all times! Each student had specific production line responsibilities on the day. After each production session a final balance sheet was prepared. No doubt you will agree that this was a unit that led to a thorough understanding of technological practice for our children. Many thanks must to Jo Clarke for her expertise, drive and enthusiasm for the outstanding success of this unit.

Have a restful and relaxing holiday and we look forward to seeing you all next term.

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

Thanks to all who supported the Science Fair.

The Junior children enjoyed the Middle Syndicate's Technology products and their unique packaging - some even kept their pizza boxes as souvenirs.

We have been covering Traditional Tales and enjoyed acting out the refrains each individual story has.

Much effort has gone into the Portfolios and reports, so please take the time to discuss these with your child.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday.

B M Byers

PUBLIC RELATIONS

P.T.F.A.

Our School parents and staff are indebted to our PTFA committee for their successful organising and ‘running’ of the recent Quiz night with nearly $2,000.00 being raised.

School Board:

Our current School Board appointed personnel are:

Warden: Bishop of Christchurch

Chairperson: Mr Hamish Kenworthy

Synod Representative: Mrs Lyndsey Sturge

Board Nominee: Mr Alan Robb

Vestry Representative: Mrs Johnann Williams

Vestry Representative: Mrs Margaret Yorke

Vestry Representative: Dr Robert Maclagan

P.T.F.A. Representative: Mr Amo Perelini

P.T.F.A. Representative: Mr Hamish Kenworthy

Staff Representative: Mr Jon Russell

Principal: Mr Kevin Boyce

Vicar: Fr Peter Williams

Swine Flu:

We have been ever mindful of the advice and directives from the Ministry of Health and have placed these on our parents’ notice board.

Principals’ Tips:

Are There Alternatives to NO?

There will be times when you need to say ‘NO’. The way you do this can make a big difference to the atmosphere in your home and in the level of co-operation you. Has ‘NO’ become your default response?

“Yes you can, as soon as you’ve put your school bag away”, or “Sure, straight after dinner” both keep kids on track with the family routine and give them something to look forward to, rather than taking away motivation.

Sometimes your ‘no’ might mean “I’m tired”, “You never do what I ask”, or even “I just want a minute’s peace!!”.

(from Parents Inc weekly hot tip)

Term Three After School Extension Activities

Owing to Parent/Teachers interviews, our activities will begin again in Week Three. A letter will be sent home in Week One listing the activities available.

St Marks’ Visit

This fixture will now take place in Term Four because of the Swine Flu pandemic and possible impact for our School, if we were to receive a visit from another School, where the pandemic has been quite prevalent.

Good luck for your holidays, in the company of your children. Remember: agreed to and ‘common sense’ family rules mean that all family members can enjoy the company of each other and feel, that whatever their ‘position in the pecking order’, they have been listened to!

All the best.

Yours sincerely

K R Boyce

Principal

Dear Parents,

I begin my monthly newsletter and bring greetings to you on a Saturday (Queen’s Birthday) afternoon, in Wellington, at the annual Independent Schools’ Conference. Rather appropriately, in this anniversary weekend, our Governor General, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, declared at our conference opening that: “good education sits alongside in providing a child with love and care in his/her development” and, further, that “if it is every child’s right to be educated, it is every parent’s responsibility to provide the best education for his/her child.” At St Michael’s, in the implementation of our high quality programmes, it is always our prime objective that each pupil realises his/her potential in the four dimensions, which we pursue: academic, cultural, spiritual and sporting.

Roll:

It was pleasing to welcome at a recent Monday assembly our two newest Year 0 pupils, Sara Gillman and Tayla Harteveld-Heaslip and their parents, and Tomasi Rainima, who has joined our Year Two class from Nandi Airport School. We also bade farewell to Emily Brooklands (Year Two).

ACADEMIC

National Young Leaders’ Day:

Our ten School Prefects represented our School at this annual event, in the Town Hall, on 26 May. The five keynote speakers, who addressed the 1500 pupils on the day, were: Sophie Pascoe, Rob Harley, Justin Jones, Nick Tuitasi and Justin Vaughan. Our School will receive a report about each of these speakers, at a Friday assembly. One of the best pieces of advice came from Nick Tuitasi, one of the youngest policemen to receive a Q.S.M., who told his audience to:

• protect your integrity,
• choose your friends carefully, and,
• guard your reputation

Otago Problem Solving:

Last week the pupils sat Set 2 of this competition. Congratulations to Arwen Edgar and Caitlin Bee (Yr 7) who scored a perfect 5/5.

Leading scorers, after two sets, who have scored eight correct from ten questions are: Jacob Fitzgibbon (Yr 8), Rachel Chon, Arwen Edgar, Priyanka Nathu (all Y7).

