SMAA SCHOOL NEWS

2010-05-06T14:48:00.015+12:00

06 May 2010

Dear Parents,

As I write we are one week into our second term for 2010. There is real evidence of the change of season, from summer to winter: longer nights and shorter days and those many coloured leaves twirling to the ground awaiting human toil as we make them into child-proof piles!

Staffing:

It was pleasing to welcome our new Secretary, Mrs Michelle Tull, to our School at the beginning of the first week. Mrs Tull

has been the School Secretary at Christchurch East School for the last eight years and I know that you will join me in extending a warm welcome to Michelle.

Our new Bursar, Mr Paul Melton, has been coming to terms with the tasks associated with his new role as Bursar.

I offer sincere thanks to Mrs Dorothy Burrows for all of her work with both Mrs Tull and Mr Melton to ensure they are comfortable with our systems.

We also have welcomed Mrs Paula Eveleigh to our After School Care Team.

Dorothy Burrows at her final St Michael's School Assembly on Friday 30 April 2010.

ACADEMIC

Otago Problem Solving:

This annual problem solving competition began last week, with 31 pupils from across Years 6 - 8 participating this year. There are five sets of questions with five problems in each set. The top scorers from Set 1, who all scored 4/5 were:

Year 8 - Megan Lord, Austin Harrison &

James Nicholls

Year 7 - Saskia Klinkenber

g & Daniel Kim

A P Kendrew

Secondary Schools’ Scholarships:

A number of our Year Eight pupils have indicated their intention to attend and sit Scholarship examinations for entry at local Independent

Schools.

National Standards:

As stated in our March newsletter, Lynne Horwood and I attended a course on this important issue in Auckland. Nearly sixty Independent Schools’ Curriculum Leaders and Principals were present. We will be holding a Parents’ information evening on Thursday 10 June from 7:00pm, in our school hall, where we will discuss National Standards and how we will report these to you on our Mid-Year report proforma. All parents will be sent a letter next week, which explains the background, significance and use of these National Standards.

Mathematics Extension:

By way of preparation for the annual Cantamaths’ competition, Tony Kendrew is using our Mathematics’ Extension sessions to prepare our Year Seven and Year Eight teams for this important evening. We will reconvene our Mathematics’ Extension group for other pupils, later in the year.

CULTURAL

Christchurch Music Festival:

Four of our Year Eight students have applied to audition for the Special Senior Choir at the annual Christchurch Festival. Good luck to: Jacqui-Lyn Welch, Priyanka Nathu, Simone Gale & Shaun Graveston.

Kapahaka:

Our Kapahaka is preparing to present at our Sunday 13 June Open Occasion.

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Hockey:

We now have 60 children competing amongst our seven Saturday morning teams. Again, may I thank our parent coaches and Mr Michael Graveston for his impeccable organisation.

K R Boyce

Netball:

The first round of senior netball started on 1 May with two Year 8 teams playing in the Under 13 section with this grade having an entry of over 35 teams. We are again thankful to those parents who have offered their time to coach and manage the teams on Saturday.

Future Ferns commence their competition on Friday this week. We are entering a Year 5 team as well as ten “Whistlers” who are training as netball umpires.

J C Russell

Rugby:

This term has seen ten boys from St Michael’s join with Cathedral Grammar for rugby. The boys practice for sport on Thursdays and have another practice on another week day. All the boys play in competition on Saturday mornings according to their weight. This year would see the largest contingent of boys from St Michael’s playing alongside Cathedral Grammar.

J C Russell

Soccer:

Senior Soccer begins this term with practices held on a Tuesday from 3:10pm - 4:20pm. A squad of players will be posted on the notice board on Friday.

A P Kendrew

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders:

The leaders for this month have been: Olivia Mattison, Jordan McIvor & Austin Harrison

Bible Readers at School Masses:

Shaun Graveston, Anna Parry-Gibson & Arwen Edgar.

Parish AGM:

The Principal presented his annual written report at the Parish AGM last Sunday. The Principal’s full report is available for parents to peruse on our website: www.churchandschool.org.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

The Senior Syndicate has made a flying start to a busy term, with a number of activities already under way. Our focus this term is on our Nineteenth Century Christchurch studies, with trips to Ferrymead, Riccarton House, and the Museum. Year 7 & 8 received a visit today from story-teller Margaret Copland, whose stories recounted the experiences of the early settlers to Canterbury.

Of course, a Soirée is the ideal way to finish this unit, and tomorrow pupils begin their dance classes in preparation for this major event later in the term. I'm sure they are all looking forward to that!

As well as dancing, pupils are attending Gymnastics sessions at the Christchurch School of Gymnastics for the first six weeks, and are training for the School Cross Country

next week.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

The children have returned to school refreshed after a much welcome break. It was great to see them and they have immersed themselves in the many and varying activities that are on offer this term.

As a syndicate we are busy preparing for the annual school cross country which is on Tuesday 11 May. The children are busy running around the streets adjacent to the river in preparation. We have entered into an initiative with the Senior Syndicate to go to South Hagley on Fridays for the next two weeks to run so the children will be familiar with the course.

This term will see the children involved with the gymnastics programme that has been planned for them at Alpha Impact gymnasium. This is a seven week programme which will involve the children rotating in groups around a range of activities. At the conclusion of the lessons each child will receive a certificate to celebrate their success.

We have started this week to assess the children in numeracy in the domain of multiplication/division. After the results have been analysed, the children will then be grouped according to their stages achieved.

Future Ferns will start next week for a Year 4/5 team. There will be a note to go home explaining practice times and procedures for the games on Friday.

There is certainly many varied and exciting events happening this term so please keep an eye on your calendar and any notes that may come home.

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

Term 2, with all children looking smart in their winter uniforms, has begun well. Autumn leaves have us appreciating the season. Year One children made leaf boats and sailed them in the Avon. All children have begun training for their Huff n’ Puff run around the Avon Circuit on Wednesday 19 May at 1:45pm. All supporters are welcome! Our topic is Wonderful Water and each class will study different aspects of this.

B M Byers

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Open Sessions:

Open Sessions for Term Two:

Friday 14 May: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Sunday 13 June: 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Monday 28 June: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Please encourage your family and friends, who may have primary aged children, to feel welcome to attend any of these occasions. We would ask, as in past years, that visitors register their intention to attend with our School’s secretary.

