Term 3 Week 2 in the Kahikatea Team

Kia ora koutou,

Here we are into the second week of Term 3 already. We all had a wonderful first week back at school, following fantastic holidays, and what incredible weather we enjoyed throughout our two week break!

Here are some highlights and points to note from Week 1, as well as for the week to come:

Mihi
Over the next couple of weeks, our children are going to be working on developing their mihi. This is going to provide a springboard for us into our focus, Amazing Asia, this term. We are currently delving into the meaning of the word 'culture', looking at what that means for us, before looking into the cultures of various countries in Asia. It would be very helpful for us if you are able to discuss with your child, the names of the following:

  • The name of a mountain (if appropriate to your family)
  • The name of a river/lake/sea (if appropriate to your family)
  • The name of the town or city which you hail from
  • Your Christian names (father and mother)

 You or your child could write this information down so that it can be brought into school. Many thanks for your support with this.

Library
Please note that all children in the Kahikatea team will now be visiting the library on Fridays. Children will be taken to the library at times throughout the day, so if, for some reason, some children don't manage to exchange their library books on Friday, they are being encouraged to visit the library during a lunchtime instead.

Home Learning
Thank you so much for your ongoing support with your child's home learning. Regular practice of both Mad Maths Minute equations and spelling words is making a huge difference to your child's progress in each of these areas!

Water
Please ensure that your child has a water bottle each day. We are actively encouraging the children to drink water throughout the day, so that they remain hydrated. Please also remind your child to bring his or her water bottle home regularly for cleaning!

Snack Station
Learning spaces are going to have (or already have) a 'Snack Station' set up each morning. Children are encouraged to select a (wrapped and named, or in a named container) piece of fruit from their lunchboxes to put out at the Snack Station. This can then be eaten at some point between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Years 1 and 2 Kapa Haka
Congratulations to our Kapa Haka group - the group travelled into the Art Gallery last Thursday, to perform for members of the public. The children were accompanied by Sherrilee and Jenny, as well as some parents. We are all very proud of you, children! You performed beautifully and were all very well-behaved. Well done.

Writing
We are currently learning about a new genre of writing: persuasive writing! In this genre of writing, we follow a format in which we give our opinion, back it up with supportive statements, give examples and then restate our opinion. Please feel free to come into our learning spaces and have a look at some of our persuasive writing!
Last week we also wrote recounts telling about holiday events. Here are examples from two Hub 3/4 authors:

Japan

I went to Japan. At Japan, I went to Disneyland. It was awesome. I went with my Mum and sister.
I saw Tigger and Donald Duck. I saw Mickey Mouse as well.
I saw a Disney car. It was so cool. People were standing on the car. There were lights all over it.
I saw a giant castle with my Mum. It was awesome on the castle. I saw a thousand lights on the castle.
When it was night at Disneyland, it was time for the going party.
There were Disney characters zooming past my face!


Shopping

I went shopping to get some milk and bread to have some lunch.
I went with Mum and Dad and my brother.
When I went home, I ate some bread.



All best for the week ahead, everyone.

Nga mihi,
Kahikatea team teachers 


Term 3 Learning in Team Pōhutukawa

This term, the two central themes for learning in Team Pōhutukawa are "Asia Awareness" and "Entrepreneurship". As part of their learning, our students will work in small groups to investigate an Asian culture of their choice. They will then learn to develop an authentic business based on this culture throughout the rest of the term.

In Week 8, the students will open their businesses at a special "Market Day" that families and the other classes will be invited to. During the Market Day, each business will operate a small shop where the children will sell their Asian themed product/service. The money raised from the businesses will go towards reducing the cost of camp in Term 4.

The children will be provided with some start-up resources for their business. They are also allowed to accept donations from family members but this is entirely at your discretion. Please do not feel pressured to contribute anything at all unless you want to. This is an authentic opportunity for the children to develop financial literacy skills and understand the value of money.

The children are very excited about developing their businesses and we are all looking forward to Market Day.

Cultural Studies


Asia Awareness

What an exciting first week back! 

The children in Pōhutukawa have dived straight into their learning for this term by exploring a range of Asian countries and cultures. Both hubs have been completing a variety of research and experiences to embrace different Asian culture. Some of these cultures even belong to children in our very own hubs so it has been an exciting opportunity to get to know more about these in particular.


I have been exploring Japan with my group and on Thursday we decided to have a go at making sushi. A very messy, yet exciting task! Below is a video of one of our students completing the 'wasabi challenge'. I gave the challenge a go myself and can confirm it is no easy feat. A big thanks to Fonterra's Milk in Schools programme for the aftercare support for the brave souls who took on the challenge.

Caitlyn



Kahikatea Team 2016-07-29 18:16:00

We Love Challenge!


From Friday Creative Art Workshop in Hub 2 with Dorinda and Amber - Movable fish! Dorinda had wanted to display them in the classroom but they were soooooo popular - they just had to go home!
All Hubs in Kahikatea will get a chance to make these creative pets!











Some photos from this week's Discovery Stations







Make a bridge with Lego Challenge


Make a Lego dinosaur


Fun Times in the Holidays

I went on two planes to got to the USA (United States of America) and I got to watch TV and I got headphones and we were on top of the clouds and it was awesome but we were in the plane for one whole night and I was tired!

by Ishaan

In the holidays I went to the bird park with my Mum and Daddy. It was very very fun. I saw birds, but they couldn't get our because they were in an enclosure. There were lots of birds. They went on my legs. They went on my arms. 

By James

I went to the movies and it was fun. There was a movie called Ice Age. It took a long time to watch the movie.
By Moa

My brother found a drift cart. It had no seat. My brother went to the Z. He pumped up the tyres. We had fun. My brother came back home. 

By Michaela

I went to the competition. I scootered around and landed a tail whip first try. Mum and dad dropped me and Jackson off and Ash was there too. 

By Jamie