MENPS News

Kia ora koutou

In Education

This week’s newsletter comes to you with half of our Senior Leadership Team in Dunedin, attending the annual NAMSA (New Zealand Normal and Model Schools Association) Conference. This year’s theme, How Community Leaders Lead Through Change, feels especially timely.

It has been hard to miss the ongoing spotlight on education in the media in recent weeks, with secondary schools taking strike action yesterday and primary schools across the country beginning a series of stop-work meetings following stalled pay negotiations. The current offer on the table is three 1% pay increases spread over three years.

Teachers from MENPS who are members of the union will attend a Paid Union Meeting next Wednesday, August 27, from 1:00pm. Meetings of this kind are protected by employment law to allow time for employees to consider offers. Please be assured that the school will remain open during this time, however, with non-union staff providing support and supervision for classes. With many staff attending the meeting, this does mean that classroom programmes will not run as usual as children will be mixed into larger (supervised) groups for activities during this time.

Whilst Alan and Maria have been away this week, we have been keeping our focus on our quality learning programmes across the school. With the Junior Showcases out of the way, Teams 1 and 2 have both begun new inquiries that will culminate with a visit to the Stardome for Team 2, and a visit to the Corban Estate for Team 1 at the end of the term.

Teams 3 and 4 have begun rehearsals for their respective productions coming up in Week 9. If you’re interested in securing front row seats for either of these shows then head to the PTA’s online auction where you can bid for front row seats.

All Items - Mt Eden Normal Primary School Beats by Bingo | GalaBid

Team 5 and 6 have completed science inquiries into the Human Brain and Forensics where they have had ‘hands on’ learning experiences that have been memorable for all. Looking ahead, they will begin exploring human rights and the impact famous Māori people have had in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Sports!

On a final note, tomorrow, a group of our Year 5–6 students will proudly represent MENPS at the Zone Netball Tournament. We wish them all the very best and would like to extend our thanks to Karen Moore for her organisation, as well as to Summer Barker, Lauren Davies, and the parents who have supported the coaching and training of the teams.

Ka kite anõ i a koutou

Hilary Edwards and Aone Laufili, Deputy Principals

Friday 22nd August:

PTA Calendar Art online orders close
Zone Netball - Windmill Road all day (Save day Tues 26th)

Monday 25th August:

Choir Rehearsal - ANI - 9:00am - 12:30pm

Wednesday 27th August:

Board Meeting - 6:00pm - 9:30pm

Friday 29th August:

PTA Second Hand Uniform Shop open - 8:15am - 9:15am

🎨 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! 💙

We’re excited to share that we’ve set the date for next year’s **Cultural Festival** at Mount Eden Normal Primary!

This special event coincides with the **Chinese Dragon Boat Festival** and will celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our school and the wider Mount Eden community.

🗓 **When:** Sunday, 21 June 2026

📍 **Where:** Mount Eden Normal Primary School

⏰ **Time:** To be confirmed

The festival will once again showcase performances, food, and activities that highlight our community’s many cultures. We hope to make it even bigger than this year!

We’d love to see our **Kapa Haka group** involved again and welcome conversations with anyone interested in sharing their talents, traditions, or activities (such as food, weaving, crafts, or other cultural experiences).

👉 **Expressions of interest:** If you would like to be involved, please email **[menpspta@gmail.com](mailto:menpspta@gmail.com)** with the subject line *Cultural Festival 26*.

More details to follow in the coming months – but for now, please **mark your calendars** and join us for what promises to be a fantastic community celebration!

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 29 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.

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

Children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing increased rates of distress and mental health issues.

I am looking forward to hosting Dr Hiran Thabrew a child psychiatrist and paediatrician at Starship Children’s Hospital who will explore current trends, possible reasons for this phenomenon and potential solutions.

Topic: Why aren't the kids all right? Discussing the rise in distress and mental health issues among children and young people in NZ

When: 10.45-11.45am, Friday 12 September 2025

Where: Venue: Carlton Juniors Rugby Club, 2 Puriri Drive, Greenlane (NB the venue for the event is upstairs and there is no lift)

Parking: Please note that limited parking is available onsite but there is also street parking. However, parking is always limited and depends on the size of the audience.

RSVPs are essential – rsvp to mpepsom@parliament.govt.nz or 09 522 7464 including the names of anyone attending with you

Dr Hiran Thabrew is also a senior lecturer and e-health researcher at the University of Auckland. He is also the Chair of Tu Te Akaaka Roa, the national office of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Director of (i) Te Ara Hāro, centre for infant, child, and adolescent mental health research, (ii) a national Child and Adolescent Research Network (CARN) and (iii) a non-profit organisation for the promotion of children’s mental health (ICAMH.org). Hiran’s diverse research interests include digital mental health interventions for children and young people; suicide prevention; the psychological care of children with long-term physical conditions; eating disorders; autism; and school-based mental health.

You are also very welcome to attend the Moon Festival Event I am hosting with MP Brooke van Velden this Saturday 23 August 1.30 – 2.30pm at Somervell Church, 497 Remuera Rd, Remuera. The celebration will feature a magic show, Chinese & English language rap, beatbox and dance performances. RSVP to mpepsom@parliament.govt.nz

I look forward to seeing you there.

Regards

David Seymour

MP for Epsom

Sent on behalf of David Seymour

DDI 64 9 522 7464
E mpepsom@parliament.govt.nz

Level 2, 27 Gillies Ave, Newmarket
P O Box 9209, Newmarket, Auckland 1149

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.

MENPS News

Te Whare Akoranga o Maungawhau, Aug 21, 2025

In Education

Sports!

Children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing increased rates of distress and mental health issues.

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From The Deputy Principals From The Deputy Principals

In Education

Sports!

Events & Reminders Events & Reminders

Notices Notices

🎉 MENPS PTA Annual Online Fundraiser is Live! 🎉 🎉 MENPS PTA Annual Online Fundraiser is Live! 🎉

📅 **Save the Date – Mount Eden Normal Primary Cultural Festival** 🎉 📅 **Save the Date – Mount Eden Normal Primary Cultural Festival** 🎉

🎉 **Save the Date – MENPS Bingo Night!** 🎉 🎉 **Save the Date – MENPS Bingo Night!** 🎉

Keep Collecting Those Yummy Fruit/Apple Stickers! 🍎 Keep Collecting Those Yummy Fruit/Apple Stickers! 🍎

Second Hand Uniform Shop will open next Friday Second Hand Uniform Shop will open next Friday

Community Notices Community Notices

Children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are experiencing increased rates of distress and mental health issues.

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Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.