Weekly+Newsletter



=Week 5 & 6 = Dear Parents and Students of Room 6d,

**Two more weeks** have zoomed by and we have learnt heaps!

On Mondays we have been lucky enough to have **Shannon take us for PE**. He has been showing us how to throw a ball correctly - it's surprising what we didn't know! We've then been finishing with a game of French Cricket - fun! And we've also been learning how to show respect and listen!

We have begun our new topic - **Mangroves** - during Landscape Learning. It's great and the children have been enjoying posting questions and new information onto the Landscape Learning Wall Wisher pages. The children have been fascinated by these plants and have learnt some interesting facts.

The **Wakaaranga Spellathon** has begun and the children now have their lists of words to learn. The test will be sat on Thursday 29th March. There is two weeks for the children to learn their words and collect sponsors. For spelling homework, the children are to learn to spell each word, and by the end of the two weeks, have each word written into a sentence. It's lots of fun, and even the teachers are taking part! If you know of any tricky word, email Ms Poole as she and the Student Council are the coordinators - poole@wakaaranga.school.nz

**Parent Interviews** are in Week 8. Please make sure you book in a time - it's a great way to meet and discuss your child's progress and goals which can be worked on at school and at home.

In **art** we have been learning how to sketch different water vessels. Now we have sketched, we're into the pasteling process. They're looking fabulous - we just need to make sure everyone has their art shirts!

Our value this week was '**empathy**'. We've had discussions about how we can empathise with others, and how it makes us feel if we've been empathised with. The children have been reflecting on all of our class values over the course of this week. I have seen a marked difference in how the children are coping in Year 6, as well as an increase in maturity now the gravity of Year 6 is realised!

In our **syndicate assembly** this week, **Bailee** received a class certificate for her 'superbly presented Landscape Learning book'; **Eric** received a certificate for his 'fabulous learning throughout our Waterwise Unit'; and **Tyla** received a certificate for 'a super recount she had written about our experience at waterwise'. Well done guys!

This Thursday, Week 6, is Room 6d's next turn to head to Howick Beach for **Waterwise**. The children are excited as we reflect on how much fun we had last time! If you are able to assist next Thursday, please return the slip to me by Wednesday. Children are reminded to bring warm clothing.

**Bible** will also begin next week. If you would prefer your child to not attend the bible sessions on a Thursday, please write me a note that I can add to your child's file. Otherwise bible class begins at 9am, finishing at 9.30am. We leave for Howick beach straight after bible class.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, and hopefully see you at the Family BBQ this evening!

Kind regards,

Mrs Clay Room 6d Teacher

=<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Week 4, =

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Dear Parents and Students of Room 6d,

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Is that week 4 over already? The time is flying by and the children have already been involved in many an activity!

<span style="color: #ff7400; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Today we said farewell to **Elena,** our Korean student who has been with us since week 2. We will miss her friendliness and ability to 'get involved' with the learning activities. We wish her a good flight back to Korea tonight.

<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">This week we have been learning about **clouds**. The children have learnt about the different names and types of clouds, along with where you might find them in our atmosphere. We have also begun to learn about what type of weather each cloud signifies.

<span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">We missed out on our **Music time** this week as Sue Murray had a commitment she was unable to miss. We will make up this session time on Monday next week, at 1.30pm.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Our value this week was **Perseverance**. This is an important value in Year 6 as we encourage the children to continually strive to always do their best.

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">**Homework this week was disappointing** from many of the children. A large number of the students completed only part of the tasks, and in so doing, were kept in for part of their morning tea today to complete this. Homework is an important part of a student's learning as it helps to consolidate learning ideas but also allows parents and caregivers an insight into the children's education. Please encourage your child to complete their homework each week.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Thank you to all the children and parents who have applied to take part in the student exchange to **Coburn School** in Australia. Mr Jenkin has received a great deal of response which is wonderful. We will meet with teachers during next week and hope to announce the successful applicants at the end of next week.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">On Monday we will have our first PE session with our **PE Specialist**. Each Monday at 9am, Shannon will be taking the class for a 45minute intensive PE session, introducing ball skills and encouraging participation in sporting activities. During lunchtime on Monday he will also take a football practice for anyone who is interested in becoming involved in this sport. No prior experience necessary!