School Council:

A most successful giant garage sale was held last term. Wonderful organisation by school councillors saw pre loved toys and goods priced in 50 cent, $1.00, $2.00 & $3.00 piles, make almost $500.00. The School Council decided to donate to Haiti and Chile disasters. Ms Katrina Hill from Christian World Service, will attend assembly next Monday to accept our donation.

B M Byers

Principals’ Tips:

Dads and Daughters

Dads, naturally, are boys and as such might need help when it comes to navigating the emotional world of daughters. A dad’s way might be to gather only as much evidence as you need, devise a plan, then implement it - problem solved! If your daughter comes to you for help, consider yourself honoured: she trusts and respects your input. Let her discuss with you every aspect of the problem as she sees it. Don’t jump in with solutions unless and until you’re invited: what she wants to know most of all is that you care enough to listen.

(from Parents Inc - Hot Tips for Parents)

We look forward to your attendance and company at the myriad of events that we will pursue this term.

All the best.

Yours sincerely

K R Boyce

Principal

Speech & Drama Lessons

Now offered at St Michael’s as part of the itinerant programme.

Oral Communication both Artistic and Practical.

Including:

giving talks

drama (both scripted and improvised)

reading aloud

poetry speaking

voice production

storytelling

interviewing

enjoying literature

formal and informal conversation

From Year 3 onwards

Groups of 2 or 3

Working towards Speech NZ Examinations

Mrs T Edgerton-Till is a very experienced Speech and Drama teacher, most recently having taught full-time at The Cathedral Grammar School for eleven years. She has a B.A. in literature and linguistics, an LTCL in Speech and Drama, professional television and stage acting experience and a particular interest in children’s literature.

Please contact Mr Boyce or phone Mrs Edgerton-Till on 332-7330.

Dorothy Burrows, with her husband Max (left) and Principal, Kevin Boyce, cuts her retirement cake.

2010-05-04T14:38:00.002+12:00

REPORT OF THE ST MICHAEL’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ST MICHAEL and ALL ANGELS PARISH

Sunday 2 May 2010

Our 2009 School year began with 185 pupils: a roll that compared favourably with commencement figures in recent years. Owing to the expected and predicted global recession, our roll did not reach the ‘highs’, by the year’s closure that we had experienced in the last few years.

Two academic staff members, Julie Lee and Teresa Price, resigned their respective positions at the conclusion of 2009: Mrs Lee moved to an appointment at the Cathedral Grammar School for Girls, whilst Mrs Price returned to North New Brighton School. Two fixed term positions were advertised and the successful candidates were: Mrs Raylene Tennant and Mrs Brigit Craig, who assumed control of our Year One and Year Two classes respectively. Mrs Jo Clarke moved from her Year Two position in the Junior Syndicate to our Middle Syndicate’s Year Four class.

As I write I am mindful that we are soon to farewell Mrs Dorothy Burrows and as stated at our 2009 Prizegiving: ‘Dorothy’s exemplary attention to a wide range of tasks in her dual role of Bursar and School Secretary has made her a hard act to follow: indispensable.’

During the course of the year, our staff again demonstrated their ability to be diverse and embrace what has become a full and intricate N.Z. Curriculum: the Middle Syndicate’s Technology unit, entitled ‘Food to Go’, proved to be most successful. Indeed, our School’s unit exemplar has now been included as part of the N.Z. Curriculum’s Technological studies and, entitled our unit writer, Mrs Jo Clarke, to be one of the three National Technology Education 2009 awardees.

The launching of the Government’s National Standards, towards the end of 2009, has been placed well ‘on track’ by our Curriculum leader, Lynne Horwood.

Other notable 2009 academic achievements included:

ICAS (International Competition Australasian Schools) with Taylor Keys (Science) and Vincent Kenworthy (Mathematics) maintaining of our average of two High Distinction awards per year. Our School has now attained 18 of these prestigious awards since 2001.

Otago Problem Solving: Jacob Fitzgibbon earned a place in the Final Challenge group from the original 40,000 entrants.

Science Fair (Canterbury- Westland): again our School was among the prize-winners with Raphaela Walsh, Connor Lindsay and Kevin Jonker receiving awards.

Our School prides itself, in the Cultural arena, by ensuring that it offers opportunities for each of the pupils in our care to develop and mature in the all important skill of acting, playing, singing and speaking to an audience: be it their class, parents, School or syndicate.

The features of our 2009 Cultural pursuits were:

Biennial production: our declared policy is that each pupil will participate in our School production: staged every two years. For our community, our 2009 show ‘Jack’ was a team effort and, in keeping with past years, has provided our School with a true memory moment for 2009. I have stated it a number of times that some of our pupils will earn a living from their cultural skil1s: indeed the lead in ‘Jack’, Austin Harrison, already has a role as the safari man in the popular children’s television show: ‘What Now’. Testament to the popularity of ‘Jack’ was the purchase of 70 DVD’s of this performance.

Chess: this important skill continues to be well nurtured by parent/coach, Hamish Kenworthy. Recent successes have included: a win (19-5) in their contest with St Mark’s Church School (Wellington), four level One and Level Two passes and a Level Three pass, normally sat by Secondary School students, from Vincent Kenworthy, when he was in Year Four!

Debating: our team (Georgia Rouch, Emma-Kate Gardenbroek and Emma Pearson) retained the Goodall Family Cup, in the annual debate with St Mark’s Church School, for the third year in succession.

Festival Choir: our School was honoured to have its strongest representation in the Christchurch Music Festival’s special Senior Choir: Ella-Jane Todd, Laurel Gregory and Rebekah Boyce (2007, 2008 and 2009).

General Knowledge: this course was introduced in 2008 and the winner of the W.H. Boyce Memorial Trophy for the second time: Megan Lord superseded her 92% result in 2008 with a perfect 100% in 2009.

Kapahaka: our new tutor, Maaka Kahukaranui and staff representative Sarah Mahoney have maintained the high standard set by Suzanne Pitama with our group treating Independent Schools’ special visitor, the Hon Heather Roy to her ‘best Christchurch Schools’ welcome’.

School Orchestra: this group accompanied a hymn for the annual grandparents’ morning, the Mass with St Mark’s Church School and entertained visitors on our major Open Day.

Our Schools’ sporting successes included:

Athletics: Karenia Anderson (long jump and 50m sprint) and Simone Gale second placings in long jump and 100m sprint at Canterbury Primary Schools’ Championships.

Cross Country: Simone Gale was selected again in the Canterbury Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships.

