Marsden Newsletter Term 3 Week 9

Kia ora whānau

Education is a hot topic in the media presently, with ongoing commentary of a much-maligned current state, ranging from poor attendance statistics to declining rates of student achievement. Just this week, the free-market think tank, the New Zealand Initiative (NZI), challenged the Ministry of Education to prove that modern classrooms are good for children’s learning. NZI’s conclusion is that Modern Learning Environments (MLEs) continue to be experimental and based only on ideology. I appreciate that there will be supporters of MLEs, and for some open plan classrooms, team teaching and self-directed learning will be a preferred pedagogy and environment.

What our PAT data tells us is that Marsden learners are outperforming their peers in comparison with national averages, with accelerated comparative data differentiation in all areas, and is especially evident in the areas of reading comprehension and numeracy. Whilst these levels of achievement can be widely interpreted as being due to a range of multi-faceted causal factors, it is worth highlighting the suite of strategic priorities that have no doubt contributed to exceptional foundational learning experiences of our tamariki at Marsden Primary. Exceptional teachers, small class sizes, dedicated year-level specific classrooms, whole-cohort Arrowsmith across Years 2-6 and embedded wellbeing education are combining to provide a stimulating, learner-centric environment that is setting our students up for success.

Our Experience Primary Day, held recently, provided an authentic real-time example of ‘a day in the life’ of a Marsden student. It was well-attended and the feedback has been positive, with a high uptake of new enrolments for next year, and for some, an immediate start. We look forward to hosting our next Open Morning on Wednesday 26 October and welcome anyone who might be interested in a Marsden education to register interest with our enrolment registrar, Leigh McCathie at leigh.mccathie@marsden.school.nz.

I have been beyond impressed with our senior students who are currently engaged with practice external examinations and workshop opportunities across practical subjects. It is apparent that there is an established culture whereby learners value summative assessment and take the opportunity to analyse performance for improvement. Largely, learners have been well-prepared and are approaching the examinations with an absolute desire to do their best. Qualifications carry currency here, and it is uplifting to share in the enthusiasm and energy that comes with high-stakes opportunities to bring one’s A-game. The learning environment I am privileged to be witnessing at Marsden is the antithesis of the doom and gloom educational commentary that appears to be heating up as a political hot potato presently. It’s good to remember that.

In this final newsletter of Term 3, I bring news that our much-loved and committed Teacher Aide, Florence Deakin, is moving to employment with the Ministry of Education. We congratulate Florence on her appointment and thank her for her dedicated commitment to our learners. Year 3 teacher, Kate Feary-Douglas is returning from maternity leave at the beginning of Term 4, meaning we say ‘haere ra’ to Louise Aitken at the end of term also. Louise has been an exceptional addition to Marsden Primary, and we have been incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced and capable professional in the fold. Thank you, Louise and Florence, for your service.

I wish all a happy, safe, and rejuvenating school holiday break, and remind you that Term 4 starts on Tuesday 18 October, following a scheduled Staff Only Day on the 17th. Meanwhile, we look forward to our last week of term, especially our Primary Production, Hoodwinked. Break a leg!

Ngā mihi nui

Paula Wells
Principal