Home School Communication




Term 4 week 10

Thank you for all your support during the year. It has been a privilege to have your young ones in my care. Enjoy the festive season and be safe. All the best for 2017.
Week overview
This week we are finishing off tasks and packing up.
Tasks to finish:
Geometrocity - Sharing on Wednesday.
Save Christmas - Hopefully, we will complete this by Friday. If not, students can work on this independently at home.

We will have one more Elective this week:
Room 21- Science
Room 22 - Technology
Room 16 - Coding (Scratch)

In PE this week we will focus on Tennis skills.


Notices/Dates
   
        .     Room 16's final swimming time will be this Monday.
        .     Our Parent helpers Morning Tea will be on Monday 12 December from              10h50 in the school hall. 
        .     Service Assembly is also on Monday, from 1h30 - 2h50. In this assembly 
              we say special thank you to all students and Support Staff for their 
              service during the year.
        .     Please take note that Te Henga - our vertical team - will have Jumping
              Castles at school on Wednesday, 14 December 2016, and we'll share 
              some hot chips during lunchtime. 
         .    We will also have our Secret Santa on Wednesday morning. 
         .    Class placements and other important information will be sent home on 
              Wednesday as well.
         .    On Thursday, 15 December 2016, Rooms 16,21 and 22 will have a 
              shared lunch to celebrate a great year working together. 
         .    Year 5-8 Prize - giving Assembly starts at 11h30 on Thursday.
         .    On Friday, 16 December, students will meet their teachers and 
              classmates for 2017.
         .    Final assembly to farewell our Year 8 students will start at 1h30 on 
              Friday.
       
     
Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy

















Term 4 week 6
Week overview

This week in Reading we are reading for information and in Writing we are using language to describe. This week we will also write our last standardised Writing assessment.

In PE this week we will focus on Softball skills.

In Maths we will be conducting individual testing. Students will have time to practice and consolidate existing skills and knowledge.

No Writing Workshops this week as rthe time will be used for testing.

In Inquiry we will continue learning about Matter and the different classes are at different stages of the programs.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)


Notices/Dates
   
        .    Water safety will happen on Tuesdays during PE time in week 7 and 8, so             please ensure that your child has the right gear at school - togs, towel, sunscreen.
        .     Room 16 swimming time will be on Mondays in weeks 9 and 10. 
        .     Wearing our bucket school hats is compulsory in term 4. This is for your 
              child's protection. Please note that no child will be allowed to play in the sun 
              without the protection of their school hat.
        .     Please take note that we will have a Shared Morning Tea on Friday to 
              thank our awesome Learning Assistant, Esther Young, for her support during the 
               year. 
       
     
Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy

Term 4 week 3
Week overview


This week in Reading we are reading for information and in Writing we are using language to describe.

In PE this week we will focus on Athletics. We will continue prepare our studenst for our Senior Athletics Championships, which will take place at Riverhead Sportsgrounds in week 5. More information about this soon.

In Maths we will continue with the Buddy Knowledge and Fractions sessions. Studenst are receiving instructions at their level from either myself, Mrs Holbrow or Ms Gover.

Writing Workshops will take place every Friday and your child will bejoing on three workshops: Developing ideas to write about (Mr Du Plooy); Writing better sentences (Mrs Holbrow/ Mihaljevic and Develop our vocabulary (Ms Gover).

In Inquiry we will learn about the Changing states of Matter and we'll be learning about scientific investigations.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
        .     Camp monies can be paid in at the office or online.
        .     Please remind your child to charge his/her device at home.
        .     PE falls on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this term. Please note that 
              PE is mandatory and we need a note from you if your child needs to miss PE.
        .     Wearing our bucket school hats is compulsory in term 4. This is for your 
              child's protection. Pleas enote that no child will be aloowed to play in the sun 
              without the protection of their school hat.
       
     
Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy





















Term 4 week 1

Welcome back, Everyone. Hope you have all made the most of the holiday. An exciting term lies waiting and my wish is that we'll all make the best of every opportunity. Please note that Rooms 16, 21 and 22 will be working even more closely this term with next year in mind.

