Year 3 & 4 Eisteddfod Performers

Wow, what a hard job to choose only 6 performers.  After much deliberation these will be the Year 3 & 4 people who will present their song at the eisteddfod assembly: Archie Reid, Alia Ryan, Annajhay Waldron, Casey Jenkinson, Mason Broome, Jelena Morrell.
These children were chosen after a semi final where 12 children all had super presentations.
Thank you all so much for your support in helping everyone to prepare a song.

Library visit

Hi All

Just a reminder this Friday we will be visiting the Town Library providing we have a couple of parents to walk with us.  We leave at 9.50 back approx 11am.  Please email as soon as poss, if you can walk this week:  adelewaldron@stgerards.school.nz

Our next visit will be the first week in term 4 (Friday 14th of October) and fortnightly thereafter.  

Thanks, Adele 

Netball Skirts & Tracksuit Jackets

Netball Skirts:
There is a box in the office for these to be dropped in to.  Please make sure that it is in a plastic bag and named. Thank you.

tracksuit Jackets:
These were issued to the kapahaka group last week.  Please return these to Loretta's desk in the room between Rooms 3 & 4.  Loretta has a note of the numbers and can check then off.

It would be great to have this all sorted before the end of the week.

Do You Want To Be Part of the Procession?

The Neighbourhood Support group have a "florrie" - 'There was an old woman who lived in a shoe ' and they need children to walk behind it dressed in old fashioned clothing. If your child/ren are interested please ring Ruth 4487619 by Tuesday night. She will arrange to get a costume from the musical society on Wednesday for this, and talk about arrangements for Saturday.
I received a phone call this morning and talked to a few children while I was on duty - some were quite interested - last minute I know, but Ruth is lovely and belongs to St Enoch's, so happy to help her out.

Round the Clock Race

NEWS FLASH - ROUND THE CLOCK RACE

We are hoping to have a couple of kids teams in the Round the Clock Race on Friday night as a part of The Blossom Festival Celebrations.  This is the best race in the world if you ask me and a unique opportunity for all to take part in a world class race!

For all parents interested in helping out with managing a school team - please could you let us know! This really only involves about an hour of your time! 

Alternatively why not enter the race yourselves!!!

For all interested children there will be a meeting at school tomorrow to sort teams.

Mrs Lyon & Mrs Beilby & Mr Yeoman

Yes Year 3 & 4 can participate as long as we have sufficient parent help.

Week 9 Term 3

Wow! Last week already.
We have begun our rehearsals together for Noah, which will be the largest part of our learning this week.  It is exciting to see each class' part of the musical and all our singing practice is now fitting into the whole story with the dialogue.  Thank you Mrs Ward for showing the "Noah Story" as part of school prayer this morning.
Costumes:
* Girls are doves - white tops and white tights/leggings with bare feet.  We will be getting white masks to which a beak will be attached.
* Boys are Jamaican dancers - yellow, red or green tee shirts with black pants. If anyone has access to a red/green/yellow beret that would be great.
Please see me if there are any problems.
Singing Eisteddfods: are being heard Monday and Tuesday by Mrs Waldron and Mrs Ward.  I am disappointed not to be hearing these. Information is in a previous post about the assessment for these.
Eisteddfod Assembly is Thursday 22 September at 1:30. Names of those singing will be in the school newsletter and will also be posted on the blog.
Athletic Rotations Monday and Wednesday: School sports uniforms - that means black shorts please. We have been so lucky to have had such super weather for this.
Sunhats: As we are now having lunch on the courts, sunhat should be worn in the playground.  The sun has quite a nip already and we need to be sun safe. Room 3 please lead the school in this.  A couple of people already have their hats - let's make it everyone in Room 3.
Homework: learning words for the musical.  Lots of the singing is sounding fantastic and words are well known. We are on stage for the entire musical so will need to look like we all know the songs. Keep working on these. The last few songs will be in homework books this week.
I have a ticket each for the rides in the park, which will be named and given out on Tuesday. Check the bag for these.
Several of our ex-students are performing in the local musical "The Pirates of Penzance" - please support this.
Hoping that this wonderful spring weather continues through the holidays. Take care and enjoy a great family break.

Chris

Morning Programme 16-09-16

First up today was Casey who introduced us to a New Zealander who became famous back in 1955 (have you worked out how many years ago that was?) for the role she played in trying to help save the extension of Nelson's railway line to the West Coast.  This was really important to people at the time as it was how goods were delivered and a form of travel.  Ruth and four other woman travelled to a small rail station at a place called Kiwi, where they sat for a whole week in a shed on the railway line to try and block the demolition.  Their protest got attention all around the world but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful and the railway was scrapped.  What is extra special about Ruth Page is that she later became a neighbour of Casey's great-nana.  Casey's Mum can remember visiting her for a chat and a cuppa.

Next up was Adam, who gave us a book review of "Geronimo Stilton, A Race Against Time" by Elisabetta Dami.  In this story Geronimo (a mouse) travels back through time to the Ice Age, ancient Greece, and the Renaissance.  Adam recommends this book and all the Geronimo Stilton books because they are good for boys and girls to read and they make you want to read more.  The author uses interesting fonts and funny words like "enormouse!"