Gymnastics: James Nicholls was placed 10th in the Level Five section at the National competitions.

Hockey: our School boasted five teams with two teams winning their respective championships: the Juniors and Super Eights, who won their grade for the fourth year in succession.

Rugby: our 2009 Sportsperson of the Year (Naylor Trophy) Alex Irvine being selected in the South Island team from the Primary Schools’ tournament in Dunedin.

Rugby League: Jed Scott-Stafford was also selected in the South Island team, after the League tournament on the West Coast.

Trampolining: Shannel Cartwright performed with credit at National events and was ‘on track’ to be chosen in the Indo-Pacific championships: her second occasion in a N.Z. selection.

In our Church School, our Spiritual dimension is an important and integral part of each and every one of our children’s development: this Christian Ethos or Special Character permeates or pervades all that we do at St Michael’s. We have continued to live out a weekly Virtues’ theme, which the Principal introduces and speaks to at the Monday morning School assembly. Again we were pleased to offer the opportunity for pupils and parents to be baptised and receive their first communion: 17 pupils requested a baptism and 28 pupils and one parent received the opportunity for a welcome to the Christian sacrament of Eucharist. Our School is now in its fifth year of its use of the N.Z. Anglican Religious Education Curriculum.

Our School was privileged to receive a first official visit to our enterprise of our new Warden: Bishop Victoria Matthews. Our Junior Syndicate, Middle Syndicate, Year Sevens and Year Eights each received an exclusive audience with our Bishop.

Our Worship Committee, comprising: Lynne Horwood, Suzie Walker, Tony Kendrew, Murray Lennox, the Principal and the Vicar meets at the beginning of each term to choose hymns and songs for School Masses.

Our Senior pupils have continued to acquit themselves well in School Masses as prayer leaders, readers and servers. I thank Rev Lynne Horwood and the Vicar who have presented our pupils with meaningful, purposeful weekly masses.

Our St Michael’s School Board has endeavoured to forge stronger links with the other community stakeholders: P.T.F.A., Trust and Vestry. This can only be made more cohesive with the recently adopted Strategic Plan, which has a shared vision: St Michael’s is a Christian community providing quality education and empowering learners to be compassionate, responsible, resourceful citizens. Our Board has been a focussed, forward thinking committee lead by Hamish Kenworthy, who has also been President of our P.T.F.A. Our P.T.F.A. Secretary, Moranne McIvor, who has organised and run a number of events and our uniform shop is a true ‘gem’1, out of the same ‘mould’ as our longstanding School Secretary.

May I, in closing, pay a special tribute to our Site Chairperson, Mr Michael Ladd, whose caring, gentlemanly approach has ensured: a smooth, workable liaison between our Church and School and that both groups’ aspirations, interest and needs are best met and realised.

Kevin R Boyce

Principal

8 April 2010

1 Websters Dictionary 2002 ‘gem:anything extremely precious or valuable’.

2010-04-01T12:08:00.009+13:00

31 March 2010

Dear Parents,

As I put ‘pen to paper’ at the close to our first term, I reflect upon the dedicated, hardworking and loyal twenty five years of service that our Bursar/School Secretary, Mrs Dorothy Burrows, has given to our St Michael’s Church School. I know that you will join with the Board, pupils and staff in wishing Dorothy and Max: a happy and long retirement.

Roll:

We are pleased to welcome the following new pupils and their families to St Michael’s as they begin the second term with us.

Year 1: Sana Fujii, James Benzie, Alex Reid (brother of Ella-Jane and William Todd) and Beth Condon

Year 2: Isabella Smith and Shahid Ali

Year 5: Caleb Smith

Staffing:

Currently, we are completing the appointment process for the position of our new School Secretary. It is pleasing to announce that the successful applicant for the Bursar/Board Secretary position is Mr Paul Melton BBS, ACA (Chartered Accountant). We will have a School Secretary in place by the commencement of Term Two.

ACADEMIC

Otago Problem Solving and I.C.A.S. (New South Wales University:

Individual letters will be sent home for entry into each of the categories in these prestigious National and International competitions.

Character References:

It is always a pleasure to write a character reference for any of our Year 8 students, which can be included in their applications for a place at the Secondary School(s) of their choice.

National Standards:

Our staff have been suitably ‘working through’ the process by way of preparation to implement these ‘agreed to’ standards. Our Deputy principal and I are to attend a day’s meeting at King’s School (Auckland) on 3 May to discuss the intricacies of the assessment, moderation and reporting of the National Standards.

Effort Assessments:

These were sent home at the conclusion of Week Seven and I am pleased to announce that the ‘top polling’ candidates for each class were.

Year 1: Tayla Harteveld-Heaslip

Year 2: Dylan Smith and Lachlan Frazer

Year 3: Theodore Johnson

Year 4: Bevan Chen

Year 5: Alexander Johnson

Year 6: Charlotte-Jane Irwin and Chelsea Yu

Year 7: Madeline Kendrew and Saskia Klinkenberg

Year 8: Jacqui-Lyn Welch and Megan Lord

Portfolios:

These documents accompany this newsletter. Please take time to praise and set new targets together.

CULTURAL

Junior Choir: (Years 4 and 5)

The following pupils are auditioned members of this special group: Jonty Moore, Priyanka Ravji, Trilly Stewart, Anoushka Chiswell, Losena Biuvanua, Ella Christey, Shannon Devine, Nikita Yates, Mya Cherry, Claudia Gale, Paige Stolzenberger, Talia Bee (Year 4).

Alison Yee, Grace Budge, Maggie Davies, Rosie McIvor, Kostandea Papageorge, Wone Jung, Briarna Murray, Roman Kenworthy, Alexander Johnson, Liam Scrase, Harry Kendrew, André Smith, Maleka Smith, Shuying Wee, Aimee Hayward (Year 5).

Senior Choir:(Years 6 - 8)

This group has also been chosen and, as with the Junior Choir, has a practice time on Fridays: Shaun Graveston, Austin Harrison, Caitlin Bee, Phoebe Brosnan, Simone Gale, Megan Lord, Letasha Lowe, Priyanka Nathu, Anna Parry-Gibson, Jacqui-Lyn Welch (Year 8).

Oscar Carnevale, Davis Gale, Conor Hamilton, Henry Rouch, Isaiah Schwanen, Madeline Kendrew, Mégane Lallemant (Year 7).

Taylor Keys, Laura Brown, Meg Byers, Amelia McGrath (Year 6).

