MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

This week has been one filled with the joys of the Junior Showcase, which never fails to be a highlight for staff, parents and - of course - the performers themselves! I’d like to thank teams one and two for all their hard work putting together these opportunities for our smallest stars to shine so brightly, and also many other staff members who volunteered their time in support.

As ever, our resident artist and all-round creative, Clive, also lent his talents to the shows to add extra flair and enhance the atmosphere, which is always very much appreciated.

We’ve been celebrating Maths Week this week, with the children engaged in a range of fun games and activities relating to many aspects of mathematics. Thanks to the Maths Week team who coordinated this across the school and made it so enjoyable for the children.

Change continues at pace in the education sector, dominated by the recent announcement of an NCEA replacement.

While there are many Secondary colleagues and others who have argued for this, there are differing views. What seems clear from the announcement is that these changes are based on a core belief that external examinations are the foundation for a dependable education system.

This may or may not be the case. Whatever the merits, no doubt there is plenty to be debated. While an approach based on exams may seem clear, easy to understand (and intuitively popular from a political perspective), apparently time not been allocated for meaningful consultation with the sector. In fact, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that over-reliance on exams can narrow the metrics for success to the point at which they can disenfranchise many otherwise capable learners.

Lack of meaningful consultation has also been an issue with so many of the curriculum changes that are still ongoing at Primary level, including a national testing regime from 2026 that is not yet available for schools to engage with.

Change is nothing to fear, and in many cases is undoubtedly justified. There is a real danger, however, in relying on rhetoric that portrays education in this country as fundamentally ‘broken’ and ‘failing’. As you'd expect, the reality is much more complex and nuanced.

Improvement is the business of education, but all substantive change should take into account the real experiences of parents, teachers and students. Without such consultation, there is a risk that decisions are made based on narrow interests, ideaology, political expediency or all of the above, none of which puts the needs of children first.

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson, Principal

Thursday 14th August:

• Team 2 Showcase - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Friday 15th August:

• PTA Second Hand Uniform Shop open - 8:15am - 9:15am
• PTA Ice Block Sale ($2) - 3:00pm -3:30pm

Monday 18th August:

• Mid Term 3 Cohort Entry start

Friday 22nd August:

• PTA Calendar Art online orders close
• Zone Netball - Windmill Road all day

We’re using Ezlunch not just to make school lunches easier - but also to help support our school community. What this means is that 10% of every order placed this term will be returned to our school. It’s a simple, everyday way for families to contribute - just by ordering lunch!

🎨 MENPS Art Fundraiser – Orders Now Open! 🎨

It’s that time of year again when our talented MENPS kids become the stars of their very own art collection! In Term 3, you’ll have received an information sheet with a special code to view your child’s masterpiece online – ready to be transformed into calendars, greeting cards, diaries, mouse mats, or sketch pads.

These make perfect Christmas gifts (especially for friends and family overseas!) and are a wonderful way to celebrate your child’s creativity while supporting our school.

🗓 Orders close: Monday 25 August at 12.00am – don’t miss out!

📩 Lost your code? No problem – just email Fleur at mepspta@gmail.com.

Prices:

Classic Calendar – $17.50

Greeting Cards – $16

Diaries – $19

Mouse Mats – $16.80

Sketch Pad – $15.70

Thank you for supporting the PTA – every order helps fund great initiatives for our kids! 💛

Bid, Win & Support Our School

It’s that exciting time of year again – the Mount Eden Normal Primary School PTA Online Fundraiser is officially open!

We’ve gathered an amazing selection of items and experiences for you to bid on – there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re planning ahead for the holidays or treating yourself, you can feel good knowing every dollar raised goes directly back to supporting our school and students.

Some highlights include:

• 🎭 Front-row seats to the much-loved school showcases (for Years 0–2)

• 🏖️ Holiday programmes to keep the kids entertained

• 🎵 Lessons – music, language, sports, and more!

