Term 4 Newsletter
Kia Ora everyone,
Welcome to Term 4 of 2013. It’s hard to
believe we are now in the final term of the year. It is fantastic to finally
see the sun after a long, wet winter.
Firstly, a massive thank-you to everyone
who helped out during our very successful Wearable Art performances at the end
of Term 3. It was a huge process for everyone involved, right from the initial
ideas, making of outfits, dance practices through to the final performances.
The children looked fantastic on stage in their creative outfits and thoroughly
enjoyed the whole experience.
As usual, Term 4 is set to be another busy
one.
Below is a run down on the term. Feel free
to contact your child’s classroom teacher if there is anything you wish to
discuss further.
Literacy
Our writing focus for this term is poetry,
where we will be exploring the connections between poetry in song lyrics while
exploring a variety of figurative language. We will be looking at several
current topics in the media to create a Year in Rap!
We are continuing to develop comprehension
skills through our reading programme and integrated inquiry topics.
Numeracy
We start the term revising some key
concepts from the year. We will be focusing particularly on fractions,
decimals, place value and operational strategies. We end the term looking at Geometry
then studying Statistics. We will
continue to cross group for the rest of the year.
Integrated Studies
Our major focus for Term 4 is our current
Sexuality Road unit which has been specially designed for Year 7 and 8
students. Throughout this unit we will be discussing changes during puberty,
reproduction, relationships, the influence of the media, peer pressure and
rights and responsibilities as we get older. Thank you to everyone who came
along to our information evening at the end of last term. Hopefully you went
away feeling fully informed about the content of the lessons. The classroom
teachers are using the classroom blogs and emails to keep you posted on what is
being taught each week. We think this is a great way of keeping you in the
loop, especially if you’d like to initiate any conversation with your child at
home. Once again, if you have any questions regarding this unit, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
Physical Education
An exciting term for PE is planned,
starting off with Athletics. The children will be taking part in Long Jump, High
Jump, Vortex, Shot put, Discus and Sprints. This leads in nicely to our school
athletics day. We end the term with Swimming starting again down at the local
pool.
EOTC
Planning is well underway for the Year 8
Abel Tasman adventure and the Year 7 EOTC week. We will be meeting with the
students regularly to ensure they are fully prepared for the exciting week at
the end of the term.
Important Reminders
Reporting to Parents
Teachers will very shortly start writing
academic reports for each student. This is a summative assessment on the
progress and achievements your child has made throughout the year. These
reports will be coming home at the end of the term. Also at the end of the term,
(Tuesday 3rd December) we will also be holding another ‘Celebration
of Learning’ afternoon. This is great opportunity for your child to share their
learning with you from the past two terms. As always your child’s learning journey
blogs are available for you to view at anytime. Please visit the classroom
blogs and click on the link for your child.
Stationery Check
Many students are now missing pens,
pencils, rulers, plastic pockets and calculators. These are necessary for everyday
class work. Can you please ask your child if they need any items and replace
them. Thank you.
Sun Hats & Drink Bottles
It’s term 4 and each child needs a hat to
wear everyday outside. Thank you to those students who have remembered.
Students not wearing hats have to stay in the shaded area. It is also recommended the children have
their own named drink bottle at
school. As the days get warmer it’s important they are fully hydrated.
Footwear and clothing
This term we need students to wear
clothing that is suitable for outdoor sport. Please ensure your child wears
shoes that they can run easily in (especially on Tuesdays and Wednesday as this
is our athletics day.) Jandals and boots are not appropriate.
Confectionary!
It appears that some of the students have
forgotten the school rule regarding no sweets or chewing gum allowed at school.
All the classes have been reminded about this and it would be great if you
could reinforce this at home.
If you have any concerns or worries please
contact your child’s teacher by leaving a phone message at the office or by
email: teachers surname @ muritai.school.nz.
Kind
Regards The Year 7 and 8 team
