Sunday 29 May 2016

Image result for poetry
Poetry Competition
In preparation of the Poetry Competition that is to  be held on  Wednesday June 15th, we would like all children to begin selecting and learning a poem for this.   We would prefer you to choose a poem that is not written  by Roald Dahl or Ken Nesbit this year as many of these have been used in the junior/ middle school and we would like to challenge you to widen your search.   Please check with your homeroom teacher to see if your poem is suitable before spending a lot of time learning this. Remember that  it does not have to be a really long poem to be powerful- it is the way you present it!

As you practice your poem think carefully about your:
  • use of expression, including facial expression;
  • how clearly you say the words (enunciation), pace  and projection of your voice( Can you be heard clearly?).
  • fluency and flow
  • eye contact with the audience,

We will be  having  in class Poetry  Competitions to decide on the finalists at the beginning of June.

 Good luck with learning these and preparing for the competition.

A very busy start to the term !



This term has been super busy already!

We began our swimming programme on the first day of this term and it has been great to see the increased confidence and skills that children have developed week to week. We take a break next Monday due to Queen's Birthday but please feel free to come and watch your child swim throughout this time. Please note though that there is no swimming in Week 8 ( Monday June 20th) as the pool is closed for maintenance.


We have been continuing our inquiry into ‘Me and My Environment’, which will eventually lead to the creation of a new vision map for our school. Hopefully you will notice some new changes around school towards the end of this term and throughout the rest of the year as we look forward to seeing our students selecting and working on school projects to ensure the sustainability of our school and its systems as well as to develop and enhance our school environment. If you (or grandparents etc) are keen to help us on projects (artworks/ gardens/ building) around school please let us know as this is always appreciated!

We have been learning lots about our waste and what it is doing to our environment. We have learnt about how long rubbish takes to break down and many of us were very surprised to learn that glass never breaks down! We looked at common items we use in our everyday environments and have thought about ways we can reduce this. Check out this table which show how long some items take to break down.

Time that items found in school lunchboxes take to break down
Food
Apple core: 2 months
Banana skin: 4 weeks
Orange skin: 5 weeks
Sandwich crust: 2 weeks
Leftover noodles: 6 weeks
Bread: 12 days
Packaging
Plastic bag: 10 years
Paper bag: 8 weeks
Plastic wrap: 25 years
Greaseproof paper: 8 weeks
Plastic water bottle: 450 years
Waste items.

We have explored what happens to the rubbish in our environment and the impact that it is having on our planet. We were all very surprised to learn about the Pacific Gyre, the big rubbish dump we are creating in our ocean and what is happening to sea creatures because of this. If you want to learn more about this then ask our students in Rakau. This is making us really think carefully about what action we can take to reduce the waste at our school and in our homes.  This week we have begun writing letters to help persuade others to think carefully about what they do with their rubbish too. We want to make a difference!

As part of our inquiry, Kowhai went into Christchurch to participate in the ‘Watch Your Waste’ programme that the Christchurch City Council run. We learnt lots about how we can turn organic waste into compost and how we can REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE all our rubbish and make the word a better place. It is certainly making us all think about the need for change!


After  our trip to the waste station we enjoyed some time at the new Margaret Mahy Playground.  We then explored the city on a  scavenger hunt  trying to find information  and learn more about our city. We were even lucky enough to meet the Wizard of Christchurch !



 We have also had Cross Country!! 
Well done to everyone for such a super effort! 
Lots of fantastic REACH values on display.  
Great Courage, Determination and Excellence   shown by all to complete this!
We look forward to hearing your results at the Rakahuri Cross Country on Thursday Olivia and Ella!

 Team work is an important skill we are always learning!  

Monday 2 May 2016

Word Builders!

Image result for word builders

How many words can make using the letters:  

s   a   h  m  b

r   e   t    k   i


Remember you can use each letter only once in the word.  
When you have your list of words- write these in the comments section below. 
I will share them on Friday! 
Who will get the most???

Sunday 1 May 2016

Welcome to Term 2!

Kia ora everyone.

I hope that everyone has had a great holiday and is recharged ready for an action packed second term ahead .(Yes it is hard to believe that it is Term 2 already! ) A few reminders are outlined below to help you have a successful start to the term.

We begin swimming on Monday, the first day of term so don’t forget your togs. Year 5-6 students will leave school at 9.45am and Year 7-8 students will leave school at 10.45am. Parents are welcome to come along and watch this.

Kapa Haka will keep taking place at the same time (9.30-10.30) on a Monday​.

We will be ​continuing our inquiry into ‘Me and My Environment ​’, which will eventually lead to the creation of a new vision map for our school. As part of our learning,
we will be taking a trip to Christchurch to take part in the ‘Watch Your Waste’
​programme provided by the Christchurch City Council and for the remainder of the day,
​we ​will be working on a Scavenger Hunt through the Christchurch CBD, to update
​our knowledge and understanding of the city.
​The trip dates are as follows:
     Totara - Friday 13 May (Watch your waste first, then Scavenger Hunt)
   ​ ​ Ti Kouka - Friday 13 May (Scavenger Hunt first, then Watch your waste)
     Kowhai - Wednesday 18 May (Watch your waste first, then Scavenger Hunt)

The morning lessons for the Watch your Waste programme begin at 9:30 am ​in Christchurch (Organics Processing Plant (compost), Metro Place, Bromley. ) so we will have an early start that day! More information to come!

Please make sure that you return your notice for this by Wednesday May the 4th so we can arrange the transport.​

This term we also have the School Cross Country to be held at Marshall-Lee’s property on Friday afternoon 20th May so hopefully you have all been out practicing over the holidays!​

I look forward to hearing all about your holiday adventures!

Mrs O'Loughlin