What an exciting time of the year this is with so many events going on... Summer sport starting up… being able to go skiing and surfing on the same day, it is great to feel alive and be thankful for the special part of the world we live in.

Our staff had some great news after the weekend. Kellen Gillstrom went all the way to the top of Mt Hutt… walked to the back of the mountain… got down on one knee and proposed to his partner Sam. Of course Sam said yes. So we would like to say a big Congratulations Kellen and Sam on behalf of our community.

As part of this newsletter, there is the Class Placement and Survey Response information. There are several parts to this: 

• The first being, we need to know your intentions for 2018 and whether your child will be returning to MPS. This is critical ‘need to know as soon as possible’ information for two reasons.

  • Firstly, it allows us to plan the class and team structure,

  • and secondly it allows us to ensure we employ the correct number of staff for the 2018 school year. This can have a significant impact on the school finances if we plan for the numbers and then end up with less students in a particular area. So we do ask, please let us know as soon as possible. You can provide this information by filling out the survey form from the article later in this newsletter

• The final part of this survey is around consulting with parents regarding their child’s placement in a class in 2018. 

This article explains just how complicated this process is; taking the needs of each child into account, listening to input from parents, and then mixing this with the other input from the other 360 students is a challenge. We do try to ensure there is a great mix in the classes and that there are friendship options… and the placement will meet their needs. But I am sure you can understand this is a challenging process. Unless you are leaving, you do not have to fill out this survey. Your child won’t be disadvantaged. However, the opportunity is there if you want to have information regarding placement you feel we may not already know.

Art Exhibition

No doubt you have seen the message that was sent out via email & the School App this week looking for volunteers. This is a major fundraiser for MPS so please consider lending some of your time to help make this event a success. Last year's Art Exhibition raised over $27,000 and has helped fund resources we otherwise would not have to support our students learning; new soccer nets, science robotic equipment, STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) equipment, and new library books to name just a few. Please take the time to see what you can do to help, follow this link for more information.

Kia pai tō rā whakatā. Noho ora ma!

Nō reira.

Kāti i konei ngā kōrero.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa

Chris Nord