Amelia was next.  She demonstrated how to make an origami swan.  Step by step she showed and told us how to fold a rectangle piece of paper.  It was a lot like making a paper plane and it even flew!  Here's a link to try one, this is a little trickier than Amelia's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bofHx6N9W1k

Next up was Otis, who told us all about himself.  Who knew Otis was named after a brand that makes Escalators - he's definitely going up in this world!  His middle name, John is a family name, the same as his Dad, his Poppy and his Poppy Pete which is really special.  Otis used to live just down on Killarny Street, but now he lives in the house where his Dad grew up and even sleeps in his Dad's old room.  Otis loves hunting with his Dad and sister, Zaria and going for walks along the river track with all his family and Tessa the dog.

Next was Greer who told us about a Current Event - our very own Sophie Pascoe and the success she is having at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.  This is Sophie's third olympics and she has now won 9 gold medals and 6 silver meaning she is NZ's most successful paralympian.  Sophie became disable at age 2 when she got accidentally caught under her Dad's ride-on lawnmower and had to have one of her legs amputated.

Finally today was Charlotte who told us how to make a cake, using only 4 ingredients, yes, only 4!  She told us we needed 1 1/2 cups of self raising flour, 3/4 cup of caster sugar, 1 cup of thickened cream and 2 eggs. She explained the method, which was easy-peasy, then yes, that's right she gave us a piece to try and... it was delissimo.  She also gave us each a copy of the recipe to try at home.  

Live Stream Option - Dunedin Politest

Hi all,

Helen Ryan has just let me know that there is a live stream option to watch the Polyfest in Dunedin. Take a look.  We are the last items Wednesday afternoon session.

Singing Eisteddfod Criteria

WALTs:

·       Prepare and present a song using performance skills and techniques

·       Reflect on the live performances of the eisteddfod songs

Introduction State the name of the song Tell about who wrote it and /or who recorded it Say why you chose it	/5
Pitch Staying in tune throughout the performance	/5
Diction Singing the words clearly so that we can hear each word Remember to put the "t" or "p'' at the end of words Sing loud enough for the audience to hear	/5
Audience suitability Choosing something that Rooms 3 & 4 will enjoy Words suitable for our age group Theme suitable for our age group	/5
Preparation Know the song off by heart Actions? Costume?	/5
Total Score	/25

What a great bunch!

Sitting under the verandah between the wharenui and the share kai.

The happy campers ready to leave for the museum adventure.

Week 8 Term 3

It was wonderful to hear the chatter amongst everyone this morning about the learning and total enjoyment of camp - well worth all the organisation.
Thank you so much to the parents who accompanied us - you were all invaluable, and the way you all took part in the activities really encouraged everyone to get the best out of the experiences.
Our bus driver, Peter even gave us an extra experience by suggesting that the albatrosses would be flying in the strong wind and drove us down to the heads to look.  There were one or two that we spotted from the bus, but only saw what seemed like hundreds of seagulls flying and roosting.  Thank you, Peter.  Jacko spotted an albatross swoop right past the dining room window at tea time - wow we had to be quick to see it as it lined up the heads to land.
Rooms 3 & 4 will lead assembly at 2:10 this week - sharing of our camp. Mrs Ward is busy making an amazing i-movie of the photos taken, which she will show as part of this. She is happy to make copies for people to have - not before the holidays - watch the blog as to how you can get your copy.
Friday Mass 12:00 - lead by Rooms 5 & 6
This Sunday many of our Year 4 children are celebrating the sacrament of confirmation at the 9:00am mass.  Please support them as they take another step in their journey towards becoming full members of the church.

This last two weeks of term only gets busier!!
Athletic Training: begins this week. Tuesday and Thursday from 2:10 till 2:50, then Monday & Wednesday next week. Please wear school sports uniform for this training. It is easiest to come to school in school track pants, black shorts, school tee-shirt and school jersey/sweatshirt on these days.
Uniform: can be either summer or winter until the end of the term - no mixing parts of each.  Mrs Eastwood spoke to everyone about this option.
Kapahaka: performed in their costumes to the school - it was fantastic.  Great to see some parents attend this dress rehearsal. I'm feeling very proud of the group.  Thank you Mrs Williams and Mrs Battrick for fitting and altering the dresses for this year's group.
Blog: I try to have this blog up by Monday night rather than Sunday as I can make sure that the information I have on this is up to date from the Monday Staff Meeting or Syndicate Meeting.  If there is extra information after this time, an extra blog is posted.  I hope I explained this at the Meet The Teacher Evening at the beginning of the year and that everyone is happy with this.

Homework

1. Reading = words from the musical songs.  There are 3 in books to learn by heart and others will be added later in the week.
2. Spelling: "ou" sound.  Test on Friday.
3. Eisteddfod Song: these will be presented next Monday and Tuesday with the Eisteddfod assembly at 1:30 on Thursday 22nd September. Songs can be something that we have sung at school, a waiata that is well known, a song from the musical or one of your own choice.

The Art Gallery Images

A selection of the art work drawn under the guidance of John the tutor at the art gallery.  Many are still not finished so will be completed at school.  John has kept these images (without names) and they may well appear in Art Gallery information packages.

