You may have heard much talk in the media about the Government adopting a structured literacy approach in New Zealand schools. The good news is Milford has been using this approach for the past four years; we have evidence to show this approach works for our school, and we have seen significant improvement in literacy achievement and a closing of the equity gap.

So what is Structured Literacy?

A ‘structured approach’ to teaching refers to both the content and method of delivery. It is not one particular programme but an approach that guides teaching. The structured literacy approach emphasises systematically learning letters, letter combinations and new words using sounds, along with explicit teaching of vocabulary, comprehension and writing structure. In short, it is about returning to basics and teaching children to read using sounds and phonics to understand words.

As early adopters, all of our teachers in Years 0 to 2, many teachers in the older year levels and several of our Learning Assistants have completed the professional learning required. They are well-equipped to deliver high-quality literacy learning. However, the additional $67 million allocated in the government budget to support schools in delivering structured literacy will ensure that teachers at Milford can continue to participate in high-quality learning and access the resources required to deliver the approach.

We know that children achieve more when the school and whānau work together. With this in mind, on Wednesday, 5 June, we invite you to come to a Structured Literacy Evening to learn about our approach and some helpful tools you can use at home to support your child’s learning.

Maori Whānau Hui – 23 May, 5.30 to 7 pm

We want to invite you to our inaugural whānau hui. This informal event is a great opportunity to meet and connect with other Māori families at our kura. We hope the event will build a relational space so that we can work together to enhance outcomes for our Māori students. We warmly welcome tamariki to participate in the hui.

Who: Whānau and kaiako of Milford School

What: Meet and connect with other whānau, and share your thoughts on what success looks like for your tamariki. The school will provide a snack and you are more than welcome to bring a small plate of kai to share. 

For catering purposes, RSVP to this form: Maori Whānau Hui by 20 May. 

We look forward to seeing you there.
Waiho i te to photo, kaua i te toiroa
Let us keep close together, not wide apart

Staffing Update - Bev Boyd

Bev Boyd, Teacher of Room 5, has made the decision, after a period of sick leave, to leave Milford School, to focus on her recovery.

Bev has been a part of our staff since 2010 during which time she has contributed significantly as a teacher, leader and in the Arts. The school and Board would like to thank Bev for her commitment and mahi over the past 14 years. Bev will be greatly missed by many students, staff and community members.

We wish Bev all the best in her future

Teacher Only Days - 30 and 31 May

We will have two teacher-only days this term on 30 and 31 May.

As an IB PYP school, we must ensure our staff achieves the required credentials to teach in an IB-accredited school. The two days will be spent upskilling in the delivery of PYP to ensure we continue delivering the best learning experiences for our tamariki.

Skids will be open if you require childcare, and you can book via their website - Milford Skids.

Principals Morning Tea - Friday 7 June, 8.30 - 9.30 am

You are invited to an informal morning tea with the Principal. This is an excellent opportunity to share your wondering, ideas, feedback or ask those niggly questions. We look forward to seeing you for a coffee and chat!

Finally, a warm welcome to our new students and their whānau, who were welcomed to Milford at the Mihi Whakatau on Friday. We look forward to getting to know you! If you were unable to attend check out the video.

Noho ora mai 
Lucy Naylor
Tumuaki