Liberton Link June 2001
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
As I sit down to write this note, I realise that it is the first time in 18 months that I have had the opportunity to do so. Most of you will know that as a family we spent last year living in Monterey, California. For the greater part of the year, our children had the opportunity to attend Monterey Bay Christian School, an experience that I think was wonderfully beneficial. I found it very helpful not only to watch another Christian School in action, but also to see a different curriculum and a different style of teaching. I returned, both thankful for the strengths of Liberton Christian School and aware that we could learn from Monterey Bay Christian School. I also returned, convinced more strongly than ever, firstly, of the importance of Christian schooling, secondly, of the importance of maintaining a strong Christian character within the school and, thirdly, of the need for high standards in all aspects of school life.
Having given you my one paragraph overview of 2000, let me now give you an update on some of the items that arose at our recent Board of Trustees Meeting. Firstly, the Board was very pleased to approve the enrolment of three new pupils in the junior class. Our warmest greetings to new-entrant, Colin J. We anticipate that Taylor P. and Matt J. will join Colin in the next few weeks.
In the second instance, the Board is very keen to find creative ways of promoting the School. We are in the beginning stages of preparing a new school brochure. In addition, we plan upon having a public meeting with Dr Brian Walsh (University of Toronto) when he is in town later this month. Apart from being a Senior Member in Worldview Studies from the Institute of Christian Studies in Toronto, Brian has authored a number of books and numerous published papers. We believe that his insights on the issue of worldview and the importance of Christian education will be well worth hearing. Could I encourage you to attend this meeting, presently scheduled for the evening of June 21 in the Elim Church, at 7.30pm.
In the third instance, the Board did discuss how to best assist the Senior Class at the school, noting that it was not so much the size of the class that made it challenging, but rather the breadth of learning ability in the class. We noted that a number of part time helpers already come in, not only to assist Nel with various aspects of the curriculum, but also to teach smaller groups within the class Having said this, however, the Board would still like to see a further easing in the load. The Board feels that the best solution by far is to move from being a two-teacher school to a three-teacher school. To help bring this about, the Dunedin Christian Schools Association (DCSA) has commissioned an architect to prepare a redevelopment plan for the school that will enable it to move back, firstly, to three full teaching classrooms and then to expand to a fourth classroom. Preliminary plans have been prepared for a two-staged development and these are in the process of being considered by the DCSA.
Assuming DCSA approval, we will then seek Ministry of Education approval for a re-prioritisation of our capital works program. If both approvals are forthcoming, then we would anticipate delaying the hall redevelopment (scheduled for this year) in favour of developing entirely new ablution facilities (with internal access) and relocating the library all by the start of the 2002 school year. This, in turn, will give additional space to store resource materials so freeing-up the third classroom. We are excited by the development concept and the way in which it not only integrates with the existing facility but also builds upon it. At the very earliest opportunity we will have the plans displayed at the school for your perusal.
I wonder if I could close by thanking you for your participation in School life. If the School is to grow and to flourish then, in part, it will be because we worked together to bring it about.
With warmest Christian greetings
John Hannah, Chairman
DCSA COUNCIL
Since integration, our role as ‘proprietor’ has related to matters to do with the school property. A couple of the more obvious changes at the school over the last year or so have been the new playground and the fence around the property. These were just two of a list of some 110 items that the Ministry of Education identified as needing to be attended to as the DCSA’s responsibility under the integration agreement. While some of the items on the list could be considered trivial, like fixing a leak or replacing a lock, many are more significant requiring extensive remodelling or redecorating. Some others require the creation of whole new areas, best achieved by building additions.
All the items on the schedule have a defined completion date, within a 7-year overall time frame. While the first year’s requirements were straightforward, we realised that as we worked into the program, things became more complex. We therefore decided to engage the services of an architect to prepare both a short-term plan (3-4 years) and a long-term plan (developing the site to its maximum potential). We were very fortunate that Elizabeth Lee (a former pupil of the school) was available to do this work for us and has been able to prepare plans based on a complex set of requirements that meet both the short and long term aims.
These plans have just been finalised and should be able to be made available to the general school community in two to three weeks. While these show the general development outlines, some areas require the preparation of detailed drawings particularly for work that needs to be completed in the next 12 months. These will be progressed shortly to enable contracts for the physical work to be in place before December. The principal areas involved will be a complete reconstruction of the toilet facilities and a new library.
The Council has also been actively surveying the Christian community as to where they see the place of Liberton (and Christian education generally), in the context of their own Christian lives. The results of this survey should enable us to more effectively target promotional material aimed at broadening the membership base of the DCSA and attracting more children to the school.
