Term 1 Newsletters

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Fortnightly Newsletter

180 Hill Rd, Belmont, Lower Hutt. Ph: 565 0749
Fax: 565 0747 e-mail: maranatha@maranatha.school.nz
Principal: Debbie Middleton

Term 1, Week 11

COME O LORD

Dear Maranatha Christian School community members,

We thank the Lord that He has brought us through the first term of the school year. It has been a very positive term with lots of great things happening in all the classes.
We welcomed eighteen new students to our school at the Welcome Assembly last Tuesday. Nine
different churches were represented through these students. Although not all the pastors were able to come, we had at least 6 different pastors pray over each new family and student.

We are privileged that our community is diverse, representing different churches and races. I am reminded of Jesus’ prayer for all believers, before he was betrayed: “That they may be one, even as we are one” and “they also may be one in us” (see John 17 vs 20-23). To a certain extent, I think our school community is as one. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all Christians everywhere were as one, as Jesus and the Father are one!

As we celebrate the most important event in the Christian calendar may we have God’s glory
shining through us & working through us for the extension of His Kingdom. My prayer is also that we will all have a time of spiritual renewal, together with our loved ones, and God’s protection over the coming Easter break.
God Bless You,

Debbie Middleton


Mark your Calendar

27 April   Teacher only day
28 April   Students’ first day
22-24 May 40h Famine weekend


From the BoT

The Board of Trustees would like to acknowledge the significant effort being put into our students by the teachers, support staff, and voluntary helpers. At our recent Board of Trustees meeting, a presentation was made looking at the recent assessment work that has been carried out this term across the school. It was encouraging to see that overall our students (including Pacifika and Maori students) are performing above the national median. In some cases, markedly so. Of real interest was the performance of our boys who are "bucking" the national trend.  A big "Thank You", your work is important and is recognised


Easter Assembly

Over the past few weeks the children have been working hard, to put together an assembly that reflects the importance of Easter in our Christian faith.  The junior school would like to thank Mr Scholtz for all his work, creating original songs and taking the time to come up to school and teach them to the children.  Both syndicates have worked extremely hard and we are glad to see everything coming together in order to celebrate this special time together.  We all wish you a happy and safe Easter.


Community Visit

Yesterday, the senior syndicate visited the Norman Kirk Rest Home in Upper Hutt. It was a very enjoyable time for us as well as for the elderly people, because we shared our faith through songs, Bible verses and poems. In return they gave us some wisdom from their past. We had some interesting conversations as the residents talked about their past experiences. We would like to go again sometime.
Phoebe Bugtong & Aidan Almand Room 7


Mural Artist

Last week, Dan Mills came to help us paint the school fence mural.  I enjoyed painting with him and so did all my friends.  It was a great opportunity for us.  Everyone who painted the fence thinks that it is very colourful and creative and I hope everyone else does too.  Dan is an awesome artist! 
Lily Lamble.


40H Famine

Please return your permission slip a.s.a.p. Those who have received their booklets, make good use of the holiday to get your sponsors. The famine fundraiser will be held 22-24 May.


PTA Fundraisers

We have arranged for a professional photographer to be at Maranatha on Saturday, 16 May 2009. There is one $10 special for each family where you will receive a 10X13 portrait of your choice. A minimum of three poses will be taken, however, at no time are you obliged to purchase all. There is space for a maximum of 50 family bookings, so please book early to avoid disappointment. This offer is open to all family and friends, so please encourage your friends, neighbours and relatives to take part. Everyone is welcome and we would really appreciate their support. If you have any questions or if you would like to take advantage of this special offer and assist us with our fundraising, please contact Conli on 5277886 after hours or text to 0211091489. Payment will secure your booking.


Entertainment books are now available for $55 ($11 goes to our school).  You can view a sample copy in the staffroom or buy a copy from the office.  These are a great buy if you eat out a lot or you know someone that does.  There are also some great offers for family fun, Australia included.


Winter Uniform

Winter uniform will be compulsory from week 2 in Term 2. Please make sure your child has the correct uniform and it still fits.


Sibling Application

We have been working on the roll for 2010. If you have younger children due to start school in 2010 and have not filled in an application form for them yet, we urge you to do so immediately. Siblings do not gain automatic entry.


Lost Uniform

Please check your child’s uniform over the holidays as there are still marked jerseys, a marked skirt and sandals missing.


Uniform for Sale

2 x Long ties @ $10 each
2 x Size 8 skirts, fits 9-10 y @ $30 each.
1 x Small skirt fits new entrant to Y 3 @ $30.
2 x Size 14 PE shirts, 1 size 16 and 1 size 18.
1 x Large PE shorts. All of the above are in good condition, prices negotiable. Please contact Mrs. Rapata on 938 3515.


Aluminium Cans

Please keep your cold drink cans over the holidays. We will continue to recycle them in term 2. Thank you.


Open Home Foundation is looking for a permanent home for a 6 year old boy with special needs. If you feel this is your calling please contact Conli Swanepoel, Foster Parent Social Worker on Ph (04) 566-3990.


School holiday computer courses. Ages 6—16. Create games, learn programming, web design, animations and graphics, Word,Powerpoint, Excel, filmmaking, video editing and how to build a computer. Contact Ed Brown on 499 2211.