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">We have begun a new system of praise where 'role-models' are identified on a daily basis and added to our **'Class Catwalk'**. This has been received rather well by the students, with each role-model scoring 200 points for their groups. A great way to encourage display of mature behaviour, and also allow others to see what is expected of them during class time.

<span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">And on that note, I hope you all have a lovely and relaxing weekend.

<span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Kind regards,

<span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Katie Clay <span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d Classroom Teacher

=<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Week 3 = <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Dear Parents and Students of Room 6d.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">We had a fabulous time at **Waterwise**, and spent much of the week learning about the different parts of the hull and sail. The children were able to have a 'taste' on the water in both a kayak and opti. The children showed both responsibility and maturity throughout the day, and we were very proud of everyone who gave it a go. Our next session is 15th March. Thanks again to all the parents who were able to assist on the day. It makes Waterwise life so much easier!

<span style="color: #008080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">We finished our **PAT testing** last week also. The children were tested on Reading Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">In **Language we are focusing on biographies.** We read and 'unpacked' a short biography about Richie McCaw to allow the children to visualise the information collected in a biography. The children have been asked to think of their hero - could be a family member, a sportsperson, a pop star - and we will begin working on developing a biography about these people.

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">In **Landscape Learning** we focused on the parts of an opti, learning about the importance of knowing the names of the parts, and then we moved onto learning about wind. What is wind? How does wind happen? The children identified how wind has an impact on our time at waterwise, at varying levels. We also learned about the Beaufort scale, and how meteorologists use this scale to classify wind strength.

<span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">We are reading a shared book called '**A Dog's Life**'. This is an autobiography about a dog called Squirrel, and his life being told as an older dog. It's quite gripping and the children are enjoying listening and sharing their thoughts about this text.

<span style="color: #ff7400; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">On Friday we had our **Year 6 Syndicate Assembly.** We saw some excellent pieces of work from other classes. **Fiona and Janith** were the recipients of the class certificates. Well done you two! Also during the assembly, we acknowledged the monitor roles. Many of the monitor roles were handed their badges. Others shall be receiving theirs during the next Year 6 assembly. Please make sure your child looks after their badge, as no replacements can be given for lost badges.

<span style="color: #759317; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">The trip to **Coburn in Australia** has been organised for the week of the 12th of May. All applications must be given to Mr Jenkin by this Friday. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">During this week we have a large group of **teachers from Norway** visiting Wakaaranga School. They will be wandering through the classrooms, looking at how well the children at Wakaaranga are learning.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d will have their second time with the **specialist music teacher, Sue Murray**, this Wednesday afternoon.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">**Elena, our Korean student,** leaves this Friday. It has been great meeting her and we have loved her ability to enjoy life in New Zealand. She particularly enjoyed her time on the water during our waterwise session.

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">The children did well to bring their **homework** in last Friday. There were a few children who had 'forgotten' to bring it in, or didn't do their spelling homework. Each Friday, the children need to present: 1 page from Language skills; a reading diary; spelling worksheet completed and maths homework as set by maths teacher. Occasionally a Landscape Learning task is set which is always glued into the homework book on a Friday. Please encourage your child to form homework habits early on in the year so they are able to envisage 'Friday, Homework Day' throughout 2012.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">**Room 6d School Councillors**: Well done to Simon and McKenzie for being voted the student councillors of Room 6d! You'll have a fabulous time working with Ms Poole and helping her to coordinate some wonderful events for Wakaaranga School!

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">**House Captains:** Well done to Lili (Green House), Songyan (Yellow House); Matthew T and Bailee (Blue House) for being selected as the house captains for 2012. I'm sure you will do a fabulous job representing your houses in the many events that take place throughout the year!