Effort Assessments:

Again it was most pleasing to make a comment on each of our pupil’s effort assessments, having observed each student’s personal industry in the categories on their effort sheets. Thank you for working with us in encouraging your child to do his/her best.

Our Effort Assessment top contenders were:

March May

Year 0: Greer Evans Jasmine Winter

Year 1: Dylan Smith Dylan Smith

Year 2: Jessica Yu Jessica Yu

Year 3: Claudia Gale Imogen Antal

Year 4: Wone Jung Wone Jung

Year 5: Chelsea Yu Chelsea Yu

Charlotte-Jane Irwin Hannah Pearson

Year 6: Madeline Kendrew Madeline Kendrew

Year 7: Megan Lord Megan Lord

Jacqui-Lyn Welch

Year 8: Rory Wilson-Cartwright Emma Wong

CULTURAL

School Council:

We congratulate our pupil representatives on the School Council:

Year 2: Patrick Harrison Ruby Lee

Year 3: Geoffrey Kemp Ella Stewart

Year 4: Bennet Anderson Grace Mitchell

Year 5: Angus Jonker Charlotte-Jane Irwin

Year 6: Oscar Carnevale Madeline Kendrew

Year 7: Jed Scott-Stafford Simone Gale

Year 8: Ella-Jane Todd Sophie Mitchell

Special Choir Auditions:

Seven of our pupils represented themselves for these annual tests: Simone Gale, Priyanka Nathu, Jacqui-Lyn Welch, Rebekah Boyce, Laurel Gregory, Emma Pearson and Ella-Jane Todd.

“Jack”

Sharon Howells, our producer, will be announcing the main role selections, for our 2009 production, next week.

Kapahaka:

Our new tutor, Maaka Kahukuranui, has maintained the high standard achieved by our Kapahaka team in past years, and is putting in much practice time by way of preparation for the 27 August Cultural Festival presentation.

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Cross Country:

I congratulate the following pupils, who are our Cross Country champions for 2009.

8 Years: Grace Mitchell Bennet Anderson

9 Years: Hannah Pearson Nicholas Stevens

10 Years: Isabella Holden Davis Gale

11 Years: Simone Gale Joeman Chan

12 Years: Olivia Ong Alex Irvine

The House positions for Cross Country were:

1st Harper 2nd Averill

3rd Mathias 4th Perry

Huff n’ Puff:

I also congratulate the following pupils, who are our Huff n’ Puff champions for 2009.

5 Years: Emily Galbraith Brooklyn Muir

6 Years: Saskia Rankin Fletcher Anderson

7 Years: Talia Bee Jasper Savage

Hockey:

Our five hockey teams continue to produce some excellent skill standards in their Saturday games. Our Intermediate Eights remain unbeaten. Again we praise and thank our parent coaches: Suzanne Tuetue, Kim Kemp, Hitesh Ravji and our co-ordinator, Mr Michael Graveston for his careful organisation.

Netball:

The Future Ferns have certainly been ‘dogged’ by rain and bad weather. Both teams have played one round; hopefully the weather will be kinder to us this week.

The Under 13 team is well coached by Rhianna Graveston, a past pupil. Round 2 of the competition has commenced with the team being regraded into a grade that will offer teams of more equal ability. The Under 12 team continues to go from ‘strength to strength’. They have been moved up two sections. This is a strong team that play together as a unit and are well coached by Margaret Mattison.

Rugby:

Our Sports’ Vice Captain, Alex Irvine, has continued to display some excellent skills for his Saturday rugby team.

Mara'Fun:

Over 40 of our pupils competed in the Queen's Birthday event and I thank Mrs Jo Clarke for ensuring that our School was so well represented at this major local event.

Trampolining:

Shannel Cartwright, our Sports’ Captain, came 2nd in synchronised and 3rd in individual in her most recent Trampolining competitions.

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month have been: Jesse Rogers, Emma-Kate Gardenbroek, Rory Wilson-Cartwright, Emma Pearson, Kendra Dunstan, Jacob Fitzgibbon, Austin Poit, Samantha Clark, Laurel Gregory, Ella-Jane Todd and Raphaela Walsh.

Bible Readers at recent School masses have been: Georgia Rouch, Skylar Brown, Alex Irvine, Ella-Jane Todd, Sophie Mitchell and Austin Poit.

Bishop’s Visit:

Our new Bishop, Victoria Matthews on Wednesday 6 May. Bishop Victoria celebrated Mass and then visited each class and stated that it was wonderful to see the level of Christian content being taught in the School and remarked how St Michael’s lived the Christian Gospel and the Virtues. She had thoroughly enjoyed being in the School and talking to the children. Bishop Victoria’s visit proved to be one of this year’s highlights and memory moments.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

Our senior classes are enjoying a new integrated Health and Social Studies unit about Disasters. Pupils are being asked to critically investigate historic disasters, to determine causes and effects, and to identify how those involved coped with the disaster and organised themselves in response.