While we optimistically look to the future and prepare for large-scale building redevelopment, we continue to have the responsibility of providing an adequate and safe teaching environment. We will be working closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure all of the needs of the school are suitably met. We trust that the Lord will continue provide us, through members and friends, all the resources that will be needed to meet the ambitious program that lies ahead of us.
Robert Storm, Chairman
SENIOR CLASS
It is hard to accept that we are nearly halfway through the school year already, yet on reflection, a lot of events have happened and a lot of work has been covered.
The School community’s barbeque at Woodhaugh Gardens in the beginning of the year is always a good way to meet new families. Though the roll number didn’t increase significantly, the majority of pupils are now in the Year 4 to 8 bracket. It is pleasing to see that there is a steady growth in the junior room and we look forward to the prospect of being a three-teacher school again next year.
Meanwhile, I have been heartened by the great support received from various quarters:
- Both Rosalin and I are once again involved with the Assessment for Better Learning (ABEL) programme this year. With Rosalin also attending the Literature 2001 refresher course.
- I attended a three-day principals’ course in February, which was most encouraging. We were given an amazing amount of information to digest. The legal requirements integration brings with it means even more paperwork, however, knowing what is expected does make things easier. I trust that eventually the children will benefit. We have follow up meetings at least once a term and as course members are mostly principals of small rural, or integrated schools, this support is very worthwhile.
- With integration invitations to the North Dunedin Principal’s cluster meetings are also more forth coming and helpful.
- Our involvement as Associate Teachers for the University’s School of Education not only keeps us abreast of educational issues, but children benefit from the input of student teachers.
Catherine Galloway, one of last year’s students has been volunteering her talents and teaches music every Thursday to an appreciative senior class.
Every Thursday morning Year 7 and 8 Students go to Technology classes (manual arts) at Dunedin North Intermediate. This term they also joined the younger members of the senior class for a technology unit, which resulted in the children making worm farms, and so recycle our food scraps. Thank you Mr Boyes. Senior class members – let’s make sure our ‘pet worms’ are well looked after.
The input from teachers; Kyra Jones and Jean Corlett and the parent volunteers, both in the classroom and behind the scenes is very much needed and appreciated.
We have been fortunate also to have various sports people come in to coach. We’ve had several sessions of cricket skills for Years 4 to 6 and soccer for everyone. Amana the newly established Christian School in Mosgiel and Liberton Christian School joined in sports and games, but the highlight was definitely the police dog demonstration.
We’ve been busy reading and writing stories. Some Year 7 and 8 pupils were fortunate to be chosen to attend a writing workshop with author Ken Catran. Some time later Jennifer, Rachel, Julianne and Alicia went to the public library again for the launch of the Nestle’s “Write Around NZ” competition.
Earlier in the year we raised some money for the Heart Foundation by participating in the “Get Outta Bed, and Wear Red” day. Pupils’ effort for World Vision was the highest yet.
With three more weeks of Term 2 left teachers are looking towards parent teacher interviews, preparing for Term 3 and the New Zealand Christian Schools conference in Christchurch at the end of the term. We trust that the latter will help and refresh us in our calling here at Liberton.
Let’s continue to encourage, pray and work together in this part of God’s kingdom. Thank you for your support.
Nel van’t Wout
JUNIOR CLASS
We began the year with equal numbers of children in each age group of the class, but our five-year-old group is growing as new entrants start school. Matthew B. joined our class in February. He started school in Owaka. Jasmine H. started at the end of Term One, Taylor P. is to start school at the beginning of June, and Matthew J. is soon to begin school visits before his fifth birthday in July. The older children in the class were pleased to welcome Colin J. to the Standard One group, to balance the numbers a little.
We are very grateful to the Home and School Committee, especially to Mrs Storm, for the new curtains for our classroom. They really brighten the room.
Our first topic for the year was a study of the talents that God has given us. We are all unique and possess different talents and abilities. Just as a body is made up of different parts, in the same way God needs us to contribute in our own special way. We need to recognise and use the talents that God has given to us. We need to recognise and appreciate the talents and abilities of others, and encourage them in their efforts. The children set themselves some goals by recognising the areas in the school programme where they excelled, and those areas that needed extra work.
In our study of Milk, we learned about the processes involved in getting the milk from the cow to our refrigerator. We learned about some of the uses of milk, and made a milk shake and a pudding. Our technology task was for each child to design and make an attractive label for their instant-pudding container. Some creative and attractive designs resulted.
Magnets are always a popular topic, and the children enjoyed experimenting with magnets to discover some of their properties. As part of their homework, many children discovered that their homes have a large number of magnets for a variety of purposes.
