Term 4 Senior School Newsletter.

Term 4 Senior School Newsletter.

Term 4 is already upon us and 2011 is drawing to an end. It is going to be a challenging, yet exciting term and with only 8 weeks it will race by. I am sure that with the continued effort, enthusiasm and positive drive by the students in the Senior School we are all looking forward to celebrating a hugely successful year.

Term 4 is by no means time to slow down or lose focus. The Year 8s will be looking at readying themselves for high school and the Year 7s will be preparing to take their place as leaders of the school in 2011.

Wearable Arts Success.

I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to all the students for such a wonderful show. The energy, enthusiasm and effort put into this show has made us extremely proud of our current Year 7 and 8 group.

Other Year 7 & 8 Term 3 Successes Include:

·       Mathswell team competed in the regional maths problem solving competition.

Well done Meg, Hazel, Liam, Kieran, Casper and Marit

·       Meg and Carlotta won the Senior School Speech Competition.

·       All the students delivered a class speech. The overall quality was impressive.

·       Senior School ICAS results:

o      Writing - 4 Distinctions, and 4 Credits

o      Spelling - 2 Distinctions, and 3 Credits

o      Mathematics - 1 Distinction and 6 Credits

o      English - 1 High Distinction 5  Distinctions and 7 Credits

o      Science - 3 Distinction and 3 Credits.

·       Otago Problem Solving – 7 students scored above 20 and will go through to a final challenge in November.  19 students scored 15 or above.

·       The entire year 7-8 group were awarded a special prize for school performance in the nationwide SchoolGen competition and Hazel Sisson was awarded 2^nd prize overall for her effort.

·       18 students worked with Anne Harris supporting their literacy development

·       Xanthe, Rose, Kia and Carlotta took part in the WORLD VISION LEADERSHIP DAY

·       All the students were involved in an Indoor Sports Tournament.

·       30 students competed in a Soccer tournament.

·       Underwater hockey team- First place

·       Water polo team competed in the Lower Hut Water polo competition

·       Netball Team did extremely well in their division

·       Hayley, Tessa and Clara competed in the Regional Cross Country Competition.

·       Students continue to be involved in Muritai TV

·       Our leaders organized assemblies, charities and helped with a range of school wide events.

·       As well as a range of individual learning achievements.

Well done!

Abel Tasman.

Six Weeks to go for the Year 8s who are embarking on their end of year adventure. Thank you to those of you who have already paid the initial $195 deposit. An information pack well come home this week with equipment lists and trip details

As much as possible I try to make the students responsible for their preparation and personal organisation leading up to this trip. It is extremely important that they have completed all school requirements before going.

Year 7 EOTC Week

While the Year 8 students are away the Year 7 students will be involved in an exciting week of outdoor and art activities, including an over night stay at Mt Holdsworth. A notice will go home this week outlining the timetable.

Sunhats & Sunscreen

Students must wear sunhats in term 4. Please ensure your child brings one to school. It is also recommended that students apply sunscreen in the morning.

Swimming

Swimming starts in week 5. All children are required to be involved as part of the Physical Education Programme.

Stationery and organisation.

Please support your child’s need to be organised and prepared for each day by making sure they are well equipped with the correct stationery needs.

Conclusion

We want to maintain our very high standards for the children so they can reach their full potential. We know you want the best for your children so our expectations are very high as the children are moving from the primary environment towards secondary school. We want the simple things done extremely well so we can really focus on new and innovative learning opportunities. We welcome any dialogue with parents regarding issues with the children so that they can become the best that they can be.

Thank you all for what is turning out to be a wonderful year. Let’s continue to work hard and focus on having a successful year.

Thank you for you support,

Stephen Eames,

Senior School Newsletter Term Three 2011

Term Three is traditionally a busy and productive term with plenty of opportunities for students to continue to achieve and reach their full potential. The health inquiry unit is based around ‘The Power of One’, building confidence and learning strategies to help foster healthy relationships and personal safety and well being. The Wearable Arts Show this term should provide opportunities for students to shine. Also we are looking forward to class speeches as well as a range of other sporting and academic opportunities.

Time Management

Term one provided a structured approach to homework (Inquiry). In Term two students had to manage their time carefully to fulfill the requirements of their Eco house investigation. Term Three requires students to be involved in numerous projects going on at the same time. Things are getting very busy and it is critical that students keep on top of their workload. Time management and personal organisation are the keys to success, these will be encouraged and organizational skills and strategies taught.

There is always homework to do this term with: inquiry, wearable arts, speeches, maths homework and continual personal reading. Students are well supported in their planning and direction by the teaching staff. They will be given clear instructions and advice on how to manage their time and to be effective in working through the processes involved to ensure success.

Major Unit

This Term’s Unit is titled ‘ The Power of The One’ Big Idea: Empowering Ourselves and Supporting Others. We will be focusing on students:
Accepting themselves and others.

• Learning ways of coping with and celebrating their individual differences.
• Manaakitanga
• How we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we give regard to and care for others
• Making positive decisions and finding positive support amongst their peer group.