Week overview
Our Inquiry , Writing and Reading will all be integrated, which simply means whatever we do in one area will relate to the other areas. We will inegrate the other learning areas whenever possible.

Our Topic for this term is Science related and we'll be looking at chemical reactions and changes. To start it all off, Science in a Van is with us in week 1 and I'm sure we'll be learning loads.

Reading and writing will all relate to science in one way or another.

This week in Reading we are developing vocabulary and in Writing we are using language to describe.

In PE this week we will focus on Cricket skills and Athletics. A cricket coach will be visiting us on Tuesday and subsequent lessons will be building on what is shared by him/her. Athletics will focus on preparing our students for our Senior Athletics which will take place at the Riverhead Domain in week 5.

In Maths we will continue with the Buddy Knowledge and Measurement sessions. The focus for the first 5 weeks will be FRACTIONS. Many students struggle to grasp the concept of a fraction, so your support with this at home will be most welcome.

Writing Workshops will take place every Friday and your child will bejoing on three workshops: Developing ideas to write about (Mr Du Plooy); Writing better sentences (Mrs Holbrow/ Mihaljevic and Develop our vocabulary (Ms Gover).

In Inquiry we will learn about the States of Matter.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
        .     Please return all camp forms before the end of the week. Camp monies can be 
              paid in at the office.
        .     Science in a Van Monday week 1. The cost for this show is $4. If you have not 
              yet paid the activity fee, please send the money to the office. Thanks.
        .     Please remind your child to charge his/her device at home.
        .     PE falls on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays this term. Please note that 
              PE is mandatory and we need a note from you if your child needs to miss PE.
       
     
Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy














Term 3 week 9

Wow, where has the term gone? We've reached the end of yet another full on and challenging term. Thank you once again for your support.  Enjoy the break and see you all in Term  4.

Week overview

Reading this week will be integrated with writing.

In PE this week we will focus on Gymnastics

In Maths we will continue with the Buddy Knowledge and Measurement sessions.

In Writing we will work in our buddy writing workshops on:developing ideas and vocabulary, and writing better sentences.

In Inquiry we will use what we've been learning and think about how we could put it to use.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   

   .     Please return all campforms before the end of the week.
        .     Also please note that we will not be celebrating Halloween while on camp.
        .     Important date:
                            Camp meeting Tuesday 20 September 2016 in Room 17.


Kind regards

Joseph Du Plooy














Term
3 week 8

Week overview

Reading this week will be integrated with writing.

In PE this week we will focus on Hockey skills.

In Maths we will continue with the Buddy Knowledge and Measurement sessions.

In Writing we will write to explain.

In Inquiry we are learning about the different dimensions of Well-being. Students are learning to be aware of what makes themselves and others happy.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   

   .     We will have a powhiri on Friday to officially  welcome our new principal. 
         Proceedings starts at 11h00am.
   
   
   

 Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy














Term 3 week 6

Week overview

In Reading this week we will share our Olympic Rich task. 

In PE this week we will focus on Hockey skills.

In Maths we will continue with the Buddy Knowledge sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Writing we will have our class Speech Finals. There will be no Buddy Writing Workshops this week.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   


   .     Student-led conferences this Thursday 1 September. If you haven't yet booked a 
         time, please see the website for details on how to do it.
   
   

 Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy













Term 3 week 5

Week overview

Reading this week form part of Writing, Mathematics and Inquiry. 

PE this week will make place for ART as we will be working on our Calendar Art. We 're looking forward to show off the Picasso Faces we will be creating.

In Maths we will have a focus on Measurement. This week, students will receive instructions in measuring, length, weight, etc. Students will rotate between Rooms 16. 21 and 22 to learn about the different aspects of Measuring, i.e. length, weight, and capacity over the next four weeks.

In Writing we will round off our focus on Ideas; Vocabulary & Sentences. Students will also work on their speeches from Tuesday to Thursday, but they will need time at home to work on it as well. Thank you for you support with this.

For Inquiry, over the first two weeks of this term, students have been engaged in activities to help them think about what Sportsmanship is. Students have created lessons that will be taught to students
in various classes. This week, they will have the opportunity to deliver those lessons.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Thank you for your support with Cross Country last week. 
   .     Please be informed of our Teacher Only Day this Friday. 
   .     Student-led conferences will happen on Thursday 1 September (week 6).
   

 Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy












Term 3 week 4

Week overview


In Reading students will discuss a text using the "I think that means' approach. Some studenst will discuss text using Reciprocal Reading. Both strategies has been designed to help students dig deeper into the text. Over time this will improve students' understanding of what they read.

For PE we will focus on soccer skills as well as Cross Country.

In Maths we will have a focus on Measurement. This week, students will take part in a measurement mini Olympics. Following this, they will receive instructions in measuring, length, weight, etc.

In Writing students have chosen to work on areas they need most help with. Three areas have been identified form data we've collected: Ideas; Vocabulary & Sentences. These areas are taught in rooms 16, 21 and 22 onWednesdaysy and Thursdays. Our focus is on Persuasive writing skills, as we'll have our School Speech competition will later this term. Students will work on their speeches on Tuesdays, but they will need time at home to work on it as well. Thank you for you support with this.

For Inquiry, over the first two weeks of this term, students have been engaged in activities to help them think about what Sportsmanship is. They are now working in groups on how they can teach others about Sportsmanship.

In Spelling we are learning the rules on how to add suffixes correctly. This week, we continue our learning on adding -ed and -ing.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Cross Country is on this Thursday. Please forward your name  to Sue Aston (Room     7) or Sue Ganley (Rm14) if you are available to act as a marshall.
   .     Student-led conferences will happen on Thursday 1 September (week 6).


      Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy







Term 2 Week 10


   We've reached the end of another full on and challenging 
  term. Thank you once again for your support. Do not                   underestimate the role you are playing in the success your 
  child experiences at school. Enjoy your young ones and spend 
  as much time with them as possible. See you all in Term  3

Week overview


In Reading students will discuss a text using the "I think that means' approach.

For PE we will focus on volleyball skills.

In Maths we will continue with our focus on he acquisition/strengthening of strategies to solve word problems using multiplication and division strategies. Students are moving to either Room 16, Room 21, or Room 22, depending on the strategy stage they're working at. From this week onwards , this will happen from Mondays to Thursdays.

In Inquiry students are completing and presenting their inquiries.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Thank you to all our parents and grandparents who joined on Friday. It was great 
         to have you in our room.
   .     Please ensure that you child has a nutritious lunch. Please note that packets of 
         potatoes chips are not nutritious. 
    

      Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy










Term 2 Week 9

Week overview



In Reading students will practice the skill of visualising. Good readers form pictures in the minds as they read, which helps them understand the text.


For PE we will focus on volleyball skills.

In Maths we will continue with our focus on he acquisition/strengthening of strategies to solve word problems using multiplication and division strategies. Students are moving to either Room 16, Room 21, or Room 22, depending on the strategy stage they're working at.
Room 16 students will focus on constructing 3D shapes and learning about their properties. At the end of this unit , students will be able to name a 3D shape, describe it in terms of the number of edges, faces and vertices, and construct it using a net.

In Inquiry students are investigating how people 's lives have been affected by inventions. They are comparing an invention of the past and its improved version we are presently using. On completion of this task, students are working on investigating their own wondering about inventions and innovation.

We will also collect student voice for our term 3 Inquiry topics on Sportsmanship and Well-Being.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.   
         Use the Home Communication book to practice in. 
         make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Mid-year Progress Reports will be issued at the end of this term.
   .     Our Whanau day will take place this Friday , 1st July 2016. 


We are inviting all mums and dads to come into our classroom to see what we are doing. You are welcome to join in whatever your child is doing. This is our Friday time table:
     08:55  -  09:05    -  Welcome  and Roll
     09:05  -  09:20    -  Jump Jam
     09:20  -  10:10    -  Buddy Spelling / select spelling words for following week.
     10:10  -  10:50    -  Complete work / See theTeacher 
     10:50  -  11:00    -  Sit down and eating time
     11:00  -  11:20     -  MORNING TEA
     11:20  -  12:15     -  Maths
     12:15  -  12:50     -  Journal reflection
     12:50  -  01:00     -  Sit down and eating time
     01:00  -  01:40     -  LUNCH
     01:40  -  01:55     -  Pack up / Tidy up
     01:55  -  02:05     -  Citizen ship
     02:10  -  02:50     -  Assembly
     03:00                      Home time.

