• To promote high expectations for all students in all areas
• To continue to develop the leadership status of all students and build strong connections with the main school.
The students in the Senior School will be working within 1 of the three classes but our intention is to create a strong team culture. There will be many opportunities throughout an average week for students to work and interact with others in the different classes. This of course means your child will also be working with other teachers throughout the team. Below is a run down of the structure of each class:
• Room 21: Melissa Coton is in her second year of teaching so is entitled to a release component throughout the week. Sue Steele will be covering these release days.
• Room 22: Lisa Allen works 4 days a week. Ruth Hooke teaches every Wednesday in Room 22.
• Room 23: Stu Devenport is covered every Friday by Ruth Hooke and every second Thursday by Vanessa MacPherson for management release. Vanessa will also be working in the other two classes for classroom release.
We have an exciting term planned. Here is an overview of how it will unfold.
Integrated Studies / Inquiry:
Our big idea for this term is:
“Inspire Me!”
“What Makes An Inspirational Leader?”
To start this unit we will look to the past and focus specifically on the events of Parihaka. There are several strong individuals from this time who portrayed essential values for quality leadership. We will then look at other inspirational leaders throughout the world and endeavour to make connections with how we can act in order to be an inspiration to others at Muritai School. This of course ties in nicely with us choosing our school leaders for 2012. Year 8 students will be asked to apply in writing for these positions in the first couple of weeks of school. This unit is also set up to create a positive environment where children understand, appreciate and support one another.
Literacy
Our reading and writing will be closely linked to our Integrated Studies. We start by looking at report writing, in particular writing biographies. Throughout this unit we will be learning how to:
- Show knowledge of the correct structure, grammar and punctuation to edit their own writing.
- Write a biography using the correct features
- Collect and summarise information before writing
- Publish a biography on an inspirational person to tie in with the BIG IDEA
- Use the internet to source information and rewrite into own words.
Maths:
We will continue to cross group for maths throughout the three classes based on ability. This will commence in the middle of the term once testing is done and the swimming programme finishes. We start the year looking at Geometry (3D dimensional drawing) in our own classes. We will then move into Number, looking at place value and addition and subtraction.
The school has opted into the online maths maintenance programme www.mathletics.co.nz This will be used in class but predominantly used for homework and will support the work being done at school. More information about this programme will be sent home shortly.
Swimming.
Swimming starts on Wednesday 8th February. For the first two weeks the scheduled times are as follows:
- Monday: Room 21 & 22
- Tuesday: Room 22 & 23
- Wednesday: All classes
- Thursday: Room 23 & 21
- Friday: All classes
Weeks 3 & 4 all classes will be swimming everyday. These sessions will be run by Hutt City swimming instructors. Our annual swimming sports are scheduled for 17th February at Huia Pool. We would love to see you all there to cheer on your child!
Art and Sports Rotations:
We intend to continue with the Senior School sport and art rotations on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. These will start in week 6.
Things to note:
Croquet: This opportunity will be available for Term 1 and Term 4. The first 3 week cycle will commence on the 17th of February. There are 12 spaces available and the cost for 3 weeks is $10 (what a bargain!) The first 12 students with their money handed to Mr. Devenport are going next Friday!
• Technicraft: This programme starts on the 8th of February. This year we have 5 groups. 3 groups will travel to Wainuiomata Intermediate by bus for either Food, Fabric or Wood Technology. The two groups remaining at school will either be taking part in music with Ruth Hooke or Spanish with Melissa Coton or Stu Devenport. One important change to note is students traveling to WIS will not be permitted to take any electronic devices on the bus. We would appreciate if you could reinforce this at home.
• Cell Phones: We understand students may require the use of cell phones before or after school, so they are permitted at school, but they are not to be used during school time. If students bring their valuables to school they are responsible for them. Our advice is to keep them at home.
• Parent Interviews: These are scheduled for Thursday 9th February. This is an opportunity for you to come and share information about your child with us. We look forward to meeting with you all.
• Blogs: As always, we will continue to share our learning with you using the blogging platform. You are welcome to visit the class blogs anytime and we would love to hear your feedback.
- Room 21: www.misscoton.blogspot.co.nz
- Room 22: www.muritaiallen.blogsport.co.nz
- Room 23: www.mrdevenports.blogspot.com
We also plan to have every student set up with their own blog so they can share their work with you on a regular basis. For this to happen, every student has been set up with a school email account and will be able to administer their blog. If you have any concerns regarding this programme please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
If you need to contact your child’s classroom teacher please feel free to drop by the classroom before or after school. 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
Thank you again for your support
Stu Devenport
Associate Principal