• 🎁 Perfect stocking fillers and gift ideas

• 💆‍♀️ Spa & beauty vouchers for a little self-care

• 🧗 Kids’ activities from climbing to crafts

🔁 New auction items are being added regularly, so be sure to check back often and keep an eye on your favourites!

Spread the word with whānau, friends and neighbours – every bid counts! We are raising funds for new play spaces.

Start bidding now:

👉 https://app.galabid.com/menps25

💡✨ Calling All Legends! ✨💡

Got a bach stay, luxury experience, high-value prize, voucher, or service you can donate?

We’ll auction it LIVE on stage + online to raise funds for MENPS! 🎤🏝️

📩 Email mepspta@gmail.com – let’s make this year’s fundraiser shine! 🌟

Thank you for your support – together we’re building a stronger Menps community!

👕 Donate Your Pre-Loved Uniforms!

Support the MENPS Second-Hand Uniform Shop

Have your children outgrown their uniforms? We’re always in need of good-quality, clean second-hand MENPS uniform items for the PTA Uniform Shop.

You can donate by:

📍 Dropping items into the collection box located by the school office

🕒 Or bringing them in during Uniform Shop opening hours

📅 Next drop-off opportunity:

In PTA ROOM, 8:15–9:15am (pls refer Menps term timetable or newsletter)

Your donations help other families, reduce waste, and raise funds to support our school. Thank you for your support! 💙

Get your lucky numbers ready – **MENPS PTA Bingo Night** is on its way!

📅 **Saturday 11th October**

📍 **Irish Club, Rocky Nook Avenue**

Expect an evening packed with laughs, friendly competition, and fantastic prizes – all while raising funds for our school. It’s the perfect excuse to round up your friends, book the babysitter, and shout “BINGO!” in style.

More details on tickets and prizes coming soon – but for now… **pop it in your calendar!**

The 2025 Yummy Apple Promotion ends on Friday, 5th September. This is the final day to hand in all Sticker Collection Sheets to your child’s teacher.

If you already have full collection sheets, feel free to send them in early for counting. Otherwise, keep collecting and return your sheets closer to the due date.

Every sticker counts — thank you for your ongoing support!

• 8.15 - 9.15am (Fri 15 Aug)
• In the PTA Room: follow signs from Valley Rd gates OR
• Order by emailing Jane at menpspta@gmail.com.
• Pay via Cash or Bank transfer.

Celebrate Mid term with an ice block! Ice blocks are for sale on this Friday at 3pm under the sports canopy. $2 each!!

Email menpspta@gmail.com I Follow us on Facebook

Refer to the PTA website for information on the various fundraising and community activities

Co-Chairs Pam Clifford & Svantje Reiber

Secretary April Alsari

Treasurers Paula Tran & Minaxi Chandra

PTA Advisor Chantal Brunner

Communications Gina Miao

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here

Upcoming planned rail closures

Getting ready for CRL’s opening in 2026 requires a complete upgrade of Auckland’s rail network, in addition to fitting out the new stations, and testing and commissioning of new systems.

Throughout late-July and August, there will be some weekend closures that will impact the Southern Line and the Western Line.

Following this closure, during the September school holidays there will be temporary changes to the timetables on most lines and on the Southern Line, buses will replace trains between Puhinui and Pukekohe Stations.

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July

Western Line: full closure

Southern Line: partially closed between Waitemata (Britomart) and Newmarket

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August

Western Line: partially closed between Waitemata (Britomart) and Newmarket and New Lynn and Swanson

Southern Line: partially closed between Waitemata (Britomart) and Newmarket

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August

Western Line: partially closed between Waitemata (Britomart) and Newmarket and New Lynn and Swanson

Southern Line: partially closed between Waitemata (Britomart) and Newmarket

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August

Western Line: trains are running at a reduced frequency between Swanson and Henderson station.

Thank you for your patience as we get ready for the faster, more frequent trains the City Rail Link will bring.