Hi-viz Vests For Camp

Oops - please make sure that your child has their hi-viz vest in their day pack. Omitted this from the list earlier.  I will  borrow one for Quinn, Hayvin, Payton and Charlotte O  have not been issued a vest this year.  Time to check the wardrobe, under the bed or the bottoms of school bags, as many people tell me that theirs is at home.  A big investment was put into these, so that we did not have to worry when we went on EOTC trips e.g.: to the library or school camps.
Looking forward to seeing all those vests back where they belong - on people's backs to keep them safe.

Week 7 Term 2

Well the week has arrived.
Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful Dads.  I'm sure that you were treated yesterday. Congratulations to the O'Kane family who welcomed a new little son to the family over the weekend. Welcome little "Asher" - please let me know if this is not the correct spelling.

Not much to put on here as all information has been shared in plenty of time.

Thank you to those people who returned their "fish and chip" order today.  Mrs Ward has collated these and I will place the order tomorrow after school.  Please make sure that we have your written request, as some meals have only been ordered verbally.

This week our homework is "getting ready for camp":

• keeping bedrooms and clothes tidy
• packing our bags
• being a team member and helping with family chores
• organising the clothing needed for camp
• having a bag for under the bus and a day bag with the items needed - the information for this is on the blog, but each person also took home a hard copy for the fridge door. Don't forget your drink bottle.
• working on learning our mihimihi, so that we can confidently present these 

The Monday straight after camp is school photo day. All photos will be taken in correct winter uniform.  If you have been in a sports team please bring your sports uniform so that you are wearing this for the team photo. Coaches and managers please find out from Alyssa the time of the sports photos as we would love to have you in these photos too.  You have no idea how exciting it was at the centenary when people looked at old team photos.

Counting down the hours - don't forget a windproof and waterproof jacket as the weather forecast is not entirely promising.

Swim buddies will be arranged and it would be great to have more than 2 parents to swim with the group if possible.

MP 2nd September 2016

Just before we launch into a review of today's Morning Programme presentations, a wee reminder:

As we will be on camp next Friday our next trip to the Public Library will not be until Friday the 23rd of September, which is the last day of term.  Unfortunately we can't go the week prior as we alternate with other schools.  So it might be an idea to visit the Library one day before then, to return or at least renew books, otherwise fines will be applied to overdue books.

 

Okey dokey, first up today, was Mason, who reviewed a book he got from his grandad called "Gangsta Granny" by David Walliams and illustrated by Tony Ross.  There are other books by the same author like "Mr Stink," "Rat Burger," "Awful Auntie" and others.  In "Gangsta Granny" Granny is a pretty typical grandma - glasses, hearing aids, white hair, hairy chin, smells like cabbage... however, she was once a jewel thief and has been plotting all of her life to steal the Crown Jewels!  To do this she needs her grandson Ben's help.

Next up was Amelia, who told us about a place that is memorable for her.  This particular place is where we are all heading next week for school camp.  Yes, you guessed it - Dunedin, on the East Coast of the South Island of NZ. Now, on this particular occasion when Amelia's family and Nia and Frans' family were fishing off a jetty in Dunedin's Harbour, Amelia managed to cast not only her fishing rod into the water, but... herself as well!  No wonder Dunedin is memorable!

After this was Charlotte who told us about a current event.  Charlotte reported about the Primeminister, John Key coming to visit Alexandra.  She told us that he went to Dunstan High School and was the first Primeminister to ever visit the highschool.  He also went to Earnscleugh Station to see some sheep being shorn.  But what was extra special for Charlotte was that John Key visited Alexandra kindegarten which is where she used to go before she started at St Gerards and now her little sister Paige goes.  She showed us a picture of the primeminster in the sandpit with some kids and one of them was Quinn's little brother, Rocky!

After Charlotte's current Events we had a catch up current events from Lily.  Lily's current events was also local news.  She told us that her family's shop, "The Central Otago Sports Depot" is moving shops to a bigger space.  They will have new big security screens and much more room.  But first they have to do some renovation work and knock down some walls.  Lily is looking forward to helping with this part!

Next up was Hayvin, who told us all about himself and his whanau.  Did you know that Hayvin's name is made up from the first part of his Mum's name (Hayley) and the last part of his Dad's name (Kevin), how awesome!  Hayvin belongs to two different iwi or tribes, Rangitane which is his Mum's family and Tuwharetoa, his Dad's.  Hayvin loves rugby, hunting with his Dad and brother Tane and having sleepovers with his friends!

Finally today was Sophie, who told us how to make a very traditional  and scrumptious NZ biscuit, the ANZAC cookie.  "First you melt butter and golden syrup, next you add water and boil.  After this you add some baking soda which should make it fizz like a volcano, if it doesn't, this not good!  Next you mix in all the dry ingredients.  Then you roll it into balls, flatten them and bake in the oven."  Sophie brought along a sample for each of us to try which were amazing.  She had sandwiched two together with some chocolate icing, mmmmm!  What was even better, she gave us each a recipe so that we could bake some ourselves at home.