Softball

Posted on 18 March, 201618 March, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

We have been very fortunate the past few weeks to have Canterbury Softball at Beckenham School teaching our year five and six students some key throwing, catching and batting skills. Today was our last session and the children had a great time putting to good use all the key skills they have been practicing. Here is a video of one our students doing a massive hit and the fielders working extremely hard to get him out. Have a look to see the outcome and how in Pōhutukawa whānau we love challenge and we get there together!

Caitlyn

Swimming at Jellie Park

Posted on 15 March, 201615 March, 2016 by Caitlyn Downing

What an incredible day we had yesterday at the pool! We had a slightly chilly start to the day but luckily the sun came out and everyone had a really great time. The children all did an excellent job at upholding our school values 'we get there together'. My personal favourite moment from the trip was seeing dozens of children deciding to demonstrate how they 'love challenge' by jumping off the highest diving board! I was so impressed that I too decided to join in the fun (which I later regretted once I had climbed to the top of the ladder!). It was a fantastic day! A HUGE thank you to all the parents who supported us on the day. Without your help trips like this wouldn't be possible.

Caitlyn

Refugees!

Posted on 5 March, 20165 March, 2016 by Susan Walsh

In Team Pōhutukawa we are learning about refugees. We have been simulating the refugee experience in our hubs through a series of games.

The children have been sorted into families and each family has their own refugee story.

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We have had to find our family while blindfolded (simulating the experience of being in a bombed city)

In both hubs we set up a refugee camp for a day.

Not a very comfortable place to work and sleep!

Waiting for the daily allowance of rice.

The next part of our learning is for the children to work together in groups to research a group of refugees. We will encourage them to think critically and empathetically when they ask questions and research their chosen group. We would love you to talk about their research and support them in their inquiry.

Team Building:

Posted on 25 February, 201625 February, 2016 by Susan Walsh

Team building challenges teach us to work together and help us to learn more about ourselves and each other. They have also been amazing at helping us to deal with the HEAT! In the afternoons, when our rooms get hot and stuffy, what could be nicer that team building challenges with WATER?

Water Balloon relays!

Slip and Slide!

Sharing our Learning – Statistics

Posted on 25 February, 201625 February, 2016 by Susan Walsh

Have you ever wondered which coloured jelly bean is easiest to identify by taste alone? How about which one is the most difficult to identify? This question formed the basis of a statistical investigation in both hubs in Team Pōhutukawa.

We worked together to gather data and then were able to make statements using the data as evidence. (In case you were wondering, the easiest colour to identify is definitely black, and the hardest one appears to be pink!) Of course, nobody minded testing the colours!

We are now working in groups on our own statistical investigations, using Google Forms to gather data. It is a real challenge to ask the right questions so that the data we gather will be useful.

When our surveys are completed Google Forms automatically generates graphs to show us the information we have gathered. Here are some examples:

This is such valuable information for our teachers!