Newsletter No.7 Friday 16th March 2012 Dear Parents Making Work Easier Our Y1-Y8 curriculum theme is: God is a Worker: he wants us to be diligent workers. God is a diligent worker who created the earth and still sustains it. When he had finished creating the world he said it was good. God also works in our lives and Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God will finish the work he has started in us. We too should always consider the finishing of a job important too. God wants us and our children to be diligent workers and enjoy the satisfaction and rewards that work brings. We have looked particularly to Nehemiah who, given a task to do by God – despite tiredness, fear of attack, and the ridicule of others – worked diligently. The students in Room 7 have just finished a Topic study entitled “Making Work Easier” by creating and using machines and appliances. They have been learning about simple machines through their silent and group readings, colouring activities, and simple machine project. The students were given the materials to create their own tractor or bulldozer and decorate it anyway they wished. The students were proud to show them off to the judges on Wednesday. The four judges judged Room 7 and 8’s tractors or bulldozers based on the most kid-friendly, the most professional looking, the most creative, most realistic looking, and the best oral presentation of their tractor or bulldozer. All of the students worked hard on their tractors or bulldozers and all the students and parents that worked on the simple machines were congratulated. They were all lovely and the students enjoyed seeing each other’s creative touch to their tractor or bulldozer.

People at Work in the Past Room Six have been studying how our ancestors worked in the past. They had a fantastic trip to Highwic Cottage in Newmarket on Wednesday. They were able to wash towels using a washboard and squeeze out the water using a mangle. The children got to build up their muscles by lifting the heavy irons that were used in the 1800’s to iron clothes. How much harder work was back then! They also learnt the history of the people living at Highwic cottage in the 1800’s. Can you imagine having 21 children in your family? You were only allowed to eat at the dining room table when you turned 13 years old. If you were younger than that you were allowed to eat at the kitchen

HEBRON HAPPENINGS

table. After lunch the children were able to play croquet, petanque, quoits, walk using stilts and have sack, egg and spoon and three legged races. Some children were able to give us a piano recital and played a musical piece on the grand piano. Thank you to the parents and grandparent who were able to transport children and join us on our trip. Global Leadership Conference On Thursday four of our student leaders joined 300 other student leaders from across Auckland at the annual World Vision Global Leadership Convention. Through multimedia presentations, simulation games and participatory activities, they learned about how uneven the world is and that they can help to address some of the differences. They also learned about leadership, found out some tips for running the 40 Hour Famine at school, and watched the Warriors train during the lunch break (the convention was held at Mount Smart stadium). For these students, all of whom were part of the Mission Team to Africa last year, the conference inspired them once again to be God’s hands in pursuing justice for the poor and oppressed. Emily, Elise, Eleanor and Jono planning Hebron’s 2012 40 Hour Famine. At the teachers’ meeting, Mrs Finn learned that while there are significant challenges, particularly for Mali and Niger in Africa which were this week declared to have a Category 3 famine, improvements are being made. One of the most exciting improvements is that earlier this month the world’s Millenium Development Goal for reducing by half the number of people without access to safe water was achieved, three years ahead of its target date. Sails Are Up! The shade sails have been erected over the lower adventure playground. The bright blue and orange colours look quite stunning but above all, children playing on the playground can play in the shade…mostly! High Ropes Adventure On Thursday Mrs Finn and Miss Hart went on a high ropes course at Rocket Ropes to see if it was fit for the Year 13 P.E programme.

All harnessed in, Mrs Finn and Miss Hart decided to complete the most challenging course, the “Rocket course” which consists of bravery and endurance! “The whole course took over an hour and a half and boy was it a challenge!” says Miss Hart. It turned out to be a great experience for both teachers and they said they would definitely try it again and certainly recommend it for the Year 13 students.

Lapathon

Weekend of Service

Entertainment Books

Swimming Sports Three swimming events will take place next wee: Tuesday Auckland Christian Schools Swimming Sports, Waitakere Aquatics Centre, Alderman Dr,

Henderson 10.00am – 2:00pm. A team of our more successful swimmers has been chosen and they will represent our school at this event. All the best team

Wednesday Hebron Junior School Swimming Sports at Roskill Aqasport Centre, Arundel St, Mt.Roskill 11:45am to 3pm. The children of rooms 6, 7 & 8 will have their chance to demonstrate their water skills. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Thursday Eden/Mt.Albert Zone Primary Swimming Championships at Roskill Aquasport Centre 9:00am to midday. A small team of Year 5-6 students has been entered for this event.

