" What lies beneath us? "
As a science focus we are looking at the Physical World and Our Planet. We live in a pretty unique place in Rotorua, world reknowned for its Thermal activity so we are looking at the composition of our planet to understand the many Legends and facts about Rotorua. The Rocks display has really brought many gems (pardon the pun) out in the open capturing the children's minds as they have shared their own rocks from home
Today we have even had a visit from a Jeweller showing the "Precious" Igneous rocks and how we find and then work on them to make them special. Including a 1.5 carat white diamond ring! Very special.
A big thanks to Hayley and Phil for sharing their knowledge today.
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| The class listening to Phill and Hayley explain the hardness of different gems. |
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| Hayley took the precious stones around showing how cutting , heating and polishing make the ordinary rocks look very special. |
We will also cover this term how the Earths crust is made from the different rock types and look at the 'Rock Cycle" that occurs on earth over millions of years.
Our trip to Te Puia will further support this and is now confirmed for WEDNESDAY the 21st of JUNE. So please mark this in your calendars. We will be going with room 4 on that day and a notice with details will come home shortly ( please look out for this.) If you are able to accompany us to help with supervision please return the attached slip.
You may have noticed or heard from your child about our Energy Bus on the class display board. This is to reinforce how we energise ourselves, others and events with our goodwill and kindness. This follows on from our unit on making friends last term. Helping others, encouraging others efforts and giving our best efforts are "This Terms Focus" ( as part of our Key Competencies." Responsibility for Ourselves" and "Respect" ) This was seen in our recent Fun Run and in class play activities. If you see this at home please encourage and acknowledge their efforts to help.
3 Way Interviews:
Today you will also have received an address and code to book your time for 3 way interviews next week. We have 2 days Wednesday and Thursday. This needs to be completed online. If this is difficult for you , you can make the bookings in our school library/ computer suite. A reminder that this is a 3 way meeting so your child will need to come with you. Our focus is on where to next and making new goals together to sustain progress. You will also be able to take home their folders to see samples of work completed so far. Returning these the following week to the class.
The cooler weather is now here with some spectacular frosts experienced already. Amazingly some children seemed to be sneaking out of the house in the morning with no coats or jumpers to wear! However these same children are cold during the day and are often sick or want to stay inside during breaks . Can you please help me and check to make sure they have an extra layer of clothing for when we go outside. We do try to keep the rooms warm, however outside activities often need the extra layers and shoes.
Well I look forward to seeing you all next week with your child to celebrate their progress so far and plan goals for them.
Nadine McLaughlin