You are welcome to join your child when he/she goes to kapa haka, choir, band, or specialist music lessons.

 


Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy



Term 2 Week 8

Week overview


In Writing students will have the opportunity to give feedback on the writing workshops they've had with their collaboration(buddy) teacher. We will use the students' feedback to guide the planning and implementation of future writing workshops.


Reading time will be used for to complete testing so students will also be expected to work independently. This week, students will investigate suffixes and prefixes.


For PE we will focus on volleyball skills.

In Maths we will continue cross-grouping on Wednesday. Students from our buddy classes (rooms 16,21 and 22) have been placed in with teachers who will focus on moving students to a specific strategy stage. Our current focus is the acquisition/strengthening of strategies to solve word problems using multiplication and division strategies.

In Inquiry students are investigating how people 's lives have been affected by inventions. They are comparing an invention of the past and its improved version we are presently using. On completion of this task, students are working on investigating their own wondering about inventions and innovation.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     In-class assessment will finish this week.  
   .     Mid-year Progress Reports will be issued at the end of this term.
   .     Our Open days to give the year 5 and 6 students and their parents an opportunity       to see our Year 7&8 program in action, will be on Wednesday and Thursday. 
         On Thursday evening there will be an information evening to give you the
         opportunity to ask questions. Please see the email sent last week, or check out           the notice board on the school website.


Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy















Term 2 Week 7

Week overview


In Writing students will be writing to explain why something happens. Asstle writing assessment on Thursday.


In Reading students are learning to identify Cause and Effect help them understand the text and to scan for information in the text. Testing are happening throughout so students will also be expected to work independently.


For PE we will focus on rugby skills. Please provide your child with a change of clothing to keep their uniform from  getting  muddy.

In Maths we will pause our cross-grouping for the week. Students will be assessed on their understanding of number strategies. While this is happening, students will be completing tasks independently.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Please note that students will be formally assessed in Reading, Writing and 
         Mathematics over the next few weeks. 
   .     In PE, for the next two weeks, students will focus on rugby. As this has the 
         potential to get the kids dirty, perhaps older uniform on PE day and a spare    
         uniform in bag, just in case.  


Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy















Term 2 Week 6

Week overview

In Writing students will be writing to explain why something happens. Asstle writing assessment on Thursday.

In Reading students are learning to identify Cause and Effect help them understand the text and to scan for information in the text. Testing are happening throughout so students will also be expected to work independently.

For PE we will focus on rugby skills. Please provide your child with a change of clothing to keep their uniform from  getting  muddy.

In Maths we will pause our cross-grouping for the week. Students will be assessed on their understanding of number strategies.


Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     Please note that students will be formally assessed in Reading, Writing and 
         Mathematics over the next few weeks. 
   .     In PE, for the next two weeks, students will focus on rugby. As this has the 
         potential to get the kids dirty, perhaps older uniform on PE day and a spare    
         uniform in bag, just in case.  


Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy













Term 2 Week 5

Week overview

In Writing students will be writing a recount about our Howick Village trip.

In Reading students are learning to identify Cause and Effect help them understand the text and to scan for information in the text.

For PE we will focus on rugby skills. 

In Maths we will learn subtract and large numbers and decimals. We will work with our buddy classes and work for 15-20 minutes every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to improve the Mathematical knowledge of our students.

For Inquiry we will share our independent tasks about the invention of the telephone. We will select our inquiry questions.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     To support our students with our Inquiry topic, we will visit Howick Village on 30 
         May 2016. Please see the home note for details.
   .     In PE, for the next two weeks, students will focus on rugby. As this has the 
         potential to get the kids dirty, perhaps older uniform on PE day and a spare    
         uniform in bag, just in case.  


Kind regards
     Joseph Du Plooy




Term 2 Week 4

Week overview

In Writing students will be reworking a recount they've written earlier to improve the language they've used. 

