Bay Harbour: October 28, 2020

PAGE 10 Wednesday October 28 2020
BAY HARBOUR
Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz
Every Day is Open Day
Once again, the New Zealand educational curriculum is
in the firing line – and it is perhaps hard to argue that it
shouldn’t be.* On the all-important international stage, the
latest data from PISA, the Programme for International
Student Assessment, indicates our Kiwi kids are on the
slide. The downward trend in results over the last decade
shows a lost equivalent of three to six terms of schooling in
the key subjects of Reading, Maths and Science.
This is despite a 32% increase in per-child spending since
2001 and, in Christchurch at least, the construction of
purpose-built modern learning environments deliberately
designed to foster the national curriculum’s child-centred
orthodoxy.
Of course, every child should be at the heart of their own
learning. How could they now be! But let’s not throw the
baby out with the bathwater. A child’s education should be
a balance of subject knowledge; essential skills; teaching
programmes developed to suit their demonstrated
knowledge, understanding and progress; and assessment
that offers you, your child and their teachers, honesty and
evidence of this progress.
All parents, teachers and coaches know that children learn
best when they are interested in what they are learning.
Making subject knowledge and skills
interesting is the ongoing and exciting
challenge for all of us who educate and
motivate our children.
Located in the heart of our city, St
Michael’s has been educating and
nurturing the children of Christchurch
for 169 years. For our young pupils
have limitless potential to lead exciting
and generous lives, and we have the
responsibility to educate and inspire
them, to encourage every child to flourish
in mind, body and spirit.
St Michael’s is a prep school for girls and
boys in Years 1-8. ‘Prep’ as in preparation
for secondary school, a foundation for a
fine life. For at the heart of St Michael’s
are the essential values of Christian faith
and good citizenship: respect, integrity, community, faith,
hope and love.
An independent school education at the primary level is
a great gift. Our classes are small, with year-groups of 20
pupils, ensuring your child is an individual, well known by
staff and fellow pupils alike.
Traditional foundations in English and Maths are
assured. This academic rigour then underpins our wider
curriculums in History, Geography, Science and Spanish.
IT literacy is taught, not assumed, and computer use is
measured. We like teaching and talking to our pupils!
A prep education offers balance. St Michael’s cultural
and sports’ programmes further develop your child’s
foundation, as creativity and problem-solving come in
many forms. Specialist art and music classes are enjoyed
weekly. We have three choirs, and most pupils participate
in instrumental or speech & drama lessons with our ten
itinerant staff.
Nestled on the banks of the Avon, opposite the Riverside
Farmers’ Market, our extended campus is spectacular: the
Art Gallery, Museum, Tūranga – the
central library, and Hagley Park are
just minutes away.
Many of our parents now work in
the thriving city centre or Lincoln
and Riccarton Road hubs, but they
live city-wide. They comment on the
comfort of knowing their children are
in school nearby and the benefits of
popping over for an hour to catch a
performance or watch a race. With the
central exchange only a block away,
senior children arrive by bus from all
corners of the city.
You and your child are warmly
welcome to discover our purposeful,
wholehearted and inclusive prep
school. Our next Open Day is
coming up, on Tuesday 3 November. Pop in during
the day between 8.30am – 4.00pm for a tour, and to
book an appointment on the day with the principal,
please contact registrar, Bec Hitchcock: registrar@
saintmichaels.co.nz or 03 379-9790.
St Michael’s School
Your school at the heart of the city
✓ Co-educational, Years 1-8
✓ Small classes
✓ Specialist teachers
✓ Musical excellence
✓ Christian values
✓ Traditional classrooms; academic rigour
✓ Before & after school care: 7.30am - 5.30pm
✓ Central city location; easy access
Taking enrolments for 2022.
Some places available for 2021.
Open Day: Tuesday 3 November
www.saintmichaels.school.nz 249 Durham Street Phone (03) 379 9790 to book your tour.