Home note

Monday 5th December 2016

*Swimming switching back to Monday. Togs please.

* Also send togs other days, there is a waterslide and lunchtime swims available on other days. 

* Trip on Tuesday to Tui Glen. 

* Please return all library books and readers to school on Monday. This week, I will continue to do reading in class but will not send the books home. 

Thanks...have a great week!

Monday 28th November 2016

Gosh Monday again...so home note time!

Exciting news... we have a Muriwai team trip next Tuesday (6th Dec). A letter will come home tomorrow. We need some parent help, so feel free to volunteer!!!

Thursday - Swimming with life jacket water safety so Togs required!

Friday - Togs also for our weekly swim practise.

Mufti Day this Friday 2 December - It would be great if students could wear something red as we are raising funds for the Kumeu Volunteer Fire Station to go towards their fundraising efforts to purchase a new ute.

This week we are maintaining basic programming... 

Maths - number knowledge reading, writing and saying the number before and after. Also revising counting back from any number up to 100 or 1000.

Writing - Our recipes towards our recipe book.

Reading revising phonic blends, basic spelling words and continuing with journals.

In between, room 2 will be busy art creating for the Christmas float. 

Thanks for your patience last week. I had a very sick little boy at home but he is back to his bubbly self now, which makes me very happy to have my little happy man back.

Have a great week...we are going to have a fabulous week ... I want to make the most of our last 3 weeks together. Ahhhh!!!!

Monday 21st November 2016

* Please note swimming will be on Thursday not tomorrow!!! We are experiencing life saving skills as a specialist programme for the students. So togs as usual just Thursday not tomorrow. 

* There are some children that have school library books over due. Please have a good search in children's book shelves for school library books and readers. All books returned will be very much appreciated. 

* Thursday 7pm - community meeting. It would be great to see you there, as you will get a better insight into all of the exciting changes occurring in 2017. 

* As the term draws closer to the end, I will endeavour to maintain a sense of norm and routine, till almost the end point. Expect readers, writing, maths and inquiry programmes to continue. Your support to ensure readers are read, spelling words checked and book bags, files and poem folders returned, would be much appreciated.

Have a marvellous week!!!!

Monday 14th November 2016

*Swimming on Monday afternoon - Please send togs, towel and a plastic bag.

* Wednesday - Junior athletics on Wednesday morning. We will start soon after 9.15am. Children should wear school PE uniform or house T-shirt colours. It is not mufti but sports wear. Trainers or bare feet are fine.

* Please ensure your child has a drink bottle and sunblock applied for Wednesday. Thanks.

* Assessment and reporting - All children will have their final assessments for the year completed this week. The next round of reports will be coming out in the next week and then the children with a December, January or February anniversary, will receive the final report before the end of this term. Every child receives 2 reports at varying times throughout the year, depending on birthdays.

* Please check with your chid that they have a sun hat in school. There are several children who do not have one in class. They will not be allowed to play in the direct sunshine, so play areas will be restricted.

* Personal emails. The children all have a personal email for school work. I have set them up in preparation for next year. When on school email, accessible at home, they must only be used for school work.

*Friday science / inquiry groups, team Mathletics and whole school assembly.

COMING UP next week ...

* Our swimming time will alter to the THURSDAY (Week 7 on 24th Nov) -  for this week and week 8(1st Dec). We are experiencing water safety skills.

* Community meeting with Mr Petrie on Thursday 24th. See school newsletter.

Gosh only 5 weeks to go! Have a great week everyone.

Monday 7th November 2016

*Swimming Monday - Please send togs.

*Tuesday and Wednesday - Business as usual with a reliever. I have an in school special needs training day on Tuesday and then the Travel-wise celebration on Wednesday. Her name is Kirsten.

*Thursday will be the whole class writing assessment. Library (Please send library book bags) and athletics practise.

*Friday science / inquiry groups, team athletics and whole school assembly.

*If you are able to help with athletics day (Wed. 16th Nov in the morning), please let me know!

* With the level of reader your children are exploring, at times we will read at school but the book will not go home, if so, just read home books of interest and library books or practise spellings / basic facts.

Have an amazing week everybody!!!

Monday 31st October 2016

* Swimming today (What weather we had today - hot / cold / snowing!) I canceled but the kids had got their togs on during lunch, so we went and it was actually warm and sunny!

* Maths focus this week is algebra. We will be looking at colour and number patterning. We are also continuing on Friday with Mathletics with Rm 3 and 4. (Mathletics is a fun way to solve maths problems as a team, work out the answers and run to the scorer to get the next clue...it combines fitness with maths - so two cool things combined!

* Writing we are continuing with a moment in time descriptive writing this week.

* We are athletics practising in prep for the big Junior afternoon. If you are able to help with athletics day (Wed. 16th Nov in the morning), please let me know!

* Science / Inquiry - we are joining with Room 3 and 4 to conduct a range of experiments including salty ice, gloop and what a fizz! Friday this week.

