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