Orchestra:

This group also practises on Fridays and consists of the following students. Austin Harrison, Letasha Lowe, Megan Lord, Simone Gale, Anna Parry-Gibson, Priyanka Nathu, Meg Byers, Henry Rouch, Mégane Lallemant, Joshua Duddy, Vincent Kenworthy.

Kapahaka:

This large group continues to practise, on Wednesday afternoons, by way of preparation for the annual Cultural Festival and other major events and open occasions.

Chess:

The Chess Club has been active in Term One. Three pupils have had the honour of holding the number one position on the ladder. George Addis began the term at number one. He was beaten by Freddy Wilson who continued his good progress in 2009 with some well-played matches this term. Freddy's time at the top of the ladder was not long-lived as he was beaten by Vincent Kenworthy. Vincent has since beaten Daniel Alexander and George to retain the top position. Some younger players are coming regularly to the Chess Club and we appreciate their presence. The skills they learn now will prepare them for a prominent role in the club in future years.

The Press inter-school chess competitions will be held in Term Two and players are looking forward to those events for Years 1-6 and Years 7-8 teams. H R. Kenworthy

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Swimming:

The pupils chosen to compete at the Independent School Swimming Sports were:

9 Years: Daniel Welch, Dalton de Ronde Robo, Chelsea Yu, Maleka Smith

10 Years: Nicholas Stevens, Angus Jonker, Karenia Anderson, Saskia Klinkenberg

11 Years: Jesse Simkin, Isaiah Schwanen, George Addis, Caitlin Bee, Madeline Kendrew, Millie Clifton

12 years: James Nicholls, Tyler Smith, Kevin Jonker, Joeman Chan, Megan Lord, Jacqui-Lyn Welch, Priyanka Nathu

Hockey:

I thank Mr Michael Graveston for ensuring that our hockey programme has commenced, by way of preparation for the Winter season.

Netball:

The season commences for our two senior teams on the last Saturday of the school holidays. We are lucky to be able to field an extra senior team and this would not have been possible if Margaret Mattison had not agreed to coach the team. Competition for the Year 5 Future Ferns commences on the second week of Term 2. It is exciting to see this year that we have nine girls wishing to train as Whistlers (Umpires) on Fridays.

Coaches and managers for the season are: Year 8 Coach: Jon Russell, Managers: Nicky Clifton and Michelle Lord. Year 7 Coach: Margaret Mattison, Managers: Katrina Anderson and Maxine Webb

Club Umpire: Farron Dunstan

Future Ferns Coach: Jodi Alexander, and Parent Helper: tbc J C Russell

Rugby:

A number of our boys have continued to trial and, accordingly, been selected for squads that play under the banner of the Cathedral Grammar School.

Tennis:

Megan Lord, our Tennis Captain, was chosen for the Canterbury Town team to play their rivals from the Country. Megan was also in the winning Canterbury under 12 year old girls Interclub team final. They won 4 games to 2 in what was a torrid match. Megan showed particular grit and determination to come from 3 - 2 down to win her singles game 6 - 3. This is the third year that Megan’s team have won the competition, claiming the Under 9, 11 and 12 year old titles. Well done Megan!

Touch:

Currently, with four wins, one loss and one draw, our Touch team ‘sits’ nicely near, if not at the top, of this Friday competition with many Independent Schools taking part.

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month have been: Connor Lindsay, Phoebe Brosnan, Simone Gale, Joshua Carlile, Ashton Finlayson, Anna Parry-Gibson, Joeman Chan, Ben Mitchell, Jed Scott-Stafford, Shaun Graveston, Letasha Lowe, Caitlin Bee.

Bible Readers at School Masses: Harry Briggs-Jones, Megan Lord, Connor Lindsay, Priyanka Nathu, James Nicholls, Simone Gale, Tyler Smith, Jordan McIvor.

Mothering Sunday 14 March:

Again, this proved to be a meaningful and moving service with the interactive sermon, based on the Prodigal Son, being a message to reflect upon for all, who were in attendance.

Holy Week:

Our pupils have shared in the journey of our saviour, Jesus Christ’s last days on Earth as we lead to the Easter Sunday remembrance of the resurrection.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

This term the Senior School have enjoyed a number of very worthwhile Cultural experiences. We visited Rehua Marae last month, and the children found the powhiri a powerful and moving ceremony. This week, we have had a visit from Miles Kaukau, who has instructed us in the art of Maori carving. The children have received a lot from these experiences. Next term the Senior Syndicate are super busy. The major activities are centred around our Early Canterbury Studies and include trips to the Museum, Ferrymead and Riccarton House. Of course our Soirée caps off the learning experiences at the conclusion of the term. As well, next term is our Science and Technology Fair. I encourage you all to spend some holiday time deciding on a topic. On behalf of Mrs Horwood, may I wish you a safe, happy and relaxing break.

A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

The first term has certainly been busy and productive with many highlights for our classes this term. The year started with: the annual camp for Years 5 and 6, our swimming sports and the Independent Schools' Swimming Sports. In Numeracy the children have been working on addition and subtraction strategies for solving a variety of problems.

The second term is going to feature gymnastics for the Middle Syndicate; we will be going to Alpha Impact Gym for a seven week course during our Thursday sport time. Our cross country is in Week 2 of next term. Please encourage your children to get out in preparation for this event: How about making it a family affair and getting fit together? Our school has an association with Cathedral Grammar to play rugby as a sport option. Some of our boys have availed themselves of this opportunity.

We trust that you have a blessed Easter period and that you spend some quality time together as a family over the holiday period. J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

Our busy first term seems to have come to an end very quickly. We have had a joyful and productive term covering a real width in our curriculum. We have celebrated the Arts through Wendy Duggan's drawing workshop and Rhythm Interactive, celebrated our garden city through Science and Social Studies, looking at plants and growth, and celebrated friends, family and ourselves. We end the term now celebrating Easter.

We as a syndicate staff have been becoming increasingly familiar with the National Standards and are attending a Numeracy course in the holidays.

Thank you very much for your help and support this term. Have a wonderful and safe family time over the holidays. S G Walker

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Board Report:

The School Board of Governors has had two major tasks to attend to this term. The first has been to complete the work required on the school's strategic plan. That work has now been completed. It comprises the strategic plan itself together with five year and annual plans with tasks for the School's staff and for the Governors. The work involved in preparing the plan has been a group effort but special mention ought to be made of Mrs. Lynne Horwood for her work on the School section of the plan and Mrs. Margaret Yorke for her work on the Board section of the plan. The details of the plan will be made available in the near future with the School's website (www.churchandschool.org) being used for that purpose.