* The children are experiencing Maori language sessions on a Wednesday afternoon with Ana T. 

So plenty to keep us busy and engaged!

Have a great week!

Monday 24th October 2016

As stated in email...

* Sun hats are compulsory as of this Tuesday -  children not wearing hats will not be able to play freely at break times but will instead be expected to remain under sun shelters. 

* Sun hats are available to purchase from the office - Non-school hats will not be ok. In addition they MUST BE NAMED PLEASE!!!

* Sunblock - with PE lessons, Mathletics, some science experiments and sports events such as Athletics coming up, I urge you to ensure your child has sun block on every morning. On swim days shoulders and chests should also be slopped.

* I will apply sunblock if we will have extended sessions outside - please inform me if your child has intolerances to sunblock brands.

* The swimming pool is now open. Togs should be sent to school on a Monday. I will also email if other opportunities arise for us to swim. I will keep an eye on the weather though as it so mixed at the moment. The pool is heated so more pleasant than it sounds!!

Again swimming is a compulsory part of the curriculum and non-swimmers will be supported. Togs, a towel and a plastic bag essential. Goggles and swim cap are optional. 

* Walking Wednesday - We want to smash 0ur last record of 113 children walking from the domain for the big themed walking Wednesday. We have a large zebra walking with us too and the theme is striped clothing. Meet us at 8.25am.

Chicken Pox - There have been two cases of children in room 2 with chicken pox last week. 

* $4 is required for covering the science van experience please. Children who have paid the activity fee do not need to pay anything as it is covered by that.

Gosh I think that is all Hope you have had a lovely long weekend in the sunshine.

Kind regards,

Louise

Monday 17th October 2016

* Sun hats are compulsory.

*Call for any children who have not paid activity fee. There was a cost of $4 per student for the science van. Please settle with the office. Without your support, these experiences will not occur, so thanks for contributing.

*Sunblock - with this unpredictable weather, it is important to start considering applying sunblock each morning.

* Library books returned Thursday and Poem folder for Friday. Book bags should come back to school daily. 

* With the level of reader your children are exploring, at times we will read at school but the book will not go home, if so, just read home books of interest and library books or practise spellings / basic facts.

Monday 10th October 2016

Wow what a great break! Hope you have all had aa lovely time with our children, and they are well rested and ready for the last big push of learning for 2016!!!

WHATS ON WEEK ONE!

* Monday - New principal (John Petrie) starts ...Kia Ora John and Haere Mai!!!

*Science Road show

*Sun hats - please send your children with Sun hats asap. They are compulsory for term 4. They are available to buy from the school office.

Tuesday - Book bags / reading logs with spelling lists, must be returned daily (Depending on the science road show this may be the first day reading. Send Monday though as we will try to fit it in).

Wednesday - PE with Mrs Lloyd 

Remember walking Wednesday from the domain...all welcome (8.25am)

Thursday - Library book bags returned for reissuing.

Friday - Assembly, choir, kapa Haka, Private music tuition, Jump Jam and A big sleep after the full on first week back!!!

Exciting things ahead... 

Monday week 1 - The science roadshow is coming to school to launch our inquiry 'What's the matter?'. We will explore physical and chemical changes that occur in liquids, solids and gases when heated, frozen and mixed.

We will use the inquiry as a stimulus for our writing topics. I would like Room two to explore some descriptive writing of the science process linked to a range of cool experiments we have planned.  We will also spend some time writing poetry linked to the changing state of different liquids, solids and gases in our every day lives.

In Maths, we will continue our ongoing pursuit to explore addition and subtraction strategies that are the most efficient in solving word problems. We will also explore some experiment time challenges (Predicting how long it takes things to melt or evaporate). Measurement will also link well, with a focus on capacity.

ICT - We will be issuing the children individual emails this term, as the children show readiness. This will allow them to begin more published and group tasks to be shared on the chrome books. A reminder that the website 'Dance mat' is great for children to practice typing skills.

Children with their own devices are welcome to bring them on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday weekly. They must be in a protective case and well named on the bag and the device. (This is NOT compulsory we have class devices available).

The Arts will also have clear links with the inquiry theme - we will be using melting and setting techniques to create some 2D and 3D pieces. We will also use our musical skills to add rhythm and depth to our poetry and maybe even bust out some dance moves to match! 

PE will be split into several skill focal areas - Frisbee, skipping skills, then Athletics and hopefully swimming as the weather heats up.

So with a busy term ahead, filled with many fun and creative opportunities, we look forward to sharing.

Monday 19th September 2016

Well, the last week of term is here again.

Testing week- I will be updating maths and reading testing again this week. I am starting round 2 of reporting so all children will receive their second report before the end of the year.

Final week of gymnastics on Wednesday.

Library books - last week Cathy wanted to have all books returned. If your child has had any school library books for more than two weeks they must be returned. We should be good to issue again this Thursday.

