Term 2 – Week 2 Newsletter

Kia ora whānau,

It has been great seeing everyone settle back into routines and we are enjoying our new classroom space. Our big focus this term is Curiosity – asking questions, giving things a go and being brave enough to learn something new.

Where learning is heading this term:

Reading & Writing
This term I’ll be guiding students through a mix of chapter books, short stories, information texts and other rich texts to build comprehension, vocabulary and confidence.

In writing, students will work through writing to entertain, inform and persuade. I’ll also continue supporting punctuation, paragraphing, editing and publishing skills.

Last week the class wrote some thoughtful letters home from the perspective of ANZAC soldiers. The students showed great empathy and imagination. These will be displayed in the classroom.

Maths
Our maths learning this term includes algebra, measurement, probability and number knowledge. I’ll be focusing on helping students explain their thinking, solve problems, spot patterns and build confidence with core skills.

PE/Sport

There is a fun and active term ahead with Cross Country, invasion games, challenge games and target games.

Arts & Technology
Students will enjoy music, kapa haka, visual art and creative design tasks throughout the term.

The Learning Pit
This is something I will be referring to in class to show that learning is not always easy straight away.

Sometimes students begin something and feel confident… then suddenly it feels tricky or frustrating. That’s the “pit”! The important part is learning how to keep going – asking for help, trying strategies, making mistakes and sticking with it until they climb back out with new understanding.

We will reflect on how we can 'Be Brave, Be Strong and Be Borough'

Cross Country – Wednesday
Our Cross Country event is on Wednesday. Please make sure students have suitable shoes, warm clothes and a drink bottle. House colours.

Key Times for Year 4
9:10am Middle/Senior catch the bus to Lagmhor
9:30am Arrive at Lagmhor
11:00am Year 4 Race – 1km (boys first, girls after)
11:15am Years 4–8 Community Walk
11:30am Lunch
12:00pm Senior Prizegiving
12:30pm Return to school

Parent / Teacher Interviews – Week 3
Parent/Teacher interviews are in Week 3 and can be booked through Skool Loop.

Thank you to the families who have booked – I look forward to catching up with everyone.

Ngā mihi,
Anna Davies

Good afternoon on a lovely sunny Sunday

Further to the newsletter on Friday, I wanted to elaborate about the parent meeting on Wednesday night regarding the SMART tool.

This is the new assessment tool for Years 3 - 8, in our case, the Ministry has developed that is now in use in schools. It is not compulsory in schools until next year, but like many others we are getting our students familiar with it early. Students will complete three assessments; 2 on literacy; Reading and Writing, and 1 on Mathematics and Statistics.

Our meeting is a chance to you to understand how we will use the tool, what it looks like for your child and how you can support your child at home for this series of exercises. This is quite a new way of gathering information, so we look forward to sharing the details with you. See you at 6.00pm in the office.

Dianne

A big warm (no reference to the weather) welcome back.

We have had a busy week, settling back into routines while trying to keep stay warm and dry.  Please read over the notices below so that you are up to date with events happening this term.

Cross Country will be held next Wednesday 29th April.  Refer to the previous school notice on Skool Loop for start times for each year group.  All Year 1-3 students will be running 800m.  By this stage we would have had a whole week of practice but we have unfortunately been limited due to the weather.  We have been talking lots about finding our comfortable pace that we can sustain throughout the race so that we don't use all our energy at the start.  If you are looking for a fun way to get the kids outdoors for a run (or a walk), there is a 5km Parkrun that takes place every Saturday at 8am, starting near the cricket pavillion on Walnut Ave.  The course is made up of 2x 2.5km laps through the Ashburton Domain so if you are only wanting to do have the distance, you can.  It is looking stunning at the moment with the autumn colours coming through.

Reading and Spelling - It is very important that students are bringing their reading folders (with reading logs and spelling books) each day.  Please encourage your child to read and practice their spelling words multiple times a week.  I will be retesting the students on their spelling next week.  Don't be surprised if your child needs to revisit any words or spelling patterns.  Each child has words specific to them, chosen to reinforce spelling patterns that they have learnt through guided reading and phonics lessons.  Please note that Year 1 students are not yet being given spelling lists.  This will start when they reach Year 2.

Upcoming Dates

Monday 27th April - Anzac Day - School will be closed.

Wednesday 29th April - Cross Country - Details are in the previous notice.

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.

Enjoy your long weekend.

Jason

Kia ora

Please find attached program for Cross Country Wednesday 29th April. 

Thanks 

Ella

Tomorrow morning, starting at 9.30am, our very excited and dedicated team of stall holders are going to be selling their creations in the Performance Centre. Students (and parents, sorry!) have been busy building up 'stock' ready for sale.

Stallholders need to bring all their goods to school in the morning, bring a table if you have one (school has some to lend), you must have a few coins for a float (which will be returned) and signs stating your cost and what you are selling.

Students will visit the stalls, class by class, to see the creations, so if you wish you child to participate they will need to bring along some coins to buy things. Prices will range from 50c to $3. Coins or low denomination notes are preferred. 

Parents are welcome to come and have a look at the hive of industry, but stall holders probably haven't got enough stock for you to purchase, sorry.

All proceeds are going towards the Borough Bus.

We are looking forward to a fun event.   Dianne