Welcome to Pod 5! Term 1 - 2017

Kia ora Whanau and Caregivers,

Already the year is off to a busy (and hot!) start.   

SWIMMING

Swim For Life commences this week, Thursday and Fridays with specific times yet to be confirmed. There is a tentative timetable for Monday - Wednesday so we recommend that students bring their togs every day.   

HOMEWORK

We both believe that hobbies, sport and activities outside the classroom are just as beneficial, if not more so, than sitting down to do homework after a day at school.  Therefore, homework is only used to build on the basics.

Reading for 20 minutes - text of your child’s choice is best - e.g., chapter books, magazines, the newspaper, anything that interests them!

Maths Tables! Tables! Tables! These underpin everything that your child is trying to learn at this level and are crucial if they are to work at or above their expected level. Concentrating on one per week works well and if they are already confident, then instant recall is something they could be working on.  

Spelling

Lists will be based on the school-wide spelling test and will be ready shortly - your child is being tested this week.  Students’ lists will be able to be retrieved from their Google drives which are currently being set up.  Once these are up and running, students should be learning their words throughout the week.  There will be peer testing on Fridays.  Suggested learning activities will also be stored in their drives.

IMPORTANT DATES

You will see there is a page allocated on our class blog with upcoming events. REMEMBER, we have the back to school BBQ this Wednesday to kick things off.  Hope to see you there.

DISCOVERY TIME

Within our weekly timetable, one block is allocated for Discovery Time. Discovery time allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom.  It provides students a choice in what they learn during a set period of time during school and puts your child in charge of their own learning.  Depending on your child’s choice of learning, there may be things they need to bring from home. However, it should not involve you having to buy large, expensive amounts of materials.

TOPIC

This term we are focussing on digital citizenship and building relationships.  We will also be focussing on New Zealand and Maori history which will involve a visit to a marae. For some, this may be their first opportunity to experience a marae powhiri that is covered during te reo Maori.

BLOGS

Every student has their own personal blog which will be used to keep a record of their learning.  It will be a place to share videos of strategies and activities, learning progression goals for reading, writing and maths and publish work they are proud of.  You will also have access to this (and their drives) to see the work and learning that’s occurring throughout the year.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Interviews are next Wednesday and Thursday (15th & 16th).  These are the perfect opportunity for you to share your child’s strengths, how we can help your child and specific goals you are wanting them to work on.  Please remember to book online - https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/  Code: 27wga

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to pop in any time or email us via the office.

Naku noa

Tania Macdonald and Mark Buckland

Dion the Magician

Dion has been learning about Magic during My Time, and has shown his teachers and classmates some of the tricks he has learnt. This presentation shows the 'journey' he has taken during the term.


Your tricks will be a smooth as silk with more practice. Great job!

Elliott Learns About Cricket

Elliott is a keen cricketer, and he wanted to find out who are the best players in the world - this is what he discovered.


I'm sure you'll make the list when you grow up, Elliott!

Baking with Mia

Mia has been a very busy girl during My Time - this is her third project.


I wish I had your skills, Mia.

Bonnie and Mia sing for Pod 11

Mia and Bonnie used their My Time to learn some "old" songs, and even sang for us all - such bravery!

You both did a great job - I know that singing for the class was a bit nerve-racking for you.

Mia and Amy's My Time Presentation

This is Mia and Amy's My Time presentation about drawing.


Way to go, girls!

Aliesha and Amy's My Time Presentation.

Here is the presentation that Aliesha and Amy gave for their My Time project about baking.

You guys rock!!!

Lunch boxes and a planner to help plan our healthy meals next year.  

Thank you, New World!

Kane, Ryan and Oliver's Presentation about Gaming

On Tuesday, Kane, Ryan and Oliver presented their learning about Gaming that they did during My Time. Here is their slideshow.

 Awesome learning, boys!!

Lego Presentation for My Time

Here is a presentation that Louis and Jayden gave about their MyTime inquiry.


Great learning, boys!