Term 4 2013

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 3^rd 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