Friday - We have a music group coming in to perform this Friday. We are asking for a 50 cent koha from each child. (Covered by the activity fee if that has been paid thanks).

Have a great week.

Monday 12th September 2016

Monday - Lunchtime will begin at 12.30pm. I along with about half of the teachers will be leaving to go to the paid union meeting. Rm 2 children who remain at school will be placed with Esther (Rm 3) and Kathy (Rm 4). Thanks.

Tuesday - We have the fire brigade coming in to give us a demo. Very cool!!

Wednesday - Gymnastics 

Also a big walking Wednesday. PLEASE!!!! we want to break our school record for the number of walkers on this day, so please join us at the domain, or walk from a suitable place from the direction of your home. Children are being encouraged to jazz up their shoes or if scootering, decorating them.  We have heaps of prizes to give out and scooter competitions on that day.

Fingers crossed for our centennial soccer team on Thursday after school. I am taking our yr 1 and 2 team to have a competition game versing Taupaki School.

Friday porwhiri for John Petrie the new principal.

Otherwise it is business as usual!

Have a great week everybody.

Monday 5th August 2016 -(Oops just noticed it should say September!!!!)

Calendar Art orders - calendar art order form click here or email me if you want a hard copy. The orders need to be in by Friday this week. They make a lovely present for Christmas. (They take a while to arrive, but you will receive them before the end of the school year). This year our art is the scene you saw displayed at the conferences.

Constable Dave - Our community police officer will be in tomorrow to talk about keeping ourselves safe in the community.

Wednesday - Gymnastics. Uniforms can be worn, but it may be advised to put in a pair of leggings / shorts to allow a bit more movement and flexibility.

Paid union meeting - There is a paid union meeting for all West Auckland teachers next Monday afternoon from 1.30. There will be (Non-union member) teachers remaining in school to supervise, but if you wish to collect your child early that day, please sign them out at the office.

Cross-country - Congratulations to all of our Room 2 children who participated. Also a big thanks to the parents who came to watch. It was a great event and lots of fun! Lots of room 2 children ranked in the top ten for their event. (I will try to get the results and post later!). Special congratulations to Lauren who was the fastest year 2 girl. All that extra training after school paid off!!! Well done.

Thursday - Library this afternoon.

Friday - Poem folders please. 

Have an awesome week everyone.

Monday 29th August 2016

Thanks for your support in finding alternative arrangements last Friday! It was a very positive day for the Huapai staff. We are all very excited about the collaborative changes ahead of us next year.

Awesome that we have almost all parents booked in for the conferences this coming Thursday. School will close at lunch time and then the sharing will begin. Remember, it is an opportunity for your child to share their learning so they must come along with you!

What's on this week...

Monday - Spelling testing. As the notebooks were not always coming back to school, we are keeping them at school, but your child's current list should be stuck in the back of their reading log.

Wednesday - Gymnastics. Uniforms can be worn, but it may be advised to put in a pair of leggings / shorts to allow a bit more movement and flexibility.

Thursday - Conferences (Half day of school).

Friday - Cross-country. Parents welcome to come and watch

When: Friday 2 September, 2016 

1.30pm: Year 0,1 and 2 students astroturf on court 

1.40pm: Year 0-1 boys 1.45pm: Year 0-1 girls 1.50pm: 

Year 2 boys 1.55pm: Year 2 girls to follow.

Our Sportmanship inquiry will be completed this week with drama presentations. We will then be starting our Hauora inquiry linked to wellbeing.

                    

Have a super awesome week everybody!

Monday 22nd August 2016

Kia Ora!!!

Only 4 school days this week. We will be heading down to Hamilton on Friday for a Teacher Only Day to visit the Te Kowai School, all part of the in depth work we are doing in preparation for next year with collaborative learning environments proposed.

Monday - I will receive some Maths Problem solving PD in class, with a specialist working alongside our kids to move their thinking (and mine forward). We are really enjoying using word problems to spark the excitement in the Maths lessons.

Daily cross-country practise.

When: Friday 2 September, 2016 

1.30pm: Year 0,1 and 2 students astroturf on court 

1.40pm: Year 0-1 boys 1.45pm: Year 0-1 girls 1.50pm: 

Year 2 boys 1.55pm: Year 2 girls to follow.

Thursday we have a community Constable coming in to talk with the children about keeping ourselves safe. Also library.

The new principal - We had the pleasure of meeting John last Friday. He came in and spent some time with room 2 as we showed off our measurement skills! 

Nga Mihi,

Louise

Monday 15th August 2016

Well our study about the Olympics and work on Sportsmanship is off to a racing start!!!

We will work on our perseverance skills this week with the start of the cross-country practise. We will do regular 5 or 10 minute time trials and look at beating our own personal best. The children will aim to improve their own pace and distance not against others, so all can achieve improvement.

We will continue with our study on the Olympics, looking at the number of medals won, tracking that and giving each-other medals when we observe awesome sportsmanship in each-other.

