Week 9, Term 1

You might have noticed all the building work going on and around Renwick House at the moment. This is part of the earthquake strengthening process we are currently undergoing. On Friday the concrete truck came to school and the builders were very kind to let us take a look at what they were doing.
The concrete truck had 24 wheelbarrows full of concrete inside churning around so that the concrete would not go 'off'. The concrete was being poured under our building to ensure the strength of the foundations. One of the highlights for many of the children was being able to have a quick walk on the builder's ramp! This is normally behind the safety fencing.

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On Wednesday the 10th of April we have a trip to Natureland Zoo. This is in relation to our inquiry topic of Animal Classification. Natureland run an education programme which will complement our learning nicely. The children have had lots of fun sharing their knowledge and discovering new information too.

Next (short) week...
Our sound will be 'u' and our tricky words will be 'up' and 'put'.
At maths time we will be looking at statistics.

Hope you are having a happy and safe Easter break!

Week 7, 2013

This week we had a special treat. We went for a hockey skills session with Nicola. She taught us how to hold the hockey stick and how to dribble a ball. We had a great time playing a game called creep up Jack/Jackie which is a bit like 'What's the time Mr Wolfie?'.

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We have had a fabulous time swimming this year and everyone has made a huge improvement on their water confidence and skills. Due to the decline in temperature swimming has now finished for the year. Fingers crossed we will get back in in Term 4.

On Friday the staff had a professional development day led by Mike Scadden on brain development. This was a very valuable day for us as it confirmed a lot of what we are doing is spot on for the developmental age of our children. Mike also shared with us insightful information and a variety of strategies and techniques to engage our children in their learning.  

 Next week...

Our sounds will be m/d or ee/or.
Our tricky words will be come/here or going/too.
During maths we are looking at ordering numbers.
Caroline will be teaching in Renwick 3 on Thursday and Friday.
Library day Friday. Please bring your book back.
Have a happy and safe week!

Week 6, Term 1

Purple Cake Day
On Friday it was Purple Cake Day. We raised $100 for children in Nepal and Haiti. We raised our money by having a face painting day. Thank you to all those parents who came in to paint the Kowhai children.
We looked awesome!

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Wheels Day!
On Wednesday the senior syndicate held a wheels day to raise money for Purple Cake Day. Some children brought their bikes to school and went to the church grounds with Neroli to have some fun!

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Next week...

It's My Bread!

Week 5, Term 1

Our Week!

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We started our week with a Family picnic on Monday night. It was a picture perfect summers evening to share a picnic with friends and family.

We have been working very hard to get into our routines during our reading, writing and maths times. We have lots of opportunities to practice our social skills, particularly co-operating and sharing.

During painting this week we painted our fruits to make a fruit colour wheel. Keep you eye out on the walls next week!

Next week...

Our sounds are e/h or j/oa.
Our tricky words are like/are or some/put.
During maths we will continue on backwards counting.
During painting time we will be looking at complimentary colours.
A reminder that this Thursday is school photo day.
Next Friday is Purple Cake Day. The school will be raising money for children less fortunate than ourselves in India and Haiti. Each syndicate will be doing something different.
The seniors are hosting a 'Wheels Day' on Wednesday for a gold coin donation. Children can bring their scooter, bike, roller blades etc and during lunch time will be able to ride on the front field concreted area.
Our syndicate have decided to have Face Painting for $2 for the Kowhai children (3 classes).... but there is a small catch! We need some parents to volunteer their skills to help out. We plan to withdraw children from class in small groups.
So if you are available to help this Friday please let me know. 
This week Caroline will be teaching in Renwick 3 on Wednesday and Thursday as I have class release time for assessment and professional development.

Have a happy and safe week!