The second major task for the Board has been the finding of a replacement for Mrs. Dorothy Burrows who is retiring at the end of term one. An analysis of the breadth of Mrs. Burrows' duties made it apparent that we would not find another like her who would be able to undertake all the tasks that she does. On that basis we advertised first for someone to fill the Bursar's role. The successful applicant for that position was Mr. Paul Melton who has experience in accounts functions with the YMCA and in local government. No appointment has been made to the position of school secretary and receptionist as yet but there will be an appointment made and the successful applicant will be in place for the start of term two.

Mrs. Burrows has generously agreed to stay on for a few more weeks to help in the training and settling in both of Mr. Melton and whomever is appointed to the school secretary role. The Board wishes to express its gratitude to Mrs. Burrows for her tremendous service to the School over the last twenty-five years and to wish her every happiness in her retirement. H R Kenworthy

P.T.F.A. Office Holders appointed at A.G.M:

President: Mr Hamish Kenworthy

Vice-President: Mr Amo Perelini

Secretary: Mrs Moranne McIvor

Treasurer: Mr Stephen Harteveld

Principal: Mr Kevin Boyce

Staff Representative: Mr Tony Kendrew

Committee: Mrs Angela Ellis, Mrs Anna Pettersen, Mrs Bea Pickering, Mr David Irvine,

Mrs Jenny Addis, Ms Penny Warren, Ms Vicky Barkway, Mr Warren Kemp, Mrs Kim Kemp, Ms Charlotte West.

Irene Kiernan:

Mrs Irene Kiernan began her duties in our After School Care programme in April 1994 and also was a School parent, with her son Joshua being her as a pupil from 1991 to 1999. We bid farewell to Irene and wish her every success in her full time position at Burwood Hospital.

Principals’ Tips:

Don’t Let Technology Take Over!

At what age should children carry a phone? When should phones be switched off? How do we share computer time and keep usage at a healthy level? What steps do we take to make sure that our kids are using electronic devices in a way that’s safe and age-appropriate? As the big people in your family: decide what’s appropriate for you, and then put some plans in place. Discussing the boundaries around using technology can be a great family exercise in negotiation, teamwork, and responsibility, so it’s well worth the effort to make some family agreements and resist taking the easy road of letting kids decide what’s okay.

(from Parents Inc - Hot Tips for Parents)

As I close, I encourage all parents to spend some quality time in the company of their children, whether it be: eating, fishing, talking or walking in each other’s company for the holidays.

All the best.

Yours sincerely

K R Boyce

Principal

Open Occasions for Term Two:

Friday 14 May: 11 am - 2 pm

Sunday 13 June: 1 - 3 pm

Monday 28 June: - 11 am - 12 noon

Please encourage your family and friends, who may have primary aged children, to feel welcome to attend any of these occasions

Dental Care over the School Holidays

The Community Dental Service will operate an emergency service over the school holidays. This service is to provide relief of pain only and will not undertake 'routine' treatment. The service will be available each working day from 8:30am until 12:30pm from the Oral Health Centre, 16 Tuam Street, Christchurch for the following times:

Tuesday, 6th April -16th April 2010 (excluding weekends)

This service will operate by appointment only and if they are unable to see your child, alternative options will be given. If your child has dental pain as a result of an accident please contact your dentist in the first instance.

You can phone and make an appointment for the emergency clinic by ringing

364 1860.

2010-03-15T09:43:00.053+13:00

26 February 2010

Dear Parents,

A belated but sincere and warm ‘Happy New Year’ to all of you. I have met and spoken to many of you, especially at our most successful and well supported annual Pool Party two Fridays ago. As always, this monthly newsletter will seek to reflect on our most recent happenings.

New Families:

It was most pleasing to welcome our 14 new pupils and their families, during the course of this first month to the year. Thank you for ‘joining’ with me to ensure that all members of our community feel ‘at home’ and part

of the St Michael’s family.

Year 1: Sophie Allnutt, Sadie Lee, Eva Rankin, Akari Shimzu,Phoenix Taurua, Breanna Cherry, Corbin Jones

Year 2: Lachlan Frazer

Year 3: Ben Frazer, Ella Frazer

Year 4: Vincent Mukundu

Year 5: Dalton de Ronde Robo, Kimberley Purvis

Year 7: Mégane Lallemant

ACADEMIC

National Standards:

Our Curriculum Director, Mrs Lynne Horwood, and I attended a National Standards workshop last Thursday. One message that was emphasised was that our New Zealand Curriculum underpins these National Standards. A pupil’s achievement and understanding of the Curriculum levels skills in Literacy and Numeracy and, next steps, will be reported to parents. Our parents will appreciate and know that the N.Z. Curriculum is already delivered and reported upon by our dedicated and most professional staff members. We will keep you informed and updated as to our implementation and reporting of these National Standards.

Parent-Teacher Interviews:

Thank you for your excellent response to these important interviews.

PAT Testing:

These norm-referenced tests have been completed this week and teachers may discuss your son’s/daughter’s abilities/skills, during your interview(s).

CULTURAL

Chess:

This popular club has recommenced, on Monday lunchtimes, again under the direction of Mr Hamish Kenworthy, whom we are indebted to and thank.

Choirs:

Again, we have received great interest in vying for a place in either our Junior (Year 4 and 5) or Senior (Year 6 - 8) choirs. I thank Murray Lennox for his work with our choirs.

Kapahaka:

There has been growing and high interest in this group with 60 pu

pils joining our 2010 ‘muster’. I pay tribute to our tutor, Maaka Kahukuranui and our staff member, Sarah Mahoney for attracting and maintaining such strong numbers.

Orchestra:

It is most pleasing to observe a resurgence in woodwind instruments again, with a number of our students learning the clarinet and the flute. These will complement the other instruments represented in this important group.

Ukelele:

There are nine students ‘signed up’ to join this Tuesday group under the direction of Elspeth Godfrey-Chatterton, Sarah Mahoney and the Principal.

Special Choir:

Applications for the Music Festival Special groups - choirs, concert band, orchestra and recorder - can be made online: http://musicfestival.school.nz. Please phone the School Office for the password.

School Concert:

We plan to ‘stage’ a concert at the end of Term Three to showcase our Cultural groups.