Also thought it would be great in reading time to do a tribute to Joy Cowley. She is the author of many Huapai school reading content. we will review books and select personal favourites.

We will also use the Olympics to form the basis of problem solving tasks linked to adding more than 2 numbers and measuring using length. 

STUDY LADDER - The girls got to bring their new log in for the study ladder computer programme. The boys will receive theirs this week. You may wish to have a little look at home. I will add designated tasks for kids to complete weekly. There is no need to upgrade and pay more, we will use the free trial for now. 

Wednesday- Specialist PE in the afternoon.

Thursday - Library this afternoon.

Friday - Poem folders please. 

Take care and enjoy the sunshine this week!!!

Monday 8th August 2016

Monday- I will be out of class for 2 hours for Shrek (last daytime disruption then back to normal by Monday afternoon onwards). Class will return to the same class as Friday and complete writing and basic facts practise there. We will do reading in class.

Tuesday-The Olympics inquiry will form the basis for our learning themes for this week.

Wednesday- Specialist PE in the afternoon.

Thursday - Library this afternoon.

Friday - Poem folders please. 

* Shrek performances - Thanks to all the families who have supported by purchasing tickets.

* Reminder - Week 5 Friday (26th Aug) Teacher Only Day.  SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED!

* As Rm 2 were out of class in the middle block on Friday, they did not complete the poem, so will send it home tomorrow!

Have a great week !!!

Monday 1st August 2016

So Shrek is ready to go! If you are keen to purchase tickets please check details on website then take money to the office. As I have had a lead role with the dancers and choir, I will be needed for the dress rehearsal and the Monday matinee. Therefore I will have to adopt my class for a few hours on Friday and Monday next week. 

Therefore on Friday, I will adopt my class for the end of the day to Rm 13, 14 (Village area) and rm 17 (Montessori). I will put a list on Rm 2 door and email Thursday so you know where to collect the children from on Friday.

Week ahead - 

Monday in class all day. Spelling testing - themed spelling words body parts and 'ck' words. Please send spelling note books.

Tuesday - Collaboration afternoon with Rm 3 and 4. I have a staff meeting so will not be available after 3.10pm.

Wednesday - Walking Wednesday so will be walking from the domain from 8.30 and back in class for 8.45am. Specialist PE slot in afternoon (Soccer).

Thursday - Library day!

Friday - Poem folders please. Dress rehearsal for whole school. No assembly this week. Unfortunately there will not be room for parents in the hall at this time. Room 2 adopted from 12pm. 1pm start for Dress rehearsal.

Calendar events

* Week 3 Monday -Wed Shrek performances.

* Week 5 Tuesday / Thursday Constable Dave coming in to talk about keeping ourselves safe.

* Week 5 Friday (26th Aug) Teacher Only Day.     SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED!

* Week 6 Thursday Learning conferences.

* Week 6 Friday (2nd Sept) Junior Cross-country from 12pm -3pm.

* Week 9 Friday (23rd Sept) last day of term.

Have an amazing week!!!

Monday 25th July

Woohoo and off we go again!!! 

I hope you have all had a great time with our Room 2 children. I am really looking forward to catching up with them all tomorrow. 

As we have been away, all the children are welcome to bring in any news this week (Monday or Friday only though please). After this week - we will return to only the 5 stars of the week. Thanks.

We will have a fantastic term, with new learning challenges. Our first inquiry is linked to sportsmanship. We will explore teamwork and have a focus on the Olympics.

In writing, we will be starting with narrative. We will start with focusing on the story setting, the characters, identifying a problem, then a fun and entertaining climax to the story.

Our reading focus will be on deeper level questioning. We will explore questions and answers for non-fiction texts, to aid our Olympics inquiry. As well as the link to narrative, setting and character studies. 

In maths, we will start back with our focus on addition and subtraction. We will look at ways numbers balance and the patterns in basic fact knowledge revisiting tidy 10's. So if 7+3=10, 10-3=7 or 17 + 3=20 etc. 

We will use balancing scales to show = sign as the balance. This term will also include problem solving activities that have a measurement focus, including weight and length.

For PE, there will be several main focuses, with blocks of time dedicated to cross-country running, gymnastics and volleyball. There will of course be an Olympics reference too. 

The chromebooks will be used for supervised inquiry searches and word-processing skills for publishing learning. 

Te Reo will be integrated into our classroom programme, but a more specific vocabulary focus will be on body parts. 

WHAT'S ON DAILY?

Monday - In class all day. News welcome today! Spelling list testing. PLEASE send spelling notebooks in. They must stay in their book bags for daily accessibility.

Tuesday - Collaboration in afternoon with Room 3 and 4 for inquiry. I also have a staff meeting after school so will have to pop off by 3.10pm.

Wednesday - I have teacher release in afternoon. Room 2 will have their specialist PE slot then.

Thursday - Library day so please return library book bags.

Friday - Inquiry with Room 3 and 4 in morning. Poem so please send in poem folders before Friday. Whole school assembly.