In Reading students are learning to identify Cause and Effect help them understand the text and to scan for information in the text.

For PE we will focus on fitness and Basket ball skills. 

In Maths we will learn subtract and large numbers and decimals.

For Inquiry we will work on completing our independent tasks about the invention of the telephone. 

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   
   .     To support our students with our Inquiry topic, we will visit Howick Village on 30 
         May 2016. Please see the home note for details.
   .     In PE, for the next two weeks, students will focus on rugby. As this has the 
         potential to get the kids dirty, perhaps older uniform on PE day and a spare    
         uniform in bag just in case.  


Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy






Term 2 Week 3


Week overview

In Writing students will be opting into workshops to support their goals.

In Reading students are learning to identify Cause and Effect help them understand the text. 

For PE we will focus on fitness and Basket ball skills

In Maths we will learn how to use rounding and compensating to add and subtract and work on improving our knowledge of decimals.

For Inquiry we will work on completing our independent tasks about the invention of the telephone. 

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   .  Learning conferences on Thursday, week 3. Please take the time to book a slot.
   . To support our students with our Inquiry topic, we will visit Howick Village on 30 May 2016. Please see the homw note for details.


Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy










Term 2 Week 2


Week overview

In Writing students will be working on using/choosing the best words. 

In Reading students are focussing on making connections to what they already know to help them understand the text. 

For PE we will focus on fitness.

In Maths we will learn how to use rounding and compensating to subtract and work on improving our knowledge of decimals.

For Inquiry we will share our discussions on the history of the telephone. We will then select a task to further investigate the history of the telephone.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   .  Please send to school one item that is a result of innovation. Your child will share in class how it came to be, its use(s) and how it affects/helps/benefits society. If he/she can name any disadvantages, it'll be great.
   .  Learning conferences on Thursday, week 3. Please take the time to book a slot.
   .  Please send all Triple X donations to the school by Friday.

Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy

Term 2 Week 1
Welcome back, Everyone. Hope you all managed to get some rest and, like myself, are looking forward to the term. There will be lots happening and I want to thank you for your support in advance. 

Week overview

In Writing students will be retelling an event that happened during the holiday. We will also familiarise ourselves again with our goals.

In Reading students are learning how to read between the lines by using clues in the text, and they are developing their vocabulary. We will be making explicit the connections we make as we read.

For PE we will focus on fitness.

In Maths we will continue with solving addition problems, while increasing the size of the numbers and including decimals. 

For Inquiry Topic for the term is PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE with a Technology and Social Science focus. We will be learning that the past influences the future, how innovations affect us, our dependency on technology, etc. Please have a discussion about this around the dinner table.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.  Use the Home Communication book to practice in. make sentences with at least three unfamiliar words.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   .  Please send to school one item that is a result of innovation. Your child will share in class how it came to be, its use(s) and how it affects/helps/benefits society. If he/she can name any disadvantages, it'll be great.
   .  We will have two road shows this week.
   . Our Real Art Road show at the Kumeu Art Centre will be on Tuesday 3 May 2016. Students will leave school at 1h00pm and return at 2h45pm. Thank you to the parents who will be helping with transport and supervision.
   . On Friday 6 May 2016 we will visit Helensville School for the Science Road show. Please see the home note for additional information. Thank you to the parents who will be helping with supervision.
   . Please ask your child to speak to you about the new rules when we leave the 'village' to go to the hall, office, playground etc. The new rules were created to improve Health And Safety for our students. The driveway on Station road will be coned off during the day and the car park behind the office building, between Kevin's office and the Room 13 steps, is out-of-bounds for all students.

     Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy






Week 11 term 1

Can't believe it already the end of term 1.  What an action-packed term it's been. Thank you for all your support. Next term, will be just as challenging so we will be wise to re-charge our batteries over the holidays.
Enjoy your little people  and enjoy the break.

Week overview

In Writing students will be re-tested on the Essential Spelling lists. They will work on completing tasks. 

In Reading students are learning how to read between the lines by using clues in the text, and they are developing their vocabulary. 

For PE we will focus on Cricket bowling and batting.