Royal Schools of Music:

It came to my notice recently that Joshua Duddy had passed his Grade Two Piano Royal Schools’ examination with distinction (138/150) and was subsequently invited to play in the High Achievers Concert at the Music Centre. Well done Joshua.

Leadership Appointments:

Librarians:

The following have been appointed:

Head Librarian: Arwen Edgar

Deputy Head Librarian: Caitlin Bee

Librarians: Letasha Lowe, Jordan McIvor, Joeman Chan, Phoebe Brosnan, Shaun Graveston, Jed Scott-Stafford, Millie Clifton, Simone Gale, Kevin Jonker, Logan Robinson

House Leaders: In keeping with our School’s tradition, our pupils have selected their two House Leaders for 2010. I congratulate the following who were ‘voted in’ at the first meeting of our four School Houses:

Averill: Arwen Edgar Austin Harrison

Harper: Priyanka Nathu Kevin Jonker

Mathias: Millie Clifton Megan Lord

Perry: Angus Auwerda Jed Scott-Stafford

School Council:

Year 8: Megan Lord * Tyler Smith *

Simone Gale Jed Scott-Stafford

Year 7: Mégane Lallemant Conor Hamilton

Year 6: Charlotte-Jane Irwin Nicholas Stevens

Year 5: Shuying Wee Liam Scrase

Year 4: Claudia Gale Jasper Savage

Year 3: Ruby Lee Patrick Harrison

Year 2: Jasmine Winter Dylan Smith

* Head Prefects

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Colgate Games:

At the Colgate South Island games in Timaru last month Anoushka Chiswell received three gold medals for her 1st placings in the 60m,100m and Long Jump and a bronze for her 3rd place in the 200m. She was also a member of the winning mixed boys/girls relay team. Anoushka was also placed 1st in the 60m and 100m, and 2nd overall (8 year olds) in the

Canterbury Athletics last Saturday. Well done Anoushka.

Tennis:

We have recommenced our Thursday coaching (Years 5 - 8) and practice sessions at the Hagley Tennis Courts, with about 30 students in this programme.

I thank Mrs Ray Tennant for the coaching that she has begun with our Year 3 and 4 pupils on Thursday afternoons.

Touch:

We have maintained an entry in the Friday Touch competition at St Andrews. Our team is being: coached by Tony Kendrew and to date has recorded wins in their last three games. Well done!

Annual Swimming Sports:

Our 2010 annual swimming sports again ‘ran like clockwork’ and I pay tribute to the organisation of our Sports’ Co-ordinator, Jon Russell. I congratulate our 2010 Champions:

8 years: Wone Jung Geoffrey Kemp

9 years: Chelsea Yu Daniel Welch

10 years: Karenia Anderson

Saskia Klinkenberg Nicholas Stevens

11 years: Caitlin Bee

Millie Clifton Jesse Simkin

12 years: Megan Lord James Nicholls

SPIRITUAL

Altar Servers for 2010:

Logan Robinson Kevin Jonker

Joshua Carlile Ben Mitchell

Jordan McIvor Arwen Edgar

Olivia Mattison Harry Briggs-Jones

Tyler Smith Shaun Graveston

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month have been: Megan Lord, Austin Harrison, Tyler Smith, Kevin Jonker, Millie Clifton, Arwen Edgar, Harry Briggs-Jones, James Nicholls, Priyanka Nathu, Jacqui-Lyn Welch, Jordan McIvor, Angus Auwerda.

Bible Reader at School Mass: Austin Harrison.

Mothering Sunday 14 March:

This is the first of our three compulsory services for the year and is a wonderful occasion, when we acknowledge the special ladies in our lives.

Anglican Schools’ Office:

The Anglican Schools Office serves

34 Schools in Tikanga Pakeha

2 Schools in Tikanga Maori

9 Schools in Tikanga Pasefika

A total of 45 Schools.

There are 36 priests and 4 lay chaplains ministering in Schools in New Zealand and each School in Polynesia has a visiting parish priest. An interesting statistic - in New Zealand 12 of the Schools are girls only, 12 boys only and 12 are co-ed.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

The last month has gone in a blur for the Senior Syndicate. It has been a settling in period for pupils as they adjust to their new roles and responsibilities, Year 7 as monitors and Year 8 as Prefects, Librarians, House Leaders and Altar Servers.

During the last month, pupils have been involved in the Year 8 Survey in Cashel Mall, where the class surveyed the public on topics of interest. It was pleasing to get positive public feedback regarding this exercise. Also, the Seniors enjoyed the Helen Moran workshop, where she taught us to draw portraits. Add to these the Swimming Sports, Technology, Cricket games and Touch Rugby, and you can sense the ‘busyness’ of the Senior School.

Finally, I must add my congratulations to the Senior Touch Rugby Team, who have now won three straight games against other Independent Schools. Amazing results. A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

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

Year 5 went on an action packed camp to Living Springs. Firstly we visited a farm where we got to try a variety of activities from bull whip cracking, milking cows by hand, riding horses to shearing sheep. We even had a go at lassoing and Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton will be practising just in case any of us get out of line!

Sailing was a huge success with everyone feeling confident in a boat by the end of the day. Year 5 even had a go at showing their fashion design talents by designing an outfit for a group member - handbags and earrings were even included!

Thanks goes out to Mrs McIvor and Mr Klinkenberg for their fabulous help at camp; without our camp Mum and Dad our camp would not have been possible. E. Godfrey-Chatterton

The annual Year 6 Camp was a great social experience and a fantastic way to start the year. We were fortunate enough to have John Somerville come in on Tuesday night and take the children for the Animal Survival game: this was thoroughly enjoyed by all the participants. A huge thank you to Annie Keys for spending the week with the Year 6 class.

Last week Years 5 and 6 commenced a swimming week at Aquagym. Children in these two classes are again continuing to refine their technique, as this is a really important part of the curriculum.

The Swimming Sports was an action packed morning and seemed to run fairly smoothly. A number of children from the Middle Syndicate have been selected to represent the school at the Independent Schools' Swimming next week.

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

J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

We welcomed new students in all our classes, Years 1, 2 and 3 and all children quickly made a splash with their swimming tuition week at Aquagym. The children have settled happily into the School year. A highlight for all was a visit from Hunter Elson’s aunt, Tammy James, who read and talked about her newly published book ‘The World Is Your Oyster’. Years 1 and 2 walked to view the Floral Festival topiary animals in Victoria Square. The children have been enjoying the extended summer weather.