Please email me with any questions or queries about your child's learning. I am here to help!!!!

Have a great week.

Monday 4th July 2016

Nine weeks down and one to go! 

We will keep the learning and behaviour expectations high right to the end of the week. Some children were visibly showing tiredness last week, so please try to get the children to bed nice and early this week.

Netball skills continue this week on Tuesday. 

Spelling lists - despite children previously knowing the spellings of basic words on list 2 and progressing up. In writing a range of list 2 words are being mis-spelt. Therefore, please go back over the th words this week and in the holidays. Common mis-spellings include ther (There) and thay (They).

Numeracy basic facts - we are really focusing on subtracting and counting back. Practise starting at any number and counting back e.g. 54, 53, 52... For those children who have that sussed, we have worked on skip counting back this term so keep that going til it becomes second nature e.g. Back in 2's or 5's.

This is Kevin's last week. We will have a big farewell assembly for him on Friday from 1.30. Join us if you can! Dress like Kevin day - I'm thinking maybe a shirt and tie or sports clothes... he is a rugby fan too!

Next term, Jilleen and Barbara will be acting principal until a new appointment is made for Term 4.

Library Books need returning on Thursday - They will not issue a book again until week 1,Term 3.

Reports - I have managed to get most reports out within the month of anniversary dates. The remaining children who have not yet had their first report of the year, will have it by the end of July at the latest. All children will have 2 reports by the end of the year. 

Take care, have a fabulous week and enjoy some lovely family time over the school holidays. I am so excited to spend time with my two favourite boys!

Monday 27th June 2016

Netball skills continue this week. Therefore the mud clothes will not be needed for Tuesday.

Please send in the spelling notebook for Monday.

Friday morning you are welcome to pop in to class and see some of the learning that happens on a Friday.

Basic facts are essential for children to learn as instant answers. A reminder that we have a great website on the school webpage called prototec maths. Let me know if you want to know the level for your child (They should know their own math stage).

You can use on the computer / print out the page / just do some oral questioning. So enjoy!!!

basic facts practise for home - click here 

Monday 20th June 2016

Ripper will be replaced by netball skills this week and next. Therefore the mud clothes will not be needed. 

I still recommend sending a change of clothes in bags as the mud coverage can strike at anytime!

Once again on Wednesday we have the Life Education Caravan. Children who have paid the activity fee, are covered for the cost of this. If you have not yet paid the activity fee, we ask that you pay $5.50 to the office please. 

What do we need to return - 

Spelling book returned for Monday (Keep in book bag as we use often to refer to).

Library book bags - Thursday

Home reader book bag - every day with reader read and log signed.

Poem folder - Friday

Last week we completed writing assessments and I am currently updating reading and maths assessments. 

Current learning themes and heading towards the end of term for the remaining weeks we will summarise - 

Our maths - Continuing to have a focus on skip counting in 2's, 5's and 10's to multiply sets and equal sharing.

Our basic facts practise will focus on subtracting - instantly knowing the patterns and answers to take away facts from 5, 10 or 20.

We will be completing our unit on time and knowing how to read the analogue clock (O'clock and half past / ext - quarter past and a quarter to), saying the days of the week and months of the year in order, linked to reading on a calendar.

Our writing has had a great focus on explanation writing. We will continue with a factual theme with a focus on verbs leading descriptions and recording procedures.

Our reading focus for the remaining weeks will be to continue to find information directly in the text and find the facts to answer questions. We will explore different ways of recording the information and fun ways to present that to each other using devices and other creative / written forms.

The PAST< PRESENT>FUTURE inquiry will continue to flow through all of the above themes. We will use our knowledge of the technology process and explanation writing to describe the playground we would like to have built at Huapai school. We will share our ideas with Kevin before the plans are finalised.

So, here's looking forward to the next few weeks!!!

Monday 13th June 2016

Ripper Rugby Tuesday! If you can, put a change of clothes in for Rugby Tuesday this week and Thursday next week. The kids are having a great time learning to run, throw the ball, rip the tags and kick. It is probably worth keeping spare clothes in bags anyway with all the mud around!

Wednesday (This week and next) - 

We have The Life Education Caravan visiting our school. 

Children will explore ways to keep their body healthy through the exercise and food we eat. Children who have paid the activity fee, are covered for the cost of this. If you have not yet paid the activity fee, we ask that you pay $5.50 to the office please. If you would like any more information about the caravan you can come and have a chat with Chris the educator or take a look online.

A big thank you to the parent / grandparent helpers last Thursday - the children had such a great session designing and creating their models, capsules, toys and robots.

What do we need to return - 

Spelling book returned for Monday (Keep in book bag as we use often to refer to).

Library book bags - Thursday

Home reader book bag - every day with reader read and log signed.

Poem folder - Friday

Tuesday 7th June 2016

Our short week kicks off with Ripper Rugby today! If you can put a change of clothes in for Rugby Tuesday this week. 

