Final week of term 1

Hi everyone not long now till the Easter break  (where you can catch up with the family and sleep,...and some of these children are going to need it)
The term has been so successful in so many ways, the new friendships, learning and skills they have acquired and their new confidence to work in teams for daily challenges, supporting each other.
This term the class have covered TIME extensively and I encourage you to keep the time aspect up in everyday life. Both in clocks and calendars giving your child something to hang their number knowledge on. O'clock and half past is mastered, the next step is counting in 5's around the clock.
Having a simple calendar for your child in their room too, for them, also develops that understanding of sequence,counting down days to.... birthdays and important dates coming up  and planning for future events.
Below are their Designer Clocks which they have made this term. All individual and creative in their own right ....really thrilled with them! As the class are.

Designer Analogue Clocks by Room 3

This short week we are looking at Easter through a "Scientists Eye" . Today we looked at the seasons and why they are the opposites of other countries in the World.  We will build on this to recognise signs of Spring which is the symbols also associated with Easter. (They need to know why these eggs suddenly appear in chocolate this time of the year)

We will also talk about the weather and nature how it wakens up in Spring and use the analogy of new starts to explain the eggs. 

This will develop into the giving of eggs to others as a symbol of new starts, rebirth, forgiveness of the past to give weight to the lessons on our wall. (Blood Blobs) 

This term we have used these lessons to find out and recognise the things we need to be a good person / friend and also a strong leader in the future. 

The final lesson for this term will be forgiving the past wrongs and starting anew in the spirit of friendship. 

As the future leaders of our world they can never be too young to practise the "Golden Rule" of thinking of and acting towards others as you would like them to be, with you. 

Compassion sadly is not often modeled in our world news at present so in room 3 we are starting young and celebrating and acknowledging these lessons to develop this in our character. 

Of course we will also be having a special story about the Easter Bunny and his special message along with fun Easter Bonnets....a very English tradition. 

Should I not see you before the holidays have  a happy and safe one with your Angel!

Nadine McLaughlin                                                                                                        

House Day .

We were so lucky with House Day with fine weather and excellent spirits from all the children as they went around in their teams. No doubt very tired that night but a great effort from everyone
Below are the different house teams from room 3.

Hau Rawhiti

Hau Tonga

Hau a Uru

Hau Raki

(Further photos can be seen in galleries on the school website)

It's not every day you have a visitor who is a KuniKuni pig....and well trained as well!

Yes we were lucky enough to have Eli's dad bring in their pet Kuni Kuni piglet (who is 8 weeks  old) to share with the class. I'm not sure if the squeals of delight came from "Piggy Small" or the class. He was a delight to behold and well trained already. He rolled over, he sat on demand and even twirled round. All well rewarded with his favourite food Grapes.He grunted with delight and lapped up all the pats and attention. The photos say it all.

Piggy Small enjoying his favourite food Grapes from his dad. The class were entranced by his pink trotters and square nose!

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