Literacy Learning in Hub 21/22

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In Hub 21/22 we settle into the school day with literacy learning. We begin with writing, which is done in home groups. Our latest text type has been persuasive writing which was ignited by the topic of 'Scooters should be banned at Beckenham School'. We had some very interesting discussions around this.

Please enjoy reading the following two examples of children's work.



After writing, we begin reading. We are in groups and have different activities each day. These include independent novel study, Olympics activities, guided reading with the teacher, and plays. We enjoyed watching two groups perform their plays this morning.








Kowhai Newsletter Week 3 Term 3

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Hi everyone,

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

Kauri Whanau Week 3 Update

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Ski Trip: 

There are just a few people left to fill in the ski form. Here is the link.  Today you should have received the ski notice which includes a gear list. If you are joining us as a parent helper, another notice will be emailed to you later this week. Many thanks to the families who loaned us skis and boots today, so that our first time skiers could experience the equipment, without the slippery surface. If you have offered to lend clothing, please name it and send it along to school this week.





Speeches:

Children should be finished writing their speeches by this Thursday. Please ask your child to show you what they have written. If they haven't finished, please encourage them to complete their speech at home by Monday. The speech needs to tell a story and be between 3 and 5 minutes long. As well as writing their speech, the children also need to spend time practising the presentation, with an emphasis on expression, gesture and eye contact. While we will be working on this next week at school, practise at home as well will make a big difference to confidence levels and success.

Becamath:

On Monday afternoon we held our annual Becamath competition, our version of Cantamath problem solving. The teamwork was fabulous, determination impressive and enthusiasm contagious. Well done to all teams for their superb effort. The first placed Year 7 team was from Coast: Isla, Vita, Tyler and Isaac. The first placed Year 8 team was from Forest: Ruben, Holly, William and Shaun. It was interesting to observe the number of children who stood up while working.










Touch in Term 4:

SmartTouch is a touch rugby competition organised by St Martins School for local schools, held at Waltham Park on Thursday afternoons in term 4. The idea is for children to get together in teams of at least six, three boys and three girls, with a parent to act as manager / coach. Go to the SmartTouch site to register a team.