Term 3 Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to the new term. Hopefully everyone had a relaxing holiday – it was definitely the weather for it!

The Year 5 and 6 Team had another successful term in Term 2. The highlights would have to be our Renewable Energy Inquiry and the Speech Competition, where the quality of speeches from everyone was very impressive. Our T.G.I.F programme was also a huge success with children learning to play the ukulele, taking part in science experiments, spanish, art, sewing and even a bit of Bollywood dance!

Thank you to everyone who came to visit us for parent conferences at the end of the term. It was great to have a catch up with you all and report back on the successes your children have made.

The teachers are all looking forward to getting stuck into a solid term of teaching in Term 3. Here is the run down on what is happening.

Inquiry

Our big idea for the term is ‘A taste of town planning.’ To start the term we will be focusing on the past, learning about what Eastbourne used to look like 100 years ago. In particular, we will be looking at what type of community facilities were available for people to use. We will be investigating why the resources have changed or ceased to exist over time. This will lead into looking at the future and thinking about what kind of facilities we would like to see in Eastbourne for community use. The students will be surveying different members of the community to gauge their opinion and present a proposal for a new development.

We will also be focusing on the Key Competency ‘Relating to Others’ throughout this inquiry unit.

Literacy

In writing and reading we will be focusing on characterisation where we are learning the best ways to describe a character. In the second half of the term we will be looking at narrative writing, focusing on short story writing.

Our target focus for writing will continue to be striving for accuracy with our spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Maths

Cross grouping will continue this term commencing in week 2. We start the term looking at Number, exploring fractions, decimals and percentages.

Later in the term will will be looking at Statisitics – data collecting and graphing. This ties in nicely to our Inquiry unit.

Art

A big term for Art this term as we have our bi-annual school-wide production in week 9. Our show for this year is titled ‘The life of Riley’ which is an adaption of the picture book by Colin Thompson. It covers several moral themes which will be portrayed in the show. The preparation for the show will involve mask making by the children!

Physical Education

The start of the term sees us doing Gymnastics in the school hall. Each class will have a set day for this and it is essential children are dressed appropriately for this – no dresses, skirts or jeans.

Homework

We will continue to blog our weekly homework this term. The children will have the homework tasks explained to them on a Monday. They will also have between 8-10 spelling words to learn each week. We understand it is difficult for some students to have access to the computer at home so there is always a hard copy available for them to stick in their books on Monday.

As teachers, we understand the weeks can be very busy and many children have a lot of after school activties to attend. If for any reason your child is unable to complete their homework, please write a brief note in their book or email your classroom teacher with an explanation.

Other things to notes….

Slippers: These need to be continued to be worn throughout the winter term. Please ensure your child has a pair of slippers that are left at school.

Blogs: Thank you to all those who have visited the blogs and left comments and feedback for the children – they really appreciate your feedback. We will endeavour to keep the blogs updated regularly so make sure you visit frequently! The children are also becoming increasingly confident in publishing work on the blog.

Room 12: http://room13muritai.blogspot.com/

Room13: http://room13blog2010.blogspot.com/

Room 14: http://muritairoom14.blogspot.com/

Room 15: http://mrdevenports.blogspot.com/

Finally…. Please help your child remember to check they have everything they need each morning and they are at school in time for the first bell at 8.40. Students should see that being organised is part of growing up and an important life skill to be developing. Term 3 usually sees the supply of pencils, rulers and rubbers start to dwindle. It would be a good idea to ask your child if there is anything they require.

As usual, if you need to contact your child’s classroom teacher please feel free to drop by the classroom before or after school or make an appointment for an interview at the office. The easiest way to touch base with us is email e.g. teacher’s surname@muritai.school.nz

Thank you again for your support

Stu Devenport

Year 5 and 6 Team Leader.