COMING EVENTS

29-30 November Class 3 Camp

29 Nov - 1 December Class 12 Camp

Monday 2 December C8 Sculpture Trip

Monday 2 December C9 IP Presentations 6pm

Tuesday 3 December High School Prizegiving 9am

Tuesday 3 December C9 IP Presentations 6pm

Tuesday 3 December Class 1 2020 Parent Evening 7.30pm

Wednesday 4 December Class 12 Graduation 9am

Thursday 5 December Nativity Play 9am

5-11 December High School Craft Week

Friday 6 December Nativity Play 9am

Friday 6 December Snapdragon Christmas Market 9am-3pm

9-13 December Class 5 Camp

Thursday 12 December Class 7 Whakatau 8.45am

Thursday 12 December Last Day of Term

FRIDAY FLYER 29 November 2019

Newsletter 38

Kia ora tatou

‘As you like it’ aired in the auditorium

of Wednesday and Thursday night.

Bringing life and renewal to such a

well-known play is a challenge that

many directors and casts would shy

away from in favour of performing it in a ‘safe’ style that

mirrors so many that have gone before. In choosing the play,

and working with the students to shape it, Patrice understood

that this was not what class 10 wanted, or needed. The

audience were treated to a wonderful fresh, innovative,

challenging journey where very individual stood tall as their

own person and as an integral part of the whole. A fantastic

final High School performance for 2020. My thanks to the

many, many staff and parents who supported the students but

a particular mention to Louise, Jane and, of course, Patrice.

Next week Class 9 take to the stage (and foyer) to present their

independent projects on Monday and Tuesday evening;

Prizegiving will also take place on Tuesday (during the day) and

we recognise the class of 2019 one last time on Wednesday at

Graduation. On Thursday and Friday, the lower school perform

the nativity play.

This year I have been in the wonderful position to have spent

very little time interviewing for teachers as we have few staff

moving on. Sadly, Donna Bainbridge will not return to Michael

Park this term. I know many of you wanted to say goodbye to

Donna in person, and she has shared some of the e-mails of

thanks and good wishes that she has received. We wish Donna

the very best in her next adventure. While we have very few

new staff, we do have some internal movement. I am excited to

announce that Amanda Lawrence will be taking over the lower

school music program in 2020. This leaves a part-time vacancy

in upper school music, for which we are currently advertising.

As I wrote last week, next year will have additional days for

teacher only days for growth and professional development.

These formed part of the recent negotiations between the

government and the teaching unions and, as such, are

prescribed. The major dates are listed on the next page for

early entry into your 2020 diaries (note standard public holidays

are not listed but school will be closed).

Terry Storer

Principal

Please see next page for list of major dates in

2020

KINDERGARTEN

Wednesday 11 December Last day of kindergarten

Whanau welcome to join your kindergarten at 12.00 for farewells and a shared Advent picnic & carol

singing.

ROSE COTTAGE

Thursday 12 December

Class 9 Independent Project: Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd December.

The greatly anticipated Class 9 IP presentations are on Monday 2nd December and Tuesday 3rd December. It is a lovely op-

portunity for us to come together as a community and enjoy the imaginative and creative passions of our students. Their

displays will be in the auditorium foyer and speeches will be delivered in the auditorium.

On both these dates, they will be by their displays talking with guests at 6:00 p.m. and presenting speeches between 6:30

p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Students are expected to attend both evenings as it is part of the Class 9 community experience.

Class 9 will do IP prep in school between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday 29th November and again on Monday 2nd De-

cember between 8:40 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

They will go home at 3:00 p.m. on Monday 2nd December and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday 3rd December. They will re-

turn to the foyer at 5:30 p.m. If you live far away, then please make suitable arrangements for your child. If this is

an issue, then please email me at adamdriver@michaelpark.school.nz

You may also want to provide the students some sustenance on those evenings—I will leave that with you.

A sincere public thankyou from me to everyone whose hard work will make the IP evenings such a success. Especial thanks to Kelly Storm for leading the Class 9 IP, Ms Quick as kaitiaki, all the staff and community mentors, our parents and fami-lies, and—of course—Class 9.

For Class 8-12: Some earlier finishes to the school day in the last 2 weeks of Term

Another hugely rewarding academic year is drawing to a close! Most days we will finish at 3 p.m., but there are a few

changes.

After High School Prize Giving on Tuesday 3rd December, the school day will finish at 2 p.m. for Class 8, 9, and 10. Class 12

are released at 1:15 p.m. after they have pizza with staff in the staffroom. Class 11 finish at 3 p.m.

After Graduation on Wednesday 4th of December, Class 9 finish at 11:30 as they have just had IP for two evenings OR con-

tact Mrs Quick if you prefer your child to stay with her until 2 p.m. Otherwise, Class 9 students must leave campus at

11:30. Class 12 go home after morning tea, roughly 11 a.m. Class 8 and 10 will finish at 2 p.m. Class 11 finish at 3 p.m.

