We hope that you all had a wonderful time with your children over the two-week break. We have had a stunning first week back and have launched feet first into all our key programmes.
Inquiry
Our inquiry concept continues to explore the theme of SUSTAINABILITY. This term sees the children digging deeper into this concept of well being with a particular focus on sleep.Over the next few weeks our classes will be taking part in Yes, I can! Sleep. This is a learning unit based around sleep and finding ways to improve your own sleep. Research has shown that as little as 10 minutes of lost sleep a night can lead to symptoms similar to ADHD. Our school is doing this unit in partnership with the University of Canterbury to try to improve the duration and quality of children’s sleep. We would like to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to make positive changes to their own sleep.
The tamariki will have the opportunity to learn about sleep. They will conduct their own research and present their information in unique ways. Together we will learn about the benefits of sleep and positive sleep hygiene. Tamariki will then be given the opportunity to monitor both the duration and quality of their sleep. They will be given a clock to put near their bed so that they can track the duration of their sleep. During this time, we encourage you to talk to your child about sleep and support them if they would lie to make small changes to their sleep environment and routines.
If you would like sleep support or to share your own knowledge on sleep, please join the parent Facebook group….
Next Thursday 10th May, we will be having our very first FULL SCHOOL cross country event. This year we have decided to have this event on the same day, so parents can easily support their child/children on the one day. This also provides us with the opportunity for our older students to support our younger students (tukana teina). We have begun to build up our fitness for this event and will be running each day. Please make sure your child has sensible running shoes at school each day as this will make the training much easier. Running in gumboots or dress boots is not ideal.
Home Learning
We began home learning again this week. Each night the children have 3 simple tasks to complete.
MMM- 1 minute timed test
Reading- Reading their book from school or a personal choice (10minutes)
Spelling- 5-6 spelling words identified as ones they need to learn.
Your child might like to try these strategies:
Rainbow Write- Write the word in different colours over the top of each other.
Staircase Spelling: Write a letter on each line gradually spelling the word.
Shaving Foam Spelling: Using shaving foam, write the words-
Swimming Lessons
As we mentioned at the end of last term, this term we will be going to Aqua Gym for 10 swimming lessons as our tamariki have not had swimming for the past two years here at school. The swimming lessons will be from 14th-25th May. The children will be put into an ability group by the instructors at the pool and we will have 3 sessions each day. The lessons are going to be 30 minutes in duration and ALL children will need a swimming cap for the lessons. This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to grow their swimming capabilities which are so important when living around water.
Parent/ Adult Help
We know we have an incredible group of parents and caregivers in our team and we would really love some adult help to come in to support some of our current programmes.
Ways you can help:
Maths- Helping children with their counting, writing/reading numbers
Reading- Listening to children read
Writing- Supporting children during a writing session
Baking- Coming in to bake with a small group of children
If you are able to assist us, please email or come in and see your home group teacher. We are open to any of your offers and know your help will greatly benefit many of the children in our team!
Dental Van
The dental van will be on site over the next couple of weeks to complete routine dental checks.
Dates for the dairy
School photos- Book that haircut, shine those shoes...school photos are happening on 28th May.