A drawing workshop by Wendy Duggan heightened the children’s powers of observation as they all drew a hedgehog with a sparkle in his eye. These are on display so all can appreciate our budding artists.

B M Byers

School Fee Automatic Payments:

If you have not already done so, could you please ensure that you have set up the new amounts for 2010: Our School Bank is Westpac Trust Bank Canterbury Centre and our Account Number is 03 1593-0012094-00

1 Child 2 Children 3 Children

Weekly 135.15 271.30 405.80

Fortnightly 272.30 542.60 811.60

Monthly 589.90 1,175.40 1,758.40

D M Burrows

Emergency Clothing:

Any donations of good clean uniform and underwear, particularly in the smaller sizes, would be greatly appreciated for use in our School sick bay when pupils are sick or have accidents. We would also be grateful for any old linen and towels. Thank you.

Principals’ Tips:

How’s Family Life?

A new year is a great time to think about the path your family is taking. Are we all contributing to the work load? Are we speaking to and treating each other with respect? If there’s anything that might need tweaking, gather everyone together and make some plans for change. The reality is that daily life will regularly veer away from your goals and dreams for your family, so make the time to stop and reset the directions whenever necessary.

(from Parents Inc - Hot Tips for Parents)

Year Two enjoying the Floral Festival flowers

As I close this letter, I would ask you to encourage prospective parents to view our display in the Merivale Mall: 3 - 6 March inclusive.

K R Boyce

Principal

2009-12-11T09:28:00.005+13:00

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

2009-11-30T10:34:00.000+13:00

Dear Parents,

As we begin the penultimate week to our 2009 educational journey, there is a buzz of activity and excitement as we put closure on a great year.

Staff News:

It is with much regret and sadness that I report to you of our Bursar/Secretary, Mrs Dorothy Burrows’ recent resignation, effective from the end of Term One 2010. Mrs Burrows has given 25 years of dedicated, hardworking and loyal service to our School and we will be the poorer for Dorothy’s departure.

ACADEMIC

Otago Problem Solving:

Jacob Fitzgibbon sat the daunting Final Challenge recently, scoring a mark of 35. It was a tough examination, as only five children out of 1,415 scored over 80. A P Kendrew

Science Competition:

Our team of Simone Gale, Megan Lord, Priyanka Nathu and Tyler Smith were enthusiastic participants in the Christ’s College Science

Competition. Although not placed in the top 3 schools, they all enjoyed their experience with Chemistry, Physics and Biology. A P Kendrew

Portfolios:

These important documents will come home this Friday and they should be read as exemplars of your child’s/children’s work in the main areas

of the curriculum. They are also a reflection of your son’s/daughter’s effort input and each child’s /children’s end of year report, which will be sent home on the last day of term, will complement their progress.

CULTURAL

Music Recital:

The following pupils are to be congratulated on performing in our recent annual Music recital.

Piano:

Briarna Murray Year 4 Rock Anywhere

Maleka Smith Year 4 Freight Train

Aimee Hayward Year 4 My First Waltz

Alison Yee Year 4 Oom-Pa-pa

Myah Klinkenberg Year 4 Indians

Roman Kenworthy Year 4 Toymakers Dance

Alexander Johnson Year 4 Cowboys Song

Liam Scrase Year 4 Caspar The Friendly Ghost

Guitar ensembles:

Harry Kendrew, Cameron Lord, Thomas Bennett -How Dry I Am

Connor Lindsay, Logan McConnel, Joshua Duddy, Vincent Kenworthy- Spanish Folk Tune

Piano:

George Warren Year 5 Brachiosaurus

Chelsea Yu Year 5 Beauty and the Beast

Vincent Kenworthy Year 5 Allegro Giocoso

Isabella Holden Year 6 Ballad

Davis Gale Year 6 Russian Song

Madeline Kendrew Year 6 Edelweiss

Saskia Klinkenberg Year 6 Be Our Guest

Violin:

Meg Byers Year 5 Tango

Violin ensemble:

Simone Gale, Sebastian Gurobi-Hines, Megan Lord, Anna Parry-Gibson, Henry Rouch, Freddy Wilson - March from Peasants Cantata (J.S.Bach)

Guitar ensemble:

Joshua Carlile, Raphaela Walsh, Emma Pearson, Ella-Jane Todd -Two Branles De Vill

ages (Besard)

Piano:

Phoebe Brosnan Year 7 Following Directions

Millie Clifton Year 7 Malaguena

Skylar Brown Year 8 The Caravan

Laurel Gregory Year 8 Fandango

Emma-Kate Gardenbroek Year 8 Early One Morning

Arwen Edgar Year 7 Autumn from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Olivia Ong Year 8 Menuet in G (from Anna Magdalena Bachs notebook)

Jacqui-Lyn Welch Year 7 Piebald Circus Pony

Sebastian Gurobi-Hines Year 8 Hungarian Melody

Rebecca Tang Year 8 Red Rose Rendezvous (Martha Meir)

Guitar ensemble:

Rebekah Boyce, Georgia Rouch, Rebecca Tang, Rory Wilson-Cartwright - La Bamba (arr. M. Crowther)

We thank our itinerant Music teachers, Juliet Johnston, Mike Crowther, Laurie Searle and Ian Bolton.

Speech and Poetry Competition:

We commend the following pupils, who were judged in the top three places by our adjudicators, Ms Sarah Mahoney and Mr Hamish Kenworthy, Chairperson on our School’s Board of Governors:

Poetry:

Year 3: 1st Claudia Gale

2nd= Trilly Stewart

2nd= Cole Smith

Year 4: 1st Alexander Johnson

2nd Bennet Anderson

3rd Daniel Welch

Year 5: 1st George Warren

2nd Angus Jonker

3rd Charlotte-Jane Irwin

Year 6: 1st Madeline Kendrew

2nd Saskia Klinkenberg

3rd Conor Hamilton

Speech:

Year 7: 1st Jordan McIvor

2nd Austin Harrison

3rd Megan Lord

Year 8: 1st= Laurel Gregory

1st= Georgia Rouch

3rd Sophie Mitchell

Letter from Hon Chris Finlayson:

‘Dear Mr Boyce

I am writing to congratulate your school on its participation in the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival last month. I attended the performance on Wednesday 21 October and, while I was unable to see your School perf

orm, I know the standard was very high across all the performances.

I would appreciate it if you would pass my congratulations to your choir teacher and students.