During our sessions at the DNI swimming pool, the children became more confident in the water, and improved their skills. They do enjoy their sessions in the pool. Thank you to Mrs O’Neill and Mrs Ferguson who provided transport each week, and to all who helped the children to get dressed.
One of the most popular reading activities is acting in a play. The older children in the class recently performed a play for parents and children at assembly. Their preparation included making masks and designing scenery. The play, called “The Stone in the Road”, vividly illustrated how much more can be achieved if people (or animals) work together.
Our Science topic at the beginning of Term Two has been Trees. The children have observed and identified the different parts of trees and understand the general functions of the main parts. They have noted the seasonal changes in trees. They have experimented with leaf-rubbings and leaf-prints, spatter painting, and see-through pictures using leaves, as well as creating beautiful pictures with leaves. The colours of autumn are magnificent.
Thank you to all who have helped our class in a variety of ways this year. The children and I appreciate your help.
Rosalin Stewart
HOME AND SCHOOL
Laura Hannah has joined us this year and we thank her for her willingness and input.
A Family BBQ at Woodhaugh Gardens was held early in March. It was a beautiful afternoon/evening with a good number attending. We enjoyed an orienteering course organised by Phil Marshall, games, good food, yummy dessert! And it was a good opportunity to get to meet new families.
We have helped with various suppers, morning and afternoon teas. On the last afternoon of Term One we had an opportunity to share with parents, DCSA members, grandparents and friends of the school, some of the activities of the school, and provide refreshments for all. We acknowledged the artists who did a wonderful job on the cottage. We’ve purchased a small fridge for the staff room, a carpet sweeper for lunch duties and have arranged for new curtains for the junior room.
Laura is conducting a survey on the school uniform.
We have available for purchase:
- Packets of blank cards with envelopes @ $3 each
- Pens at $2 each
- 2001 School Calendars (any donation is fine)
- 1kg Liquid Honey @ $4.50 or 1kg Creamed Honey @ $5 (50 cents discount on future purchases if clean pottle is returned).
We’ve finalised the Hot Lunches Menu and will start those next week. Diane will be looking after proceedings with parent and senior pupils help.
Last week, Amana School visited us and we made sure helpers, teachers and pupils had some well-earned refreshments. It turned out to be a great day.
We had an enjoyable Quiz night on Saturday, 9 June, more than 60 turned up for an evening of fun and we had seven teams competing. A big thanks to our compère Tony Dudley and to Diane who put the questions together.
Any queries or items you would like to buy please contact me. Any suggestions are most welcome. Thanking you in His service.
Antje Storm, Convenor
FROM THE TREASURER
The School's 2000 annual report and financial statements have now been audited and published. Copies are available from the school foyer. The following is an extract from the Treasurer's Report.
"At the end of the School’s first full year of operation as a state integrated school it is pleasing to report a sizable surplus, especially after the deficit for the three months to 31 December 1999 placed the School in a weak financial position. However at $30,122, or 18.5% of total revenue, the magnitude of the surplus does give some food for thought. In future years careful budgeting will be necessary to ensure that available funding, including funds of $12,501 currently uncommitted, is employed to best effect. While there may be some merit in accumulating reserves against a possible future downturn, the Board’s immediate financial goals should also provide the best in classroom resourcing, and for an adequate level of relief and administrative support for teaching staff. The Board is aware, too, of the need for continuing and assertive publicity as a means of promoting roll stability and growth.
"In tandem with the sound result has been a substantial strengthening in the balance sheet position. The purchase of computer and playground equipment, in particular, has signalled the Board’s first steps in the establishment of a fixed asset portfolio, which now stands at $15,987. In 2001 the Trustees will again work closely with staff, parents and the Proprietor to ensure that proper stewardship is exercised over the public money with which the Board has been entrusted."
With a wave of publicity bulk funding came to an end in January. Teachers are now no longer paid out of school funds. Our School continues to have an entitlement for 2.2 full-time equivalent teachers. The Board of Trustees has taken out comprehensive risk management insurance which covers the staff and trustees for various legal liabilities.
The current financial position for the School is very close to budget. For the Association income is right on target, however the year's major spending on upgrading has yet to get underway.
John van Dyk
MAINTENANCE
Since the last report the boundary fence was completed over the Christmas holiday break, as was the painting of the shed. Both of these improvements have a high profile and have made a significant difference to the outward appearance of the school. The fence has also solved the problem of balls going out onto the road.
There has been no activity on the property upgrading programme in the first part of the year as we have been waiting on the outcome of the future development plan, which is now complete (see DCSA report). Some of the minor work will be undertaken during the next two terms, but most of this year’s programme will be completed during the Christmas holidays.