Through learning about these concepts students develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and motivation to be strong within themselves, make informed decisions and act in ways that contribute to their personal well being, the well being of other people and society as a whole.

After analysis the information from the parent survey we have created a unit that we believe caters for the needs of the students as indicated by the teachers, parents and students.

Gina Sinclair – Leadership workshops.

As part of our Term 3 unit Gina Sinclair, the Eastbourne Youth Worker, will be working with groups of students on a leadership programme

The programme will focus on four main areas.

• Building Community (cooperation and communication).
• Empower students through establishing trust.
• Cultivate Problem Solving.
• Challenge students to take risks and further responsibility - Leadership skills.

Literacy Focus - Narrative

What we want to achieve:

• Students should capture the audience’s attention by writing short stories, which are well crafted and interesting to read.
• Be able to critique a piece of writing (Give and receive advice in order to improve work collectively) Communicate effectively as an advice giver.

Students need to be aware, that as writers, it is important to take responsibility for every word they use. Make specific choices about the language and structures included in their writing so that the maximum meaning and effect is gained when reading it.

Maths – Fractions, Decimal and Percentages

This term we have a focus on fractions, decimals and percentages.

The main concepts we will be covering include:

· Understanding what a fraction is / identification

· Add and subtract fractions with same denominator

· Add and subtract fractions with like denominators

· Solve simple ratio problems (e.g. 1:2)

· Understanding mixed fractions

· Understanding decimals (to three decimal places)

· Add and subtract decimals

· Find fractions equivalent to one given

· Expressing ratios as fractions (e.g. 3:7 = 3/10)

· Be able to order fractions

· Express a fraction as a decimal and vv.

· Express quantities as fractions or percentages of a whole

· Find a given fraction or percentage of a whole

· Find a given fraction or percentage of a quality

· Multiplying fractions and decimals

· Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators

· Finding fractions in between 2 fractions

· Make links to algebraic equations

We will also be continuing to teach addition, subtraction and multiplication and division strategies.

Conferences last term

Last term’s parent conferences were fantastic. The general, overall feedback was extremely positive. Students are working hard and the positive reinforcement and encouragement that they are obviously receiving from home is helping to create extremely motivated students. Thank you for your support.

Portfolios

Thank you for returning your child’s portfolio to school and for all the positive feedback.

Production – ‘Wearable Arts’

The Wearable Arts Show will provide opportunities for a range of students to excel. We are really excited about this show. Information and requirements will be sent out in a separate e-mail by the end of the week.

Technicraft

Wednesday’s Technicraft programme continues. Students are onto their fourth rotation.

Ms Leniston

Mr Chadwick is on leave for next 3 weeks. Room 21 will be covered by Clare Leniston. Clare has been working in the Senior School for the last couple of years covering teacher release. Clare knows the students well and will provide a structured approach, which follows the Senior School programme.

Stationery and organisation.

Please support your child’s need to be organised and prepared for each day by making sure they are well equipped with the correct stationery needs.

Senior School Term Two 2011

It has been a tremendous start to the term. Students are motivated, positive and extremely enthusiastic about their learning. Term One was full of successes and we are extremely proud of our 2011 student group.

We call this term ‘The Work Term’. It is a term for students to really focus on their learning. Routines have been formed, expectations shared, classroom, syndicate and school programmes have been established. Ambassadors have their responsibilities. Students have learning goals and now they can focuses on reaching their next steps and achieving their goals.

If there is anything you would like to discuss or any concerns that you have leading into this term please do not hesitate in contacting you child’s classroom teacher.

The major integrated unit for this term is base around the wonderful picture book ‘Uno’s Garden’, By Graeme Base.

Big Idea: To understand the need to protect and preserve our local environment” Exploring the Living World and the issues and challenges around sustainability.

Uno's Garden is a rich story that delivers a powerful message through both its words and pictures. The diversity and detail of the illustrations tells a complex story that provides an excellent starting point for children to start considering their impact on their environment and how this can be positive.

We have an incredibly inquisitive group, who genuinely delight in the thrill of discovery. We will be giving them opportunities which will stimulate their curiosity, and develop their ability to form questions and explore and come up with answers (Theories)

The Senior School continues to be a busy place, with the focus on, giving students the opportunities and environment to be the best they can be.

The range of opportunities for this term include:

• School Disco Friday 6^th May
• Wellington Young Leaders Day on the 23^rd May (opportunity for Year 8s)
• Two Performances at School- A show titled ‘Friends.com’ on the 9^th June and Aranui Theatre group perform on the 28^th June.
• The Senior School Arts Programme continues Thursday Afternoons, Drama, Hip Hop, Music composition and Dance
• Technicraft on Wednesdays
• First ICAS tests. - Science, Spelling and English
• School Cross Country on 7^th June
• Otago Problem Solving challenges
• Kapa Haka group continues.

Please take the opportunity to look at your child’s class learning log.