For the next aspect of our teaching inquiry, we will be allowing the children to select the technology focus that suits their interest. We are exploring collaborative learning opportunities to give the children the choice to go with personal interests. 

Therefore 9am Thursday, there will be 6 options - 

In Room 2 (The Past) - I will lead a group of interested children to experience woodwork or sewing of toys or objects from the past. If your child is choosing either of these things, it would be great to have some offcuts of wood. Any help from grandparents / parents, would be great. Please email me before Thursday if you can come in to help. Sewing and woodwork will be busy!

Room 3 (The present) - Esther B will lead the children in this group, to design and create time capsules from today. There will be digital time capsules and physical ones. If your child has chosen this activity they would benefit from bringing in a plastic bottle.

Room 4 (The Future) - This team will work with Kathy A to design and make a robot for the future to full-fill a need / new invention.

Money - In conjunction with our work on multiplying, dividing and skip counting, we will be introducing NZ coins and Notes. We will explore problems containing money. If you have the chance to pop away the plastic and use some real cash, that will help reinforce our class learning.

Library books for Thursday afternoon.

Friday afternoon - I will be in all day but may have to leave school about 2.40, so Room 3 and 4 will release Room 2 children.

Have a great week everybody!!!!

Monday 30th May 2016

Our messages for this week are all about the clothes we wear!!!!

Tuesday the children will have curriculum PE - rugby skills. They will be playing (non-contact ripper) on the field and could get muddy, so please send a set of older clothes for PE.

Wednesday - Visit to Howick village - children can dress up. See link attached for more information. Dress for Howick information click here.

If your child is not dressing up on Wednesday please remember to send them dressed in full school uniform.

Friday - Mufti with a gold coin donation to support purchasing a device for children in our school community that would benefit from this financial support.

Friday sharing news - just a reminder that children should not bring toys or other objects to school. Only the 5 stars of the week can share on Friday. If your child has special news, please remember to email and let me know!

Monday 23rd May 2016

Visit to Howick village - children can dress up. See link attached for more information. Dress for Howick information click here.

Also please sign the permission slip sent via email or email me for a paper copy to be sent home.

Library books - as it was conferences last Thursday, some children did not change library books. Feel free to send in library books and your child can change them at lunch time. (Otherwise return before Thursday).

Tomorrow I am in  but have maths training for the first hour then back in class.

Please continue to send in water bottles for your child to drink from. The water has been treated but bringing water from home is best. 

We had a great session on Friday creating the 3d worlds - this week, this activity will form the basis of our writing and oral presenting.  Thanks to Bea's Mum Emma for coming in to help. Also for all the resources and materials families brought in to add to the mix. I will post some photos once they are complete.

Please remember to label brainfood pots and continue to be vigilant to avoid any kind of nut products in lunch-boxes, to help keep our little sweety with nut allergies, safe. 

Have a great week. Louise.

Monday 16th May 2016

Welcome to Madison. A new student in Room 2. She has been with us one week and already settled in! 

Good Luck to Julian who is off to a new school nearer his new house. We will miss you sweety!

* Please send materials and small boxes to make 3d imaginary worlds for Friday.

Can include stones, shells, buttons, sticks, feathers, grasses, pine cones or any other creative bits you can find.

* Conferences on Thursday this week so go to the website  www.schoolinterviews.co.nz  and use the school code:  cfs5r to book in.

* Class trip to Howick Historic Village - We will be going on 1st June and I will be sending the notice out via email and a paper copy early this week.

* Reports - Some of the children who have already had their 40, 60 or 80 week anniversary, have received the report. Each child will receive 2 per year. The first set will all have been sent out by July. See me if you need more information.


* Walking Wednesday - Please come to join us at the Domain this Wednesday. It is a special event as it is Road safety week and to celebrate we are having a superhero theme. Your little superhero can come dressed up for the day (OR the walk). ALL welcome.

Have a great week everyone!

Monday 9th May 2016

Curriculum coverage this term...

Maths - We will begin the term exploring fractions, Multiplication and division.  

We will explore problems such as "If I have 24 lollies and share them out equally between 4 children, how many will each child have?"

Key learning points - 

* Equal share means each will get the same amount.

* if splitting between 4 then they each get 1/4.

* We can use different strategies to work it out... eg half of 24 is 12 and half again is 6.

Help at home by practising...

* Doubles and halves 4+4 = 8 so 40+40=80

* Skip counting practise - counting in 2's, 5's and 10's e.g 5, 10, 15, 20.  

Writing - We will be focussing on Narrative (Creative story telling) and explanation writing (Writing procedures in order to describe a process).

Reading - As children become more fluent readers, they will have the same text for several nights as we are working on a range of specific focuses with the same text. Your child is welcome to read library books and self interest chapter books. They can still be entered on reading log. Thanks.

Inquiry - This Term our inquiry will be based on 

PAST,    PRESENT,     FUTURE

It is a technology based inquiry looking at invention over time. 

Have a great week everybody!!!

