MRI Update, Friday 19 May

Whakapuāwai – To Thrive

MRI Update, 19 May 2023

Key Dates for Term 2:
Community of Learning; Teacher Professional Development, School Closing 12pm, Friday 26 May
Kings Birthday (Public Holiday), Monday 5 June
Art Week 19th to 22nd June, Art Week Exhibition – Friday 23rd June
End of Term 2, 3pm Friday 30th June

Message from the Principal 

Kia ora koutou, 

Please note; Next week on Friday 26th May, Mt Roskill Intermediate School will be closing at midday (12pm) so all our teachers can attend our Kāhui Ako professional training and development session, together with other local Community of Learning schools.  This session supports the work that we are doing together as schools.

Today, MRI has turned into a sea of PINK as we have celebrated and supported Pink Shirt Day.

It’s been fantastic to see so many of our students wearing pink to show we are committed to creating a kinder, more inclusive Aotearoa, where everyone feels safe, valued and respected regardless of gender, age, ability, religion, cultural background or orientation. 

We all have a role to play in creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. Today was about supporting the National Pink Shirt movement of #pinkshirtdaynz making noise, raising awareness and spreading the kaupapa that – together, we can stand with those who have been affected by bullying and promote a culture of inclusivity, kindness and understanding.  At MRI we believe that everyone should feel safe and valued.  It is all of our responsibility to ensure this.
Pink donuts were handed out to those students who have gone all out to wear pink in support of today!

Yesterday we sent out a letter advising that we will be doing some training in regards to our school’s Emergency Response Plan.  We are working alongside an independent company, Harrison Tew, who are experts in this field and work with many schools preparing us to be best prepared for all situations.
Can you please ensure that your contact details are current and up to date.  If your contact details have changed, it is important that we know.  Please email office@mri.school.nz,  call us on 09 620 8508, or through our website, to update your contact details.

A reminder to our community that the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine (MMR) is free for anyone under 18 and for all adults born after 1 January 1969, who are eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand.  If we have a case of Measles at MRI, Public Health will work with us to decide who will need to stay home if they are not immune.  Please check your child’s immunisation status, to avoid any possible impact on their attendance. More information about Measles is below.

There has also been a rise in Rheumatic fever cases across Auckland.  If your child has a sore throat, please take them to your doctor or nurse straight away to get it checked.  Here is a link to the Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand website for further details.  https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/keeping-well/health-info-for-public/diseases-and-conditions/rheumatic-fever/

With the Autumn weather well and truly upon us, colds and flu are on the rise. If your child is unwell with cold and flu type symptoms, please ensure that you continue to test them for COVID.

Winter Sports have kicked off this term with the Netball, Waterpolo, Football and Basketball seasons all having started.  It is great to see so many of our students involved in these teams, showing great passion for their chosen sports. 

MRI have also competed at a number of Central Zone sporting competitions recently. Girls and Boys Futsal, Girls and Boys Football, as well as our waterpolo team.  Thank you to the students for representing MRI so well and doing us proud.

The Bike Skills lessons for all our Year 8 students, being run by Big Foot Adventures thanks to Auckland Council funding, has been a great success.  All our year 8 students have had the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike and enhance their bike skills.  Over two days they have lessons within our school grounds and then when they are ready, they head out on to the surrounding streets.

Pink Shirt Day photos from today!

Ngā mihi nui
Kristen Walsham
Principal – Tumuaki

Community Notices

Mt Roskill Grammar School enrolments for 2024 open on Monday 29 May.

Applications can be submitted online through the links below or forms can be handed in at Reception in the MRGS Administration Building.
The MRGS office is open Monday – Friday from 8.00am – 4.30pm so please feel free to bring in your application forms or if you have any questions, just come in for a chat.

IN ZONE: https://www.mrgs.school.nz/in-zone

OUT OF ZONE: https://www.mrgs.school.nz/out-of-zone

We look forward to welcoming your child to our Mt Roskill Grammar School whānau in 2024.

Kind regards,

Karen Collins
Associate Principal
Mount Roskill Grammar School

Measles

• The best protection against this serious disease is immunisation with two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
• Measles is a highly infectious illness and can spread very easily amongst people who have not had measles or who have not been immunised.
• The vaccine is free for everyone under 18 years old – it does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is. This includes visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.
• For people over 18 years old, the MMR vaccine is free if you are a resident or eligible for free healthcare in New Zealand.
• If you are worried about your or your family’s immunity, please check their vaccination status. You can visit your local pharmacy or call your GP/doctor or health provider if you are unsure.
• On average, 1 dose of the vaccine is 95% effective against measles, and 2 doses is more than 99% effective against measles.
• Many people born in countries with measles outbreaks may not have received their MMR vaccine. In some countries, the MMR vaccine is given to babies at six months, but these babies need further vaccination.
• It is safe to get the MMR vaccine again if you are unsure if you have received it. You will not need to quarantine if you are exposed to the virus if you are immune.
• If you’re travelling to countries that have measles in their community, or have recently come from one, it’s really important you and your family/whānau are up to date with your MMR vaccinations.

• To find out more on measles see here (English)
• Information in English including social tiles to share is available here
• Translated information in the following languages is available here

Term Dates 2023
Term 2 : Wednesday 26 April – Friday 30 June
Term 3 : Monday 17 July – Friday 22 September
Term 4 : Monday 9 October – Friday 15 December