In Maths we will continue with solving addition problems, while increasing the size of the numbers and including decimals.

For Inquiry we are working on completing our class waka. Students will be using this time to complete the decoration of our the bow and stern, and working on individual inquiries.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   .  Our Extreme Fitness Challenge is behind us and it was indeed a challenge. Well done to everyone stepped up and took up the challenge.
   .  Please remember to send in all donations before the end of term.
   .  

       
     Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy


Week 10 term 1

Week overview

In Writing students will be tested on the Essential Spelling lists. Independently, they will work on completing their waka paddles and have time to complete tasks.

In Reading students are learning how to read between the lines by using clues in the text, and they are developing their vocabulary. 

For PE we will focus on Cricket bowling and batting.

In Maths we are finishing our small focus on Symmetry, and will have small group workshops on Adding numbers using the Rounding and Compensating strategy,

For Inquiry we are working on completing our class waka. Students will be using this time to complete the decoration of our the bow and stern, and working on their paddles.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
   .  We had a lovely Family Friday last week. It was great to have you in Room 16.
   .  Also be reminded of our Extreme Exercise challenge this week on 7th and 8th April  2016. 
   .  Students will need their bikes on both days of the event, as well as a Q-code reader on an i-pod/I-pad. Students will need one device per group, so it'll be fine to join a group with a device as well.
   .  We need your help to get sponsors to help us build the adventure playground we're  all so excited about. All donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

       
     Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy

Week 9 term 1

Week overview

In Writing students will work on decorating their waka paddles. Students are using kowhaiwhai patterns to share the size of their families

In Reading students are learning how to read between the lines by using clues in the text, and they are developing their vocabulary. 

For PE we will focus on catching. Students will be catching large and small balls

In Maths we are solving word problems involving addition and subtraction, and learning to read time.

For Inquiry we are working on completing our class waka. Students will be using this time to complete the decoration of our the bow and stern, and working on their paddles.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
.   On Friday 1 April 2016, we are inviting all mums and dads to come into our classroom to see what we are doing. You are welcome to join in whatever your child is doing. This is our Friday time table:
      8:55  -  9:05    -  Welcome  and Roll
      9:05  -  9:20    -  Jump Jam
      9:20  - 10:10  -  Buddy Spelling / select spelling words for following week.
     10:10 - 10:50   -  Complete work / See theTeacher 
     10:50 - 11:00  -  Sit down and eating time
     11:00 - 11:20   -  MORNING TEA
     11:20  - 12:15  -  Maths
     12:15  - 12:50  -  Journal reflection
     12:50 -  1:00    -  Sit down and eating time
     1:00   - 1:40     -  LUNCH
      1:40  -  1:55    -  Pack up / Tidy up
      1:55  -   2:05   -  Citizen ship
      2:10  -   2:50   - Assembly
      3:00                  Home time.

 You are welcome to join your child when he/she goes to kapa haka, choir, band, or
       specialist music lessons.

   .  Also be reminded of our Extreme Exercise challenge on 7th and 8th April 2016. 
   .  We need your help to get sponsors to help us build the adventure playground we're  all so excited about. All donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

       
     Kind regards
    Joseph Du Plooy


Week 6 term 1

Week overview

In Writing students will continue to write about themselves. This week they will retell family stories. Please share a family story with your child.

For PE we will focus on biking . Our swimming time will be on Wednesdays. This will be our last week of swimming.

In Maths we are solving word problems and learning to read time.

For Inquiry we are writing pepeha and will be creating a waka for our classroom. 'Whakawhanaungatanga.'

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
.    Please remind your child to bring swimming togs and a towel on Wednesday.
.    School Tryathlon on Thursday 10 March 2016.
.    Bike Training over the next fortnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Possibly Thursday next week(to be confirmed). Sorry, but there is no lock-up facility at school. 

Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy

Week 5 term 1

Week overview

In Writing students will continue to write about themselves. This week they will write a haiku poem to describe a place that is special to them. They will also retell family stories orally as preparation for writing those stories next week. Please share a family story with your child.

For PE we will focus on catching and swimming. Our swimming time will be on Wednesdays, until week 6.

