In this issue we discuss the upcoming NZEI Paid Union Meetings (PUMs), give a bouquet regarding school uniforms... and a challenge for our Dads.

As-salám aláykum

You may be aware that there has been a lot of discussion in the media regarding the negotiations around teacher pay and conditions. The Collective Agreement that has been in place for the last three years is due to expire and the NZEI (New Zealand Education Institute) is the bargaining organisation with the Ministry of Education and Government. Over the upcoming weeks there are a series of Paid Union Meetings to be held around the region. Main points of focus of this campaign are to:

• free teachers to teach so every child receives the personal attention they need to learn and thrive. 

• free principals to focus on leading

• ensure we have enough teachers by attracting more people to teaching, by respecting them as professionals and paying them properly.
  

The focus being that there are specific items that could be funded to improve the delivery of education to students. We would greatly appreciate our parent community supporting us in our efforts to improve the delivery of education across the sector and at MPS. If you want to learn more, you can do so by following this link: NZEI 'It's Time' campaign.

We fully support our teachers' rights to attend these meeting. We also believe in the issues being negotiated and that they will make a difference. However, we will be managing which meetings the teachers attend so that we remain open. This means that we will combine or cover classes while the teacher attends a meeting.  We hope that you will support us in our campaign in the months ahead.

I want to hand out a bouquet to all the parents  who have ensured their children are wearing the correct uniform. We have noticed a big difference.  So thank you... we appreciate it! 

I want to end on a challenge to our Dads... when I first started at MPS, our PTA was a representation of our community. The parents who attended had a genuine interest in being part of the parent group that supported the school through helping raising funds and also to hold events that brought us together. The representation was both male and female. For the last two years, we have had NO Dads represented on this group. I think this is a real shame and I am not sure the message it sends to our students. So, the challenge is... we have a meeting this Monday... it would be fantastic to see some Dads at the PTA gathering next Monday (bring a group of mates if that helps).

Have a wonderful weekend.

Máa Saláma

Chris Nord