Newsletter No.6 Friday 12th March 2010 Dear Parents We welcome two 1st year Laidlaw College trainee teachers to our school. The young ladies will be with us until next Friday then will return in Term 3 from 20th July to 6th August. Liesel Crick (left) was born in South Africa and came to New Zealand 7 years. Liesel is married to Amiro from South Africa and they have a 12 year old son, Jared. Liesel feels blessed to be in Mrs Sellar’s class, a Year 2 class. Sarah de Vries (right) came from Wainuiomata, Wellington and moved to Auckland 1 month ago to begin her training. Sarah attends Avondale Reformed Church. Sarah is in Mr Randall’s Year 7 class and is enjoying her time there immensely

We also welcomed husband and wife, Matthias and Esther Masangi to our school on Thursday morning. They are currently undertaking a 4 month Child Evangelism training course at the Children’s Bible Ministry headquarters in Mt.Eden. Esther is a social worker in the New Life Foundation, Tanzania and has worked with our previous 3 mission teams arranging visits to poor families. Matthias works for Compassion International in Tanzania, working mostly with children orphaned by HIV/Aids. Three children, Rebecca, Hayley and Zoe who made friends with Esther at the CBM Raglan Childrens Camp were delighted to see Esther when we walked into Room 10.

We welcome back Mr Richardson to our school after convalescing from his bicycle accident where he suffered broken ribs and a broken shoulder blade. We farewell our US trainee teacher, Karly Haushalter who finishes her placement at our school today before heading down to the South Island for a 5-day tour then heading home to Long island, New York. Karly has loved her time at Hebron while working primarily with Mrs Finn and Mr Davidson.Special thanks to the Heeringa family for accommodating Karly and the many teachers and other Hebron families that took her in for meals, trips away, etc. Karly writes, I want to thank the entire Hebron family for all of their love, support and encouragement these past six weeks. I have thoroughly enjoyed practice teaching alongside Mrs. Finn and Mr. Davidson, as well as interacting with all of the staff and students. I have learned much about relationships and what it means to be an authentic God-fearing teacher. This school is a gem here in Auckland and in the world. I have fell in love with your country and your hearts. I may be heading back to the States for now (for I have to finish up my training in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), but do not be surprised if you see my face once again here on earth. I do hope very much to return. This has been a great experience in many different ways. I won't forget my time here; you all have truly been set in a special place in my heart, in my speech (...thanks to the Hebron students, I have been able to pick up some sweet-as lingo), in my actions and in my walk with the Lord. Thank you all. G'bye for now. I will see you soon.

HHEEBBRROONN CCHHRRIISSTTIIAANN CCOOLLLLEEGGEE To Know Him, To Love Him, To Serve Him

www.hebron.ac.nz

WELCOME BACK

FAREWELL

WELCOME

Our tri-annual audit by the Education Review Office has now been released and I include it below for you to read. The staff and School Board are very happy with the review and believe it accurately portrays the general state of the school. Two issues raised under the Statutory Obligations section have been addressed but from our perspective, were minor issues (see associated notes) 1. Efficiency Hebron Christian College provides a Christ-centred, Bible-based education for students from Years 1 to 13. The school is governed by the Biblical Education Services Trust, and accepts students from all denominations. The well-maintained college site in Mt Albert, including the historic Rahiri Mansion, provides an attractive setting for the school. Since the 2007 ERO review the number of secondary students has increased, although the total roll is relatively static. The board and school managers attribute the growth in the secondary roll to the high priority the school gives to providing programmes for the National Certificates in Educational Achievement (NCEA) at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Suitable Curriculum and Standard of Tuition Hebron Christian College provides a broad curriculum with suitable emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Students also study aspects of other learning areas in programmes that are well linked to national curriculum statements. The Interact Curriculum, a Bible-based thematic programme, is used consistently by staff teaching primary classes in Years 1 to 7. Students in Years 8 to 10 receive a subject-based programme which includes special character values and themes. Year 10 students also undertake some NCEA Level 1 studies. Senior secondary students have access to a growing range of courses that contribute to national NCEA qualifications. Senior programme managers maximise the choice available to students through timetabling based on student interests and through the employment of part-time specialist teachers. Sound management systems are in place to help ensure students are provided with well planned courses, and that assessment practices are appropriate and moderated. Student attainment in NCEA generally compares favourably with that of schools of similar decile. Students experience positive, well managed classroom environments where relationships are respectful and cooperative. High expectations for learning and behaviour are evident. Teachers know students well and carefully monitor their individual progress and well being. The school's inclusive and caring environment supports students with special learning needs. Teachers regularly assess students' progress against programme objectives. Externally referenced assessments provide staff with information on children's progress in reading and mathematics. Primary staff use this information to identify group and individual learning needs. The use of student data to plan programmes in response to identified student needs could now be developed further. The introduction of student data management software provides an opportunity

EDUCATION REVIEW OFFICE REPORT

for teachers to increase the sharing and use of assessment information to plan programmes that respond to students learning needs. The board and school community receive information about senior student achievement in NCEA. This provides some evidence of the effectiveness of curriculum delivery. It would be useful to extend reporting to the board to provide information on student progress and achievement at all levels of the school. Such information would assist the board's long-term decision making and curriculum related resourcing. Suitable staffing The school is managed by an experienced, stable leadership team. The long-serving principal demonstrates a strong commitment to the special character of the school. He has the respect of staff, students and the school community. The deputy principal and two senior teachers each competently lead a department of the school.

