Term 1 Week 4

What a huge week we had last week, (especially me who had been away for the weekend), with swimming sports and the New Zealand Playhouse production "The Fairest of them All", which was based around characters from fairy tales that we knew, who used social media. A great opportunity to talk about how much more fun it is to play with friends, and use the outdoors rather than spend all our time on devices. The children found it very funny when one of the characters didn't know how to have a conversation with someone at a table. Great learning themes at different levels for throughout the school.
Swimming Sports: thank you so much to all of you for your support with this event - time keepers/parents who were there to encourage our young swimmers.  I was especially proud of several of our class members who found the courage to swim in the big pool. Great to see everyone participate and do their best in such a variety of races, and great to hear you encouraging each other too.
Meet the Teacher:  super to see so many people there even though the weather wasn't that flash for a picnic. For those of you who were unable to make the evening I have sent home the information that parents received - many of you have had children in my class before and I'm sure that you all know to be in touch early if there is anything that you need clarified.
Father Pat visited our room last Wednesday afternoon to talk with us about prayer.
Release time and Mrs Flannery: this week Mrs Waldron or I will be out of the room on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning while Mrs Flannery begins our ICT learning. A sheet (contract) will come home for you to sign - please check the back packs.  Once you have signed these they will be glued into the back of our topic/inquiry books. Mrs Flannery explained what she was doing in relation to being safe on devices at the beginning of the Meet the Teacher Evening. If there are any questions please contact her.
Beatrix Potter: oh my goodness, what beautiful books have been brought to school - thank you. As part of our reading this term we are going to look at an 'author study' and it will be based on Beatrix. At present we are all enjoying listening to her writing, viewing her illustrations and getting to know her many characters. We are dipping our toes in! Later we will move into 'finding out' as we begin to focus on what we each of us wants to know. Mrs Flannery will be teaching some specific skills so that we can use our technology effectively for this.
Assembly: 2:10 in the hall this Friday.  Room 6 will be leading this.

Homework

1. Reading: every night, please record your reading in the log at the back of the homework book.
2. Maths: Study Ladder - Mrs Waldron has set some tasks on here.
3. Spelling: practice sheets are in homework books this week.  Some people are completing theirs with Loretta until they are secure in how this is done.  Spelling should be an independent homework activity. Homework books need to be at school so that Loretta can work on the sheets. If anyone is unsure as to how the sheet works please make a time so that I can run through this with you - very simple once you know how the Spelling Alive programme works.
4. Morning Programme: some exciting programmes are being worked on - check the timetable for your presentation date.
5. Triathlon: the date set for the school event is Monday 14th March 12 - 2:30. Now that swimming is over, it is a good idea to keep your practice up so that the swim leg will be a breeze. We will begin to practise our running as part of our PE programme next week, so bring a pair of running shoes, and closer to the event will bring bikes to school so that we can practise the transition from the run to the bike. Time to get your bike checked to make sure that it is in working order and safe for riding. Perhaps you may want to begin a run or a bike at home, to get fit for the big event. Great outdoor homework.
6. Dance Mat Typing: has anyone had a go?