Mr Eames – http://rm23learninglog.blogspot.com/

Mr Chadwick – http://rm21muritai.blogspot.com/

Ms Berry - http://room22muritai.blogspot.com/

Muritai School Senior School Newsletter

Term One 2011

Dear parents, caregivers and children,

Welcome to Year 7 and 8 at Muritai School. Our team believe these to be the most important years before heading off to secondary school. Students will have many challenges and high expectations for the forthcoming year, as do, Mr Chadwick, Ms Berry and myself. Over the next few weeks these will be explored and explained further.

We know we have a wonderful group of students who are ready for the challenges of the senior school and we have an exciting programme for the year.

Term One Integrated Unit

“Words to Live By” and The Treaty of Waitangi

Big Idea: How people participate individually and collectively to respond to challenges faced.

This term’s programme aims to develop harmonious relationships in the classroom and playground. In the next few weeks in the Senior School, we will be looking at the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups. We will examine the issues of human rights, Treaties, responsibilities, code of conduct for working with others.

Through this study we intend to help children to

· Develop and accept responsibility for their own thinking and learning.

· Demonstrate greater awareness and consideration for the rights of others, and the responsibilities, which these may involve.

· Understand the nature of rights, human rights, laws, rules, promises.

· Understanding the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi, what it means to us as New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.

· Establish classroom expectations, identity and pride.

· Develop strategies to cope with challenging situations, displaying resilience and perseverance.

· Appreciate and acknowledge the hardships our ancestors have been though. The resilience that was needed to survive in early New Zealand.

This unit is also set up to create a positive environment where children understand, appreciate and support one another.

How can the family support the learning process?

One of the most effective, beneficial and relevant homework tasks is daily discussion and encouragement. Topics are very relevant with a lot of links to worldwide and New Zealand issues. Rich debate and discussion is hugely valued. Please talk about and discuss current issues, which link to New Zealand’s special diverse nature and explore the ‘Big Idea’.

Please share your views and allow the students to share theirs.

Technicraft

Technicraft starts next Wednesday. Students will work their way through the following programmes - Food Technology, Woodwork, Textiles, Visual Arts, French and Te Reo Maori. Food tech, Woodwork and Textiles take place at Wainuiomata Intermediate and Te Reo Maori, French and Visual Arts take place at school.

It is important that students are well equipped and prepared for Wednesday. For Woodwork they must wear covered shoes, their hair must be tied back and for all options they must have the correct stationery requirements.

Arts Programme

Once again we are running a Thursday afternoon ‘Arts Programme’. All students will be involved in a variety of arts opportunities. We are very fortunate to have Ruth Hooke supporting this programme which starts in week 6.

Swimming

Swimming starts Friday! Please ensure you child brings their togs

Monday – Rm 21 & Rm 22

Tuesday – Rm 23 & Rm 22

Thursday – Rm21 & Rm 23

Friday - All .

In weeks 5 and 6 (21/2/11 to 3/3/11) Swimming will be everyday. Classes have been paired up and all students will receive professional swimming instruction from trained swimming coaches.

Sports Programme.

Hopefully we will continue to have lovely weather throughout term one to support our summer sports programme. Sport takes place on Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.40pm. Students need to be well prepared with the appropriate gear and a drink bottle is advised.

Meet the teacher - Information Sharing.

Meet the teacher interviews are to be held on the evening of 3^rd February (Thursday) starting at 3pm. These provide an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher, set goals, discuss individual circumstances and create a positive communication link between home and school. Please make an appointment through the office.

"Te Papa"

On the 14th of February the Senior School will visit Te Papa to explore three exciting exhibitions. The visit will include three areas of exploration. Attached is a permission slip, which also asks for parent help.. Please complete and return to school.

European Masters

This amazing exhibition includes artworks spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring 96 works by 70 of the greatest German, French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Swiss masters of the period. The extensive range of works and artists on show makes European Masters a wonderful opportunity for all students. This exhibition will provide an excellent introduction to the Senior Schools arts programme.

Blood, Earth, Fire

This exhibition is packed full of information and interactivity,

Blood, Earth, Fire will take us on an extraordinary journey of discovery through the changing landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Glass Treaty

The Treaty of Waitangi is living social document - debated, overlooked, celebrated. Is it a vision of peaceful co-existence and a platform on which all New Zealanders can build a future?

Some other reminders:

1. A named wide brimmed sun hat is a must.

2. If you bring valuables to school you are responsible for them – our advice is to keep them at home.

3. A well-balanced, healthy lunch accompanied by lots of WATER will improve your performance in the classroom. You can have a drink bottle in the classroom, but only if it contains water.

4. Appropriate clothing for swimming and sport is essential – remember to bring them on the days you need them.

5. Please label your child’s clothing.

6. Student must wear helmets on bikes

7. School starts at 8.50am so please be at school by 8.40am so you are ready for a prompt start to the day.

8. A positive attitude goes a long way!

As Year 7 and 8 students we are role models to our school community. I am sure you will set an exceptional standard for the rest of the school to follow.

Thank you for your continued support. Remember we are happy to help in any way with supporting the children to be the best that they can be.