Week 10 .....and the heavens have opened !!!!!

A big hello to everyone. As the term closes we look back on all the exciting things we have achieved. Aquatics, water Safety, Fun Sports "House" days, training for our Fun run on next term, established new friendships and skills in our Reading, Writing and Maths.... A busy term which is fast coming to an end next week. A huge thankyou to all the parents who have done all the extra, both at home and school. From visits with family pet pigs, swimming helpers at the Aquatic Centre, to the many parents who baked and brought in extra treats to celebrate birthdays. It's all really appreciated.
 Many of you will have seen the photos up in the classroom, along with your child's latest work on their Story Boards....but for those who don't make it in or live elsewhere here are just some of the priceless photos taken this term

Swimming  'Life saving skills "

Learning to float with everyday things

Survival floating with the instructor

New Friendships formed as the class faced their challenges together.

All the Teams kitted out with their life jackets ready for the deep pool activities. Butterflies in the tummy but ready to do it!


Of course this wouldn't have been possible without the help of parents on the day .(Some are absent when we took the photo due to work commitments but a huge thanks to all who helped)

Week 5 and the class is beginning to hum ...

Yes it's week 5 and the class is beginning to hum with the sound of brains, personalities and energy whirring around. The class are now settled into groups, routines and have taken ownership for their class and learning.
We welcome a new girl to our class Antonya-Swan from Westbrook School, who in the first day has really settled into the class. Fun Friday has started where we learn through play and focus on our creativity. Attached are a few photos of our first session .

Creating a birthday cake for Lauren.

Girl Power!

Future Traffic Controllers.

Last weeks trophy winners with Bernie!

Week 1 and we are away!

What a wonderful start to the year with an amazing group of caring "Super Learners". A big  welcome to all of the families and especially  our 2 new people to our school. Doris and Oliver (Ollie) who have settled in so quickly into our Otonga family.
My birthday today ( of an indeterminent number) was made so special by so many people many who have  only just got to know me . So a huge thankyou!,,,,,,, and THE BIRTHDAY PHOTO below proves we are in for a very special year.

Despite the heat we had a blast this afternoon! 

Final Farewells

As my final full day teaching in room 9 comes to an end, I would love to thank all the many parents, siblings, grandparents and caregivers who have helped or contributed to the class this year. Without your extra help things just wouldn't happen the same....so from the bottom of my heart THANKYOU.

Many highlights come to mind as I reflect on the year. For me it's the look on your childs face of relief when they had finished their dance on stage. The closed eyes and silence and smiles as they sent a loving thought off to Eyjar and his family on losing his dad so suddenly. The giggles from the mat as I read the story of "Walter the Farting dog" and someones bottom on the mat doing a resoundig snore, the pride of reading out their Toy Diary entry to the class for the first time on their own, Winning the Principals cup and dressing up in National Costumes, and of course the relaxed SLC day where everyone had their time to shine!......the photos are merely  a snip but today as we went to our new classrooms I knew they were ready to move on to new challenges and Teachers. I'm fortunate 5 children are remaining with me and their treat today was to carry Bernie down to his new classroom. What a sight held aloft like a superhero ( wish I had had a camera.)

Tomorrow we have our final day and traditional xmas party....so I'll do my best to tire them out and send them off for a well deserved break on a high!!!

Me ? I intend to recharge, catch up on my housework, windows and garden and eventually reboot for my 2017 year.
Thankyou for sharing your treasures with me  this year.
Have a happy and safe summer.
Best Wishes
Nadine McLaughlin.

Class of 2016 having a little fun 

Week 5 and counting ???????

Yes November here and the Junior Disco is upon us. Here we go !
Mrs Brown  has been with us now for 2 weeks and I'm sure many of you have either heard about her or met her in person. The term is as busy as expected ,SLC fast approaching. our class  trip planned (Rainbow Springs) so please let me know if you can come that day to help as a parent. Notices have gone home, but  let me know if you missed out on yours..
We have also heard from Lauren who will be back either on the 1st of December or 2nd
.Most important! Don't forget we also will be having "our slot" in the final assembly! on Monday the 28th.

As you can see from the photos , teeth are popping, legs are stretching   ( no not mine) and all the class are moving through another growth spurt. Amazing how they haven't got used to the larger feet yet, and still think they can fit into the smaller spaces.

room 9 November with Mrs Brown.

Tooth Fairy sure has been busy in Room 9

Week 1

A big welcome back and a very special welcome to lovely Alyssa Hemopo a new girl in our class from Auckland. Also you will have received the school and Year 1 notices by now and realise we are having (weather permitting ) our Junior Athletics day on Friday morning. This is a fun morning with the year 2's and as we use the "Houses" for teams, please help your child choose something to wear that matches their house colour.
Next Tuesday is also our Tihi Reserve walk in the morning slot. In anticipation of this we have already begun our study around animal groups in The Living World Strand.This will lead into aspects of lifecycles , sustainability of species, environments and our contribution as "people" to these issues.
By the enthusiasm already I think we have some budding David Attenborough's in the making.

A reminder we will all need sunhats by next week and any new clothing please can you name these or use my pens at school to do so.Should any of your child's clothing go missing, just check our clothes basket first. If left outside I put them in there.

Well here is to a happy and exciting term and the attached photo shows we are on the way.....

Yes we do have fun at school even Bernie!

Room 9 with Bernie and Humpty ! Aren't  they a good looking bunch?

Term 4

Term 4 everyone and despite the weird holiday weather, the days are getting warmer and SUMMER is on it's way. We have a full 10 week term this time with only the Labour Day break as a holiday. The Student Led Conference day is in week 9 on the Friday. So circle Friday the 9th of December on your calendars.
 We will be covering a Sustainability Theme this term with a look at "The Living World" in particular Life Cycles and Animal groups. Our final Art for S.L.C. will also be around this theme.

Weeks 4-7 we will also have a teacher joining our class Her name is Teresa Brown so do say Hi if you see her before I can introduce you. Don't forget!! Junior Disco on Friday the 11th of November a social highlight I am sure, for everyone including me. What will I wear??????

Week 8: This is when we will be sharing the School Assembly with room 18. We intend to do our "Its a small world dance"  then, so Monday the 28th of November at 1.30pm is your chance to see your darlings in action should you wish to.

As you can see it will be a full on term with lots of love, laughter and learning and as it's my last term with your child a very special one for me.
 The room is ready, Bernie is preened and poised for action, tables set  ...... So let the term begin, see you all on Monday.
Mrs McLaughlin

Ps Don't forget your sunhats!