27th June, 2013 Phone 07 889 6629 Email office@mi.school.

nz

Ng mihi nui ki a koutou Greetings to you all,

Social Media and Internet Safety

Many parents who we have conversations with often talk of their concerns and frustrations around Facebook and their childs desire to have an account. It follows the age old argument of everyone has one so why cant I. The age limit set by Facebook is 13 years old although anyone at any age can log on and create their own page. We support parents who feel it is inappropriate for students of intermediate age to have their own Facebook page as we are well aware of the dangers that students face. We are surprised by those students who do have pages that they are often blissfully unaware of what these dangers are and don't have their pages locked or aren't aware that once they post a picture on the net or details about themselves that they lose control of that information. It is not unusual to talk to parents about issues with Facebook and find they are unaware that their child has a Facebook page. Not having a computer at home or access to the internet is not a barrier they can access their page from a friends house, from the town library, from a cell phone, etc. Another issue with Facebook, and it is currently in the media, is the issue of bullying and the effect that social media is having in widening the opportunities for bullies to continue their attacks on others. In the past students who bullied were limited to school but now with Facebook and texting they can continue their behaviour 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In many cases when we are dealing with issues at school Facebook or texting out of school can be at the heart of disagreements and conflict. I know in talking to the local police they are finding the same problem.

Keeping our students safe

Below are links that will help inform you and provide material to show and discuss with your child. Some of this material is used at school when we are talking about cyber safety and personal responsibility. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of us, as parents, talking about social media, its benefits and dangers with our own children. If your child has a Facebook page, have you ever seen it? Some parents are shocked by the content when they do look. Netsafe: www.netsafe.org.nz This website has several sections. Parents and Caregivers, Mobile Phone Bullying and Harassment and a Young People section There is a lot of information in the 'Young People' section of this website. It is written for 10-14 year olds and you may find interesting information to share with your children. There are many links to video clips that inform and educate. Bullying: Cyberbullying.org.nz This website informs parents and young people and empowers them with a course of actionwhat to do if you are being harassed or bullied via text or online as well as guidelines for what parents or caregivers can do. There are also resources for teachers to use to engage students in online safety conversations. Nku noa, Vicky Marshall (Acting Principal) Whakatauki mo te wiki: Proverb for the week

Hei ta te kaiako ka tuwhera i tona kuaha, engari, mahau ano e kuhu mai. Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself

Entertainment Books
Attached to this weeks newsletter is a flyer and order form for the new 2013-2014 Entertainment Book. Excellent deals and savings don't miss out! Thanks for your support.

School Cross Country

Our school cross country will be held on Wednesday 10th July starting at 1.40pm. A reminder - all students need to bring their PE gear every day. Parents are very welcome to come along and support the runners on the day. We will also require a couple of parents to help out as marshalls; please let the office know if you are available.

Class & Individual Photos

Orders and payments can be made online this year. All students will receive information from Photolife shortly including a secure key code for orders and payment to be made directly through Photolife. This information is taking longer to come from Photolife than we expected. Sorry about the delay - the secure key code and details will be sent home as soon as we receive it.

No Music Tuition Next Week

All music tuition lessons are cancelled next week due to production. Lessons will resume in week 10. Thanks.

Production Information...
A notice was sent home on Monday explaining what time production students needed to be at school next week for the evening performances and their costume requirements etc. Ask your child to come to the office for another copy if the notice did not make it home. Please note: students are not able to watch the show as part of the audience without adult supervision. Thank you to all parents who have offered to help out with make-up and / or supervision, your support is very much appreciated!

Morrinsville Intermediate Presents

Performances to be held in the Morrinsville Intermediate School Hall. Tickets on sale now!! Prices are: Adults $10.00 Children (Intermediate age and under) $8.00 Eftpos available at the school office.
Performance Dates:
Tuesday 2nd July 7.00pm. Wednesday 3rd July 11.00am and 7.00pm. Thursday 4th July 7.00pm.

Production Sponsors
School productions are a huge effort involving many students with a passion for the Arts, as well as our backstage crew and technical team, and we aim to put on a fantastic show for our community. There are many expenses involved in putting on a school production and we are very grateful for the support we get from our sponsors. The following businesses are proud sponsors of our up-coming production Snow Off-White:

Snow Off-White

Greenline Motors, Mitre 10, Council Caf & Bar, Sport Wholesale Cars, Ryan Law, Colour Plus, Beds R Us, Morrinsville Flooring Xtra, Short Cutz, Vaughan Cook Builders Ltd, Morrinsville New World, Liquor Land, The Warehouse, Ultimate Signs, Devine Style, Wrights Fabric, Morelands Fabric, Elite Flowers & Gifts.
Please support these businesses where possible. If any other business or organisation would like to sponsor our production by way of a donation to help reduce the costs to the school please contact our school office on 89 6629.

Production Raffle - Fairytale Fruit Cake

Our talented Food Extension Group have made and decorated a fairytale fruit cake as a production raffle which is on display at the office. Tickets are $1.00 each or 3 tickets for $2.00.

Production Ticket Orders - Return to the school office with payment

Student Name Room Please complete as required & return with payment I require .. adult tickets ($10.00pp) and .....children tickets ($8.00pp) for the show on Tuesday 2nd July at 7.00pm I require .. adult tickets ($10.00pp) and .....children tickets ($8.00pp) for the show on Wednesday 3rd July at 11.00am I require .. adult tickets ($10.00pp) and .....children tickets ($8.00pp) for the show on Wednesday 3rd July at 7.00pm I require .. adult tickets ($10.00pp) and .....children tickets ($8.00pp) for the show on Thursday 4th July at 7.00pm Parents Name Signature.. Contact Phone.. Amount enclosed $............................................... Payment method.