Thursday 12 December, is the last school day of this year for Class 8 and 9. They are present for Whakatau in the morning.

They then assist with the High School pack-down before a final farewell in their kaitiaki groups. We will release Class 8

and 9 at 12:45 p.m.

Adam Driver, High School Deputy Principal

2020 DATES

Monday 03 February First day for students

Friday 13 March Mid-term break (school closed)

Wednesday 01 April LS Parents Conferences (from 830am) / HS Teacher Only Day

Thursday 09 April Whole school Teacher Only Day (no students)

Friday 10 April to Monday 27 April Autumn Break

Monday 11 May Whole school Teacher Only Day (no students)

Friday 29 May Mid-term break

Saturday 04 to Sunday 19 July Mid-year break

Thursday 06 August Whole school Teacher Only Day (no students)

Saturday 29 Sept to Sunday 11 October Spring Break

Saturday 07 November Fair

Friday 13 November Day in lieu for Fair

Thursday 19 November Whole school Teacher Only Day (no students)

Thursday 16 December Last day for students

LUNCH BAR 5-11 DECEMBER

The lunch bar will be closed during High School Craft Week 5-11

December, however Akiko will prepare a special Obento box for

this week and children can pick it up before 8.30am.

For details on pricing and to order, please visit our website:

www.michaelpark.school.nz/about-us/lunch-bar

5/12 Thursday Teriyaki tofu or chicken, rice , side dish and dessert 10/12 Tuesday Hamburger steak vegan or beef, rice, side dish and dessert 11/12 Wednesday Stir fried shredded pork or tofu and green pepper, rice, side dish and dessert Every menu are GF and Vegan option

FESTIVAL NEWS

Dear parents,

Throughout this year we have tried a few variations to our

festivals at Michael Park, always working closely with the

spiritual impulse of the given festival and its place in the

calendar. We have kept clear the mandate from the College to

re-enlivenment the festivals, creating what we hoped to be the

wonderful and meaningful experiences we seek for our

children. We have been mindful about keeping traditions in the

school alive but also about making room for rebirth to keep our

rituals meaningful to our times.

As the end of the year approaches, we are looking back and

reviewing what worked and what didn’t. If you have anything

you would like to share with us, please do it briefly by emailing

to luisb@michaelpark.school.nz. This will inform the way

forward for next year.

The Nativity Play is happening on Thursday December 5th and

Friday December 6th, at 9am in the auditorium. The lower

school classes are busy practicing daily for this much

anticipated Christmas and end of year event. We hope that you

will join us on one of the days. We want to ensure a quieter

audience for the Friday performance, therefore we encourage

any younger pre-school aged children to come on Thursday. We

look forward to seeing you!

We are hoping to have St. Nicolas visit our lower school

assemblies during the last week of term (classes 1-4 on

Monday and classes 5-7 on Wednesday). As he is wanting

to see all the children together, he will not visit classrooms

separately.

Best Regards

The Festival group

HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS

High School Prizegiving: On Tuesday 3rd December in the

auditorium, commencing at 9 a.m., with our families seated by

8:45. We finish around 11:00 a.m. All High School students

attend. From next week we will personally invite all families of

whose child is a recipient of an award. We also extend a warm

general invite to all High School families to attend this

celebration of our students’ successes.

Class 12 Graduation: On Wednesday 4th December in the

auditorium, commencing at 9 a.m. with our families seated by

8:45. We finish around 10:15 a.m. All High School students

attend, as do Lower and Middle School students. We send

personal invites to all Class 12 High School families to attend

this key threshold occasion soon.

Class 7 Whakatau Ceremony: On Thursday 12th December,

where our current Class 7 students are formally welcomed into

High School. This will be held in the auditorium, commencing at

8:45 a.m. The ceremony finishes at about 9:15 a.m., with kai

served afterwards for whanau. We invite all Class 7 families to

attend this threshold occasion and personal invitations will be

sent out in due course.

FOOTPATH CLOSURE NEAR SCHOOL

The footpath on the corner of Pukerangi Cres & Arthur Street

will be closed from 25 Nov - 22 Dec due to the construction

work happening there. This poses a safety hazard for students

who usually walk this way to school. If possible, please tell

students to use an alternative such as walking up Amy Street or

Ladies Mile instead of Arthur Street.

Christmas Kindness

For Advent this year we are supporting

The Salvation Army

Christmas Appeal

In reception you will find a box

under the Christmas tree

We will happily accept donations that will go

towards their Christmas Hampers

Donations of Food and Gifts would be

gratefully received

Suggestions are:

Drink Sachets Orange / Grape Fruit Juice Canned Fruit

Christmas Puddings, Christmas Mince Tarts Christmas Candy Canes, Lollies

Christmas Crackers, Jellies Chips, Nuts & Raisins

Onion Soup and Reduced Cream (to make a dip) Savoury Biscuits

Gifts

For 11-18 year old boys and girls (Usually these age groups are hardest to supply)

Movie passes Hair gel

Lynx body spray Body products for girls

Gift Vouchers eg: for CD’s, The Warehouse, JB

Hi Fi and Chemist

Help repair the shattered lives of Kiwi families in need

See Cathy in the office for more details

CHRISTMAS KINDNESS

Come on into the Office, Advent is almost here!

