Monday, 2nd February 2015

Dear Parents,

Welcome to R18. I hope you all have had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, as I have had. The first half of the holidays was spent enjoying quality time with my young grandchildren and going to places I haven’t visited for some time now.

Our topic for this term is everything to do with ‘Water’. Children will be conducting a personal inquiry on any water issue and present their findings in a clear, creative way. The activities have been designed so that children are challenged to question what they know and understand about water. The Inquiry Process teaches children specific procedures and strategies for thinking and problem solving skills that are essential for answering their focus question. Conflicting ideas are raised, and children are encouraged to weigh into the debate. World Water Day (22nd March) is celebrated every year.

Children are encouraged to complete assignments using Google Classrooms but handing work in on hard copy is also acceptable. We will go over this during the first week.

Homework will require children to accumulate their knowledge on water through fact finding tasks. There are nine tasks and these can be handed in each week or at the end of the term. I would like children to be responsible for their learning so they can decide what works best for them. Of course, all work must be completed and handed in, ready for assessing before the term finishes. We will be researching Waitangi Day in W1.

Technocraft for us will be Wednesday morning. The bus will be leaving at 8.30am. The same requirements as in previous years apply – long hair to be tied back and covered in shoes must be worn. Excellent behaviour on the bus and at Bruce MacLaren Intermediate is expected at all times.

We will be swimming at Massey High School on Monday mornings from the 2nd – 30th March. All children need to participate as this will assist them with the water activities during Motutapu Camp,.

Please note the following dates for this term:

W1 – Friday Waitangi Day

W2 – Thursday ‘Meet and Greet’ evening (5.00 – 7.00pm)

W3 – Monday Muriwai Surf Safety - $16.00 – we need parent helpers please

W4 – Monday Y8 girls immunisation talks/DVD

W5 - Monday Swimming at Massey High School (5x lessons each Monday)

W7 – Tuesday Y8 girls immunisation

W9 – Thursday Last Day for T1

W9 – Friday Good Friday

Reminders:

-  Hats must be worn at all times during this term

-  Friday lunches will continue this year

-  Morning Tea is available to be purchased every day

-  Senior camp is T2W3 (4th – 8th May)

I look forward to meeting you during our ‘Meet and Greet’ evening. If you have any concerns either contact me through the school email – or come to R18 before or after school.

Yours

Debbie Southey

R18 Teacher - Y6/7/8 Team Leader