Welcome back to term 2!!!!!

Monday 2nd May 2016

The week ahead

* Monday - Return book bag and poem file.

* Tuesday - PE with Maree 9am in morning.

* Tuesday also...Out of school visit to Kumeu Art Centre - ART road show. 10-12.15 (At centre from 10.45-11.45). Send rain jacket or fleece).

* Thursday - Library so please have library files back in class box before then.

* Friday - Children to share their news this   Friday will be Poppy, Ashtyn-Rose, Lauren, Alyia and Elie.  

Key events this term

Week 1 - Art roadshow trip

Week 3 - Parent / teacher interviews

Week 5 - Visit to Howick Historic Village

Week 6 - Queens Birthday

Week 7 & 8 - Life Education Caravan

        

General notices and reminders

Please phone the office if you have a message for me urgently, like about end of school pick-up. I can not guarantee I will read emails during the school day. Especially when on duty etc.

Sponsor money - Please return any sponsor money collected over the holiday to the office or me. Thank you for your contributions!

Water bottles and fruit pots - please ensure your child has pots and bottles labeled. We aim to get all items back to children daily but un-named can go unclaimed!

News sharing... We all love sharing, so to give this more energy, we will have a rule that only the 5 star students of the week will get to share on a Friday. Please discourage your child bringing objects from home on other days. (Special events, please email me and I will ensure your child has the chance to share those). Sharing can be photos of events, home learning challenges, favourite books etc.

Spare clothes - If you have a child who is likely to play on the muddy field or bike track at play times, a spare pair of shorts or long pants are recommended.

Have a great week and hope you had a wonderful break with your families.

Week 11 - Monday 11th April

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs.

*  Music lesson on Tuesday.

* The library is Thursday - please return all library books before the holidays.

* Sponsors - The Extreme Exercise event was a huge success. The children had a great time and there were a few tired people by Friday. Hope they all had a good rest over the weekend. Please be proactive and collect sponsor money. Ideally it would be great to have it all collected before Friday.

* Real ART roadshow. Room 2 will be attending the roadshow week 1 or Term 2. I will send out the permission letter today and will be looking for some adult supervisors. 10.00 - 12.00 on Tuesday.

* Poem files - Please check at home and send in the poem clear files this week. They need returning each Monday after sharing the poem over weekend. (No poem last week due to EX event). 

* Sun hats will be sent on Friday and will not be required again until term 4. 

* Blog photos - New pics will be added this week.

Week 10 - Monday 4th April

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs.

*  Music lesson on Tuesday.

*  Rosemary will teach Monday and Tuesday this week. Release time and day 3 of the Incredible years training on Tuesday. I will continue to be available through email.

*  Thursday is Library day but due to Triple Ex we will try to go on Wednesday, so send library folders in for Wed.

* Extreme Exercise event - Please see newsletter for full details. ALL children will require a bike for the 2 days. Please name it and the helmet and place on the bike racks outside of room 2 both mornings.

* The 2 days will be very physical and active - I strongly recommend trainers and sports wear - either house colour t-shirts or Huapai uniform sports t-shirts. Suncream and sun-hats also essential.

* Water bottles and brainfood pots - please label pots as some days, despite me waving the pots in front of the class, they are not claimed. 

* School activity fees and donation. Next term we will be heading out on a couple of trips. If the school activity fees have been paid, your contribution is complete.

Week 8 - Monday 21st March

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs. In fact send togs each day this week. There is waterslide and lunch swim options all week.

* Easter break - Please note, school will be closed for Friday -Tuesday. School re-opens on Wednesday next week. There is a holiday programme available at school on Tuesday should you need it.

* Swimming sports day - ALL children must bring togs on Wednesday when we have our swimming sports. Rm 2 will be at 11.25am.

* Library Thursday.

Have a great Easter weekend all! 

Week 7 - Monday 14th March

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs. In fact send togs each day this week. There is waterslide and lunch swim options all week.

* We have now finished teaching bike skills during class time. Your child is welcome to continue bringing their bike for lunchtime use.

* Extreme exercise extravaganza event - continue to get sponsors. See website for sponsor forms or send me a note and I will get another to you.

* Tuesday I am on the 2nd day of the Incredible years training course. I will return Wednesday.

Also note, on a Tuesday each week, children are allowed to wear their house colour t-shirts. (Red, green, blue or purple). The rest of the usual uniform must be worn,

* Wednesday - Walking Wednesday, all welcome to meet at the domain to walk to school from 8.25 (Leave 8.30).

* Thursday - Library weekly. As children missed Library last week, they are welcome to go and change books on Monday at lunchtime, if that appeals.

Have a great week everyone.

Week 6 - Monday 7th March

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs. Infact send togs each day this week. There is waterslide and lunch swim options all week and then Tryathlon Thursday.

* Bikes for Tryathlon only this week. We will not be teaching bike skills anymore, but welcome to send for lunchtimes.

* Extreme Exercise Extravaganza event. Please start to get sponsors sorted for the big event!!!!