On Monday the tree will be up and the decorations start-

ed.

Our huge box is ready to receive your donations for Christ-

mas Kindness - food and gifts for the Salvation Army Ap-

peal (see poster on the left for more details).

Stuck for gifts this year? Or just want to give back? Look at

giving a Gift of Hope.

Our family does this every year great way to give back:

A few links below

https://www.salliesgiftsofhope.org/

or World Vision Smiles Gifts:

https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/smiles-gift/#/

Refugee Support

https://rasnz.co.nz/get-involved/donate/

SPCA

https://www.spca.nz/donate

The Salvation Army also has a beautiful Christmas display this

year

https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/christmas-tree-showcase

-the-salvation-army/auckland/takapuna

GOT YOUR HAT? Remember, sunhats are required

during terms 1 & 4 for break, lunch and outdoor lessons.

In Term 4 all students are

expected to wear a hat at break and lunch times. We

are a Sun safe school and wish to protect the

students from the negative effects of sun exposure

that is very high in New Zealand.

If your child does not wear a hat then he/she will be

asked to stay in a shady area of the school/ away

from the field and playground. Thank you for

supporting the school with Sun Safety.

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

• Ellerslie Home for Rent. Our 1940’s home in the heart

of Ellerslie is available for long term rent to careful

tenants. Families welcome. No dogs, other pets

negotiable. No smokers. Situated on Ellerslie Main

Street, bottom of Amy Street. 3 Bedrooms, open plan

kitchen/dining/family room, opens onto fully fenced

courtyard garden. Separate laundry. Heat pump, DVS +

panel heaters. Double glazing. Ceiling &underfloor

insulation. Storage loft with ladder. Available now.

Please call Jo Beck 0210475687

• Edwardian Villa & Property offered for sale. Ex MPS

family. 10-15 mins commute to school. Seaside Park,

Otahuhu on Tamaki River estuary. Semi-rural feel.

Quiet, private, northerly aspect with abundant flora.

See: https://tinyurl.com/rjf85gs

Contact the editor, Dana Marcroft at fridayflyer@michaelpark.school.nz

Guideline 150 characters max please. Deadline Thursday lunchtime.

Graphic advertisements to be formatted to fit A6 portrait (¼ page).

Whole page ads are not accepted for non school-related activities. Ads may

be published a maximum of twice per term, at the editor’s discretion.

VACANCIES AT OTHER SCHOOLS

TE RĀ WALDORF SCHOOL, KAPITI COAST

Tumuaki / Principal

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative

current school leader, or someone who is ready to step

into such a role, who has the energy, creativity and

sensitivity to build upon a strong, positive culture and

take Te Rā Waldorf School into the future.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 20 January 2020.

Further information is available at tera.school.nz/vacancy

-tumuaki-principal/

VACANCIES AT MICHAEL PARK SCHOOL

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

Part Time (FTTE up to 0.8), Permanent

HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC SPECIALIST

Part Time (FTTE up to 0.4), Fixed Term

LOWER SCHOOL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

EURYTHMY TEACHER

Seeking expressions of interest

For further information and application details for all available

roles see michaelpark.school.nz/about-us/vacancies

The next intake of the NEW ZEALAND STEINER TEACHER DIPLOMA (EARLY

CHILDHOOD) course is starting in January next year.

If you are interested in working in a Steiner early childhood environment this course

may be for you. It is endorsed by IASWECE (international Association of Steiner Wal-

dorf Early Childhood Education) and focuses on self development, practical learning

and Steiner pedagogy.

The course is delivered over three years in six 5-day seminars (generally arranged to

be in the school holidays) in January and July or September. The next intake will not be

until 2022.

- Karen Affleck

Come and visit our

beautiful school

shop,

You will find Snapdragon in

next to

the whare at top left of the

turning circle.

Open every Friday

8.15-9 am

1:30-2:30 pm

On every Friday in Term 4!!!

We meet in the handwork room at

school.

Come along and learn how to make beautiful

waldorf inspired crafts for your children and

home. No skills necessary. We’d love to see

you!

Craft kits available!!!

Biodynamic Group

Biodynamic gardening sessions at Steiner House

104 Michaels Ave, Ellerslie

Monday mornings, 9.30 - 11.30am

Come and learn about Biodynamic (Steiner) gardening, and experience the different seasonal tasks.

All welcome, no skills required. children can attend with their parents.

All welcome. For more info contact Diane: aucklandbd@gmail.com

PRE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CLASSES

Christmas Art and Craft 19 December 9am – 4pm $148.00

Ages 6 - 12

Christmas Cooking 23 December 9am – 1.30pm

$133

Ages 8 - 12

Check our website for dates, times and prices:

selwyncomed.school.nz

Or call 521 9623