Kia ora koutou

The end of term has come around fast, filled with so many events, highlights and successes as the children have settled into the school year.

It's easy to take for granted the multitude of ingredients that go into making it all happen, but ultimately it comes down to the team effort of teachers, support staff and families, all working to ensure the best experiences for our children. I'd like to thank and congratulate all concerned, particularly the children at the heart of what we do.

A reminder that school finishes at the usual time of 3pm tomorrow, and that the PTA will be selling ice-blocks, so don't forget to pack a gold coin!

The term has certainly finished on a high, with the excitement of Science Week inspiring budding scientists across the school to explore, investigate and hypothesise while engaging in a wide range of activities.

Sincere thanks go to our organising team, including Martina Stevenson, Sharon van Vollenhoven, Roselle Amoore and Zoe Murphy (and also the many colleagues who supported them).

They have done a fantastic job, volunteering their time to help the children learn and celebrate all things Scientific!

It is with particular pride that we send our Kapa Haka group to participate in the ACCOS Kapa Kahui cultural celebration today. This is an event organised by the Kahui Ako (Community of Schools), of which MENPS is a member. The children will be representing us with pride, enjoying the performances of others and sharing skills, passion and energy with the many Kapa Haka groups taking part.

Sincere thanks go to Lucy Matene for her hard work and steadfast commitment to the Kapa Haka group, and for her crucial role in helping the Board to deliver on our Strategic Goals in this area.

Sadly, the end of term also brings a farewell for a much-valued staff member who has played a key role behind the scenes. Angela Dorrington, our Resource Manager, is moving on and relocating overseas, so I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution she has made, ensuring that our teachers always have everything they need to deliver quality teaching and learning in their classes!

As we pass on our thanks to Angela, I am delighted to welcome Kalpana Lala to the role, starting from next term.

With best wishes for an enjoyable break - we look forward to seeing everyone in Term 2!

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Alan Jackson, Principal

Friday 11th April:

• Last Day of Term 1 - 3:00pm Finish
• Whole School Assembly - 2:30pm - 3:00pm
• PTA Ice Block Sale - $2 - 3:00pm - 3:30pm

Monday, 28 April

• Term 2 begins

Here’s how it works:

• Every parent who orders an ezlunch goes into a weekly draw to win $100 Kindo Credit for themselves AND $100 for your school. Starts Monday 10 February 2025 and runs through to Friday 11 April 2025.
• Plus, all orders automatically enter the Grand Prize Draw for a $1,000 JB Hi-Fi Voucher + $500 for their school!

Thank you to JB Hi-Fi for making our Grand Prize rewards possible!

JB Hi-Fi has partnered with Kindo in 2025 to streamline BYOD for schools, and we appreciate their generous support.

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 (TBC) 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!

Celebrate term-end with an ice block! Ice blocks are for sale tomorrow 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 Get in touch if you are interested!

School Representative Hilary Edwards

Full team of amazing parents/caregivers listed here