WOW! What a busy start to the term we have had so far. Here is the latest update on learning and events.
Celebration Assembly
We have just discovered that the dates on the community calendar were incorrect and as a result many of you will be unaware that Kowhai are hosting the Celebration Assembly TOMORROW. Firstly, our apologies for this. It is going to be a very simple assembly with some of our children sharing a small rakau item. If you are able to attend, we would love to see you there!
Reading
Next week, we are integrating our Inquiry into our Reading programme. During the week, the children will be reading a range of texts related to the Olympics. The focus will be on reading to gain an understanding and use the information. Our teaching focus will be on questioning (asking and answering questions about a text), and making connections with the text and ourselves as 'Olympic Learners'.
The children will bring home browsing box books for their nightly reading. The aim and purpose of these texts, will be to develop reading fluency and speed. You can support your child with this by encouraging them to read fast and think about how to change their voice to suit characters.
Inquiry
Last week, the children had an action packed day rotating around different Asian countries as part of our Social Sciences focus into learning about other cultures and countries. We were impressed with the knowledge and learning that took place. It has been wonderful to hear the children sharing this experience and knowledge at home.
Over the next week, we are looking more closely at the purpose of the Olympic Games, what it means to be an Olympian and what athletes have had to do to be able to compete. The children will learn the importance of the, 'One World' motto as many cultures gather in Rio.
M.A.D Time
We have been lucky enough to have some wonderful parents come in and support our M.A.D Time programme this term, and as a result we have been able to give the children the following options:
1. Sock puppet making
2. Birdhouse making (woodwork with Tony and Mike)
3. Construction
4. Choir
5. Community connections- Thorrington Resthome
6. Paper Mache
Gymnastics
As part of our P.E programme, we are participating in a gymnastics unit. So far the children have had experiences with static balances, locomotion, landing and spring. We have been impressed with the high engagement and focus on improving the control of movements. We are heading to the Christchurch School of Gymnastics and will need one parent per home group to come with us on the bus. If you are able to help, please email or see your home room teacher.
Hub 5/6/7- Tuesday 23rd August 9.30-12pm
Hub 8/9 - Tuesday 30th August 9.30am- 12pm
Literacy Quiz
On Thursday the 18th of August, we have two teams competing at the South Christchurch Literacy Quiz at Somerfield School. They have been reading a selection of picture book and will be quizzed on their knowledge of these books. We wish the very best to the children competing.
Waterbottles
Please ensure your child has a water bottle at school each day. We are actively encouraging the children to drink throughout the day, so thy remain hydrated.
Spellathon
We are really pleased with the children's focus at learning their Spellathon words. This is a fantastic fundraiser organised by the P.T.A and your support in collecting sponsorship or donations is greatly appreciated.
The dates for your diary are:
17th August- Cards returned to school
19th August- Testing day
31st August- Money and cards returned to school
2nd September - Morning tea to the first home group to return all forms and money
That's all for now!
Kowhai teachers