Teaching staff work collaboratively with school managers to support school initiatives. The principal and board give priority to employing staff who promote the special Christian character of the school through their classroom programmes and interactions with others. Teachers provide students with attractive learning environments that support learning and ensure classroom relationships are respectful. Students spoken to by ERO expressed appreciation for teachers' commitment to their education.

Teaching staff are suitably trained and qualified. They participate in professional development related to school priorities and their teaching roles. Staff development is supported through a performance management system. Provisionally registered teachers receive appropriate support to assist their development toward full registration. Staff demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement in the teaching and learning programmes they provide for students. Suitably qualified and experienced staff provide enhanced learning programmes for children with special needs or abilities. However, access to these programmes is often at an extra cost to parents. An administrative support staff member with nursing experience is available to respond to students' first aid and other health needs. Pastoral care provisions are supported by the school's chaplain and by the willingness of senior staff to liaise with parents and external support agencies, as needed. Suitable premises and equipment The board and school managers carefully oversee the development of school property and resources to provide the best educational opportunities within financial and physical site constraints. The voluntary assistance of staff, students and community members contributes to the maintenance of school buildings and grounds. While the focus in recent years has been on maintaining existing buildings, recent property developments include the provision of staff facilities and some classroom spaces in the Rahiri mansion, and the installation of a heating system for the swimming pool. The attractive school grounds provide a variety of play areas suitable for the wide age range of students. The use of nearby sports grounds and school camps and activities extend the outdoor learning environment for students. Students and staff are benefitting from increased resourcing of

information and communication technologies (ICT). These improvements include the development of student data management and school administration programmes, as well as considerable development of the school's electronic reporting and communication systems. Information on student's individual achievement, progress and attendance are recorded and closely monitored by staff. Patriotism and loyalty School information clearly states the patriotic intent of the board and school management as "Hebron is committed to an effective partnership in the local Auckland community, multi cultural New Zealand and the world." The principal and staff promote this commitment through school programmes and practices that include: flying the national flag daily; singing the national anthem at school assemblies and prizegiving; using appropriate New Zealand contexts in classroom programmes and school celebrations; and the inclusion of te reo Maori in some classrooms and assemblies, and performances by the school kapa haka group. These actions provide evidence of ways in which the college meets suitability requirements relating to patriotism and loyalty. 2. Statutory Obligations Safety management. The board expresses a commitment through its policies to providing staff and students a safe and clean working environment. This includes setting out procedures for staff to identify and record possible hazards. To improve practice the board should ensure staff involved in property management are appropriately trained in hazard identification and risk minimisation. Currently, some hazard identification procedures are not well implemented. To comply with statutory obligations, the principal and the trust board must: 3.1 take all practicable steps to identify and manage workplace hazards1, [Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992]; and 3.2 obtain police vets for all non-registered employees2, [Education Act 1989,s78C] . 3. Other Matters Provision for International Students Compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and the Provision of English Language Support Hebron Christian College (Auckland) is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the Code) established under section 23 8F of the Education Act 1989. This is a requirement of all schools that enrol international students in terms of the Act. Schools are also required to provide English language support for their international students. The school currently has 12 international students. Most of these students are from Korea and China. All international students live with parents or designated caregivers. The school complies with all aspects of the Code. Compliance with the Code is regularly reviewed and reported on. Staff responsible for international students include the principal, the dean and an administrator. Students benefit from a close association with the international student dean who coordinates

1 The Review team did NOT identify any hazards or safety problems in our school but suggested the training of staff in hazard identification be more rigorous and our written records be more thorough. 2 MOST non-teaching staff have been vetted but some long-serving staff (eg. Mrs McMahon) who were employed before vetting was compulsory slipped through the net!

induction programmes, liaises with parents and caregivers and responds promptly to any identified concerns and needs. International students are well integrated in the life of the school and enjoy their experiences at the college. They report that other students are kind, friendly and accepting. The English language needs of international students are assessed on enrolment and programmes are designed to address their needs as English second language learners. 4. Conclusion Hebron Christian College continues to operate efficiently under the terms of the Education Act 1989, s35. GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO MURIWAI BEACH On Wednesday afternoon the three Year 13 Geography students visited Muriwai Beach, accompanied by their teacher, Mrs Finn, trainee teacher, Miss Haushalter and mother, Kay Lawson. These students are studying the processes that operate at Muriwai Beach, as well as at Otakamiro Point and Motutara Island where the gannets nest, and Maori Bay to the south. This trip was a great opportunity to look at the familiar coastal environment with the new eyes of an informed Geographer. SENIOR SWIMMING SPORTS The Senior Swimming Sports took place at the Philips Aquatic Centre today and there was lots of fast swimming and jubilant winners at the end of each race. Mr Breetvelt and his team of teachers and volunteer parents (and grandparents) did a superb job in running the event. The relays were the highlight of the day’s activities and the results were: Primary 1st Blue 2nd Red 3rd Green 4th Yellow