Thursday- TRYATHLON 1.50pm. Please come along to cheer your child along. Remember this is about your child giving this a go so please do not help your child during the race. We have adult track marshals and every child will have a Y7/8 buddy with them in case they need help. Also you cannot collect your child's bike until after every child has finished in the last Y2 race ( there will be two races - boys and then girls).

* Reading support - For many more able readers, the same reader will be used for 2 days, potentially 3. This is due to us having a different learning focus and completing texts.  one day may be about decoding words, checking what the vocab words are about. The second day may be for answering questions or reading with expression etc. Ask your child what the learning focus was for that day!

* Reading book bag goodies - your child should have an essential spelling word list in bags. Also, a reading rocket sheet, which can give you an idea about spelling patterns and reading goals, for you to explore at home.

Have an amazing week, people!

Week 5 - Monday 29th February  

What's on..

* Bikes - Send in this THURSDAY and FRIDAY again please. Helmets too!! (Last week)

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs.

* Monday morning - I am in school. There is a relief teacher in class for the first hour as I am receiving numeracy problem solving, professional development, to set goals.

* Junior waterslide will be available on Monday and Wednesday for the rest of the term. (Send togs!)

* Please continue to apply sunblock - also on events where children will be in their togs or outside for longer periods, I may apply sunblock. Please advise if your child has allergies to it.

* Bringing toys / news to school. No toys / valuables thanks. The stars of the week, can bring news on a Friday only. This will mean your child should ask you to bring in news about twice per term.

* Reading- I am currently testing children in reading. Therefore your child may jump up a level soon!

* Remember reading eggs licences can be purchased at the office. See me for more details.

* Thanks to Lauren's family for supplying a fan. The circulating air is much appreciated!

Week 4 - Monday 22nd February  

What's on..

* Bikes - Send in this THURSDAY and FRIDAY please. Helmets too!!

* Swimming Monday - Please send togs.

* Tuesday I am attending the Incredible Years training, therefore a relief teacher will complete the class learning that day.

* Start of the day - Please ensure your child is at school by 8.50am. This allows 5 mins for students to put brainfood, water and book bags in correct place. Then ready to start for 8.55.

* Bells - To keep you updated, despite a very positive response by children to return to class on time, we will trial for a week, having bells for coming in only. At the end of this weeks trial, a decision will be made for the remainder of year.

* Art shirts - please send an art t-shirt / old shirt to protect school uniform during creative tasks. Thanks!

Writing - Focus on the school values - what does each of the animals mean and look like? We will use adjectives to describe.

Reading - This week we will begin our phonics programme. Starting with blends and digraph assessing.

Maths -

Place value and basic facts to 10 or 20. I will let you know if their are some basic knowledge facts you could be practising at home e.g. 2 numbers that make 10 or 20 (7+3 / 17+3). 

We will also continue to look at reading an analogue clock with o'clock and half past. 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !!!

Week 3 - Monday 15th February '16

What's on...

* Togs on Monday for lesson at 11.20.

* Extra swimming for the children who need boosting,  togs daily (you will have received an email on Friday if your child is included).

* Head lice - Please check your child's hair regularly. Thanks.

* Bikes - Send in this FRIDAY please. Helmets too!!

* Water fight on Friday lunchtime - send togs and a water gun if your child would like to participate. I Highly recommend labeling all items.

* Fans - If anybody has a spare fan at home that we can borrow for a few weeks during this hot period, please let me know.   

Writing about self. Using adjectives and similes to describe personal features, likes and info.

Reading - we will have one more week of reading alternate days with the teacher, to continue to allow for further support getting independent routines established and some assessing.

Poem - Poem file was sent home Friday. Please return the poem file inside book bag on a Monday.

 

Maths - We will begin number knowledge this week. We will also continue to look at reading an analogue clock. We will start with o'clock and half past. 

 

PE - Swimming we will focus on floating front / back, leg kicks using flutter board, arm circles with flutter board and rocket arms. 

Skipping skills too. 

Have a great week everybody.

Term one - What's on!

Look in the bar page 'Timetabled events' to find out what and when you need to send things to school for your child! 

Week 2 - Beginning Tuesday 9th February 2016

Whakatau - On Friday at 10.15, we will have a Whakatau. This is our official assembly welcome to our new families. Bikes will not be needed Friday as this is our bike time.

Reading - 

We will begin the process of reading. Instructional reading will be short this week to allow us to reinforce the starting points of Daily 5 and reading with the teacher.

Reading at home - 

The reader will come home each night. Sign the yellow reading log and send back EVERY day. Thank you!

Whakawhanaungatanga & writing -

We will continue to write about ourselves and share our personal stories. A little green paper bag has come home, please support your lovely child to fill it and return it early this week. 

Maths learning - 

We will explore classification. Sorting and ordering information about ourselves and placing it into graphs or charts. We will also look at time / calendar maths.

Art - 

Personal portraits.