It is not too late for children to get more sponsors for their Lapathon. The children have been building up their “laps” for our Lapathon Fundraising venture and swimming fitness is reaching an all-time high! Children, and parents, please make sure you get as many sponsors for your laps as possible so that much needed video cameras, editing equipment and software can be purchased to be used by all areas of the school…junior primary, senior primary, intermediate and secondary. Money from sponsors will be collected in the week March 26-31

Have YOU committed yourself to attending our Weekend of Service??? It all happening the weekend after this weekend…24th-25th March. We have timed this with Neighbours Day Aotearoa. So we are going to have a BBQ at the end of the weekend and invite some neighbours from our streets close to the school to join us. This will be a great weekend for the families of the school to meet up too. If you are new, please plan to come along and serve and celebrate at the BBQ and get to know others. You need to register now by going to the school website www.hebron.ac.nz and click on the words 'click here' below the text about the weekend of service. We

need everyone signed up by the 5th of March for our planning. The next action team meeting for this will be held in the school staffroom at 7.30pm on the 5th, then the 12th and 19th of March. If you offering your skills please be at these meetings. Inquiries to Carolyn Welch (H) 8455316 or (CP) 0212980587.

We plan to repeat our very popular fundraising activity with our annual Entertainment Book sales, a discount book with huge discounts for restaurants, cafes, theatres, holiday accommodation, children’s entertainment, etc. The 2012/2013 book sells for $65 each with $13 going towards the school. The discount gained by visiting two restaurants will almost cover the $65 book cost! A book will be sent home with each child next term for you to peruse and consider buying. BUT the GOOD NEWS is…you can have your book NOW if you pre-order it…. Pre-Order Special Today, every family will receive a Pre-Order Form. Books can be pre-ordered by paying your $65/book at the school office before Wednesday 28th March and you’ll receive over $130 in bonus offers that you can use straight away. You can pay for your books online. New system…order online Hebron families can go to: www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/947f96 and order and pay for their book online.

COMING UP…

Winning at Work and Home

Congratulations…

Help needed…

Short Term Homestay Needed

A short term homestay is needed for the following Japanese girl: Mahiro Kuwabara (13 year old female) A homestay is needed from 20th March to 3rd April (14 nights). Payment: $230/week. Phone me this weekend (Mr Matthews) for more info on 027 270 2545 or the school office on Monday (846-2159)

“Winning at Work and Home” Course – starting March 21st The Ironmen men’s group would like to invite all men to participate in the “Winning at Home and Work” course. This is a 16 session course that is run every fortnight on a Wednesday night from 7:30 – 9.30 pm in the staff room, at Rahiri House, Hebron Christian College (not including school holidays). It is a great way to meet other men, gain skills and tools for fatherhood, build a successful marriage and also help to develop your Christian walk. This life changing men’s course deals with strengthening marriages, maximised strategic fathering and the challenges and opportunities of the workplace. The course is highly recommended and is now in its third year. Previous participants comments include: “good solid all round teaching, that is very practical”, “excellent teaching and presentation” and “a wealth of wisdom with sound advice, biblically delivered”. Some of the topics covered include: How a Man Makes the Money Work at Home, The "Good Life" and Where to Find It, What Every Dad Needs to Know, Dad's Game Plan for Raising Sons and Daughters, Maximum Parenting, A Man and His Work, Launching a Lifelong Winning Streak, among many others. Although numbers are limited, we would like to serve as many men as possible and you are welcome to invite other men to this course as well. To register, contact George Douglas at george@ironmen.org.nz or phone 0274 724 663. Alternatively you can register online at www.ironmen.org.nz

Hebron Mum (and School board member), Cathy Gillies is working voluntarily to barcode and catalogue all the Middle School resources (journals, text books, etc) and needs help in order to finish the task. Are you able to assist with a few hours on either Mondays or Wednesdays. Please contact Mrs Ruth Scott, Middle School Senior Teacher. Email: ruths@hebron.ac.nz or phone the school office 8462-159.

We congratulate Cole Henderson’s mother, Cheryl, in being picked to represent New Zealand in the NZ Masters Hockey Team to travel to London and play in the FIH International Masters Hockey Tournament post Olympics. Go Cheryl! Have an enjoyable weekend.

Geoff Matthews Principal PS The Great Gladstone Primary School Gala, Sunday 1st April, 11am-3pm, 8 Seaview Terrace Mt.Albert, Auckland