‘Am I making positive connections in the world?’ is the 2010 Learning Theme
Kia Ora Tatou, Greetings to all
Dear Parents
I am a Geographer
Students throughout the school have been visiting prominent places in Auckland to learn more about our geographical features and why places are important to people. In classroom programmes, students are engaged in exciting, rich tasks that are developing their skills as budding geographers.
Student Participation
One of our key phrases in the school’s vision is ‘students are motivated by empowerment’ and one of our seven values is ‘enjoyment’. We therefore are committed in the school to provide opportunities for students to be part of our decision making and to participate in a variety of activities that they enjoy. This year we have over 100 students in our Kapa Haka group, 45 students who participate in the Green Kiwis group, a number of students involved in our Student Voice group, 40 students in the APPA Choir, 150 students from the Middle and Senior School who are in the ENPS choir and a number of students in instrumental groups which include the chamber orchestra, the ukulele and our Marimba group. We also have students involved in a number of sporting groups. All these opportunities contribute to rich learning opportunities for students.
Student Achievement
We are proud of all students in this school and the way they work to achieve good quality learning results for themselves. All students have unique talents and as a school we work towards supporting all students to reach their full potential. A number of students have performed exceedingly well academically and in the sporting arena. Internet links are flagged further on in this newsletter where you can view a list of these student’s names. Congratulations to all these children mentioned in our website. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Shreya, Year 6, who has won the nationwide short story competition in the primary school category organised by Puffin, in association with Storylines Festival and Classic Hits FM, for her short story “The Book Bird”. The story will be broadcast on radio by Classic Hits FM and will be published on Puffin’s website. The school will receive 70 books for our school library because of Shreya’s win. Thank you Shreya on behalf of the school.
Education Review Office
The school has received the draft report which has been very positive. We are now awaiting the report in its final version and when this happens we will send you out the Community Page via the school newsletter.
Parent Consultation Week/Connecting to the Community Week
Parent Consultation Week will be held on Week 10 of this term. As parents you will be receiving an invitation in the mail regarding a time to attend a morning/afternoon tea and to meet with senior leaders and BOT members of the school. This year we will be meeting in year groups.
Staffing Update
Unfortunately Lisa Poynter, our team leader for Year 3 has resigned to move to the USA. She will be leaving us midway through Term 4. We will very much miss Lisa for her excellent leadership, excellent teaching and high level of commitment to Epsom Normal. We wish Lisa the very best for her future.
Pauline Munro who has taught at Epsom in previous years will take over Lisa’s class until the end of the year. We are very fortunate to have her.
Jocelyn Goodman, another one of our experienced teachers who presently is relieving for us, will start the new New Entrant class in Term 4.
Warmest regards
Jane Cavanagh-Eyre
Principal