Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope you all had a relaxing break. It sounds like the
children all had a great time with friends and family.
It was fantastic meeting with all of you at the end of last term
to share the progress the students are making. It’s always good to touch base
and celebrate the successes they have made. All the teachers were thoroughly
blown away with the outstanding effort put into the science fair projects last
term. It certainly was a massive process and we were very proud of many of the
students. It was excellent to see some sound work ethic developing and students
continuing to strive to reach their potential. Thanks again for all your
support with this process; we realize it wasn’t an easy task for you at home
either! We have several students representing our school at the NIWA Science
Fair next month so we will keep you posted on their achievements.
We are now full swing into Term 3 and as usual, it’s set to be a
busy one. Below is a run down on what your child will be focusing
on.
Literacy.
Our major writing focus for the term is studying the classic
play by William Shakespeare – Romeo & Juliet. We will use this play to
teach the components of narrative writing plus thinking deeply about the themes
of the play and how they relate to modern day life. We will be viewing scenes
from the old and new versions of the movie and making comparisons. The students
will also have the opportunity to re-write scenes from the play in another
genre or time.
Inquiry.
Our major focus this term is of course ‘The Olympics’. We
will start by studying the similarities and differences with the ancient and
modern games. From week 3 the Senior School will be preparing to co-ordinate a
school wide ‘Muritai Mini Olympics’. During this process the students will need
to work in groups to develop a fun, challenging yet achievable event for the
mini Olympics. They will be required to work through a design and testing process
to make the event run smoothly. In week 6 we will be hosting the Mini Olympics
for all the students and teachers at the school – no pressure!!
Towards the end of the term the students will be carrying out an
individual inquiry based on the Olympic values and how they have brought about
change in the modern games.
School Production
Of course Term 3 is always the ‘production’ term. This year we
will preform a show based around the picture book ‘Uno’s Garden’ by Graeme
Base. As usual the Year 7 and 8 students will have the opportunity to take a
major involvement in the show from acting to prop design, lighting and
backstage work. There will be more information coming home regarding the school
production throughout the term.
Mathematics.
We are continuing with cross grouping this term. We start the term
with a Number unit; focusing on fractions, decimals and percentages. Later in
the term we will be focusing on Geometry and Measurement with an emphasis on area
and angles.
The 'Mathletics' programme is proving a success throughout
the school. Each child now has their login details and their maths teacher is
regularly assigning them tasks to complete each week. The tasks that are set by
the teachers relate to work that is happening in the classroom so it provides
you with a useful platform for seeing what your child is focusing on in the
class.
Digital Literacy
Throughout the rest of this year we will be dedicating 1 or 2
sessions a week on digital literacy. In these sessions we will be focusing on a
range of themes including online citizenship and safety, cyber bullying, online
privacy, information literacy and media awareness. I’m sure you’ll agree, these
themes are highly relevant to our students. There will be many opportunities to
discuss these themes at home.
The Arts.
This term we have a painting focus and will be looking closely at
the works of Lichtenstein for motivation. This unit will have strong links with
our Romeo and Juliet unit.
Physical Education.
The start of the term is focusing on Gymnastics. Our hall time for
gymnastics is on Mondays so please remind your child to wear appropriate
clothing on these days. Later in the term we will be focusing on games
involving large balls. Our
sport rotation programme will continue on Wednesday afternoons.
Other things to note...
Homework:
Now that our Science Fair is complete we will be going back
to a more structured programme for homework. This will usually include,
spelling, grammar (proofreading), reading, mathletics and a small inquiry task.
Please remind your child they should be reading for at least 15-20 minutes a
night and they will have at least 2-3 mathletics tasks to complete each week.
Abel Tasman:
The planning for this end of year adventure is well under way. All
Year 8 students received their first newsletter last week which asks for
expression of interest from parents who wish to assist for the week. Thanks to
all that have replied so far. If you are able to assist
with this trip please let me know by Friday
10th August. I will then
get you to complete a form which will give me an indication of your outdoor
experience etc and how you may be able to support the activities. There will be
further notices throughout the term giving you more information regarding the
trip.
Wet Weather:
While we are still stuck in the winter months, many of us start to
get a bit hairy being stuck indoors all day! Wet lunchtimes can often be
difficult so we welcome students bringing to school indoor games, such as board
games or cards.
Finally if you have any concerns or questions regarding our
classroom programme or your child's learning, please don't hesitate to make
contact with us. Feel free to pop in before or after school or the easiest way
to touch base with us is email:
Melissa: coton@muritai.school.nz
Lisa: allen@muritai.school.nz
Stu: devenport@muritai.school.nz
Melissa: coton@muritai.school.nz
Lisa: allen@muritai.school.nz
Stu: devenport@muritai.school.nz
Thank you again for your support,
Stu Devenport
Associate Principal