Throughout this unit pupils are being introduced to Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory, and are using their own areas of intelligences to help in their learning.

Both classes are making extensive use of the new computers, with pupils using them to research information, design and draw graphs, create Power Point presentations, and present written work.

Over the last six weeks, the seniors have been attending the Christchurch School of Gymnastics for lessons and assessment in gymnastics. Pupils have been introduced to gymnastic movements and are developing their balance and co-ordination.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

‘Food to Go’ is certainly alive and well in the Middle Syndicate. Each class surveyed stakeholders on varying food preferences and decided to make healthy food options that include: pizzas, wraps, and sushi. Each class has followed a technological scaffold to enable them to clearly set the process. This unit will culminate with each class manufacturing to order during Week 8.

The Mara’Fun was run on Sunday 31 May with many children from the Middle Syndicate competing. Well done on getting out there and being active to all the runners. The ISSA Cross Country was run on Wednesday at North Hagley again, with age group teams competing from the Syndicate. Thank you to Mrs Clarke for her overall school and syndicate organisation.

Numeracy is continuing with the domain Multiplication/Division being studied. The children are learning strategies to enable them to calculate answers to problems.

Year 6, visited Science Alive as part of our ‘Electricity’ unit. The session involved making series and parallel circuits and also constructing a night-light.

The Science Fair is only a matter of weeks away and children in Year 6 are busy experimenting and attempting to reach conclusions. Years 4 and 5 will present their technology unit for your perusal on the night.

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

Naturally, the highlight of the last month was the Junior Huff’n Puff.

We are very proud of the effort all children put into the practices and the race and the enthusiasm they had for participating. For many children it was a real personal learning experience in setting goals and striving to attain them, and experiencing the joy that comes from realising their goals (just like the Little Red Engine!). Thank you so much parents for your support and encouragement.

Our topic for the rest of the term is “Traditional Stories” as part of our Social Studies focus. Traditional Stories are part of any culture’s heritage and sharing them is a way of enriching our children’s learning.

S G Walker

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Open Day:

Our 15 May Open Day provided us with another opportunity to ‘showcase’ our School. Whilst our visitor numbers were down, our Year 8 guides again demonstrated their excellent: Knowledge about and pride in their School. Please cordially invite any prospective parents to contact us about visiting our School.

P.T.F.A. Annual General Meeting:

At our A.G.M., the following committee members and office holders were voted in:

Chairperson: Hamish Kenworthy

Vice Chairperson: Amo Perelini

Secretary: Moranne McIvor

Treasurer: Christine Scrase

Principal: Kevin Boyce

Staff Representative: Tony Kendrew

Committee: Angela Ellis, Anna Petterson, Bea Pickering, David Irvine, Dianne Boyce, Jenny Addis, Penny Warren, Robin Gardenbroek, Sonia Mountain, Vicky Barkway, Kim Kemp and Warren Kemp.

School Board:

It is with regret that I report to you of, Mrs Patricia Anderson, our Board Chairperson’s six-year tenure on our Board coming to a close. On your behalf, I thank Mrs Anderson for her caring, professional and thorough leadership of our Board and for her untiring commitment and contribution to our four million dollar rebuilding fundraising fund between 2002 and 2005.

Swine Flu:

The focus of the Ministry of Health and the efforts of the Public Health authorities are very much on containing any suspected or actual cases of this influenza. To date, there is no evidence of community spread of the virus here and numbers remain stable. All of the cases had recently returned from travel in affected areas including the original cluster from Rangitoto College.

(Ministry of Health: media release)

Principals’ Tips:

Routines and Security:

Having routines doesn’t mean an end to spontaneity; just that you have general patterns to the way your family does things, for e.g. How you prepare for an outing, get ready for bed, or where and when different games are played.

Babies and pre-schoolers are immensely comforted by the predictability of family routines. Older children appreciate the things that make their family unique and highlight their sense of belonging.

Being flexible is essential at times, but don’t underestimate the importance to your child of having some things ‘the way we always do them’.

(from Mary and Ian Grant’s Hot Tips for Parents)

I hope and trust that our School families had a restful Queen’s Birthday holiday. Thank you for your excellent support for our most recent long distant running events. Your children have achieved a high level of fitness. Well done!

K R Boyce

Principal

Friday 12 June

Save the Children Fund Mufti Day

Saturday 13 June

P.T.F.A.

QUIZ NIGHT

Richmond Working Men’s Club

Tuesday 16 June

Science Fair

School Hall

P.T.F.A. Raffle

Thursday 18 June

School Photographs

formal uniform