Week 6 Term 3

Getting in early as I have a busy weekend ahead.
Camp:
Preparations for camp are whirring along - I have several people telling me already how many sleeps until we go.  The time sure has rocketed round quickly. The 3 teachers met with the parents travelling to camp on Thursday evening and have finalised areas of responsibility.  Sadly Mr Frew and Amelia will not be attending camp as Shane and Sara have just set up a new business. Mrs Ward met with the children on Friday afternoon to discuss "food choices" and we have been working really hard on our oral component of Te Reo. Fantastic to see how we are all stepping up to introduce ourselves with a mihimihi.  For some this is a huge ask, but with support its is exciting to see confidence building, so that by camp we should all be well prepared. Our kapahaka is looking polished, and we have added a poi to this. There are several people stepping up as leaders in this kapahaka group. We have Ms Tamati working with us again this Monday, and I know she will enjoy viewing this kapahaka and giving us pointers (especially me with my vowel pronunciation!), she will also listen to mihimihi and review the protocols for the powhiri that we have taught. We are so lucky to have her continue to work with us as a resource.
The list of what to bring to camp will come home in hard copy this week.
School Photos: Monday 12th September - the Monday straight after camp.  All families have had a slip go home that needs to be returned to Alyssa in the office as soon as possible.
Little Acts of Kindness Day Thursday 1st September -Mrs Sanders who works in Room 5 one day a week and is also the "Sticks and Stones" guru, has designed a paper we can fill in for others in our school who show acts of kindness.  These nominations need to be people who are not already in our friendship group. Nomination forms are in the classroom and Mrs Sanders will collect these on Wednesday.  On Thursday 30 people will receive a cupcake from Sticks and Stones. Sounds perfect as we often stop at the end of the day and always before we start a circle time and think about who has used the "fruits of the spirit" and give examples.  Go Mrs Sanders!!  A link for more information, because this is much wider than just St Gerards School: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kQzQGfhlBA2gYfWNyJu0HRSGaf-OBDOryeePPcmpj-Y/edit?usp=sharing
Polyfest - Dunedin Wednesday 14th September. Mr Yeoman is arranging transport for those who indicated that they are attending.  We are the last school to perform in the afternoon session on Wednesday.  Thank you to those who have indicated they are able to transport children or assist with costumes. I will contact those willing to fit costumes early in the week.

Homework:

1. Spelling
2. Reading
3. Learning mihimihi - a copy will be in homework books
4. Learning the words for musical songs - the first songs are in books now. We need a small group of Room 3&4 girls to sing. We'll secure the song early in the week then will have a quick audition. This song is sung while the ballet is danced, so some people will need to choose whether they want to dance in this or sing. They will all get to dance in "Fly Little Dove".

Enjoy your weekend - boy once again it's shaping up to be a busy week.  Breathe deeply and take one day at a time is my motto.