Intermediate 1st Yellow 2nd Blue 3rd Red 4th Green

Secondary 1st Green 2nd Yellow 3rd Blue 4th Red

Students v Staff v Parents 1st Students 2nd Staff 3rd Parent

Sam Cummins strokes out Final House Points 1st Green House 680 pts 2nd Blue House 581 pts 3rd YYeellllooww HHoouussee 553366 ppttss 4th Red House 455 pts Right

HEBRON HAPPENINGS

JUNIOR SWIMMING SPORTS Where: Roskill Aquasport Centre . (Nan’s Pool) Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill When: Thursday 18th March 2010 Cost: $4:00 The children will be going to the pool by bus at 9.00am and swimming will begin at 9:30am. We will be leaving the pool at 11.40am and will be back at school at 12.00am. Parents, guardians, grandparents are most welcome to come and cheer their children on. Parents…Please name ALL sandals, clothes. towels and togs. Children need to bring a large plastic bag to put their swimming togs into after they have been swimming. Approximate Swimming times: Room 6 9:30am-10:15am, Room 7 10:15am-.11.00am, Room 1311:00am-11:30am PhotoLife photos have been delivered to families. Payments or the unwanted photo need to be returned to the class teacher by next Friday, 19 March. ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 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 2010/2011 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 later in the month for you to peruse and consider buying. The $65 should then be sent to the school OR the book returned. Pre-Order Special A Pre-order form can be found at the end of this newsletter. Send the completed form into the office with your $65 before 19th March and you’ll receive over $140 in bonus offers that you can use straight away. A teacher aide will be needed from the start of Term 2 to supervise a 6 year old girl with learning difficulties. The position is fulltime ie. 8:45am to 3:00pm each day. Previous experience is not required. A job description and application form is available from the school office. As yet we have no one to coach our Year 5 and 6 girls’ netball team. They play on Saturday mornings at Mt Roskill Intermediate from May 1 until September (no games in holidays). Is there a parent, an auntie, an uncle, a grandparent, a neighbour, a church member you know that would like to do this? Is there a secondary student who would like to coach this year rather than play herself? Maybe an ex-Hebron student who would like to give something back to their old school? Please let Frances Goulter know quickly on 626 4234. Thank you to the 5 families who returned their database form to the office last week. We are now waiting for 57 families to return their database form to the office. Have you returned yours???

COMING UP….

PHOTOLIFE PORTRAITS

DATABASE UPDATE

FUNDRAISING

TEACHER AIDE NEEDED

NETBALL COACH NEEDED

Twenty one Hebron families have now offered to billet a Japanese student in March but we need another 3 offers…Can YOU assist??? Homestay families will be paid $300 for the 10-night stay and will also receive $56 for preparing 8 weekday lunches. If you can assist with billeting or would like more information, email me (principal@hebron.ac.nz) . The Hebron Ironmen would like to invite Hebron fathers to participate in the “Winning at Home and Work” course. This is a 16 session course that is run on a Wednesday night every fortnight from 7 – 9 pm at Rahiri House, Hebron (not including school holidays). The course is highly recommended and is now in its second 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”. 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. There are limited places available - please complete the form below to enrol for this year’s course or contact George Douglas george@ironmen.org.nz or phone 0274 724 663 Parents, Caregivers and staff - come and join us at the Hebron Twilight BBQ on Saturday 20th March from 6pm. Our expert chef/s will supply and cook the steak/sausages - you bring your family, salad, drinks, picnic rugs, chairs etc. The Hebron Men’s group will run some casual games and maybe a lolly scramble or two. What: Twilight BBQ When: Saturday 20th March from 5:30pm Venue: One Tree Hill Please complete a booking form available at the office to ensure we bring enough food for everyone. Forms must be handed back to the office by Wednesday 17th March. RELAX, REFRESH & REJUVENATE

Hebron Mums, Grandmothers and Caregivers are all invited to our afternoon tea on Friday 26th March from 2.00pm. Come and enjoy some home baking, catch up with friends and make new connections with other families at Hebron, before picking up your children on Friday afternoon. Date: Friday 26th March Place: Rahiri House, Staffroom Time: 2.00 - 3.00 pm

Any questions - feel free to contact Monique on douglasm@continum.co.nz or 021 724 663 Pre-schoolers are welcome – we look forward to seeing you there. Have an enjoyable weekend with the family.

Geoff Matthews Principal

JAPANESE STUDENT VISIT

HEBRON MUMS

HEBRON FATHERS INVITE…

HEBRON TWILIGHT BBQ

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK ADVANCED ORDER Yes, we would like to order and pay for this year’s Entertainment Book in advance Please order us ______ number of books Please find enclosed $ ______ Name: _____________________________

WINNING AT WORK AND AT HOME Name: _______________________________

Phone: ____________

Email: ________________________________

I would like more information, please contact me

I would like to enrol for the Winning at work and home course

Please complete and detach this form and hand in to the office at Hebron Christian College - thank you