Kia ora koutou

I trust everyone managed to find time to 'reset' during the term break - it's always good to see the children back feeling enthusiastic and ready for learning!

By now, you should have received our Key Dates for the Term ahead, packing a lot in to what is a relatively short 9 weeks. In particular, please note the date for the Curriculum Day set by the government, scheduled for Friday, 30 May, when school will be closed for instruction.

A major focus for the team this term is collating and evaluating achievement to date, all of which forms part of the reporting and conferences towards the end of the term, so please also be aware of the early (1pm) pickup for Parent Conferences on Thursday, 26th June.

Next week is New Zealand Sign Language Week, celebrating under the theme of "an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere". It's a worthy aspiration, and one the children will be getting on board with through a range of fun activities across the school.

Congratulations to our budding World Vision 'Ambassadors' for being selected by their teacher to attend this year's World Vision Junior Conference alongside many other young people who have shown leadership, a passion for justice and a desire to make a real difference in the world!

Finally, this term, we warmly welcome Kalpana Lala to the Resource Manager role, with Tasmyn van Breda joining the Year 1 teaching team and Te Awatea Rangiuaia-Carter taking on a part-time role in our Te Reo Māori specialist programme alongside Lucy Matene.

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson, Principal

Friday 2nd May:

• Second Hand Uniform Shop - 8:15am - 9:15am

Monday 5th May - Friday 9th May:

• New Zealand Sign Language Week

Tuesday 6th May:

• Year 1 - 3 Assembly - 2:15pm - 2:45pm
• PTA Meeting - Staffroom - 7:00pm - 8:00pm

We are excited to announce that the MENPS PTA Cultural Festival 2025 will be happening on a Sunday during Term Two! (Exact date to be confirmed.) But we need your help to make this event a memorable celebration of our diverse community.

We’re looking for event coordinators and volunteers to help put together a fun, vibrant, and inclusive festival. Whether you’re passionate about planning, organizing, or simply lending a helping hand, we’d love to have you involved!

We’re also seeking a wide range of cultural performances, street food vendors, artists, crafters, and people willing to share traditional ethnic games to bring the festival to life. If you or someone you know would be interested in showcasing a cultural talent or sharing unique traditions, please reach out!

Let’s come together to create a festival that celebrates diversity and unity in our community.

If you’re interested, please email us at menpspta@gmail.com.

We can’t wait to make this a day to remember!

We will be running a second hand clothing sale in Term 2, with all funds raised going to MENPS. We are accepting donations of good quality, clean kids clothes - you can drop these off to ROOM29 everyday(8:15-9:15am) and also the Second Hand Uniform Shop during opening hours only (see below) Thanks to Mel for coordinating this initiative!

Please ensure all donations are washed and in good condition - kids clothes only please.

Each year the PTA run a Parent Social Fundraiser in Term 3 - it is a lot of fun and a chance to get to know other parents in the school community. Last year we had Beats by Bingo + Auction, previously we have run Casino Night and Quiz Nights. We would love to run another event this year, but we need your help - can you lead a parent social night fundraiser this year? The type of event is open for discussion - would love to hear your ideas. If you are interested, or would like to discuss, please email: menpspta@gmail.com.

Did you know that Stickers on Bags of Yummy Apples are worth 10 Points? Just cut out the sticker and glue it to a blank sheet of paper. If your bag of Yummy Apples doesn’t have a sticker you can cut out and glue the barcode to your blank sheet of paper! Keep Collecting MENPS!

The PTA AGM will be held in the staffroom on Tuesday 6 May at 7pm. All welcome ！

• 8.15 - 9.15am(Friday, 2nd May)
• In the PTA Room: follow signs from Valley Rd gates OR
• Order online by emailing Jane at menpspta@gmail.com.
• Pay via Cash or Bank transfer.

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 Get in touch if you are interested!

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here