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">And on that cheery note, I hope you all have a great Week 4 (is it that time already?),

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Kind regards,

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Mrs Katie Clay <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d Teacher

= = =<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Week 2 = <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Dear Parents and Students of Room 6d,

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">This week we were focusing on getting to know one another. The children have now been given their seats for the next five weeks, alongside some people they potentially didn't know too well. Through a variety of activities, the classroom is feeling much more relaxed and comfortable! <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Expectations have also been set with regard to daily routines and behaviour expected of the seniors of the school.

<span style="color: #00ff00; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">During the week we learnt the parts of the hull on the optimist. The children should know the basics (boom, tiller, mast, mainsheet, bailer, centreboard) by this Thursday where we have our first full-day waterwise session.

<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Some of the children have completed their All About Me task at home. This was a task set in class, but I was happy for children to complete this at home if they wished to. During week 3, the children will be given time in class to complete these.

<span style="color: #808000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">During our Te reo Maori sessions we learnt Maori words for different types of weather. Check to see if your child can remember what paki means... or if they know how to say 'rainy' in Maori...

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">On Friday it was the first senior assembly for 2012. A big thank you to Erin and Songyan for their fabulous hosting skills. And Milly and Matthew too for their responsibility of assessing who should receive the E-award. Great work guys! <span style="color: #000080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Summer was the recipient of the class certificate this week, for her 'Brilliant attitude towards Year 6'. Well done Summer.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Week 3 Events:
<span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">PAT testing will commence this week. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;"> * Tuesday 14th February - Cricket Field Day. (Ms Poole will be taking the cricket team) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;"> * Thursday 16th February - Waterwise. Our first session at Howick Beach. If you are able to assist with supervision, please send me an email: clay@wakaaranga.school.nz, or send a note to school with your child. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;"> * Friday 17th February - Road Patrol 'Refresher Session'. A chance for children to remember the skills learned late last year.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">I hope you all have a great week, and let's hope this sunshine continues into Thursday!

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Kind regards,

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Mrs Clay <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d Teacher

=<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Dear Parents and students, =

= = =<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Welcome to Room 6d for 2012! We have a very fabulous year ahead of us, filled with wonderful activities and exciting lessons. =

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Each week I shall update this weekly newsletter to allow parents and students to reflect on the week's work, and keep everyone up to date with upcoming events.

__<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">The first things that are important to note are: __ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">1. **Waterwise.** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d will have their 'taster session' at Howick Beach THIS Thursday. Please make sure you return the signed permission slip to Mrs Clay by Thursday. Without permission you will not be able to go. The cost of this programme is $35, which doesn't have to be paid straight away - end date for payment is Thursday 5th April.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Students are to bring warm clothing, togs, shoes that can be worn in the water (preferably not jandals), towel, hat, sunscreen, lunch and drink bottle. We will be at Howick beach from 9am-12pm. I will be driving the Wakaaranga School Van, however we also require parent help with transporting and supervising while at the beach. If you are able to assist, please let me know through email, or via the return slip.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">2. **Homework Books**. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">In Year 6 we set Language and Maths homework from the Sigma workbooks. The total cost for both books is $24 which can be paid at the school office. Please endeavour to pay for this by the end of week 2 so we can begin our homework routine as soon as possible.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">3. **Meet the Teacher Evening** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">will be held on Tuesday 7th January at 7.30pm (location to be advised). This evening allows parents to gain further understanding with regard to Year 6 and what can be expected of our syndicate, as well as allow you to see what the teachers expect of the students! It would be great to see you there!

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">If at any time throughout the year you have any concerns or would like to share some feedback, please feel free to email me at clay@wakaaranga.school.nz.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Year 6 is a fabulous year which I love to teach - I hope your child will enjoy their final year at Wakaaranga School in Room 6d!

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Kind regards,

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Mrs Katie Clay <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Room 6d Teacher & Year 6 Syndicate Leader