Hon Christopher Finlayson

Minister for Arts,Culture and Heritage’

St Michael’s Young Voices:

I have been delighted by the progress made by the young voices. My initial aim has been to get them to place their voices well so that they can be heard. My second aim has been to be able to instill sufficient confidence so that

they are not afraid to project their voices! The pitch perception, getting the right note, has improved well beyond forecasts and I am very pleased and encouraged by the progress made.

At this stage, they are working towards ‘Voice for Life’ White Level. It has

been very satisfying that at each successive weekly rehearsal I have been able to sign off another test towards their achievement of a White Level badge.

Rehearsals will resume on Wednesday 3 February 2010 and new voices are welcome.

I do expect that the group will be performing in the first term but will give plenty of warning. P.V. Ellis

SPORTING ROUND-UP

Canterbury Primary Schools’ Athletic Championships:

This week Karenia Anderson and Simone Gale represented our school and the Independent Schools’ at the annual CPSSA Athletic Sports which were held at QEII on Tuesday 1 December. Karenia was entered in the 50 metres and Long Jump and was placed 5th in her heat. Simone Gale was entered in the 100 metres, High Jump and Long Jump. She came second in her

100 metres final and jumped a personal best to place second in the LongJump. A fantastic effort from both of our representatives. J C Russell

Summer Hockey:

We entered one parents’ and two pupils’ teams in the Summer hockey. All three teams performed with distinction.

Touch Rugby:

We were represented by a girls’ and boys’ Senior teams in the St Andrew’s Friday afternoon competition and both teams acquitted themselves well.

SPIRITUAL

Year Eight Assembly Leaders this month:

Jacob Fitzgibbon, Shannel Cartwright, Austin Poit, Raphaela Walsh, Emma Wong, Georgia Hetu

tu, Saskia Whall, Sophie Mitchell.

Bible Readers at recent School Masses have been: Georgia Hetutu, Rebecca Tang and Rory Wilson-Cartwright.

School Carol Service:

I am sure that you join with me in eagerly awaiting our annual Carol Service, on Sunday at 5 pm in our St Michael’s Church. We will present certificates to our choir members at the conclusion of the Carol Service.

SYNDICATE REPORTS:

Senior Syndicate:

As the year winds down it is an appropriate time to say how much we value teachin

g the Senior students, and how very proud we are of the way they have matured and grown throughout the year. Of course, it will be sad to see our Year Eights leave, and we wish them all the best for their futures.

We have enjoyed the Life Education Trust visits this week and hope they have sparked healthy conversations at home about drug and alcohol use.

We are looking forward to ending the year with a fun-filled Big Day Out on Monday and a positive conclusion to the year. A P Kendrew

Middle Syndicate:

As you read this, Year 4 will have just returned from their Overnight Camp at Cracroft. They have been very excited about the prospect of spending time together, doing some very challenging activities. The Camp started with an exploration of the Cracroft Caverns, led by Andrew Willets (Halswell Quarry park Ranger). Other activities followed included kayaking, orienteering, team building and prusicking from a very tall tower. On Friday, the day began with a run, breakfast and a swim at Pioneer Pool. Back at Cracroft, the children had great fun cooking lunch on the ‘hobo stoves’ that they had made at school prior to leaving. The overnight camp has been a fabulous experience for the children and a lovely way to spend time together, at the end of Year 4. J. Clarke

Last week the Middle Syndicate went to QEII to take part in the Royal New Zealand Lifesaving “AquaSafe” programme. The children learnt many skills enabling them to feel more comfortable in and around the water this summer.

On behalf of Mrs Clark and Mrs Godfrey-Chatterton we would like to wish all the school families a joyous Christmas, a wonderful holiday and look forward to seeing you again in 2010. J C Russell

Junior Syndicate:

The Junior Syndicate fully participated in the School Disco and came looking the part and full of glitter, gel and confidence in their dance moves.

Our Art Gallery visit focused on the work of New Zealand artist, Seraphine Pick, and all children completed interesting and diverse masks to ‘look like someone else’. The Art Gallery educators present an excellent programme.

Congratulations to Claudia Gale, Trilly Stewart and Cole Smith from Year Three who gained places in our Poetry competition.

We are working on the various themes of Christmas and it is a joy to know the

children can retell the Christmas story. We loved visiting the Cathedral, singing carols and leaving gifts for children less fortunate than ourselves.

We wish our School children and families a safe and happy holiday period. B M Byers

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Letter from Hon Heather Roy:

‘Dear Kevin

Thank you very much for hosting our visit to St Michael’s on Friday 20 November, 2009. It was a pleasure to meet you and your students. Sarah and I really enjoyed your hospitality and the tour of the School.

We were particularly impressed with the supportive environment you have created and the enthusiasm your students show towards their learning. It was great to visit the classrooms and see this for myself. Thank you again for taking the time to host us at your School.

Hon Heather Roy

Associate Minister of Education’

The Hon Heather Roy with Board Chair Hamish Kenworthy

Principal Kevin Boyce and Head Prefect Olivia Ong

The Hon Heather Roy in Year Two

St Michael’s pupils enjoying the disco

Principals’ Tips

You Can’t Buy Holiday Memories

‘With the holidays just a few weeks away you’ll be thinking about how to fill the Christmas break. Outings have special significance when they incorporate a family tradition and are unique to the season; for instance you might always go strawberry picking the day after school finishes.

Be deliberate about making time to do some things together: Soccer in the park, climb a hill and slide down on cardboard boxes, or have a picnic in a favourite spot. Whatever you are doing it is the family connection, not the money spent, that builds the good feelings which create lifelong memories.’

(from Parents Inc weekly hot tip)

I look forward to sharing the final week’s events with you.

K R Boyce

Principal

Dental Care over the School Holidays

The Community Dental Service will operate an emergency service over the school holidays. This service is to provide relief of pain only and will not undertake ‘routine’ treatment.

The service will be available each working day from 8:30am until 12:30pm from the Oral Health Centre, 16 Tuam Street, Christchurch for the following times:

Monday, 21 December - 24 December 2009 (excluding weekends) Monday, 5 January - 29 January 2010 (excluding weekends).

This service will operate by appointment only and if we are unable to see your child, alternative options will be given. If your child has dental pain as a result of an accident please contact your dentist in the first instance.

You can phone and make an appointment for the emergency clinic by ringing 364 1860

2009-11-04T10:02:00.042+13:00

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

2009-10-09T09:36:00.017+13:00

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

2009-09-03T09:14:00.013+12:00

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