Other maintenance items that have been carried out so far this year are as follows:
- Pin boards on the walls of the corridor
- Mats removed from the hall entrance and replaced with floor boards
- Blocks put on outside seats to discourage skateboarders
- Curtains replaced in the junior classroom (thanks to Antje Storm for organising)
- Replacing sand in sandpit
Tony Sizemore
SENIOR CLASS SPORTS NEWS
Liberton’s Winning Streak!
So far in the Dunedin Kiwi Netball games Liberton have won all their games that they’ve played. Unfortunately the Liberton netball team was not able to play the first 3 games because of the cold and rainy Dunedin weather. Liberton has however, been able to play the last 3 games very well and have won them all. The Liberton team is a very co-operative and strong team and all the players are showing great skill. Their two coaches Alicia Ferguson and Julianne Hannah are very proud and are thankful to the coaches from the opponent teams to let us have some practising at refereeing. So far the Liberton netball team has played North East Valley, Sacred Heart and Sawyers Bay.
They have all been nice friendly teams. You’re doing a great job Liberton. Keep it up.
Alicia F.
Mini-ball Season Off to a Good Start
This season our Mini-ball team started off well with a win 34-10 over Balmacewen mixed B. We played well as a team. Our next game we did not play as well at all. There was minimal teamwork and we lost 26 – 24. Our next game was another good effort against Port Chalmers and we won 42 – 17. Again we had good teamwork and this time we had a coach. Thank you Matthew Landreth for coaching the team.
Kerran M.
Students Enjoy Sports Day
A few weeks ago a Sports Day was held at Edgar Sports Stadium. Form 1 and 2 participated in the sports day. It ranged from soccer to Frisbee throwing. It was from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Everybody enjoyed all of the sports, except a boy called Kirk, who fell over and chipped a bone in his ankle.
Rachel V.
EXCITING EVENTS FOR SENIORS
Little Schools See Terrorising Dog
On the thirty-first of May, Amana Christian School visited Liberton Christian School and had a sports morning. After the sports they watched a police dog. The police dog could perform many tricks and listened to every order. One policeman put on arm padding and the other ordered the dog to bite his arm. The dog could bit his arm, so tight that when the other man raised his arm and swung it back and forth the dog would stay on.
Zachary H.
Literature Quiz Stumps Students
Approximately six weeks ago, four Liberton Christian School students went to a literature quiz. About ten schools competed in this competition, which was held in the Dunedin Public Library. Author Penelope Todd talked to the students about her career. ODT Reported Jane Smith told us about her job as a reporter. The Quiz was reasonably hard, with a tie between “Columba Blue” and “Columba Yellow”. The tiebreaker was a “Cat in the Hat” question, which resulted in a “Columba Blue” win. After that there were refreshments.
Julianne H.
Year 7 and 8 Visit Early Settlers Museum
A visit on Monday, the 28th May 2001, to the early settlers museum put the picture of the puzzle together for the Year 7 and 8 Liberton pupils. They had currently been reading, “No-one went to Town” by Phyllis Johnston and are hoping to research some of the places of Early Settlers. They are going to build a model town of early settlers and are all looking forward to this. They brought back butter and worked on a work sheet to pretend they were in an Early Settler’s shoes. I hope you will all help them in their studies and make them enjoy these studies. Good luck to the pupils and have fun in your studies.
Jennifer P.
20 Kids Raise $1,326 for World Vision
On the 16th to the 18th of March, students from the senior class participated in the world vision, 40-hour famine. Jennifer raised $140 by herself. Liberton hasn’t raised this much before. The students who participated feel glad for they know that they helped lots of children in need, maybe next year we’ll be able to help some more children in need.
Stephanie B.
Compuletics a winner
Jordan, Caleb and Zac represented Liberton Christian School on Saturday, 9 June. They were three of 50+ children in Years 5 and 6, who had an exciting time at Compuletics 2001 (a computer competition run by the Otago Polytechnic). Each school team, consisting of three children, were given set tasks to be completed within 10 minutes. Each task covered different aspects of computer skills. There were a number of spot prizes to be won and at the end of the afternoon there was an official prize giving. Each child received a certificate of participation.
Personal Comments were:
- “That was so cool!”
- “I want to go again next year”
- “We had so much fun!”
- “That was awesome!”
PRAYER POINTS
- Give thanks for God’s continued provision in staffing, finances, computers and other resources
- For the many volunteers who have so enriched school life
- Pray for the teachers, Nel and Rosalin
- For the Meeting with Brian Walsh, that there might be a positive response from the community
- For continuing new enrolments
- That Nel may continue to see how to implement our Special Character vision
- For a blessing on the plans and developments for the School