In Maths we are solving problems involving time and learning to read time.

For Inquiry we are writing pepeha and will be designing a waka for our classroom. Students will come up with ideas to explain how the waka relates to our inquiry topic 'Whakawhanaungatanga.'

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please     
         update the reading log.
    2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
    3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This 
         could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
.    Please remind your child to bring swimming togs and a towel on Wednesday.
.    School Tryathlon on Thursday 10 March 2016
.    Year 5 & 6 Norwest T-ball Competition at Rosedale Park, Albany on Tuesday 1 March 2016.

Kind regards
Joseph Du Plooy








Week 3 term 1

Week overview

In Writing students will continue to write about themselves. We're using this exercise to learn how to use success criteria to self- and peer assess. Students will learn about giving feedback and feed forward, using the success criteria, and selecting their next steps (goals).

Class Treaty 
We have done a lot of work on our class treaty last week and we'll finish it on Monday this week. We'll need everyone to contribute to make Room 16 a great learning environment / wānanga, Our students will have another opportunity to make additions/changes to our draft.

For PE we will focus on skipping rope and swimming. We will be going out for PE as often as possible , but these are our official PE times:
                                            Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 
Our swimming time will be on Wednesdays, until week 6.

In Maths we'll be making sure that we can all tell the time.

For Inquiry we are writing an Information report on ourselves. This will be followed by a Bio Poem and a pepeha.

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please update the reading log.
2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
.    Hats are compulsory during terms 1 and 4.
.    Swimming Sport:  Friday 19 February 2016 at Massey High.( Swimmers)
                                  Students not going to Massey will have a separate program at 
                                  school.

Regards
Joseph du Plooy











Week 2 Term 1

Hello Parents and Caregivers

We are setting up routines and expectations and will be working through these  over the next few weeks. These will be introduced gradually to set us up for a great year. We've sorted our class monitors for the term - please speak to your child about his/her area of responsibility, and started with Self- and Peer Assessment. The latter will play a major role in helping students take responsibility for their own learning. Please have a chat about this with your child as well.

Week overview

In Writing students will continue to write about themselves. We're using this exercise to learn how to use success criteria to self- and peer assess. Students will learn about giving feedback and feed forward, using the success criteria, and selecting their next steps (goals).

Class Treaty
To ensure we're all on the same page with regards to behaviour expectations, we'll be brainstorming positive behaviours/attitudes that will help us set up a great learning environment / wānanga. Everyone, including myself, will sign this agreement.

For PE we will focus on skipping rope and swimming. Students have been assessed by Maree and Sandy. Students who need remedial work to bring them up to the required level will be taken out of class during the week. More about this as soon as we get the results of the assessment.
We will be going out for PE as often as possible , but these are our official PE times:
                                            Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 
Our swimming time will be on Wednesdays, until week 6.

In Maths we'll be doing problem solving, and this context will be used to introduce students to out talk moves. Talk moves are sentence starters and hand signals used to facilitate discussions across all learning areas. 

We aim to sort any niggles regarding Chrome books as well. 

Compulsory tasks

1.  Read at home for at least 20 minutes a day. Please update the reading log.
2.  Practice spelling words for at least 5 minutes a day.
3.  Practice basic facts for at least 5 minutes a day. (This could be done while driving in the car. Easy!!)

Notices/Dates
.    Hats are compulsory during terms 1 and 4.

A note from the Travelwise team
.    Please note that the Walking School Bus starts in week 2.  Parent volunteers will meet the children, who have signed up for the WSB, at the Huapai Domain every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The bus meets at the domain from 8h20am and departs at 8h30am.  

New WSB members are welcome and, if you are thinking of joining, you can get a registration form from the office, or download it from the school website.

Every Wednesday, we also have a GIANT walk from the Domain, and we invite everyone to join us. Instead of dropping your child off at the school gate, why not drop him/her off at the Domain where there are more than enough parking.
As part of the Walk to school campaign run by Auckland Transport, we will have a CRAZY HAT- themed walk on Wednesday 17 February 2016 (week 3). Hope to see you all at the Domain with your wacky hat-creations.

Thank you.

Regards
Joseph du Plooy

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