Welcome to 2016

Well it has been a hot start to the new term, with temperatures soaring to 32 today, although if felt much hotter in some places around the school - especially those classes without air conditioning in them. 

We all look forward to the day when we can be in the long awaited new classrooms. Apparently there is light at the end of the tunnel and work is hoped to begin in the not so distant future. Can't wait for this long awaited project to finally be completed.

Classes, teachers and students have hit the ground running and classroom programmes already in full swing. As a staff we have had two lots of professional development last week focussing on reading and writing. We have ongoing PD throughout the term on improving our reading outcomes using well researched methods to help our students better understand written text. Watch this space as in a few weeks I will add some videos of some of the great work happening around the school.

Finally, it is, as always, great to be back after the long summer break and see all the happy faces and begin working with the wonderful young people who come through our school. Here is to a happy and productive 2016.

Creative Christmas Cards in M6

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These lovely children got creative with their Christmas crafts today and everyone made something very different.

Liam's effort was quite eye catching and he showed great patience, well done.

Fun, fun, fun with M5

While Mrs Walsh spent her release time tidying her classroom ready for the big move, I had the opportunity to spend the day with M5 in a new learning environment. We had a great day starting out in the library with reading, games and chess. We then moved to the hall to work on our volleyball skills, before making Christmas Cards in the afternoon. A great day with a lovely bunch of kids.

Computer Hour

While the senior school was on camp we took the opportunity to borrow some extra chrome books and hone our maths skills on a few websites such as interactive weekly, fun4thebrain and matifica. 

S7 Artwork

We created white silhouette pictures and then added in the background. Everyone had their own idea of what they wanted and spent the next 40 minutes happily completing their own creations. Great results from everyone.

School Garden

Jaden, our very conscientious and extremely capable lawn mower. The grass seems to grow better than anything else at the moment, but the garden is starting to show signs of growth.

The garden is beginning to take shape thanks to some dedicated young gardeners. These young people are keen to help out whenever possible, and like me, are learning as they go.

Some of the girls planting snow peas. So far we have planted lots of lettuce, some peas, carrots, radishes, silverbeet,and some lebanese cucumbers as well as tomatoes and strawberries and probably a few other things I may have forgotten. 

TERM FOUR

This term is the grand lead up to the end of the year for our Year 8 pupils with lots of things happening throughout the school. It is always tinged with a little sadness saying goodbye to our seniors but we wish them all the best. Can't wait for the Year 8 social, which is an end of year highlight and I am sure all children from Year5, 6, 7, and 8 are looking forward to camp in week 8. Seems a bit strange as this is the first time in many years that I will not be involved in any of the camps - but I look forward to catching up with kids afterwards and hearing their camp stories.

Classes will soon have to get ready for a reshuffle for next year and hopefully we have some progress happening soon on the building site.  Can't wait to have these new classrooms and get the chance to teach in what will be an amazing environment.

WHY???

Our current focus is on looking at why we educate, how we educate and what we do to improve the outcomes for children.

The purpose of education should be to develop the unique potential within each of our students while motivating them to be collaborative, self-motivated and life-long learners. OR as one of our learning groups succinctly put it, 'empowering today's learners for tomorrow's world', and ultimately giving students the chance to share a sustainable tomorrow together. 

Tall Ferns vs Japan

Yesterday a select group of our basketball players had the opportunity to attend the warm up game between the Tall Ferns and Japan. While we did not win against our formidable opponents, finally losing 58-75 the NZ team put up a good fight and had some moments of brilliance. The group of kids who went thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and contributed to the noise around the place. Our banners were the best there and many peole took photos. A great day out.

Tessa Boagni, one of the stars of the team being swamped for selfies with our kids. A lovely young lady from Christchurch who dealt with all the hype really well and who is a very handy player on the court.

Chloe and Mia looking resplendent in Canterbury uniforms after competing in a half time on court competition.

Our awesome banners, as you can see by the empty seats behind us we got there early and all ready for the fun to begin. This actually paid off as we saw the complete warm-up and got the attention of the team, organiser and management etc. which was pretty cool.

All eyes on the centre court action.

The singing of the national anthems.

Te Pihinga Artworks

Stencil and Crayon Art in Te Pihinga

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Using wax crayons we created our background, we then cut out our shadow stencil and glue everything together. Just look at what we can create.

Blogging in Wha Whero Team

Wha Whero students using chrome books to update their personal learning blogs. Everyone very focused and engaged in what they are doing. Students add pictures of artwork, photos of activities and written language work to their blogs on a weekly basis. Some children also add work to their blogs in the evening at home and all share their work with parents, whanau and friends.

Using an online blackboard and an app called screencastify students also share examples of their work and their thinking. Today maths students shared their understanding of multiplication equations.

Uni hoc with S3

Red team verse yellow team, a fierce competition.

Blue and green teams waiting for their turn, and discussing abilities and tactics.

Start of next game.

Lots of fun and everyone more than a bit puffed after all this activity.