Hi Everyone,

I can't believe it's week 3 already! Just a few notes about what's happening in Harakeke:

• Homework has started again this week. This is the same as last term with a reading log to enter reading each night (either from a teacher chosen text or the students book choice), a spelling list to learn and maths basic facts.
• Passion Projects. Each student has chosen a topic that are passionate about. They will have time in class for this but may choose to do some of the work at home. Their project will involve different types of research and they will produce some way of sharing their knowledge and passion with the class. Projects will be completed at the student's own pace but should be ready to present by early term 4.
• Hen House Project. Heidi and Brielle's designs were chosen. They will now work together, combining the best features of each design. We will then consult an expert who will check the design and make modification suggestions, scale drawings, suggestions for materials etc. If possible we would like to source as much recycled/re-usable materials as we can.
• Integrated learning. This term's topic is curiosity, with a science focus. Fire will be our first focus (with fire safety in mind!)

I am looking forward to seeing many of you this week at our parent/teacher/student meetings.

Keep warm,

Wendy 

Up Coming Dates

Thursday 21st May - Lagmhor Assembly from 1:30pm.

Monday 1st June - Kings Birthday - School will be closed.

Tuesday 2nd June - Teacher Only Day - School will be closed.

Thursday 25th June - Lagmhor Assembly from 1:30pm.

Friday 3rd July - Matariki Breakfast - TBC

Friday 3rd July - Final day of term 2.

Term 2 – Week 3 Newsletter

Kia ora whānau,

Cross Country
A huge well done to all students who took part in Cross Country last week! I was really proud of the effort, determination, and encouragement shown. It was great to see students pushing themselves and supporting each other.

Digital Learning
Today we practised logging onto Chromebooks, and students did a great job getting set up.

I will be using Chromebooks at times in class as a learning tool — particularly for:

publishing writing
research
collaborative tasks

Students are learning how to use these responsibly and effectively to support their learning.

SMART Tool Practice Test
Early next week, students will complete a SMART Tool practice test using iPads.

The SMART Tool is an online assessment used across NZ schools to track student progress in areas like reading and maths. It helps give a clear picture of where students are at and supports next steps in learning.

This practice test is simply to help students become familiar with the format and how it works. I will be supporting students through this process and making sure they feel confident using the system before they complete the actual assessment in Week 5.

Parent / Teacher Interviews
There are still some times available for Wednesday 6th May (after school). You can book a time through the Skool Loop app.

Reminders
Homework check-in and news sharing is on Thursdays
Reading books come back to school daily

Thanks, Anna Davies

Year-9-booklet-initial-information.pdf

Good morning,

Interviews: Student/Parent/Teacher interviews are taking place this afternoon/evening and Wednesday afternoon/evening. You will have received an email on Friday if you have not yet booked a time. Please check this and let me know when you are available. Students should be present at these interviews please. I look forward to discussing your child’s learning with you.

Cross Country: Well done to everyone who participated in the Cross Country last week. It was so great to see everyone giving it their best go and showing perseverance. 

Lucky Book Club: Orders are due by 29 May.

Learning: For the first part of the term our Inquiry ‘Curiosity’ learning has been based around ANZAC Day. Hopefully you would have seen Rimu’s article in the school newsletter last week about this. Our writing focus has been Writing to Inform - writing instructions about making a cup tea and catching a rainbow. This week we will be writing recipe instructions for ANZAC biscuits! We have been making sure that we have been using sequencing language such as first, then, next etc and also making sure our instructions are in order. For reading we have had a focus on the text features of non-fiction texts/books. 

Rimu Reporters / News Days:

We have a specific topic or focus each week. For this week (Week 1) the children can share about something of their choice. For the following weeks we will have a focus of:

Week 3 - Something that is green

Week 4 - Favourite movie or programme

Week 5 - A time I felt brave

Week 6 - If I had a million dollars

Week 7 - What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Week 8 - Your favourite ice cream flavour

Week 9 - What’s your favourite thing to do in the summer

Week 10 - What’s your favourite thing to do in the winter?

Week 11 - Mystery Eggs/Clues

If you have any questions or concerns, please make contact via email rebekah.clement@ashborough.school.nz

Ngā mihi,
Rebekah

Upcoming dates:
4th & 6th May- Parent Interviews
1st June- Kings Birthday- no school
2nd June- Teacher Only Day

Kia ora whanau,

I hope you all had a nice weekend.

Interviews: I am looking forward to meeting you all for school interviews this week. Just a reminder that your child should be present with you. Interviews are 10-15 minutes long.

Well done to Kowhai for participating and doing their best at Cross Country. I am proud of everyone’s efforts and how hard they tried!

Lucky Book Club: Orders are due by 29th May.

What have we been up to in Kōwhai?

Writing to Inform: As part of our informative writing learning, students have been practising how to write clear step-by-step instructions for everyday tasks. This week, we will be using the instructions they wrote last week to make hot chocolates in class.

Please send your child to school with a mug or cup on Tuesday (tomorrow) this week.

Maths: In Maths, we are currently learning written strategies for addition and subtraction. Students are practising solving problems with numbers up to 1000 using column methods, both with and without regrouping.

We are also learning about the concepts of less than, greater than, and equal to. Next week, we will begin our new focus on measurement.

Reading: This term in Reading, students are learning about different text forms, how texts are organised (structure), the author’s writing style, and the features used to help readers understand meaning.

News topics for this term are as follows. 

Week 3 - Let’s celebrate our Mums! Please bring a photo of your Mum, or draw a picture of her. Tell us about her and why she is special.
Week 4 - What is your favourite animal? Draw a picture and tell us why it is your favourite. Add two interesting facts about it that your classmates might not know.
Week 5 - Share your favourite recipe. Why is it your favourite? What ingredients does it use? Is it difficult or easy to make?
Week 6 - Can you speak more than one language? Share something you can say in another language! OR Learn how to say ‘hello’ in a different language. Let us know which language you have learnt, and share that new greeting with us all!
Week 7 - What makes you feel proud? Think of a moment when you felt really proud of yourself and share that experience with the class.
Week 8 - What makes you awesome? Share three things about yourself that make you unique!
Week 9 - Could you share with us your favourite song? Can you tell us the artist and title of the song? Why is it your favourite? How does it make you feel?
Week 10 - It’s the end of the term! What has been your favourite thing about term 2?
Week 11 - No news

Have a great week!

Ngā mihi,
Amy

Upcoming dates:
4th & 6th May- Parent Interviews
1st June- Kings Birthday- no school
2nd June- Teacher Only Day